When it comes to romance, I’m all about the Regency era. I’m sure it has something to do with Jane Austen, but I think it’s a really interesting period and makes for a very good romance era.

Arabella (Bella) Grant is a poor relation. She’s grown up with her heiress cousin Isabelle (Issie), and the sudden death of Issie’s mother and Bella’s aunt leaves them both with unexpected freedom. When the shy and awkward Issie is expected to make her debut at court, she begs Bella to take her place. Bella agrees, thinking it will be a onetime favor, but then she meets the very eligible Lord Brooke and their burgeoning romance is complicated by her secret identity.

This book is extremely delightful. Suzanne Allain’s subtle wit works well with the story, and she does a great job of capturing the social mores of the time. Best of all, the romance is very charming.

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right is a cleverly plotted rom-com that has more than one romantic HEA and a humorous story. I enjoyed how the concept plays out, with the complications of society, friendship, loyalty, and family history all playing an important part in the well-intentioned ruse that sees Bella taking the place of her cousin Isabelle. From the similarities in name and looks to the expectations of their social circle, the antics these two kindred spirits find themselves in both entertain and amuse as romance unexpectedly becomes a hope and a certainty — with two unsuspecting yet wholly heroic and loyal men.

I would have liked to have felt a little more personally invested in the stories of the heroines. They weren’t exactly shallow characters, but something about this story lacked the detailed personality or psychological and cerebral engagement I look for in historical romance. If you enjoy light-hearted, fun historical rom-coms that make witty observations about class and destiny, I think you will still find something to enjoy about this story.

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Thank you to Berkley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

The classic “trading places” trope never fails to amuse me, and “The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right” is no exception. Suzanne Allain is a master at creating lovable Regency characters. She also ensures her work is well-researched, incorporating authentic activities and locations from the era.

While I wish there had been fewer flowery musings and more focus on developing the relationship between Lord Brooke and Bella, as well as two of the supporting characters, the story itself is such a delight that I don’t mind sitting through two pages of narration without dialogue. However, be aware that this does make a seemingly short read feel slightly longer.

Honestly, it was fun! I wish it had been a little longer to better establish the central romantic relationship, but it was paced quickly so it read fast. I would recommend for fans of Sophie Irwin's A Lady's Guide To Fortune Hunting or Ever After (the movie).

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right is reminiscent of some of Shakespeare’s comedies as if read aloud by Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown. It’s a fun romp through the English Regency period, complete with cousins Lady Isabelle (Issie) and Arabella Grant (Bella), who look very much alike and agree to switch identities so that anxiety-ridden Issie can avoid her first season on the marriage mart. What neither of them anticipates is that they’ll fall in love and risk losing the objects of their affection when their deceit is revealed.

As with her previous book, Mr. Malcolm’s List, Allain pokes innocent fun at the haute ton’s ideas about marriage and the convoluted rules of primogeniture. If you’re looking for a fun, low angst, historically researched, clean romance, this fits the bill well. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book was so darn cute! Wonderful pick for my first book of 2025. Bella was such a wonderful multifaceted character and I loved watching her fall in love with Lord Brooke and make and strengthen other relationships along the way.

The research Alain did into this time period was so evident on page and I loved reading about the places the visitied, the art and architecture they saw, the fashion. All those little details immersed me even further into Belle and Issie’s lives.

I did at times wish that the book had a greater focus on just one couple because that is simply the romance format I’m used to. However, I recognize how important having both couples get together on similar timelines was to the story. Also I think Issie deserved a bit harder of a time for all the chaos she caused!

This was a fun, flirty, enjoyable read. Allain is a talented writer and researcher and I would read more of her work

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain has great characters, a Regency-era setting, and fun literary references. I thought the dialogue was particularly well-written and witty. This was the first book by the author that I have read, and it certainly will not be the last. The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right will appeal to readers who have enjoyed period romances with mistaken identities, London settings, strong female protagonists, and other books by Allain. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Absolutely spectacular.

