In "A Lady Awakened," a recent widow, Martha, must urgently produce an heir to her late husband's estate to prevent it from falling into the hands of his predatory brother. To accomplish this, she enlists the help of Theo Mirkwood, a charming but irresponsible lordling, to impregnate her. As Martha and Theo navigate their unconventional arrangement, they undergo personal growth and transformation, leading to a deepening bond and unexpected romance. The book explores themes of duty, sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of Regency England.

Characters:

Characters are richly developed, showcasing a range from cold pragmatism to charming affability, with complex motivations leading to significant personal growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is elegant, humorous, and poignant, with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a widowed protagonist who, facing the threat of losing her estate, hires her rakish neighbor to conceive an heir, leading to unexpected emotional and personal transformations.

Setting:

The setting provides a backdrop of Regency England, emphasizing the societal structures and challenges faced by the characters.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, starting slowly but eventually intensifying as the characters evolve and their relationship develops.

Martha sat straighter in her chair, smoothing her black skirts. One’s conduct might owe more to principle than to sentiment at times, admittedly. But principle could be relied upon. Principle steadied...

Notes:

Martha Russell is a newly widowed woman who needs to secure her estate from her malevolent brother-in-law.

She proposes a strictly business arrangement with her rakish neighbor, Theophilus Mirkwood, to conceive an heir.

The story is set in Regency England and involves themes of propriety and societal expectations.

Martha is characterized as uptight and serious, while Theo embodies a more carefree and mischievous spirit.

Their relationship begins with awkward and mechanical sex, as Martha resists any pleasure or enjoyment.

The narrative explores character growth, as both characters learn from each other and evolve over time.

Theo is depicted as charming and funny, despite his initial irresponsible behavior.

The book humorously addresses the contrast between Martha's cold demeanor and Theo's charisma, leading to hilarious and awkward situations.

Martha’s motivations are rooted in protecting her beloved servants and ensuring their safety from her brother-in-law's predatory nature.

The writing style is noted for its wit and beauty, reminiscent of authors like Mary Balogh.

Characters develop genuine emotions and intimacy over time, leading to a satisfying relationship by the end.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of past sexual assault and the psychological impacts of marriage, which are central to the protagonist's motivations.

Has Romance?

The book features a significant romantic plot, taking center stage as the characters develop their relationship.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

In Cecilia Grant's emotionally rich and deeply passionate Regency romance debut, a deal with a rumored rogue turns a proper young woman into . . . A Lady Awakened.

Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . . . for a fee.

Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow's weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she'll get her money's worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh-only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can't resist him forever. But could a lady's sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (24):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (12)
Not Interested (5)

1 comment(s)

rutrav487

Hated It

8 months

I didn't like either main character and hated the endless scenes of terrible sex

What can you read after
A Lady Awakened?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Cecilia Grant always knew she'd do something with that English degree. After waiting tables, composing software help files, and answering the carpool-lane-violators hotline, she's delighted to be writing fiction. Grant makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her fellow-writer…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

A Lady Awakened

Cecilia Grant

Book 1 in the series:Blackshear Family