The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After (The Lady Travelers Society, #4) by Victoria Alexander Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. Such fun with old friends and new ones. Violet ...married to avoid scandal....James ..kissed the wrong girl...or did he? Like always Victoria brings you into to book and keeps you there... the laughs, tears, angst, adventure, misunderstandings, travels and steam all get us to a very HEA.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic Entertaining Happily Ever After Informative Witty Wonderful characters Great world building Easy-to-read Steamy Page-turner

I love a good second chance romance. This story is a very slow burn which sometimes works for me and sometimes does not work. I must say I really did not like Violet. Yes, James made some mistakes but so did she and her thinking that he was the one who had to atone for everything was just wrong. James, on the other hand, I really did like. He was genuinely remorseful. I loved reading about places I have visited and seeing them through the eyes of those from long ago. Oh, to be able to travel so extensively back then would have been a treat. Overall, I liked the book and especially James.

At a ball, celebrating his engagement announcement no less, James Branham, heir to the Earl of Ellsworth "accidentally" kissed Violet Hagan and was forced to marry her.

Despite being forced to marry, Violet has always secretly loved James and she is happy to call him her husband. That is, until the day after their wedding when James confronts her with the fact that he's not ready to be married and he only did so out of an obligation to her - so as not to see her ruined. He promptly suggests they continue to live their lives as before: separately.

Broken-hearted, Violet agrees, and takes the word "separately" to heart asking for nothing more than the means to travel and never having to see James again.

Now, nearly six years later, James and Violet are back together again. After the death of James's Uncle, he's set to inherit the Ellsworth title. But his Uncle included a stipulation in his will: James and Violet must live together for three years, be seen in public, not cause any scandals, and not be apart for more than fourteen days each year. Otherwise, both James and Violet will lose everything.

As they set out to fulfill the stipulations of the will, they both realize that, in six years, quite a lot has changed. They are no longer the same people from before, and they might just realize where they went wrong in their marriage.

The fourth book in the Lady Travelers Society series (and as far as I can tell the last) turns out to be a prequel story. While this will be perfect for someone who picks up Happily Ever After without having read the previous books, I found myself slightly confused at first. Yes, we are given a date at the beginning of the book, but I honestly didn't check it against the others. It's as I was reading and certain events are mentioned, or not, that I put the pieces together. So as a forewarning, this book takes place before the first full-length book in the series, but the epilogue rounds out the entirety of the series rather sweetly, hence the idea that this is, in fact, that final book (although don't quote me on that).

I thought it was interesting, the idea that traveling takes more of a backseat. Instead the focus is placed upon Violet and James discovering who the other person has become since their separation. There was a very interesting commentary placed upon the women's role in society at this time. How women are required to marry and be supported by their husbands, and not want for anything - at least not speak about wanting for anything. It's not an uncommon topic in historicals, but I felt like Victoria Alexander took it a step further and gives us such a wonderful variety of women, some who have lived the status quo, but many more who, for one reason or another, are not married. We see them make their own way and thrive on their own wit and resourcefulness.

Nowhere is this more clear than when the narrative leaves London and makes its way to Paris, Florence, and Athens respectively. We see the life that Violet built for herself, nearly by herself, for six years. We see how much she's gained from her independence. An opportunity she never would have had, had she and James remained married in the conventional sense. Violet thrives, and she's more successful at it than James who has no inclination for travel and tends to rely on his born privilege when it comes to how he's lived his life thus far. I loved seeing Violet in her element. In the places she's called home and the varied friends she's made throughout the years. I loved even more the idea of James's eyes being opened.

But James also invariably hurt Violet. She went into the marriage seeing things a certain way and her world was rocked when it turned out as something else. So, she certainly has trust issues, and things aren't helped along knowing of James's many dalliances over the years. But in order for things to work out, Violet has to being trusting James again. If not, if she just can't then their marriage will never work anyway.

Happily Ever After is an interesting look at marriage and love and the way we often change as people, and sometimes that means our goals and hopes and dreams still align with those around us, sometimes it may not, or sometimes you become aligned with someone whom you were previously misaligned.

Of course Poppy, Effie, and Gwen, who one can consider our three tour guides of the journey of this series are present for all the goings on, as well as to enforce the specifications of the will. It's safe to say our three friends certainly have their work cut out for them this time.

I've enjoyed this series immensely. Victoria Alexander has done a wonderful job detailing the exotic travelling excursions our various characters have undertaken, all while tapping into what's really important in the heart.

James and Viola didn't expect to be married to one another. In fact, James was engaged to Viola's friend. But one drunken mistake (James's) and one all-to-understood-overhearing (Viola's) later and the two are married and then separated faster than you can say lickety-split.
For seven years, Viola has traveled the world. Both she and James have heard rumors of the romances of the other. And now they'll have to face those rumors, and each other, head on because James's uncle, the Earl of Ellsworth has died, and has left strict instructions that James and Viola must follow in order to inherit his estate since the bulk of it is not entailed and the earl was free to leave it to whomever he wants. At least according to his firm of lawyers.
This book gets us to care about Viola and James and shows us a lot of growth out of each. Along with the help with our Lady Travelers who are the ones overseeing whether or not Viola and James stick to the terms of the will. I didn't love that there were a couple of Big Misunderstandings at the end; they could have been done without, but it was overall a nice read.

Four stars
This book comes out August 27th
Follows The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

This was a well-written, entertaining book. Violet and James married to avoid scandal. When Violet found out James had not wanted to get married, she found solace in traveling the world - without him. Then James inherits the earldom and finds out that to receive his inheritance he and Violet need to live together as husband and wife. They get to know each other, something they had never done before. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #4 in the Lady Travelers Society series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

The Lady Travelers Society Guide to Happily Ever After is - a mouthful - the fourth and seeming final book in the series, though it can be read as a stand-alone. Truthfully, the series can be read in any order, as this one takes place after the novellas but before the three full length novels. Very confusing, but I’m sure Ms. Alexander had her reasons.

This is the story of a separated married couple reuniting as dictated by the terms of a will for the purpose of an inheritance, blah blah blah. It’s a lot of fun, with great descriptions of the places traveled, but because I felt the subject was weightier (he continued his whorish ways after marriage for a while, she did not - ugh), I didn’t find it nearly as fun or funny as book 3, TLTSG to Deception with an Unlikely Earl (that one was both fun and hilarious - the old ladies in Egypt!)

The author know how to write an engaging romance, and I’ll undoubtedly her her work in the future, but this one just left me feeling uncomfortable.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I. Loved. This. Book.

I devoured it, making the critical error of picking it up after dinner on a Tuesday. 10/10 would never read on a weeknight again. But who needs sleep, right?

While it was nearly as sweeping in geographic scope as the last installment, it was a trifle less atmospheric. However, I believe that may have been due to the fact that it needed to cover that many more miles in sheer character development - holy cow! The growth of these two beautifully flawed characters was a wonder. I loved that although they both made mistakes, and there were plenty of misunderstandings abounds, they also showed an amazing amount empathy and emotional maturity - towards themselves and one another. It was as refreshing as it was deeply satisfying.

And the story was just fun. The banter, the hijinks and shadowy manipulations by various senior citizens, the continental adventure - all added up to a sparkling installment in what has been an eminently enjoyable series.

This review is based on an advance copy provided by the publisher, through NetGalley.

The latest 'Lady Traveler's Guide' is a tale of a youthful mistake finally rectified. James stealing a kiss from Violet at his engagement party, an engagement to someone else was scandalous. His married Violet, and then told her they'd be leading separate lives...despite the fact he had feelings for her. She never told him about hers for him, but left to travel Europe as was his offer.
When his uncle passed the will had stipulations they must abide by and the tale of their journey follows. Their discoveries about themselves and each other lead to a closeness they probably would not have achieved if they stayed together.
It's a sweet historical with some bumps in the road for the couple. Colorful with characters and locations, this tale held my interest from start to finish. I recommend for anyone who loves to read historical romance.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

For the past seven years, Viola Branham has enjoyed the luxury of traveling the world as an independent woman, and confining her awkward past to a distant, if painful, memory. But now she has been summoned home to England over a stipulation in the will of her late uncle, the Earl of Ellsworth, one that decrees she lose everything unless she reconciles with the man who broke her heart and ruined her life—her husband.

Fourth in a series, but functioning fine as a standalone, this second chance romance features the edict of will and MCs* who have lived separate lives for the last six years after a marriage of convenience (after a steamy kiss was witnessed).  This is a Victorian era romance, featuring trains, boats, and on occasion carriages.  

For whatever reason, the books I have been reading lately are second chance romances.  And to be honest, its not really my favorite trope so I already enter with a certain bias.  But I do like marriages of convenience, and in that sense this was fun.

And although we don't really get to see the character growth, as it has occurred over the lapse of time not on page, it is there.  Ultimately I think the lack of set up and that missing element of reading the character growth made it a little harder for me to connect with the MCs.  However Victoria Alexander is a pro and introduced a lot of light, laughter and wit into her characters interactions. 

After James' uncle passes away, his will carries some big strings to inheritance.  Mainly, he is forcing James and Viola to cohabitate for the next several years.  For Viola, slowing down her European adventures and settling down in London feels impossible.  And she doesn't trust James.  At all.  Especially not with her heart.

A lot of the conflict is that rebuilding of trust and learning/relearning each other.  The ending is really sweet and worth suffering through some saggier bits in the middle.  

I like the fairy godmother element here, and wished it was played up a bit more, but I think they make an appearance in the series so its worth checking out more of the Lady Travelers to see the matchmaking magic happen.

I recommend this for readers who like a quieter, slower pace second chance romance with some European adventures.

