Lots of steamy action and a great story to go with it. I loved all the characters. They really made me care about what happened to them. Very well written with a touch of dramatic action. Worth the read!

I really enjoyed this book! Amelia is such a strong, independent, hard working down to earth woman. I absolutely loves her and was so frustrated with her situation. Damion is also a delight. This was definitely one of my favorite reads.

I was unable to finish the book for some reason. It seemed anachronistic at times and I couldn't connect with the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cassie O'Brien, and Totally Bound Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

At first I felt the story in this was hard to follow. I had a hard time figuring out the characters and the situations, but as I continued tor read, that cleared up well. It's been awhile since I've read one of these "Adult Romance" books, or what I still call smut. I loved these as a teenager (yeah, laugh all you like), but as I got older I didn't care as much. Well, perusing NetGalley, I thought it would be fun to try this genre again now that I am older and even married.

One thing that disappointed me was that the book felt a bit slow in the sexual action until about 38%, but then boy, is there's a whole lot of something in every chapter moving forward. I felt that the amount of foreplay compared to actual intercourse was a bit lengthy, and the sex felt much less romantic than the foreplay, and those scenes were over instantly. I'm just saying, that aspect could have been a bit more elaborate and creative.

As far as this genre goes, I love a good smut that has a decent story, too. I enjoy British history, so the social class elements and political complications between the main characters was a nice touch that kept the story thriving on top of the "action".

Overall, a book I really enjoyed and it was fun to read something in this genre again, as well as a book with a good British gentry story.

A lovely historical romance.
Great characters and a nicely written story make this a enjoyable read.

Really enjoyed this story. The premise was different than the usual period romance. I usually don't read romance, however if more were like this I definitely would!
Thank you Netgalley

My thanks to NetGalley and Totally Bound Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

I seriously have no idea how I am going to rate this book, so I am going to start at zero, discuss what I liked and add stars, then remove them as I discuss what I didn't enjoy about this book.

Note: For any friends and family who may not enjoy reading a review that includes some discussion on the "when and Mommy and a Daddy love each other very much" topic, feel free to skip! I won't be overly graphic, but it will be discussed, as this book includes those scenes.

Ok, what I liked/found to be positive about this book.

1) The realism of the day-to-day activities of a manor in Victorian England. Very Upstairs-Downstairs or Downton Abbey. Also, the author didn't shy away from acknowledging bodily functions, chamber pots, etc. The work the servants did was explained and not romantisized, so points for that. I feel that this book was very well researched, but the information wasn't shoved down the reader's throat. It developed naturally.

2) I love me a good "lady becomes a maid, because horrible male relative tries to force her into marriage" plot, and this didn't disappoint. Got my attention.

3) That. Cover. GORGEOUS!

4) The female MC was strong and smart and not full of herself.

5) The relationship/s were open minded.

What I didn't really enjoy.

1) The open-minded relationship involved adultery. I know the wife was cool with it and why, but it just didn't sit well with me.

2) The female MC was strong and smart, but also a bit of a Mary Sue. She was the BEST washer woman, she was the BEST baker, despite only watching the person teaching her once. She was the BEST at fooling those around her about her station. She was a GREAT friend and EVERYone loved her. She was the BEST at giving birth, to full-term TWINS, only took her an hour or two to pop them out, because she was able to sleep through the beginning pains! She was the BEST with horses and was able to ride the Master's stallion no one else could ride! She was the BEST at sex, even though she had never done it before! She was the BEST at shooting and had no trouble hitting what she aimed at. like elbows and knees of people rolling on the ground in pain from the first shots she fired at them! So yeah, too perfect to be believed.

3) The ending. Despite having sex like bunnies for ten years, they only had the twins from the first time they decided to go without protection and they NEVER did that again? Somehow I doubt it, but whatever. Also, how convenient for the wife to die, leaving the husband free to marry the female MC, but only AFTER the law was passed for women to not have to give their money over to their husband. Kinda cold female MC. Kinda cold.

Also, the part where she shoots the step-father, valet and grooms-man three times each and how she had PLANNED it with the hero MC, setting them up so she would be able to do so was kind of not cool. Too vigilante. I know, she was protecting herself and her unborn child and maybe if I was in the same situation, I would do that too, but it was so violent. I didn't like it.

4) And the first time they do it, he suggested they do it without protection and that the safest time to do that was while she was having her period. I guess I'm very dull, but that just seems a tad gross and when I am going through that time, I'm not feeling randy and ready to go. I ache and just want to be left alone in that way. I guess it's different for everyone. But that was kinda icky.

5) This isn't a negative on the book, but I am used to reading historical romance that takes place in the Regency era of England, so the condoms, the ideas on bathing, teeth brushing and below the equator hair grooming seemed VERY modern to me. The MC H and h also had VERY modern ideas on things that just threw me. They were more modern because the other servants didn't have those ideas. Maybe it was a way to set the MC h apart, show she had class, even if she was acting the maid? Also, her ideas on sex and how she acted really seemed too modern, but I am used to 1820s, not 1870s, so this is more reader being un-used to the time period this is being written in, not the fault of the author. I think the author did a wonderful job with the research.

6) Not a neg, but this book was classified as "erotica", however I thought that erotica was a lot of non-vanilla sex, kinky/non-missionary stuff. This was just the MC H and h, (for the actual sex, she did fool around a tad with one other person before she ended up with the H), and it was the rather tame. Not complaining, just not what was expected. I see the word "erotica" I think BDSM and other things. This could be me not understanding the definition of the word, so again, not a neg, just an observation.

I'm trying to read more of "erotica" or what my bookstore owner and I call the "naughty" books, because we have repeat customers who look for the more recent books in the naughty section and I want to be able to say something intelligent about the book, even if it's just to know that it isn't what they would enjoy or not. The have specific tastes and I want to be able to guide them to books they would like. This would fit the bill more for some of our historical romance readers, rather than our "naughty" readers I think.

Definitely something I would recommend to the right reader. Victorian England era lover, who enjoys every-day realism and many, if not "erotica inventive", sex scenes. 3 solid stars.

This was a great book. I loved how the lady had a better life living as a maid in regards to the true friends that she had. Can't wait to read more from this author

great read I liked this book just as much. She has a unique clean writing style that draws you in and just won't let you put the book down. I read this one in 5 hours. Highly recommend.

A novel with an interesting premise, its promised potential never comes to fruition. The reader powers on through each page expecting something to happen, but by the time something does, the reader will have lost interest.

The first part of the novel follows the heroine hiding as a maid. While generally amusing, most of it does not add anything to the story or the progression of it, as if it is just going through the motions. And of her time spent as a maid, most of that is spent addressing her’s and another maid’s sexual wants and deeds with fellow male servants. Had the author and heroine not informed us of the heroines past as a lady, the reader would never guess her background. Truly she has all the depth and feel of a maid from any historical romance, albeit one attractive enough to catch her master’s eye and lie with him. The hero himself is hardly mentioned for the first third of the book except for the heroine’s periodic moments of pleasing herself to his image and thinking how attractive he is. When they finally do come together, it feels out of place with little build up.

While the heroine should be commended on her forward thinking and feministic attitude, there is not much draw to this story. It does feels authentic and it could be an enjoyable read if the reader is looking for a romp of an erotic romance.

I enjoyed From A Lady to A Maid. A very modern take on the historical romance novel. Our protagonist is strong and determined. Even though she finds herself in a tough situation within a predominantly male environment she manages to stay true to self and retain her voice. I look forward to more offerings from this author.

