Lady Cecily And The Mysterious Mr Gray: Book 3 (The Beauchamp Betrothals)

I have very much enjoyed Janice Preston’s books since I first discovered her last year. In particular I was really impressed with the first two books in the Beauchamp Betrothals series and Leo in Cinderella and the Duke came across as one of the best HR heroes. Accordingly I was very much looking forward to this new addition to the series and needless to say I was not disappointed. It is another great read from this extremely talented author. Ms Preston illustrated in a very sympathetic manner the difficult choices faced by the two protagonists - Cecily who was all too aware of what was expected of her as a member of the ton and what it might mean for her future relationship with her family should she pursue her relationship with Zach and Zach who had turned his back on his noble family and embraced life with his mother’s Romany kin. Leo and Vernon, the heroes of the two previous books, came across as quite unsympathetic for much of the book but this was understandable given the standards and morals of the time. However they came good in the end. I particularly liked the fact that Ms Preston showed that despite his background Zach was truly a gentleman and acted in an honourable manner throughou whereas the supposed “gentleman” acted in a completely dishonourable way. Ms Preston tied this in nicely with Leo’s description in the first book of what made a true gentleman and I very much liked this touch. All in all a lovely and touching romance and a great addition to the series and I very much look forward to reading Olivia’s book later this year.

This was a nice surprise and got better as the book progressed. Great characters and you felt the overwhelming draw between the lead characters. I would rate this book 4.5. Recommended.

An exquisite read full of Janice Preston's idiosyncratic little touches that draw you in, like Myrtle, the three legged dog. I found the central plot utterly compelling. Lady Cecily's gradual realisation of the diminished life she will lead if she doesn't marry is totally believable. As is her turmoil when she is torn between her duty to her family and facing their total disapproval if she follows her heart. There is a stark choice between 'should' and 'want' and she has to decide. As ever in this author's books, the Regency background is perfectly captured so you understand the limitations that bind the characters in the society in which they move. Zach's outcast status is sensitively handled and the attraction between the lovers is exquisitely and sensuously conveyed so you actual feel their forbidden passion ignite. Can't wait for the next one in this compelling series.

Having read both of the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to reading Cecily's story. And what a beautiful story it was. I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Cecily and Zach, and Cecily's slow realisation that she could make her own choice about her future. I thought the plot was so well told, and it was clear how well-researched the history of the Romany people was. It made for a unique love story, yet within the familiar Regency setting. I thoroughly recommend this story.

This was a beautiful, emotionally charged story. I found the heroine's dilemma totally believable, torn between her desire to do her duty by her family and her passion for Zach. I was particularly drawn in by tension between a high-born heroine and a hero who is shunned by society. I loved every minute of it.

Lady Cecily And The Mysterious Mr Gray is a Regency romance and book #3 of The Beauchamp Betrothals series. Thirty year old Lady Cecily attends the marriage of her brother Vernon. He is the second family member to find love in recent months. The wedding atmosphere is beautiful, but makes Cecily feel disheartened about her own future prospects. She fears she will become the spinster aunt; always the companion, but never the one with a family of her own. Lost in thought, Cecily is unaware of the wedding guest seated next to her in the church. Mr Gray (later to be known as Zach) is the man who recently saved the life of the bride’s brother. They meet later in the gardens, where Gray sees through Cecily’s inner turmoil. Their conversation flows easily and Cecily find herself opening up about her fears. Zach is half Romany and his social label has moulded the man he has become. Currently he chooses to live freely, putting a troubled past behind him. But he can’t get Cecily out of his head. However, they can never be together unless he claims his true ancestral rights, but first he must fight for Cecily and face past torments. This book can be read as a stand-alone; however, to get the most from the series I recommend reading them in order. This way, the reader will have a good understanding of the secondary characters, which will improve with the overall experience. I do like this author’s work; there are always some unusual characters or animals which add to the storyline, making it a memorable read.

This is book three in the Beauchamp Betrothals series. I think this is by far my favorite story so far and I have given five stars to the prior ones. If I could give 10 stars to this romance I would. This story has everything: a dashing hero, a strong loving heroine and a horrid villain. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Bravo Ms Preston!