Loving Lieutenant Lancaster

Random Retro Read

Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady’s companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there. 

Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters’ scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he’s impossibly drawn to the dowager’s quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their worlds?

My Review:

I was just two books shy of completing the Lancaster Family and Jonquil Family series and now I just have one left to read. What has taken me so long to catch up? Likely the idea that once I am caught up it will all be over! I even reread a few of the books instead of finishing the series off! Ridiculous, I know, but now that I’ve immersed myself in this fictional world again, I understand why I am so reluctant to close the door on these characters.

There’s banter aplenty, brotherly hijinks, sisterly plotting — the best of both families with nearly everyone present at a house party. I mean, it can’t get any better than this! Eden’s storytelling is exceptional from dialogue to descriptions and all those lovely fluttery romance vibes.

I loved seeing so many of the couples living out their blissful matrimony — including my beloved dangerous duke who is still as grumpy as ever. But, oh my, how fiercely tender he is with his family. Swoon. And yes, I know I should be reserving my swoons for our current hero, Linus, but old bibliophile habits die hard. Linus is swoonworthy, make no mistake, and I melted into a pile of goo a hundred times over during the course of the read.

Loved the emotional depth in Arabella’s backstory. She’s endured so much and can’t quite believe herself to be worthy of the love and attention she so deserves. Linus is perceptive though, he really sees her when she has so often been overlooked. But he also has his own personal issues to conquer so he isn’t always as keenly observant as he could be. Which, of course, means their happily ever after is a work in progress and keeps a reader on tenterhooks until the very end. Deliciously romantical!

10 thoughts on “Loving Lieutenant Lancaster”

  1. I loved this series from Sarah M. Eden. Such a fun, entertaining family! I’m pretty sure I’ve read most, if not all, of them. I might have to go back and check–or read them all again!

    Thanks for the lovely review, Kav!

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  2. LOVING LIEUTENANT LANCASTER sounds like the perfect regency read. Sounds like one you need supplies at hand, make oneself comfy in the recliner and plenty of time to savor the read.

    Thank you for another fabulous book to add to my TBR list.

    After a week of travel (one doctor miles away on Tuesday and another doctor miles away in a different direction on Thursday – but at least I got some reading in during traveling) and feeling like a pin cushion (3 injections in each knee and then 1 injection in each hand hoping to avoid surgery), this weekend needs to be quiet, at home and full of some wonderful reading.

    Have a fabulous Friday and an even better weekend!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  3. I am glad Arabella was remembered to be included in the kindness she received as a child. Trustworthy and true, may she receive the continued care she gives. The not being part ~ neither family nor servant, was mentioned in a novel I read about a young woman teaching the children. Snubbed by house staff and a sideline when family and friends gathered would be an uncertain and delicate place. I would like to read this story. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I always get so indignant at the unfair treatment of women back then. For all I romanticize the era, women had not rights and were vulnerable to the whims of the men in their lives. Gah! Happy Reading, Kathleen!

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  5. I have been working hard to complete series that have been languishing as well. I think I have finished 7 so far this year. If there are multiple books in the series I haven’t finished, I am trying to read them in back to back. Good luck reading the last one!

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    1. Wow — finishing seven series already is a great accomplishment. I keep getting distracted by shiny new-to-me series. 🙂 I never understood the appeal of reading a series back to back but I am beginning to. I know readers who will wait to start a series until all the books are released! Like they’ll bey the books when they come out but they will sit on their shelves until the last book comes out and then they will get read one right after the other. Wowzers. I do not have that kind of self-control! But as I’ve been trying to catch up on series I’ve discovered how much fun it is to read the books close together. Haven’t done an actual binge throughs a series though. Not yet anyway. Happy Reading, Cindy!

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