This one was pretty meh for me. I thought the writing was great along with the worldbuilding which was developed pretty well. The descriptions and writing seemed very accurate to the times but in a very modern way. In other words, I could tell this book was written in 2025, but I liked that about the book.
The first reason this was meh for me was the ending. I lowkey felt like there should have been 20 or so pages more at the end because everything felt so rushed. It just ends so suddenly that it felt jarring to me as a reader. Another reason I didn't love it was that it's coined as an enemies to lovers book which I feel is a gross exaggeration. I would call this more of a rivals to lovers type plot. Lastly, Della just felt like a completely different person in this book than she did in the first book. Even though there was a pretty significant time jump, I still felt like she was two different people.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book did not quite work for me. Loose morals, a very modern view of the historical times and just luke warm MMCs made this just an okay read

#netgalley #ALadysGuidetoLondon

This book is messy, like drama messy. Or maybe Della, our heroine, is messy.

Set in London 1842, Della is a 26 year old, unmarried, co-owner of a ladies gambling club. She’s independent, doesn’t care about society rules, and seems to get away with it. There’s some hints about being scatter brained, maybe ADHD coded. She wants to get her club listed in a London travel guide, but the author Viscount Lyman Ashton, grumpy, strait laced, isn’t interested. Ashton is married, broke, separated from his wife, and clearly is going through something.

Ashton does get roped into mentoring Della on her own book, A Ladies Guide to London. So a begrudging working relationship begins. Slowly Della chips away at Ashton’s rule following, broken heart.

What follows is Della basically not caring about any consequences, taking on way too much between the club and her book, getting into hi-jinx, being late for everything, kissing a man that begs her to stay away from him for her own good, and general shenanigans.

I really struggled through the middle of this book. Just tell us what Ashton did! And Della is so messy, which is a personal thing for me, but if you like a messy character that can’t help herself, this is for you!

I felt left a little hanging at the end. What happens with the sister, and brother, and Jane’s SIL? And Ashton’s ex wife? I believe the two main characters can have an HEA, but what about all these other characters are left hanging.

4 stars for me. I was won over by the heroine in the end.

I really enjoyed it until the ending. It just wasnt my favorite - it felt a bit abrupt and really just left me feeling like the brakes were slammed on an otherwise enjoyable ride.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was unique histrom with the hero being separated from his wife and about to go through a divorce. I’m not sure how I feel about this trope, but the book was enjoyable.

This was a great book! It was very refreshing and I really loved the main characters. They had great chemistry and they had great banter.

I was so excited to read this book because I love historical romances, and I was thrilled with the premise of this one. To its credit, there were aspects of the book I thought were brave and admirable. The focus on addiction, through Lyman's gambling addiction, shined as innovative and important. I also appreciate the attention to queer history through the focus on Della's sister. I also felt, in the first 30% , that the chemistry building showed expertise.

Despite the steamy start, the hero and heroine were disconnected throughout. I wanted to see them find more moments of connection and sweetness, but I felt that this did not culminate. I also wanted a stronger redemption arc for BOTH of them. I appreciated that Lyman was so eager and willing to own his past errors, but I did not find the finale to be redeeming or show justice for him or for his previous wife. I also understand that Della is an Emma archetype, but I found her constant gossiping and victimhood to be a bit exhausting.

That being said, I can see the quality in the prose and in the conceit. I also can appreciate that the author is doing something outside of the traditional "ton" historical romance. Some people may love this innovation and the "realism" of the characters struggles.

Original historical romance!

This book is a beautiful novel full of life, and I really liked the special relationship between the two protagonists. Della, the heroine, is a self-independent young woman, a feminist ahead of her time. She is an eternal optimist. Ashton, the hero, is her opposite; he doesn't embrace life like Della does. Della will upend his life. I also liked the side character Annabelle, Della’s sister. There's a wonderful bond between Della and her sister Annabelle as they navigate scandals and social acceptability. I recommend this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mixed feelings on this one. On one hand I love how complicated and messy these characters were, especially Lyman who is seeking redemption from severely screwing up his marriage and fortune. Also how sex positive Della was. She was no blushing virgin. I also have no problem with the ending because it’s so fitting with the characters and a messy ending given the societal mores meant it had to go that way.

But the problem for me was this book really dragged and while I can see how the characters complement each other Della was so immature in other ways I just don’t think they were good for each other. I couldn’t buy the romance. After 30% I could see some of the car crashes headed both their ways and the tension waiting for it to all unravel became too much so I ended up skimming through the last third. A lot of it as from Della’s own selfish actions and immaturity that just frustrated me. And yet, as I said, I’m torn because Faye Delacour has served up messy and conflicting characters so I commend her for it. But as a reading experience I think it was just too stressful hence TBH this is more a 3 star reading experience for me BUT the writing and complexity of these characters and their lives mean it’s a 4 star quality book.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC.

Della Danby co-owns Bishop's, a gaming hell that caters exclusively to women, with her best friend Jane. Now that Jane has an infant, Della is taking on more responsibility at the club. And she's decided to write a book. The book in question: a Lady's Guide to London, because Viscount Ashton's version of the book leaves out her own establishment, but also many of the places she and her friends would want to visit. (If it seems like Della is taking on too much, you're right, and this feels like classic ADHD to this neurodivergent reader...) The main hitch is that the publisher won't publish Della's guide unless it's co-authored by Ashton, which means Della needs to work closely with a man she finds maddeningly attractive...but who is also married (but separated!!).

First of all, I liked but didn't love Faye Delacour's debut The Lady He Lost last year, but I listened to an ALC of it. The narration was fine for TLHL, but drained of the humor that friends who read with their eyes delighted in. I intentionally used my eyes for A Lady's Guide to London, and those friends were right. Delacour's writing has a lighthearted humor infused throughout that I thoroughly enjoyed. (This book does have a different audiobook narrator, but I wasn't going to risk it.)

This is an unconventional romance novel, but one that works really well. The MMC is married to someone else for a large majority of the book. Lyman, Viscount Ashmont, has been separated from his wife for years because of a gambling debt (he gambled away the country house and all their money), but in honesty it wasn't a marriage of love and companionship before that either. Della is so unlike his wife, and Lyman is drawn to her energy and her wit and passion, and Della is drawn to this grumpy viscount who dwells on his past mistakes and won't move on with his life. While the structure of their love story remains unconventional, I love the way Delacour brings us to an HEA that truly works for both of them, given their circumstances.

I don’t know which l found more entertaining, the romance between the MCs or Della’s relationship with her siblings. Della was the worst procrastinator I have ever encounter, I have never related to any character like this. She was overwhelmed but very much trying to please everyone. I like the way the Viscount’s story arc was revealed, a tortured hero at best.

I loved The Lady He Lost, so I'm glad to report Faye Delacour's sophomore effort is in no way a slump!

Della is one of the proprietresses of a gambling club for ladies, which was established in the previous book. That book's heroine, Jane, is a very new mother, so nightly management duties have fallen to Della--who has also decided to market the club by publishing a London guidebook for ladies. She's inspired by the successful guides for men written by Lyman, Lord Ashton, a disgraced peer. Ashton is barely staying financially afloat, sending most of his earnings in monthly alimony payments to his long-estranged wife, so he jumps at the opportunity to mentor Della and get a cut of her profits.

Delacour's main characters are so unique and fresh. I don't think I've ever read a MMC who was estranged from but still married to a woman that isn't the FMC (if you're worried about cheating/OW drama, know that he hasn't seen her in 9 years, there was never affection between them, she's no conniving harpy, and Ashton is entirely at fault; she's entirely off-page and he only deals with her jerk of a brother). He's a peer but with a scandalous past and no estate income, so he has to work and lives in a boarding house. In terms of personality, he's uptight and starchy precisely because of his past.

