I picked out this debut novel because the cover is just gorgeous. Thankfully, this turned out to be a wonderful, original story. Jane is an orphan without any prospects. She is focused solely on establishing and growing a ladies’ gambling club– an endeavor she believes can support her financially and give her independence. Then her good friend, Eli, whom everyone thought was dead in a shipwreck two years prior, walks into the room. Her friend Eli, whom she loved, but he chose to propose to her (annoying, petulant) cousin instead and broke her heart. Apparently, Eli was captured by pirates and was just released. Jane thinks he’s hiding something (he is), and even though her cousin is now “happily” married to another, Jane doesn’t want to be anyone’s second choice. At first, Jane is determined to figure out what Eli is lying about. When suspicions about his whereabouts lead to a court martial, however, Jane is terrified for the man she can’t help caring for.

Faye Delacour does a great job developing her characters. You really come to understand Jane’s struggle and heartache. You dislike her mean-girl cousin. And you worry for Eli’s fate. I was a little disappointed in the big “secret” he’s hiding. As an attorney, I appreciated the legal resolution. Overall, I’m giving the story 3.5 stars and rounding up to 4. It’s a solid debut. I look forward to more of her novels in the future!

I did listen to the audiobook version of this novel. At 1.5 speed, the narrator was tolerable. I think at regular speed, it would have dragged. If you have the choice, I’d recommend reading the print version. I believe I would have enjoyed it more. If you need audio, it isn’t bad.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audio copy to review. All opinions are my own.

The Lady He Lost AUDIO by Faye Delacour is a Regency romance with a different trope that I’ve read before. Lieutenant Eli Williams has returned to London two years after he had been reported dead. His ship had sunk and he could not be found amongst the survivors. He had been rescued by pirates and had been in their “care” for much of that time. In the end he had befriended one of them who helped him escape and eventually made it back home. He had been engaged when he was lost but Cecily had married another and had a child now. That didn’t break his heart. He really wanted to reconnect with his childhood friend, Jane, and see if the relationship could progress. Jane is less than happy. She had been hurt when he became engaged to her cousin and had pretty much given up on him and decided to become a spinster. She was working to develop a business that could support her: a ladies’ gaming hell. At this point it was just a weekly card party, but it was growing.

This was a fun book. The story was good. Jane was an excellent character who had every right to be angry although more so with her cousin than with Eli. Cecily had “trapped” Eli on no more than knowing Jane was interested in him. She was not always the nicest person and made the read far more interesting than it might have been. Jane and Eli were both decent characters and although the plot is thin, there is enough detail to make it interesting, especially with Cecily’s escapades.

The narrator is Blythe Fortune and based solely on her performance, I should have been happy to read, rather than listen to, this story. Her voice was strident and childish and it pushed me to finish the listen quickly.

I was invited to listen to The Lady He Lost by Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia #FayeDelacour #BlytheFortune #TheLadyHeLost

Such a lovely historical romance debut!
This book has a great plot and interesting, well developed characters. Eli and Jane were complicated and we’re letting past hurts hinder them. Their relationship felt natural and so romantic towards the end. I liked the build up to the romance and that each character has a hurdle they have to overcome. The pacing for the relationship was just right.
The descriptions were very good, I felt like I could picture everything clearly.
The narrators for the audiobook were stupendous! I loved the accents!
A wonderful debut that’s filled with wonderful characters, a mystery, women’s gambling club and romance.

This debut novel by Faye Delacour is a story of second chances. After Jane Bishop was orphaned she went to live with her uncle and cousin Cecily. For many years Jane had a great friendship with Eli Williams, and had quite a crush on him. One night her uncle finds Eli in a compromising position with Cecily, his daughter, in the gardens and forces him to promise to marry her. Shortly after his naval duties had him on shipwrecked and presumed dead... until he shows up alive on his parent's doorstep. He finds his would-be bride married- Thank You!

Jane is excited that Eli is alive and well, but she doesn't want to be his second choice. Plus while he's been away she & a friend set up a ladies' gambling club determined to gain her own financial independence.

The dynamics between the Jane, Eli and their friends kept me hooked on this story, particularly Jane's struggle to reconcile her past with Eli and her desire for independence. I hope Faye Delacour has more in store for the ladies gambling club members. I would love to hear their stories. Her writing style is engaging and fast-paced, I listened to the audiobook and this helped to keep me, and I'm sure other readers, invested in Jane and Eli's story.

Overall, The Lady He Lost is a delightfully engaging debut novel that will appeal to fans of historical romance. The audiobook narrator, Blythe Fortune, helped to keep me engaged in this story with the captivating narration. I look forward to more books from the author for years to come.