This story has the same style that I've adored since "Mr Malcolm's List" debuted... original, witty, funny, and entertaining. We jump right into the crazy shenanigans of the London season with a daring decision... Bella agrees to swap identities with her cousin, Lady Isabella, to save her from certain distress. You know at some point, they have to be found out, but the delightful path that the author takes to get us to that point is pure perfection.

Bella is an absolute star. The reader knows it just like the Haute Ton knows it in the story. She is compassionate and clever, easily winning friends and the notice of one, Lord Brooke. As the poor relation dependent upon others, one might initially feel they should pity Bella, but she is no withering flower. Every ball, tea and outing seems like it could be her last as the "Lady Belle," but instead of cowering, she embraces every experience and is *almost* authentically herself. I love the element of found family for Bella... she goes from having almost no one to finding and making her own little loyal crew. It's so sweet.

And oh, that swoony Lord Brooke. Too fast or too slow... how about just right? I still love a good MMC, and he is the best. A little dreaded miscommunication threatened to throw him off his game, but he almost single-handedly redeemed the entire catastrophe. The author gets a "standing O" for a perfect execution of this sneaky plot driver. I adored it.

This will definitely be going on my books to recommend list and definitely in my top 10 for this year. So, so good.

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review from Just Read Tours. All thoughts contained here are my own.

I wasn't sure if I would be on board with all the deception that went on at first, but I truly fell in love with all the characters so much. Bella takes her cousins place during her season and deceives everyone so that Issie won't have to face doing something that overwhelms her. Bella meets Lord Brooks, and unbeknownst to her, he and her cousin have a past. Her cousin isn't fond of him, and she can't figure out why. Lord Brooks is so charming and she can't help but fall for him under false pretenses. She knows that she must tell him, but when the bigger picture comes into view, it might be too late. I love a good historical romance and this was a fun read.
Thanks to Berkley, Netgalley and Suzanne Allain for an early copy.

This was a sweet, compelling little romance read. Gotta love how short and sweet a Suzanne Allain book is without leaving anything necessary out. She doesn't rehash plot points over and over to increase her page count. Her characters are always kind and worthy of love. I genuinely like her heroines more than any others because they aren't over-the-top feminists, instead their personalities fit in the time period they are supposed to exist in. Her books are like comfort food for romance readers - cozy and filling.

Lady Isabelle and her cousin Arabella have one London season with Isabelle's stodgy old aunt before Isabelle has to marry. Arabella has lived with her cousin ever since her parents deaths and has no idea Isabelle has been promised to anyone in marriage. When Isabelle begs Arabella to take her place at her debut because she's ill, Arabella doesn't see the harm. Falling in love with a dashing Lord while pretending to be her cousin though....that creates a bit of a complication. Especially when she finds out HE's the one Isabelle is promised to.

This one kept me turning pages late into the night as I had to see what happened when the truth finally came out and characters reunited. It's a standalone read and can be finished in a day.

✨ The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right ✨

Arabella Grant and her cousin, Lady Isabelle, finally taste freedom after the death of Isabelle’s controlling mother—but not for long. When they’re called to London for Isabelle’s come out, reluctant Isabelle hatches a scheme: Arabella will take her place at the balls and parties of the Season. Sounds harmless enough, right? Well, Arabella’s charm soon catches the eye of the dashing Lord Brooke, and suddenly their plan—and reputations—are very much at risk. 👀

📚 My thoughts:

This was another delightfully enjoyable Regency romance from Suzanne Allain (author of Mr. Malcolm’s List). With her signature wit and charm, Allain delivers a well-crafted story that feels fresh and engaging without straying too far from the traditional Regency format (no 🔥 scenes here, but lots of chemistry!).

What stood out to me? Lady Isabelle. Often, shy, bookish characters fade into the background, but not here. While Isabelle doesn’t take an overt stand, she’s quietly pulling the strings to get exactly what she wants. I loved that twist on her character!

