Regency Romance with Mystery and Humor

A man claims to be engaged to Prudence, but her father remembers no such promise. There is mystery surrounding the man. At the same time a lady sponsors Prudence for a season in London, the mysterious man disappears. Lord Ambrose, a marquess whose parents were murdered for a diamond appears on the scene. As Prudence navigates the ton, there is a mystery to solve about a stranger pretending to be engaged to her, a disappeared diamond, and a long-ago murder. How does it all connect, and how will it all end? In the meantime, the lady is falling in love with a man, opposite of what she thinks she should desire. She thinks she should love a mild-mannered man, and Ambrose is anything but mild. If you like Regency romance with humor and mystery, you might enjoy this story.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Prudence Landry, daughter of the Earl of Copeland, needs a miracle and a hero. A gentleman has recently arrived in the neighbourhood and claims that she has agreed to marry him, and won't take no for an answer. A message that Lord Copeland was able to send to his cousin, Lady Featherstone, is their only hope, and luckily she answers, and brings Lord Ryland to help. Lady Featherstone proclaims that Prudence is to be her girl to launch, and Ryland never lets a mystery go unsolved. It doesn't hurt that Prudence is so beautiful too, but the fact that she is wary around him is a cause for concern. Can he solve her case, and the case of his father's murder, while also convincing Prudence she doesn't want a weak willed and mild mannered husband, but someone more like himself?

This had more of a mystery aspect than the previous books, but it was definitely enjoyable. Every year, Lord Ryland had been proposed as a potential husband for the ladies the Society were launching, but Prudence was the first one that he has shown more than a polite interest in. The moments between them were all so cute, though Prudence had walls up following the actions of 'Lord' Luckstone that Ambrose had to climb. I really enjoyed the secondary plot line of the Lisbon diamond, and the riddles and clues which tied the Landry and Ryland family's together. Little Tommy was such a hoot, and he saved the day on more than one occasion. We got to see a few more of our past couples in this book, and with the next one being the final in the series, I hope they all make reappearances at some point.

I love this series! I have read all of them, and they are very funny and sweet. In this book, our heroine is Lady Prudence Landry who lives with her elderly father, and is being hounded by a guy who keeps coming to their house and insisting they're engaged. Enter Lady Featherstone, everyone's favourite sleuth (!) who comes to the rescue and takes Prudence under her wing.

She's introduced to the Marquess of Ryland, who we have met in each previous book as he hosts the annual mystery dinner - where attendees have to solve a murder over their dinner. Prudence finds Ambrose's fairly forthright manner a bit overwhelming and is determined to find a more peaceful sort of husband.

The book has a mystery, funny butlers and a lovely ending. Highly recommend. I've actually now read all of Kate Archer's back catalogue and they're all super.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Lady Prudence Landry, only daughter of the Earl of Copeland, has been besieged by Lord Luckstone. He has told the neighborhood that they are engaged and he attempts admittance to the house daily. She never agreed to such a thing and she and her elderly father have all but barricaded themselves inside. When there seems nowhere to turn, the earl sends an urgent message to his cousin, Lady Featherstone.

Lady Featherstone is baffled by Lord Luckstone, but there is nothing she likes so much as a mystery. She sets off for Kent with the redoubtable Lady Heathway, determined to bring Lady Prudence to London. It is finally her turn to act as mama to a charming young lady.

No one can understand why Lord Luckstone, if that is who he truly is has deiced that Lady Prudence is his fiancé. Especially Lady Prudence. Then comes Lady Featherstone and The Society of Sponsoring Ladies to the rescue.
This was a very enjoyable read and well written.

Kate Archer is a favorite author and this series has been enjoyable. The Jilter is the best book yet in the series, as the adopting ladies have gained character as we get to know them better. I'd love a book with one of them as the lead! The humor really adds to the plot line, perfect for Regency fans, especially those fans of Bridgerton!

This is one of those books that you might get into faster if you've followed the entire series. It got to a slow start but the pace picks up after everyone has been introduced. I started from book five and in the first chapters I got told about a whole host of society matrons that I had trouble keeping straight in my head. The long story short, these ladies have an interest in solving crimes and launching young women into society. Lady Featherstone invites Prudence and her father to stay with her in London. Prudence has had a nasty experience with a pushy man who took on the role of her fiance without her say-so and wants to marry a mild-tempered man who wouldn't boss her around . Lord Ryland is nothing but mild, he's got a forceful presence but he proves handy to have hanging around in dangerous situations. There are villains who have committed murder and are looking for a precious jewel. The identity 0f the villains is not a mystery to the reader and the location of the jewel was fairly easy to guess at well, so despite the background of the crime solving society this story is less about solving crime than Prudence deciding whether she can tolerate a man with a strong personality.It would be easier to see the main couple's process of falling in love if they interacted more throughout. I liked the general style of writing and this was a pleasant read overall.

A lovely addition to A Series of Worthy Young Ladies series. This is the fifth installment, and each story has been delightful and entertaining and this one was no different. This time it is Lady Featherstone’s turn to sponsor a young lady. Prudence is the latest to be launched into society by The Society of Sponsoring Ladies. With the help of Lady Featherstone and Marquis of Ryland, Ambrose Thorpe, she escapes a false engagement, but unfortunately the conspiracy follows her to London. Ambrose is the founder of the Society for Advancing Criminal Knowledge. He is attracted to Prudence, but he is investigating the murder of his father. Although a bit overwhelmed by his demeanor, Prudence is also drawn to Ambrose. She has had her fill of dominating men, and at first doesn't see Ambrose as marriage material. But as she meets more men around town and gets to know Ambrose more, she realizes he is the perfect man for her.
The story was charming and enjoyable and Ambrose and Prudence were an intriguing couple. I also enjoyed the witty banter between them. The story was engaging and entertaining and Ms. Archer did a nice job with vivid descriptions which really made the story and characters come to life. Another wonderful addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

First of all I have to say that the name Ambrose for the male character in the book is sublime. I truly did enjoy the mystery and intrigue of the story behind Prudence and her mysterious stalker. All the characters were charming. Thomas was my favorite though. His genuine heart and kind spirit throws a blanket over Ambrose, Prudence and her father. I thought the book was a fun read that provided me with a lot of entertainment. I did think that Prudence and Ambrose romance took awhile to bloom, but in the end it turned into something very sweet.

My new favorite in a series of favorites! Archer never fails me with her frothy comedy and sweet romances, but The Jilter surpasses them all, with a solid comedy-mystery plot and a truly swoonworthy romance. Truly, I can't say enough good things.

My thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit that I found myself a little lost given that this is book #5 in the series. Things are explained, but you get the feeling that part of Lord Ryland's story was told in the earlier books. However, I enjoyed reading it. It is very light and not particularly deep, but as a good weekend book, this is quite good.

The Jilter by Kate Archer is another in the Series of Worthy Young Ladies. In this series, a group of older noble ladies without daughters have determined to find a young lady to whom each can act as sponsor for her season; one who would otherwise have no season. It has been extremely successful so far. Lady Featherstone has received a letter from a distant relative of her husband’s, explaining that he and his daughter are trapped in the house by a young man who is spreading it far and wide that he is her fiance. He is not, nor will he ever be. The Earl of Copeland is asking for Lady Featherstone’s assistance in ridding them of this man. She sees her chance and departs immediately. Her friend, Lady Heathway, accompanies her and when he hears of it, Lord Ryland, races to meet them, fearful for their safety. The are able to retrieve the young lady, Prudence Hastings, and return to London, ostensibly for her season.


This story has an entertaining plot, kind of complicated. Lord Ryland is immersed in mysteries. The primary one being the death of his father, but he enjoys putting other ne’er-do-wells out of their misery as well. He has been searching for the three men who killed his father for years amongst his other pursuits. Lady Featherstone is a compatriot, clever, but not always accurate. This new mystery, why Lord Luckstone is spreading to all the gossips that he is affianced to Lady Prudence, is an intriguing, if aggravating mystery, to be sure. There is also the mystery of the huge diamond that has gone missing, if it every existed. Lord Ryland is a good hero and Lady Featherstone is amusing but the prized goes to Tommy, a young boy who was left behind when Luckstone departed and has attached himself to Prudence’ father. He is entertaining in his creativity and his personality. He makes the book, proving himself to be more than just a pest.
Good read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Jilter by Dragonblade, through Netgalley

Lady Featherstone is one of the matrons who desperately wanted a daughter and hadn't managed to have their own. The society of sponsoring worthy young ladies was formed to give them the pleasure of launching a "daughter" in society. The Lady is also extremely fond of solving problems.

Lady Prudence Landry our young heroine in this book is being almost hunted by a man who ignores her wishes.

Our hero has set himself the task of solving as many crimes as he possibly can. So when a mysterious man is making a nuisance of himself it's Lord Ryland who will investigate.

I love the characters in this story, especially young Thomas. You will meet a few of the characters from previous books in the series, but each book can be read on it's own. There are lots of giggles and a little danger to keep every page flying past. It also, (just to please these particular characters) has a complicated mystery to solve.

Great fun.

It is Lady Featherstone's turn to sponsor a young lady for the Season. After receiving a letter from the Earl of Copeland, Lady Featherstone sets off for the country to help not only the Earl, but his daughter, Lady Prudence as well. Ambrose Thorpe, Marquess of Ryland also sets off after Lady Featherstone as there is a mystery to solve which is the Marquess's specialty.
The story is fun, loved Thomas's character and the advanced baby (Bwandbaba). There is mystery, nasty villians, and intrigue. Well-written.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. While the books are stand alone books, you would probably enjoy it more to read all of the books in the series.

This was such a cute and cozy mystery that I could read and enjoy over and over again! Well written and characters that are so full of life!

I do greatly enjoy this series in all its absurd splendour! The antics of the ladies of the Society of Sponsoring Ladies seems to foreshadow the complexity of their worthy young ladies. These older women are a kooky bunch, though much to be loved. The stories are told with whimsy and wonder and always some absurdity. In this story Lady Prudence is being importuned by a zealous suitor and the only solution is to send her to the city where she might find a better husband. Enter Lady Featherstone to be her guiding hand. Lord Ryland has always been a favourite of this sleuth-minded lady, so it is no wonder that we find her championing his suit. The story plays out whilst solving a few mysteries that may or not intersect. The entire story is wonderfully splendid and entertaining much like an old madcap mystery.

Ambrose, Marquess of Ryland, finally, meets his match in The Jilter. He definitely comes on strong due to his desire to right wrongs in society, which is off putting to Prudence, the jilter. Prudence being the new ‘project’ for Lady Featherstone and the Society of Sponsoring Ladies. There are what seems to be numerous ongoing issues and underlying connections that take a while to weave together, but makes for a beautiful romance between Prudence and Ambrose as he helps her ‘jilt’ her would-be beau.

Although a stand-alone romance, there are items from previous books that will tickle your funny bone and have you laughing, such as the secret butler society, the darling and super-smart granddaughter and her antics or those of her ‘grandmother.’ In addition, newly brought to the ‘family’ is little Thomas, Prudence’s father’s page. He is a story all on his own. Either way, you will love the way Kate Archer brings all of these characters together to enjoy in this clean romance!

