This book is a rollicking Georgian-era adventure full of cross-dressing shenanigans, cheeky banter, daring escapes, and steamy chemistry. With a charming, not-your-typical hero and a gutsy, resourceful heroine, it offers a mix of humor, heart, and heat. The historical details are rich, the supporting cast (especially the other Mallorens) are scene-stealers, and the unconventional romance will delight fans of witty, character-driven historical romance. If you love stories with gender-bending disguises, strong women, family dynamics, and adventure with your love story, you’ll have a blast.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers struggled with the far-fetched elements (like the quick acceptance of wild disguises), and found certain scenes - particularly involving consent and social ruin - disturbing or problematic. The villainous father feels over-the-top, and the romance might feel rushed or more lust-driven than deeply emotional. If you prefer your stories super realistic, slow-burn, or with flawless consent throughout, this may not suit your tastes. A few also found the narration style and head-hopping between points of view confusing.

My Lady Notorious is a bold, funny, and adventurous historical romance that doesn’t shy away from outrageous antics or steamy encounters. Not everyone will love its zany escapades, but it’s a great pick if you’re in the mood for fun, fast-paced romance with a cast you’ll want to read more about!

About:

'My Lady Notorious' in the 'Mallorens' series by Jo Beverley follows the story of Lady Chastity Ware, who disguises herself as a highwayman to aid her widowed sister and baby escape their pursuers. Cyn Malloren, a veteran seeking adventure, becomes entangled in Chastity's scheme, leading to a romantic and adventurous tale set in the late 18th century. The plot involves gender-bending, cross-dressing, seduction, and family drama, all woven together in a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked.

The writing style of Jo Beverley in 'My Lady Notorious' is described as delightful, well-crafted, and fun, with layers of depth and intrigue. features explicit sensual scenes that contrast with a slow and innocent beginning, showcasing Beverley's talent in engaging readers and captivating them with a mix of adventure, romance, and historical authenticity.

Characters:

The characters are vividly drawn, with Cyn as a light-hearted hero and Chastity as a strong-willed heroine, both navigating romance and adventure.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines humor with romance, featuring witty dialogue and sensual scenes, though some find the dialogue challenging to read.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves Cyn Malloren being kidnapped by Chastity Ware, who is disguised as a highwayman, leading to a whimsical adventure filled with cross-dressing and humor.

Setting:

The setting captures the essence of the late 18th century, immersing the reader in Georgian society and its complexities.

Pacing:

The pacing of the novel transitions from slow to fast, with a mix of humor, romance, and action driving the story forward.

Notes:

The story revolves around Cyn Malloren, a younger brother in a powerful family, who seeks adventure after recovering from an illness.

Cyn is kidnapped by Lady Chastity, who disguises herself as a highwayman to protect her sister.

Chastity and her sister are on the run from their villainous father and Chastity's brother-in-law who threatens their well-being.

Cyn willingly dresses as a woman to help Chastity escape detection, showcasing cross-dressing as a theme in the story.

The book includes humorous interactions and sexual tension, often highlighted by food in their intimate moments.

The narrative is set in the late 1700s during a time of societal upheaval and moral decadence, with references to orgies and party culture.

Cyn is portrayed as a non-traditional hero with feminine features, making him attractive and adding complexity to the romantic plot.

Chastity, the female protagonist, stands against her father's controlling nature and represents a strong, rebellious woman of her time.

The Malloren family, characterized by their scheming and adventurous spirits, plays a central role in the series, with hints of subsequent stories involving other family members.

Jo Beverley's writing intertwines humor, romance, and historical authenticity, appealing to fans of Georgian romance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, sexual coercion, and emotional abuse, primarily surrounding the protagonist's backstory.

Has Romance?

The book contains a high level of romance, with a strong romantic subplot that develops throughout the story.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Hailed as "captivating" (Booklist) and "exquisitely sensual" (Library Journal), Jo Beverley's Malloren novels capture the unforgettable world of Georgian England. Now her fans can discover why the book that started it all, My Lady Notorious, has been called "storytelling at its best" (Rendezvous).

March 1993

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384 pages

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (4)

What can you read after
My Lady Notorious?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Jo Beverley is widely regarded as one of the most talented romance writers today. She is a four-time winner of Romance Writers of America's cherished RITA Award and one of only a handful of members in the RITA Hall of…

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My Lady Notorious

Jo Beverley

Book 1 in the series:Mallorens

Who Would Like This Book: