Another great story from Mary Lancaster. This is the second book in the series about 4 young ladies who are ruined when they try to preform their duties for the Princess.
Lady Juliet meets Daniel Stewart and his dog, Gun, on her way home to her family. I enjoyed Daniel's character, he was a kind and thoughtful guy. Juliet and Daniel worked well together, and I am glad they out smarted the villain.

Abandoned to the prodigal by Mary Lancaster

Lady Juliet is left high and dry in London when a completely fictitious story published about a scandalous event she supposedly took part in sees her fiancé throw her out and break off the engagement. Leaving her only enough funds to get the Mail coach home to her parents. She meets Dan at the stage coach where one of the post officials tries to take advantage of her as she has never been in this position, Dan comes to her assistance with disreputable dog ‘Gun’.

A fast moving historical novel featuring intrigue , dastardly plots, romance, drama, humour and a few wonderful characters.

A wonderful historical romantic drama and so much more . 4.5/5

A high 4 ⭐️ read.
I really enjoyed this. And I love this cover! It was my second historical romance by ML and she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love the leading men in her books. Historical romance is my go to for a relaxing, fun and light entertainment and this book check all those boxes. It’s mostly a clean romance if you’re wondering. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. The chemistry was good and this also had adventure.
I highly recommend it.
Thank you Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley for this. I’ve voluntarily given my review.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an advance reader copy of this book. This is the second in the series, and while enjoyable, lacked a bit of the chemistry and intrigue of the first. Juliet and Daniel are thrown together when she is escaping scandal and he is summoned to his estranged and dying grandfather's house. Juliet is beautiful and clever while Daniel is handsome and funny so of course they are drawn to each other. When they arrive home they discover a closer connection between their families and strike up a close friendship.

When Lord Braden comes to exact his revenge on Juliet and her family, Daniel realises that he does not want to let her go. But with 2 (unwanted) suitors competing for Juliet's hand and no real prospects, Daniel has his work cut out for him.

I really liked the fact that the couple became friends, and Juliet is headstrong enough to be an interesting heroine. This book concentrated more on the deep connection between the two, rather than the initial attraction. While refreshing, it just wasn't as much fun to read as the first for me personally. I am looking forward to the third instalment as I really enjoy reading this author's work.

I really like this series. Mary Lancaster does a fantastic job of creating characters that you care about. I was immediately invested in seeing how Juliet and Dan's relationship would evolve. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

The second book in the series was just as much fun as the first, with a charming and different hero and another innocent but resourceful heroine. Lady Juliet Lilburne returns to her fiancé's house, hoping that Jeremy and his family, the Alfords will provide her with an alibi to protect her reputation. When they refuse to let her in the house, let alone help her, she begins a journey to travel back to her parents estate in Yorkshire. A handsome and charming stranger and his dog Gun intervene when she is in danger of being overcharged. They are both travelling to Kidfield, as Dan has been summoned to Myerly by his curmudgeon of a Grandfather, as he says he is on his deathbed.

When they both arrive home, Juliet's parents try and hide her away and want to marry her off to anyone who will have her, either the amoral Jeremy, or the evil Lord Barden. Juliet's only solace are her secret meetings with Dan.

Dan has been more or less estranged from the rest of his family, as his grandfather rejected her Mother, when she married an army officer, rather than Juliet's father. When he reaches a sort of accord with his grandfather, and starts to take an interest in improving his neglected estate, he starts to feel like he might belong a bit.

Will their families let Dan and Juliet marry, and not let the past ruin their future.

I really loved this couple and the dreamy but principled Dan, and his adorable dog. The villanous Lord Barden make another dastardly appearance, but is obviously, eventually vanquished , and who is trying to get rid of Dan?

A fabulous book and an exciting story - highly recommended.

I voluntarily read and advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Lady Juliet is abandoned by her fiancé and his family, in London, after a scandal of which she is innocent. Seeking to return to the family home, she is forced to accept a postal carriage with the little money she has.

When one tries to extort, it is Daniel, a light but honest young man, and his wonderful dog Gun, who helps her, even sharing the food she carried in the bag.

The rest is a fun and light story of a sincere friendship that evolves into love.

I really needed a book like this.

How to survive Scandal

I found myself quite entertained reading this story. Daniel says he is a wastrel, but his actions say otherwise. Lady Juliet is ruined by a scandal, and she is abandoned by her fiancée. Could her reputation ever be salvaged? This story has romance, mystery, scandal, and scoundrels. If you like historical romance, you might enjoy this tale. Scandal as in this book, for a lady of the ton, is no joking matter. However, I found this book to be lighthearted. Lady Juliet and her parents might disagree.

I loved this story. Juliet is a debutant mired in scandal. Daniel is a good hearted, but penniless gentleman. I liked how down to earth both of these characters were. Throw in a cantankerous patriarch, jealous relatives, a repentant ex-bethrothed, an unknown enemy and a villian you'll love to hate and you've got a page turner.
I liked it so much I'm going back to read Hazel's story.
Thank you Mary Lancater, Drangonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This is a wonderful romance that is beautifully written and appropriate for any age level. Juliet has become the victim of revenge that is aimed to hurt her father and ruin her reputation at the same time. Dan comes into her life unexpectedly and the attraction is almost instant. There is a lot going on in this book including revenge, attempted murder and blackmail. This is an excellent read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

Lady Juliet whole world has fallen around her. The Princess has left the country
and never told her maids she was leaving early. So, three young ladies have arrived
to serve her, but she is not there. However, an evil man has set them up by
holding a wild party while they are hidden in a room. They finally escape and hope
that they have not been seen. Nothing goes as planned and naturally there is
an article in the scandal sheets the next morning stating that they had attended
the party. Nothing more is from the truth. She thought that a certain young
man would help her, but he and his family turn her away. Daniel Stewart has been
summoned by his grandfather to return as he is on his deathbed. Of course,
Daniel knows that this is nothing more than a game, but he will return anyway.
Daniel and his dog meet Lady Juliet and help her get a coach home. What
wonderful characters grace this book and the situations they must face.
Great read and a page turner.

So I fell in love with Daniel right away! I loved his easy going approach to life, his devil-may-care attitude and his kindness to others. Juliet is so young but so full of determination. She is "ruined" by an evil man along with 3 of her friends, but she won't let that get the best of her. I NEVER write a spoiler review so I won't tell you all the adventures, both sad and happy that face these young people. I was cheering for Daniel right from the start, and Juliet captured my heart with her strength of character. The supporting cast is simply brilliant! Enjoy every second. Looking forward to #3 in this series!

Miss Juliet Lisbourn has left London to avoid a scandal during her service to the Queen. Her fiancé dumps her when hears of the scandal and dumps her. Her parents have gone to the country so she no must follow them to provide her with an alibi. Waiting to catch a coach she runs into Daniel Stewart and his dog Gun who offer her protection on the trip. Daniel’s reputation is a wastrel and a rogue, but there’s something about Juliet that intrigues him. In the meantime the dastardly Lord Baron is hot on her trail to force her to marry him. This is a captivating story of the prodigal grandson going to see his dying grandfather to make amends and falling in love with the only woman for him, Juliet. Juliet finds Daniel is not exactly what his reputation portraits, he’s a caring and alarmingly honest. Daniel comes to her rescue they discover they all everything they need or want, each others love. You’ll love Gun he’s priceless with his antics in the story. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

This is the second on going story of four young Ladies in Waiting for the Queen that were setup.
Each was told to report to Connaught Place with the understanding they were going abroad with the Princness.
Unknown to them The Princess had already left and a party of the worst of the ton is going on with debauchery and tons of drink . After they hid in the room next to the princess and wait out the night . Then slip out hoping no one saw them. But the evil Lord Barden which we met in " Pursued by the Rake" had other plans for all of them. After he makes sure her betrothed see's the rag of a newspaper telling of the party. She is ruin, abandoned and left to find her own way home. After almost being ripped of trying to buy a ticket a young man steps in to help her. One Mr. Daniel Stewart who is like no one she has every meet. He has thread worn clothes, a very happy disposition even knowing he is poor. He has the largest dog she has ever seen! Gun is a large part of this story and I loved him from the start.... what a sweetheart... As Juliet and Dan get to know each other they find out they have lots in common. His Grandfather lives next door to her father and they have had a Quarrel or feud for many years.
As she puts up with her family disgrace of her, all they think about is what society will say or do.
Only her sister Kitty and her brother Ferdy will speak and spend time with her.
Poor Dan is having trouble of his own with his grandfather summoning all of the family home
to fight over who will get the estate.
These two meet in secret to help each other and as the attraction grows, they will have to fight off
those out to hurt the other. There is lots of humor, wit, fun along with evil and love.
I loved the first book and this one is just as good if not even better due to the character and of course Gun.
I received an ARC from the author and would like to thank her, I am giving my opinion voluntarily .
I hope you get a copy I know you will love it, best to read them in order....

After reading the first in this series, I could not wait for more! As always Mary Lancaster continues to draw me into her stories with her wonderful characters and imagination!
This story runs concurrent with book one with a continuation as to the ladies in waiting for the Princess of Wales who end up in a scandal.
This is Juliet and Daniel's story, oh and let's not forget his dog Gun! Trying to flee the scandal that is brewing and nobody to help her, she makes her way to her family's country house and meets up with Daniel, whose grandfather's estate borders her families.
Daniel has his own problems but the two make a journey toward love with a lot of bumps along the way. Really great story!

Lady Juliet needs a plan and a place to stay. Where else should she turn, but the mother of her betrothed. Except, the scandal rag has made it’s appearance and she is tossed from their home. She decided to take a coach home and happens to meet a dog and his owner-both of whom catch her eye. Daniel has been summoned to his grandfather’s estate. He is reluctant to go, but, would like to know that his mother is taken care of and will not need to remarry unless she truly loves the man in question. He and Juliet take the same coach and it is the start of a friendship between the two outcasts.
Enter Lord Barden, with a letter and the announcement that he would attend her sister’s engagement party. And, her father’s declaration that he might see her married to him, instead of pushing her former betrothed into marriage, Juliet feels trapped. Which one will she marry, who is attempting to kill either her or Daniel and why?

Oh, I really like this book. It is a second in a series and it is a stand alone. In this book the villian is found at the end, so the reader might not understand the political nuances to the villainous act. Other that that, it doesn't have to be read in order.
Originally, I was afraid that this would be set up as a serial novels, but no. Each book is capable on it's own. The heroine and three other ladies-in-waiting to the Queen have been called to a palace to be her companions. When the ladies arrive, they see an orgy going on and they all hide in the waiting room for the Queen. But the Queen isn't there and never was going there. The four ladies were sent fake 'summons'. And the ladies are in disgrace even though they didn't participate. The heroine has returned to her brother's house and been turned out because if the gossip in the newspaper. She has to get to her parents house in the country so she uses a fake name and alone rides in the post carriage. It is a multi stop trip and she is introduced to the hero. He prevents her from being taken advantage of and really, takes her under his wing. He is not much older than she is, but he has been the black sheep of his family and has been dependent on himself for years. He finds a dog who has been his travelling companion and the three of them travel together. The hero rides on the roof and the heroine rides inside. They are going to neighboring estates, so the last leg of the journey, the heroine reveals her name. The hero and heroine continue to meet even after her parents have banished her to her room after the 'party' that caused it all.
This book is very well written with a strong story line and well developed plot. So far, each story has been very different. This story was about a prodigal grandson whose mother was estranged from her father, so the title of the book matched the story. The character are likeable and develop in the story. Their ages are refreshingly close so they have the same ideas. There were no spelling or grammar errors and there was a definite beginning and end. I can't wait for the next book! I recommend with 5 stars.

Abandoned to the Prodigal by Mary Lancaster is the second in her Season of Scandal series and features the dastardly Lord Barden is who determined to ruin four young woman, for purposes known only to himself. Lady Juliet Lilbourne has fled the Princess of Wales' establishment to seek refuge at the home of her betrothed, where she had been staying before being summoned by the princess. Although she can hear the woman's voice, she is denied entrance by the butler, and shortly Jeremy Catesby, the betrothed himself, is standing in front of her breaking the engagement and offering her money to get out of town. Raising her head high, she refused to money and leaves the house, only to stop on the front step and ask the maid where to go to catch a coach to take her the two hundred miles to her father's estate. Once, there, it is obvious she is out of her depth and is about to be swindled when a young gentleman who appears to be on hard times, steps in and arranges things for her. Daniel Stewart and his monster of a dog, Gun, are to rid on the top of the coach she has purchased passage on. He is going to see his grandfather, who is her neighbor, so she offers him a ride and drops him at Myerly. Upon arriving at home, she discovers her ruin has traveled faster than she and she is pretty much banished to her chambers when there are any guests. Will her life ever be the same?

Lancaster has done a remarkable job of telling multiple stories, until they all meet on one sunny morning. Lies, deceptions, family trauma, scandals...This book has it all! Daniel is an endearing man, a truly genuine character who is happy in his life, with one exception: his inability to provide for his mother. Juliet has always been a happy and caring young woman, and still is, if somewhat put upon. The story was told brilliantly; timing perfect. Of course, it is happily ever after, but it took some maneuvering to get to it. Well plotted, good characters...what more can we ask? I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Abandoned to the Prodigal by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #abandonedtotheprodigal

3.5 stars (rounded to 4)
Mary Lancaster has written some really awesome stories, unique characters full of hidden depth and witty conversation. I was a little disappointed in this one. This series hasn't done it for me.

The story starts out with the lady, Juliet, in disgrace (through no fault of her own). She is thrown out by her host, and when she goes to her fiancee, he offers her money to go home, and she declined out of pride. I think there's backbone and there's stupid pride. If you have no money and you have to travel home alone, the extra coin can mean keeping you safe or making your way fully. So begins our heroine's journey.

Juliet meets our hero Dan on the journey home, and the conversation comes out a little uninspired. Like her telling the hero's dog she has nothing for him to eat, the hero telling her the dog likes him, and then her asking why she named the dog such. It's every day pleasant conversation but I am not sure I want to read that. I want to see the spark of something captivating and I don't feel it here.

Flaws aside, this is a perfectly readable book. The story picks up a little once she is home. I hope the series pick up and maybe leave the villain out of it. I don't think he needs to be the driving force in so many of the stories and to have a change of how the fall out changed the ladies lives would be best.

(Not posted online but thoughts for the author:
I think some editing would help, looking at the chapters and trying to determine if all the conversation and moments really help add any value. )

Despite the background of malicious betrayal and revenge, this delightful Regency romance is light-hearted, witty, and humorous. Not only ruined but rejected by her fiancé, Lady Juliet determines to take the stagecoach back home and runs into her first obstacle by way of a massive dog of indeterminable breed, called Gun. Gun's owner, Daniel Stewart, proves to be a true gentleman, even though he doesn't hold a title. His easy manner and cheerful approach to life are just what Juliet needs after the disaster she has left in the city. Juliet's homecoming is less than stellar especially when she realises that her family has already been appraised of the situation that had been engineered by a dishonourable man. Daniel, on the other hand, has to face not only his disgruntled grandfather but a household of sneering relatives as well. Daniel quickly comes to understand that the old man has called his family together, not to make peace with them, but to set them up against each other with the sole purpose of sitting back to watch the show. With nothing to lose, Daniel faces up to his grandfather, reminding him of his duty to his estate and despite the old man's bad temper, refuses to pander to him. Taking respite in the woods around their respective estates, Daniel and Juliet meet again and find in each other relief from the pressures at home. When Juliet's situation explodes, her only refuge is in Daniel, although one wonders whether she hasn't jumped straight from the fat into the fire. As I reluctantly came to the end of this book, I was hard-pressed to decide who the true hero of the story was: Daniel or Gun. They were inseparable and together provided hilarious moments throughout the book. Although the series is far from complete, this story is a standalone and comes to a happy and romantic conclusion. I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.