🔎 What to expect:

✨ Secret identities
✨ Miscommunication galore
✨ Reluctant heroines

And a dash of who’s who fun—the two cousins look just similar enough to fool everyone (including a near-sighted aunt!). So I’ve got to ask: What two actresses do YOU think could play Arabella and Isabelle? 🎥

🙌 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @berkleyromance, and Suzanne Allain for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Very enjoyable with great themes of class, prejudice and hypocrisy of the upper classes, of course!
Arabella and Isabelle travel to London for The Season. After years of being torn down by her recently deceased mother, Isabelle can't handle the pressure, pushing Arabella to enjoy the dances and outings as her.
I loved the switch - and the love interests! A swoon worthy doctor giving her personal attention - and carrying her to the carriage. An unapproachable bachelor - who can't stop calling.

This is a highly entertaining book! We are quick to know best friends and cousins Bella and Issie, although the difference in their stations has Bella as more of a companion who waits and dotes on Issie, while both bear the brunt of Issie's verbally and emotionally abusive mother. I was glad that the book began with her demise so we didn't have to read those difficult scenes, but we could understand the fallout and influence on the two young women. Bella has a vivid personality- loyal, adventurous, and with a wonderful sense of humor. Her banter with Lord Brooke was fantastic, and I loved how their chemistry grew quickly from friendship to attraction to romance. Issie's health, her young doctor, the meddling aunt, and complicated family dynamics brought layers to the story and I was captivated until the very end!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

When she was only 3 years old, Miss Arabella “Bella” Grant was orphaned and grudgingly taken in by her father’s family. She was raised with her cousin, the timid and bookish Lady Isabelle “Issie” and the two grow to be as close as sisters, but Bella’s Aunt makes sure she never forgets her place. Right before Issie is due to have her debut, her mother dies unexpectedly, leaving Issie a heiress and without a chaperone. The girls stay in the country, finally free of Lady Strickland’s abuse. They are content to live out their lives in the country, but when their mourning period is up, so is their reprieve, when Issie’s Great-Aunt Lucretia, Lady Dutton, insists that Issie come to London for her come out and to find a husband. But once they arrive, Issie is overcome with worry and has a panic attack that renders her bedridden. She convinces Bella to take her place for the few months left in the season, promising no one will find out and then they can return to the country and live in peace.

Bella is not convinced pretending to be Issie is the right thing to do, but she could never say no to her and agrees. She makes the acquaintance of Lord Brooks almost immediately, and learns that he met Issie years ago, so even though she likes him, she is wary that he will figure out her deception and tries her best to avoid him or any man that might be serious about marriage. Simultaneously, Issie has met a handsome young doctor and for the first time in her life is considering a life that contains more than books. Neither girl is being honest with the men that have caught their attention, but there doesn’t seem to be a good time to make things right. When their ruse is revealed, will they both find their HEA or will their lies leave them brokenhearted?

I thought the blurb for this book sounded like it was going to be a light, fun read with lots of laugh out loud moments and a heartwarming romance. Sadly, this book didn’t deliver either of those things to me. I guess if I was a YA reader, I might have found some of the antics amusing, but as a mature HR reader, this story bored me to tears and just had me wishing for it to be done. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, it was just a light, fluffy, YA romance, with no steam or mature situations, so if you prefer your romances like that, you will probably love this book. However, if like me, you prefer your stories with a bit more heat and substance, I would pass on this title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

First off, this book was incredibly witty. The laugh-out-loud-while-I'm-reading kind of witty. I love a mistaken identity trope, so I had high hopes for this book. At the same time though, sometimes mistaken identity books can be a bit of a stretch. It's easy to read a book and say to yourself that this would never happen. In the case of "The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right," the characters were so well done that even though the plot could have seemed far-fetched, it all worked really well and made sense.

The only downside of the book for me was that there were lots of page breaks at times, and they sometimes made the story jump around a bit. I prefer when one scene leads into the other more seamlessly.