I enjoyed the book in that Amelia, after escaping her cruel stepfather, was able tro adjust so quickly to being a maid considering she was the daughter of an Earl. The book deals a lot with her day to day chores and her interaction with fellow workers. She has sexual encounters with Harry but never loses her virginity. She encounters Damion, a friend from childhood and they engage in an affair. Eventually he learns who she is and falls in love with her, unfortunately his father had contracted for him to marry Elizabeth. There is a lot that happens in this book, there is a HEA but it does not come easily. The only issue I had with this book was it spent too much time on her chores within the household but I would recommend it for a great read.

Love this story by Cassie O'Brien! The protagonist Lady Henrrieta/ Amelia Brown, live as a maid in the home of a childhood friend. They had not seen each other in years, thus it makes it possible for Amelia to not being recognize. It was important for Amelia to stay hidden due to her stepfather's order that she married one of his friends. As Amelia Brown the maid, Henrrieta fell in love with Daimond Ashton, and when he sees her clearly for the first time, is lust at first sight. Amelia decides to have an affair with Daimond knowing well that he is already promised to be married to lady Elizabeth. He is only
Marring her to secure his title and inheritance but there is no love between them. In fact Elizabeth is really in love with her Beth friend Letty. When Amelia's step father finds her she is not safe any longer and she is pregnant, and to secure the well being of the child both Daimond, and Amelia designed a plan to eliminate the threat her stepfather posses. It is easy to fall in love with both Amelia and Daimond, their story is just too cute. Molly, James and all the other household workers also bring life to this novel.

**ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Hands down one of the best erotic historical romance books out there. This was fabulous and will definitely keep you up reading into the wee hours. Wonderful believable characters, original storyline with some twists and turns you won't see coming. I'd rate this a 5+ star book. Author Cassie O'Brien is going on my "must read" list.

I got hooked the moment I stary3d reading this book.. Amelia hiding from her step father by hiding who she is and working as a maid in order to avoid been married to a detestable man with pain fetish.. she fell for William aka Damon who ended up married to another... Oops.... This is definitely a must read.

I really liked this book. She was such a strong woman. I loved her working as a maid. Very good romance too!

I liked this historical read. Amelia escapes her father and his arranged marriage and becomes a maid for Lord Damian. Sparks fly between Lord Damian and Amelia will they find a way to be together or will her father find her? This is a fast paced read plenty of drama and lots of steam. The story is entertaining but the flow could be better. A good read.

While the blurb has a full paragraph on Amelia escaping her stepfather there is little in the book concerning this. The plot revolves around Amelia working as a maid in Lord Damion, Marquess of Ashton household. The two start an affair and even though Damion is betrothed to another they fall in love.

This book is an erotic historical romance. The erotic scenes are beautifully written and entertaining. However, I found the dialogue to be stilted and too much time is devoted to Amelia’s work in the laundry. It is not a typical historical romance as the characters are more promiscuous than is usually found in historical romance. I did enjoy this book, but I have read better. The author is gifted in crafting emotional charged erotic scenes but it’s the other scenes that let it down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

Lady Henrietta escapes from her locked bedroom and stepfather's attempt to starve her into agreeing to an arranged marriage that will only be of benefit to him. Underage, she must avoid his clutches until she turns twenty-one, and as Amelia Brown, she finds employment in the household of Damion, Marquis of Ashton.High-spirited and fiercely independent, Amelia has a chance encounter with Damion, which establishes a powerful attraction between the two. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Cassie O'Brien is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.

The novel starts with Lady Henrietta working in the household of Damion, the Marquis of Ashton. Whilst the blurb for the book highlights her escape from her stepfather, this was not apparent in the first chapters, making it difficult to equate the two versions. Amelia knows Damion from her childhood but it only when they start their affair, that Damion realises this. It soon becomes apparent that this relationship will face several challenges with Damion betrothed to marry another woman whilst Amelia constantly faces the challenge that she will be recognised and be ‘sold’ by her stepfather, to work in a brothel.
Whilst Damion and Amelia were strong characters, I found their dialogue very stilted and at times, quite unnatural. Whilst the storyline was interesting, the time spent on Amelia’s daily chores plus the forced dialogue, made this a difficult read.
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.