Della is a society heiress, but her parents don't pay much attention to her so she's more able to indulge her impulsive nature than the typical FMC. I identified with her tendency to take on too many projects and say "yes" to everyone in fear of letting them down. She's certainly in over her head managing the club, working on her book, maintaining friendships (I loooove Reva and hope we'll get to see her and her Mr. Bhattacharya in the future!), cleaning up her younger sister's messes, AND flirting with an entirely unsuitable married viscount. I've never read a heroine I identify with more.

Admittedly, I wasn't always sold on these two's relationship. At first, I didn't see much beyond initial attraction and perhaps Della being a bit of a "manic pixie dream girl" for Ashton. But Della's happy-go-lucky facade crumbles as her commitments overwhelm her.

However, I realized this pair really does work for me when Ashton does a favor for Della that is exactly what I would want a partner to do for me. When seeing her struggle, Ashton asks what she needs and simply provides it. He doesn't complicate the situation like everyone else in her life would. He can't provide much, but he gives what he can and supports her unconditionally. I don't usually like an age gap (he's 35 and she's 26 so it's not extreme), but because Della is so headstrong and independent, I never felt like Ashton was in a position of power or control over her.

I did find myself wanting an epilogue, if only because the "third act breakup" comes around 90% and their reunion is at 98% or so (I'm not referencing the book so these aren't exact). I wanted a happy couple vignette! Also--I know it's become trendy to hate third act breakups. I generally love them and the messier the better, but if you're concerned, please note that there's no misunderstanding and no one needs to grovel. They just need to take care of their own shit and grow independently before they're able to solidify that HEA.

There's an ongoing theme of how interpersonal relationships evolve over time and how friendships must necessarily adapt, culminating in a tough, beautiful conversation between Della and Jane. Typically in series like this, previous heroines pop up, babies in tow, perfectly happy. Sometimes the new FMC thinks about feeling lonely or missing her friend, but it's rare that the two have a discussion where the married/babied friend voices anything other than total bliss with her situation. In the previous book, Jane was a stubborn businesswoman preoccupied with creating the club she envisioned. Delacour creates a natural continuation of Jane's character arc in a way that complements Della's flaws and struggles in her book. Not to say that it was distracting, but rather that it illuminates so much about Della herself.

In sum, I think Delacour is a fantastic newer author writing feminist historicals that feel light and sparkly while still containing emotional depth. She's an auto-buy for me now (although thanks to Netgalley I didn't have to this time!). Highly recommend for fans of Sarah MacLean, Mia Vincy, Alexandra Vasti, Tessa Dare, Julie Anne Long, etc.

Della is part owner of a women's gambling club. Lyman is a disgraced Viscount who has an estranged wife and is trying to get a divorce. Talk about having a past!

I love these two characters and they are exactly what the other person needs. They are going to help save each other. Della has already accomplished a lot but she still needs help with confidence and a backbone. Lyman just plain old needs someone to believe in him. He is better than his past.

I haven't read the first book but I will remedy that. I'm also looking forward to the next book, hopefully with Della's sister AND more of Della and Lyman.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading the ARC of A Lady’s Guide to London. It had everything I like in a romance. The pace of the book was perfect, the story was easy to follow. I found the FMC and MMC were a sunshine/ grumpy kind of couple. I can’t wait to recommend this book to readers who love historical romance and fans of Bridgerton!!

I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down.

Della and Ashton start off on the wrong foot and their instant attraction to one another starts the tension early. When they’re forced to work together, they have to figure out how to bypass the initial friction so both can achieve what they’re wanting out of the business arrangement. From the beginning they are both aware that any personal public relationship is forbidden.

Della is a strong heroine that is confident in her self and what she wants. She also has a lot on her shoulders and adding one more thing, writing a guidebook, puts her in a situation that makes it hard to manage her time.

Ashton is an impoverished viscount that has tried to make amends for his past by holding his desires in check and keeping a proper appearance. He works hard to not fall into temptation and denies himself even when it comes to Della.

This is one of those books that had great storytelling and pulled me in to where it wasn’t until after I finished and reflected back that I’d glazed over few parts that wasn’t my favorite. I wasn’t a big fan of Della’s little sister and the way her side plot tied back to the MC, I felt that could’ve been accomplished another way.

As a whole though it evoked a passionate response, was immersed the whole book, and I was rooting for the MC; but wanted just a bit more. This story stood out more to me than the first book and am looking forward to what comes next.

A Lady’s Guide to London is the second book in the Lucky Ladies of London series.

This takes place about 3 years after book and could be read as a standalone.

There are three encounters with some stern hero talk.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I didn't realize when I received an advanced copy that this was the second in a series, so I have been listening to book one as I read this one.
Della is best friends with Jane as they start a women's gambling club. In this book, Della is pretty much in charge, and she is in way over her head. To attract more members, she sets out to meet a man who has written a successful guide book to ask him to add her club, but he refuses, so she decides to write her own. The publisher says she must work with the other writer. He is Viscount Ashton, and he has a very big secret.
Della her sister, and brother have been raised by very neglectful parents, (hence the very well to do Della has been allowed to run a gambling club).
The attraction between Della and Ashton is very strong, but he is married, though officially separated for 9 years.
I couldn't decide whether I liked Ashton or not. Although he had been atoning for 9 years, he really should have stayed away from Della. However, she certainly did not make it easy. He took a very long time to tell her the truth.
What I did like about the book was that Della was really a very good person, everyone liked her and she brought joy wherever she went. Though disorganized and messy, she did keep the club running, took care of her sister and brother, and did actually write a guidebook.
There is a lot of discussion about arranged marriages, gambling problems, and divorce laws.
The ending is very abrupt and not exactly an HEA, but I hope we hear more in the next book, which I will definitely read.
I will write my review of the first book soon.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions are my own honest thoughts.

Why do I love historical romance with divorce as a plot point so much? I think it's the high stakes coupled with courtroom drama (bc yes, all divorces went through the courts in historical romance times [tm]!). I will say that this romance in particular may toe the line for some readers, since the MMC is married as the relationship develops.

Della is the co-owner of a ladies' gaming club. When Lord Ashton, the author of A Gentleman's Guide to London, refuses to add her club to his guidebook, she decides to write her own. Ashton is convinced to be her mentor and they're thrown into close proximity thanks to their weekly meetings. Ashton has made some truly awful choices in his past, including an ill-advised marriage followed by social and financial ruination. He's reacted to these choices by becoming an outwardly starchy-as-all-get-out kind of guy.

Reading an MMC living with the consequences of youthful indiscretions was a welcome change for me as a historical romance reader. This gambling rakehell doesn't just decide one day to settle down and immediately find a perfect wife. No, he's basically trapped in an ascetic life without respectable companionship or the hope of ever redeeming himself. Della's role as the pursuer in their romantic relationship, despite knowing most of his circumstances, also made their romance both more complex and (dare I say) more palatable.

This is a great followup to The Lady He Lost. I think it will appeal to experienced historical romance readers looking for something a little different and has good crossover appeal for contemporary readers.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-arc of this book!
This historical romance threw convention out the window, and I liked it. The fmc was not the usual wallflower or scandal-monger, but an owner of a gaming hell. The mmc, though titled (a viscount!!), lived off a meager salary and exercised more restraint than often expected of the nobility. The tension was simmering beneath the surface of their interactions, waiting to erupt into action (and erupt it did). I related to Della (the fmc) in her tendency to take on a lot of tasks and responsibilities, and I liked her journey with accepting herself more. I LOVED Annabelle, her little sister, an impish and hilarious delight — and her side story was so compelling! Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new sort of historical romance. Rating: 4 🌟

I really enjoyed this book! It was funny and whitty and the sexual tension with Della and Lyman was intense!!
I loved Della’s spirit and sense of adventure. I loved how Lyman got to redeem himself in his own way. I also enjoyed Annabelle’s antics and hope she gets a book!
I wasn’t a fan of the ending. It fell flat to me. I am not a big fan of ambiguous endings. I’d prefer to read that the MC’s live HEA and the ending to this was more of a “they most likely will?” Their was no epilogue and that could have been the chance to show how they were holding up after they left England.