If you're looking for swoony romance and laugh-out-loud comedy, this book is for you.

What an absolute gem of a book, I wish I had the words to express my insurmountable love for it and how amazing it was but I can’t do it justice! This is my first read from Suzanne and it was easily one of the most delightful pieces of literature I’ve ever read. A story brimming with charm and humour, exquisite yearning, with characters so endearing and winsome I fell in love from the very first page!

I read an ecopy on my kindle, immediately finished and had to get the physical copy so I could highlight my favorite parts and there were MANY 🥹🥰 just- brilliant ✨

This was such a fun historical romance. Loved these close cousins that lost their strict quite awful matriarch and were left to their own devices. By the time they were to make their debut they switched places due to the more noble of the two having been a hermit and needing to gain back her strength and having zero social battery. The other cousin who was of lower birth was the belle of the ton and had a lot of interest. Though there was one that she had her eye on and he was such a gentleman. Though he thought she was someone else. There was a huge misunderstanding at the end that I loved when they unraveled it and everyone got their HEA. And one of them even got a few more relations that she didn’t know about.

Thank you Berkley romance for the gifted copy.

Suzanne Allain has such a gift! I have enjoyed everything she's written, but I really do think "The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right" is the best book yet. First, what a treat that we get two love stories wrapped up in one in this book. Second, the heroine (Bella) is such a well-written character that you can't help but root for her as she finds her footing during her first London season even if it's under false pretenses. Lastly, the sisterly relationship between the cousins (Issie and Bella) was so refreshing. How nice to see two ladies who care for each other and want what's best for each other without any competition. We need more of that! Side note: Lord Brooke stole the show when he was on the page. It would be hard not to fall for this dashing specimen of a man! This novel would appeal to any reader who enjoys historical romances with just the right amount of emotional depth and familial drama.

The thing that really pulls this book together is Allain's distinct style and voice. I would know a book is hers without even looking at the cover. Her charming wordplay is so unique to her that she stands out among the throng of historical romance writers these days. While I do think her books would appeal to readers who enjoy Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer, Allain stands wholly on her own as some who contributes in a meaningful way to the historical romance genre.

Gorgeously written histficrom with clean swoony romance, characters you cheer for, and a lovely story with wit and elegance. Suzanne Allain is an auto-buy author historical novel fans should add to their TBRs!

When her cantankerous aunt dies and her invalid, bookish cousin has no desire for a London Season, poor relation, Bella reluctantly masquerades as Issie. All is well until love complicates the scheme. In the spirit of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, Suzanne Allain pens another delightful romantic romp that left laughter on my lips.

I’ve always enjoyed Suzanne Allain’s light, entertaining style of writing that amuses, but also draws in readers with the flirty dialogue, historical details, and twisty humorous romance schemes. I’m not generally one for big secrets in a romance, but this is a romcom and I could go with all Issie and Bella’s machinations and simply wonder ‘when’ and ‘how’ not ‘if’ the truth would come out.

Bella was a delightful heroine who just needed out from under her ogre aunt’s oppressive blame for being the unwanted relation to shine and show her generous, warm personality. She gathered a clutch of friends who were not the toast of London and were actually social disasters, but she was well-liked all around for her sparkle and winsome ways. Rather than resent Bella for her energy, sweetness, and good looks, her cousin Issie had her own strengths that her mother tried to repress in her and makes the most of her heart palpitations and the doctor calls of a handsome, serious medical man. Lord Brooke might be confused by the change in Lady Belle since he met her blossoming young lady self, but he is willing to let his heart lead right into the tangle of lies and miscues that I was curious how they would ever get untangled.

All in all, this quickly-read, engaging and entertaining light-hearted piece in a well-crafted historical backdrop was as satisfying as could be leaving me sighing and fondly recalling scenes even days after. Take up your tea and a copy of The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right to a comfy chair for a pleasant time of diversion.