Publish date: August 27, 2019

 4 out of 6  Second chance romance with a whirlwind Europe tour

Publisher's Description:

Before there was a Lady Travelers Society, there was just one lady traveler…

Some marry for love. Some marry for money. But Violet Hagen’s quick wedding to irresponsible James Branham, heir to the Earl of Ellsworth, was to avoid scandal.
When James inherits the earldom it comes with a catch. To receive his legacy he and Violet must live together as husband and wife in a convincing fashion for three years.

This is Book 4 of the Lady Travelers Society series. There are a few novellas thrown in for good measure but this is the fourth full length novel.
I love Victoria's characterization and each of the books can be easily read as a standalone and you will never be lost.
Violet and James were just meant to be even though they spent the first six years of their marriage living apart. Violet traveled the world at James' expense and never would have thought to come back to the man that never wanted to marry her.
This is another delightful addition to this series. I gave this book 4.4 of 5.0 stars for characterization and plot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This was an interesting novel, but definitely not what I was anticipating. I was expecting a Victorian bodice ripper of a book, and this was much more about the transformation and evolution of the main characters and how they grow and change towards each other. (More like historical women's fiction rather than romance, IMHO) I definitely enjoyed it and it kept me interested!

This books is a second chance romance sort of. For Violet she’s always been the one who’s been in the back and ignored. When a scandal occurs forcing her to marry the man she loves, well it can’t bad right? James Branham is not ready for marriage but marrying Violet is the right thing including the choice he makes after their marriage or so he thinks. Those choices lead them to live separately for 6 years.

Now those two will have to deal with each other to meet the standards of the late Earles will if not hey wish to keep living their lives. How hard can it be? They both have to learn to trust and forgive.

It’s quite the book and I did enjoy it.

The plot and motivations seem totally contrived. So you have to suspend a whole lot of disbelief. James seems to have been a total jerk as a young man and ends up married to Violet. When she overhears his obnoxious view of how their marriage should proceed the day after their wedding, she flames up and takes off for six years traveling throughout Europe and developing into a sophisticated, independent woman.

Now they have to live together to fulfill the requirements of the will of James’ uncle. You know what is going to happen. Once Violet gets over being ticked at him, their relationship develops into a more mature relationship except for the occasional fit of anger or jealousy.

If you’re willing to put up with a charming hero who has matured beyond the arrogant and selfish jerk he was just six years earlier, then you might enjoy this novel.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After by Victoria Alexander. Harlequin, 2019.

In this historical romance, James and Violet marry for flimsy reasons, much too young. Although each enjoys a loving relationship with his uncle, the Earl, they live separately, contriving to avoid meeting each other for six years, until his uncle’s will stipulates that they must live together to receive the financial part of James’ inheritance.

Although these plot elements will be familiar to many regency romance readers, the story is better than average. Readers will enjoy meeting and getting to know James and Violet, likeable, believable characters, and reading descriptions of what they do to fulfill his uncle’s requirements.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Violet and James took a long time to get it together, but it sure was fun to read about the fireworks! This book is a sweet read about two people who marry before they have the maturity to know who they are, and run as quickly as they can. I loved seeing Violet grow into a confident lady, and James stumble as quickly as he could after her.

James tends to be a little demanding, “forgive me if it sounded like a question. It wasn’t.” James does love to rattle his woman, “that sounded very much like a wife to me,” he called after her." James likes to give his woman pointers, “if you did decide to seduce me, might I suggest you wear something else?” he said." I liked this book, I liked James.

James, the Earl of Ellsworth, ruined Lady Viola's life six years ago when he created a scandal by kissing her at a ball, married her, then sent her away before giving their marriage a chance to work. Viola spent the last six years traveling the world and becoming a confident young woman. Forced together again by the late Earl's will, James and Viola must abide by the terms of the will if James is to inherit the earldom and all that entails.

This was an enjoyable story, although there is no real villain here except the stubborn hero and heroine. Viola is determined to make her husband atone for his treatment of her all those years ago. James had finally matured and realizes what a mistake he made when he let Viola walk out of his life and now he wants to woo and win her back. Ms. Alexander clearly did research for all of the sites listed in the book, but I found some of the descriptions too much and skipped paragraphs at a time. There are a series of misunderstandings that create minor conflicts throughout the book. I did love the 3 older lady trustees of the will. I wished there was more about them in the epilogue because so much was made of their financial constraints. Did James and Viola take care of them in the end?

Violet was placed in an untenable situation at a very young age. Married suddenly to a man she actually adores who married her out of obligation. An overheard conversation leads to an estrangement that lasts longer than either could imagine. Forced back together to satisfy the terms of a will, the sparks fly. An entertaining read with two characters who you will root for and enjoy.

This was an unexpectedly sweet, quieter type of romance—I love older couples getting their act together after many years, and while I wish there had been a bit more drama, this was satisfyingly mature.

Really thoroughly enjoyed this book and this series! I am very sad that this is the last one. The characters, the story line the locations all made the stories fun to read and this book is a great addition.