I'm going to start this review saying this book wasn't for me, and that if you are a fan of this type of book it would probably be rated higher.

Things I thought the author did well include relatable characters you want to root for and excellent descriptions of the times and trials of the people in the story. I thought this book would have a bit more mystery in it, and that is on me.

Overall a good read as long as you are here for the love story, that is really what this book is about. It gets steamy, as a warning/bonus depending on who you are reader.

A secretive ladies gambling club, run by a woman left without a dowry and trying to make her way in the world? Yes please! I love a strong heroine and was really excited to read this role reversal of a story. And add in that the hero has been “lost at sea” only to surprisingly return in the middle of the Season after 2 years where his friends and family thought him dead—I love a good resurrection story.

Several plot points existed in this story, one that Lieutenant Eli Williams had compromised heroine Jane Bishop’s pretty cousin Cecily and was engaged to her prior to disappearing. But now that he’s back, Elizabeth seems more interested in Jane, but she can’t reconcile that he was set to marry her cousin. It felt like Jane just couldn’t completely forgive Eli, even after several attempts at him trying to apologize, AND after letting him secretly help her get off (because the mutual attraction is still there). The scenes between Eli and Jane were always exciting; the banter, tension, and especially secretive encounters had me thoroughly engaged. I think the pacing just felt off to me and would’ve liked to see more of the women’s gaming club included in the plot because it seemed to take a back seat to the competition between Cecily and Jane. I think there is so much potential for Delacour as a debut author and had a great time reading this.

I received both an ARC and an ALC from Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media, respectively. The ALC was narrated by Blythe Fortune and was fine, but I definitely would recommend reading this one with your eyes, as I felt my mind drifting at times. All opinions are my own.

Loved this second chance romance! The writing was emotional and romantic, and the premise of someone thought dead but coming home after being kidnapped by pirates was so much fun. Great use of the historical setting! Can't wait to read more from this author.

A perfect historical romance all around. I’m excited for this series and to see which characters the author focuses on in book 2. One of the side characters, Della, seems like a wonderful next heroine to focus on.

2.5 stars. The synopsis caught my attention but the story did not deliver as expected. It was hard for me to believe the love interest between Jane and Eli. Jane was not likeable in my opinion. She was too unforgiving and her anger with Eli for not writing to her sooner was unreasonable. From the synopsis I expected more adventure in the race to prove Eli wasn't a deserter. This part of the story fell flat and was wrapped up in just a few paragraphs. I was a bit annoyed with the narrator's portrayal of the female characters. She gave all of them the most annoying high pitch that was harsh on your ears. Will I read more by this author? That remains to be seen.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Naval Lieutenant Eli is back from the dead after being shipwrecked and captured by pirates to find that he has no money, no fiance, and might be questioned by his bosses about his time away from the Navy. His former friend Jane is being cold and he doesn’t quite know why, but he wants to regain her friendship and affection. Well, we find out that Eli and Jane had a strong friendship up until the point where Eli gets caught in a compromising position with Jane’s prettier and more sociable cousin Cecily and then gets engaged to that woman. Stuck doing the honorable thing and staying engaged to a woman he doesn’t like very much, he runs off and joins the Navy. It’s basically a cluster of immaturity for Eli there. Meanwhile Jane is trying to run a discreet gambling club for ladies and gain her own financial independence. Due to the meddling of too many of Jane’s family members, she and Eli end up at the same house party attending the horse races at Ascot and sort of maybe start a physical affair. But both Jane and Eli is dodgy about their feelings, leaving the other person totally unsure and insecure. This is one of those books where I’m just waiting for the characters to just talk to each other already. However, it was fun to read about Jane’s adventures in gambling and Eli’s unwavering support.

I completely adored this!
Let's begin with the basics. Jane Bishop is an orphan, she's without a dowry and has already been through a couple of seasons without finding a match. She also is part of a two-woman partnership of a gambling club, she runs this club because she is trying to secure her financial future.
However, all of this becomes a tumble when her long-lost love returns to town.
Eli returns from the dead, well-pronounced dead years after being involved in a shipwreck. Now, Jane's cousin Cecily was engaged to Eli but when he was assumed dead she found another, even from the beginning Jane loved Eli. Since he was first engaged to Cecily, Jane tried to keep him at arm's length because Cecily and Jane have a very competitive streak between the two and Jane did not want to be seen as a second choice for Eli. Slowly, Eli tries to win back Jane's love and trust.
I love that the whole book literally has me rooting for Jane. I wanted her to win in the end! Will Eli win Jane back and show her that he truly loves her? Read this AMAZING debut to find out! I am very excited for this author with this debut she is a very promising author and I look forward to reading more books by her in the future! I listened to the audiobook by Dreamscape Media and I loved that the audiobook was smooth and the narrator matched the book so well. Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the extraordinary opportunity to read and review this one!