The matchmakers of the ton are at it again. Only this time a distant cousin needs help. Our mysterious secondary character has been drawn into this conundrum.
Wonderful continuing saga but you dont need to read previous books to enjoy this one. What I REALLY enjoy are the extended epilogs that go farther and give cute and quirky futures for all the characters. I absolutely enjoy Kate Archer books.!!
I would buy them even if I didn't get them free!
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely a light read.
Honestly I was a little bored by this book. Prudence was just dull and one dementional. I didn't care about her at all and the plot was thin.
Prudence needs help to escape an unwanted suitor who claims they are engaged even though neither she nor her father agreed.
Ryland is tasked by leads Featherstone to help. Ryland is obsessed with solving crimes as his father's murder remains unsolved.
Ryland was a little more interesting than Prudence. The plot about the diamond and the suitor was barely used I feel.
This just was a weak attempt in my opinion.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Kate Archer writes sweet Regency Romance. Her current novels (A series of Worthy Young Ladies) features six Society matrons who have no daughters to bring out and marry off. They feel the lack sorely, so they have formed “The Society of Sponsoring Ladies.” Each of the matrons is tasked with identifying a worthy young girl who needs launching, and who cannot, for a variety of reasons, depend upon a mother of her own. (See my review of Book 1 - The Meddler.)

Book 5 - The Jilter is being released today!

In this novel, the matron is Lady Featherstone, a Viscountess, who is known among her friends for her devotion to solving mysteries – all in good fun. She adores the monthly gatherings at her friend Lord Ryland’s home, where a mix of people gather to hear details of often gory crimes, then put their heads together to try to solve them. Once a year, Lord Ryland holds a mystery ball with a similar theme, but the mystery is a constructed one, or at least one where the answer is already known to Lord Ryland. The person who solves the mystery during the ball wins a prize. Lady Featherstone has won it two years running. Now, she turns her attention, slightly, from solving mysteries to match-making.

The young lady is Prudence Copeland, daughter of the Earl of Copeland, a distant cousin of Lady Featherstone. He is a widower. Prudence is a retiring sort of girl, content to stay in the country and care for her father, who is not particularly well. But now there is a crisis. A stranger has come to their village, a Lord Luckstone. Ever since his arrival, he has claimed to be betrothed to Prudence with her father’s blessing. A complete falsehood. But the man tries every day to gain entrance to the house and has spread his false claim all through their town. The earl wants his daughter removed to the safety of London, and asks Lady Featherstone for help, on the basis of their slight acquaintance.

Lady Featherstone hastens to fetch the girl.

When Lord Ryland hears of this, fearing something dangerous is afoot, he chases after her and offers assistance. Upon meeting Prudence, he’s quickly smitten.

Lord Ryland is an imposing, powerful man. His odd hobby is actually a vocation. When he was just a boy, his father was murdered by highwaymen. Ryland has devoted his life to bringing the murderers to justice. While searching for them, he has helped solve or prevent many other crimes.

Prudence arrives in London and acquires suitors quickly, Lord Ryland chief among them. Unfortunately, Prudence is now gun-shy because of Luckstone’s overbearing manner. She wants a mild-mannered man. And Lord Ryland frightens her as much as he attracts her. There is another who seems to her more suitable, a Mr. Clamarin, who is in Lord Ryland’s circle and who has insinuated himself into Ryland’s crime-solving activities. He’s very gentle and kindly. But, she discovers, he is also cowardly and lacking in societal niceties.

What neither Ryland nor Prudence knows is that Clamarin and Luckstone are in cahoots. And it isn’t Prudence they are pursuing but a piece of jewelry they suspect is in her possession. But they have to steal the jewel quickly because it appears Ryland is closing in, and preventing one crime might solve the mystery of another.

Ryland’s pursuit of Prudence is very sweet (a little patronizing, but sweet.) Prudence grows from a timid and traumatized debutante to a more confident and strong young woman, surer of what she wants.

This is a pleasant, quick Romance with likeable protagonists, stumbling villains, and a kind supporting cast.

This series has not disappointed. Each book could stand alone but reading them in order is great. Prudence was such a likable young lady who just wants to find the right person to spend her life with. Ryland is a very straightforward no nonsense guy, Mr Vance is a kind and friendly guy. Who will she choose. Read it and find out.