3.5 Stars

TW: Parental loss

The Lady He Lost by Faye Delacour is the first in a new series and tells the story of Eli and Jane. Eli is back in England after being presumed dead the last two years after his naval ship was wrecked and he was taken captive by pirates. He doesn't get the warm welcome he thought he would from his long time friend and secret crush, Jane. Jane still can't forgive Eli for kissing her cousin and ending up engaged to her five years ago even after his supposed death. And she can tell Eli is hiding something about his captivity, he's being very vague and no one knows him as well as she.

I found The Lady He Lost to have an interesting plot. Jane wanting to start a ladies gambling hell was a new plot that I hadn't read before in any regency romance and I loved the idea of it. While I loved the premise of the book it just sort of fell a bit flat towards the middle and continue on. Eli and Jane have great chemistry and that kiss in the rain was super hot but as the book goes on I did not care for the back and forth of Eli's confidence in their relationship. I didn't like them questioning the other's actual fondness and how much they actually trusted each other. Also, Eli was a virgin, and while I usually love this trope it didn't hit right in this book. I do believe Eli was in his late 20s early 30s at most and it didn't seem plausible that this obviously handsome and widely popular man would remain a virgin especially in a regency romance just because he was in the Navy. I will say the spice was written well in this book and was much more open door than I was expecting for this type of book so that probably gained it half a star by itself.

I did receive an ALC for this book and I really enjoyed the narrator, Blythe Fortune! She had the perfect posh English accent for this book and I liked her voice change ups for Uncle Bertie and all the other characters. Her pacing was great, no long pauses or hang ups. I would definitely listen to her again, she gave a good performance.

Overall, The Lady He Lost, was just an okay regency romance for me. I might give the other books in the series a go if I'm in a mood for this type of book. I AM interested to see if there will be a book for Della (Jane's BFF), she seems the fun, outgoing, and wildly free type and I'd love to see where the author takes her. Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the romance and the time period. The intrigue and drama was very well done and I was so hooked and invested

A second chance romance, after heartbreak and loss, this book should be called The Lady He Won! The chemistry between Jane and Eli was palpable and his line “anything you want and nothing that you don’t,” had me swooning.
I so identified with Jane’s desire for financial freedom and to have the agency to make her own choices. And what a choice of profession; proprietress of a gambling club exclusive to women!
It’s clear how much Jane and Eli have always cared for each other and only want what is best for the other, even if it will break their heart. Their journey to earn each other’s love and trust was sweet (and a little spicy).
A fantastic debut from Faye Delacour! I’ll be keeping my eye out for her next historical romance release.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Jane Bishop is a young woman in Regency England. She's an orphan, unmarried and trying to build a business to support herself with a ladies gambling club. Her heart was broken years ago when Eli got engaged to Jane's cousin and then he got lost at sea while in the Navy. Eli shows up with an air of mystery.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book while being very frustrated at the same time. Geez women had such little agency over their own lives. Family fortunes went with the males.

Blythe Fortune did a great job narrating.

Presumed dead for two years, Eli resurfaces in the midst of London’s social season. Jane, whose heart he broke before going to the sea, refuses to pine over him. She’s focused on establishing a ladies’ gambling club to gain financial independence. When he faces suspicion of desertion, she must decide whether to embrace a future with him—or risk losing him forever.

This book hooked me from the beginning. There’s a high level of romantic tension and a strong plot. Jane and Eli are complex and relatable characters who have a lot to overcome so they can be together. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This thoroughly engaging Regency-era romance gives us well-rounded, sensible yet passionate lead characters. Jane is an intelligent, unattahced woman making a backup plan for herself when it becomes obvious that marriage isn't an immediate possibility. Talented at math, particularly the ability to use probability to win money from card games in the floating gambling club that she secretly operates. Her gorwing nest egg will, she hopes support her in spinsterhood. Marrying for love -- though she realizes that almost no one in the upper classes does it -- would make her happy, but she has only loved one man, Eli. Unfortunately, her socially aggressive cousin C. put herselfin Eli's way, obstructing Jane.
Eli, a childhood friend that vanished at sea and was presumed dead, shocks his family and their social circles with his sudden return from the dead. He offers a vague explanation involving pirates, months at sea, and escape.
Tongues wag, acquaintances ask nosy questions, but Eli will not elaborate. Jane and Eli carefully rebuild their friendship, but both have matured emotionally and their rekindled friendship gains a romantic dimension. Cousin C. is now happily married to a titled gentleman, but she wastes no time in reminding Jane how close she once was to Eli, and flirts in ways that indicate she would like to be close again. Considering the reality of infidenlity by both husbands and wives during the Regency era, Jane is perhaps right to be worried. But this fast-paced story includes twists that perfectly suit the personalities, fears, social climbing, and emotional depth of the characters. The simmering attraction between Jane and Eli begins to express itself . This happens in gracefully written moments that are sensual and realistic. There's a subtle awareness of the larger world beyond the moneyed class, though most of the action takes place within a closed and wealthy world. The author balances all of this well. As a Librarian, I recommend this enjoyable, satisfying novel to fans of Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly's early Regencies, as well as younger fans of other talented authors writing in the genre such as Stacy Reid, Eva Leigh, Tessa Dare, and Maya Rodale.

4.5 stars!

Jane and Eli are so endearing in this story, their love was so pure and sweet. And to think an ANNOYING cousin caused so much grief. Cecily is the most annoying character! Urgh! So good job Faye Delacour for writing such a dislikable character! 😂😅

I also wanted to add, the narrator did a great job! And great annoying voice for Cecily! 😅😂 it added the hate for that woman.

My favourite scene was the picnic and they were caught up in the rain and their first kiss 💋💋💋. There were also some well written spicy scenes too! 🔥🔥

This book kept me listening and listening and i didnt want to stop! So I went on a 10km walk and cleaned the house so I could multitask and listen! 😅

If you love historical romance definitely give this one a listen!

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗲𝘀:
❤️ Second Chance
❤️Friend to enemies to lovers
❤️Independent FMC
❤️Cinnamon Roll MMC
❤️Secrets

I received an advance listening copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Please note that this review refers to the audiobook version of The Lady He Lost. I emphasize this point because I believe some of my misgivings were exacerbated by the narration. Jane Bishop is struggling to create financial and social independence at a time when women were still supposed to devote all their energies to marrying and producing children. She is initially presented as gifted in math and business. The man she thought she loved (Eli Williams) had ended up first engaged to her cousin and then lost at sea in the navy. (Spoiler alert: he returns.) The plot had much to offer as it hopscotched around Jane’s doubts and insecurities, her cousin’s machinations, Eli’s inadequate explanation of his whereabouts, and two lovers exploring their sexual awakening. The details and delivery, however, were very uneven, as Jane, in particular, was at times presented as a skilled savant and at other times as a silly ninny – something the narrator’s exceedingly childish delivery for the female characters made so much worse. (I felt guilty while listening with thoughts of how much better the dialog and plot details would have been handled by a writer such as Stephanie Laurens.) The sex scenes were well written and creative, but the words and actions chosen seemed out of sync with the characters’ other customary behaviors and experiences. And finally, shouldn’t the title have been “The Man (Sailor? Rake? Hero?) SHE Lost” since he was the one who was missing for more than two years?! I'm giving this title four stars, but that is a generous round-up from 3.

4.5 stars. Two years after having been declared dead by the Navy, Eli Williams suddenly returns home expecting to return to his live only to learn that his fiancee has married another and his family has spent his wealth. He hopes to regain his connection with his former friend, Jane Bishop, but she is focused on opening a gaming club for women and is hesitant to trust him again after Eli chose her cousin over her. Jane does not want Eli to mess up her plans for her future but each time they are forced together by friends and family is a reminder of their mutual attraction that neither can control. Secret kisses lead to secret steamier encounters, but with Eli facing possible court marshal for his disappearance there are questions about what a future for the two could look like.

I was first drawn to this book by the gorgeous clinch cover and the content did not disappoint. I can’t express how great it was to have a debut historical romance from an author who understands how to pace a romance. Every scene moved the story forward and focused (even indirectly) on the relationship between Eli and Jane. It was also a nice change to have a historical romance set not amongst the aristocracy as it changed the stakes. The book gives strong Persuasion vibes, which I absolutely loved. The only thing keeping this book from being a full 5 star book for me is that Eli’s character was keeping a secret even while we were in his POV, which is just frustrating, especially where it was such an anticlimactic secret. That being said, I could feel the tension between Eli and Jane and the attraction was definitely there. I am excited to see where this series goes.

I listened to most of the book and really enjoyed the performance by Blythe Fortune. The characters came to life and I found myself looking for more activities to do while listening rather than switching to the eBook which would have gotten me through the book faster. I will have to keep my eye out for other books read by Blythe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.