If you love a Regency Historical Fiction novel, look no further. Just be ready for a crazy ending!

After losing her fiance and soulmate, Lady Petra decides to use her mothers inheritance to live off of instead of looking for a man to keep by her side. During 1815 in London, that was unheard of. When Petra hears of a dear friend's suspicious death, she starts to look into it. She discovers a private asylum where men can take their wives and daughters to be locked away. Petra starts to wonder if her friend is actually dead, or being kept in this facility.

I loved Petra, her independence and fiery heart was so refreshing. Feminism radiated from every chapter of this novel. While Petra wants to crush social norms she also doesn’t want to ruin her family's reputation, but some things are just more important.

The beginning of this novel was very slow for me. I loved the hints of romance but really wish there was more in this department. The ending of this novel took me by surprise. I love a good cliffhanger but also need some closure. I do think that regency novels might not be for me!

The narrator did a great job portraying the voices. I switched back and forth between physical, ebook and audio!

Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman ahead of her time. Thanks to her mother's will, she is in complete control of her own fortune. Her father is fond and indulgent, so she's left to pretty much do as she pleases, which is not at all the normal state of affairs in England in the early 1800s. She was once engaged, but her fiancé died in a fall and after that, Petra has decided to remain a spinster of independent means. The only unhappiness in her life is her estrangement from her childhood best friend, Duncan Shawcross. She's been writing to him for the past few years they've been apart, only to never receive a reply. She's therefore unsettled to learn he's returned from his travels and is back in town . . .

Meanwhile, at a society ball (are there any others?) Petra is startled to learn from a footman that her friend, Gwen, who has unfortunately been reported to have died in a fit, has recently been spotted very much alive. When Petra decides to dig into this mystery, she is suddenly thrust into a dangerous world where women are at the mercy of unscrupulous men.

I really enjoyed the plucky Petra and her loyal band of friends. The historical events portrayed are not at all outside the realms of possibility, so it was quite an uncomfortable read at times. I enjoyed the narrator's characterizations and how the characters were portrayed. Since the book ended on something of a surprising revelation, I'm hoping there's going to be a sequel!

This is a compelling mix of mystery, romance, and thriller, and a look at how few rights women had at that time. Lady Petra is impetuous, headstrong and somewhat naive. She has strong convictions and the best intentions but does seem to step in it quite a lot. Duncan Shawcross, her former childhood friend, is a great foil to Petra's character, and their misunderstandings fuel the plot in many ways. The villain in this story is so very evil, as are the men who help him. These men made my skin crawl -- I was glad I was listening rather than reading this book as I wasn't reading it before bed!

It's a strong look at the harsh treatment of women, even women of means, in early 1800s London. There were parts that touched on mental health as well as mistreatment of others, as well as some sheer suspense.The narrator did an excellent job with voices and characters. I would highly recommend to anyone who likes audio books, and to bear with it; it starts out slow but picks up steam shortly!

I listened to the audiobook version, which is well narrated by Eilidh Beaton. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I had some issues with this book. I can't pin-point exactly what is is. I had to DNF, it could be the narrator. I've read that the audiobook is better than reading it, but sometimes I have issues with books that have a slow start. This one does. Another is the characters, there were too many. I ended up having to DNF, I hate doing that! Maybe the ebook would be better for me?

This was a super fun read and my 1st by Celeste Connally but is definitely not going to be my last! I absolutely love that Lady Petra is smashing the patriarchy and kicking ass in her own way! And solving crimes along the way! I can't wait to see what she gets up to in the next book and where her relationship with her life-long best friend goes! I don't think she's out of the love game quite yet!

Lady Petra Forsyth, who lost her fiance in an accident, has decided never to marry again. This is quite a shock to society in London, 1815. But Petra has made up her mind to enjoy her life and freedom as best she can without her love, even while having to take on the mocking title of "spinster." But when women around Petra start disappearing, she discovers something shocking. Men are paying to have their daughters and wives put into an asylum, for crimes such as feeling sad, speaking their minds, or being too independent. The asylum is run by a cruel and dangerous man. Lady Petra, who dares to ride astride instead of sidesaddle and possesses her own fortune, is in danger as well. Can she stop this man for good?

This is a compelling mashup of mystery, romance, and thriller, and a look at how few rights women had at that time. Lady Petra is a strong, determined woman who is not easily fooled. Duncan Shawcross, her former childhood friend, is a great foil to Petra's character, and their misunderstandings fuel the plot in many ways. The villain in this story is oh, so evil, as are the men who help him. The first 25 percent of the book moves a little slowly for me, but then the pace picks up dramatically and the action doesn't stop until the end.

I listened to the audiobook version, which is well narrated by Eilidh Beaton.

This is a strong look at the harsh treatment of women, even women of means, in early 1800s London. It will transport you to that time and take you on an adventure with a memorable main character.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I ended up DNF’ing at 55%. The story and mystery just weren’t grabbing my attention. And I wasn’t feeling attached to any of the characters.

The narration was very well done, and almost had me finishing, but the story itself just wasn’t enough to keep my attention.

When Lady Petra’s betrothed dies shortly before their wedding, she vows that she will never again entertain the idea of marriage, a shocking proclamation for a young woman in Regency England, even one of independent means. She refuses to stop socializing – and to accept news of a friend’s death from melancholia, which she decides to investigate.

This is the author’s first novel, and it was a good one. Although I struggle with the limitations put on women in that era (not to mention the whole servant issue), I get that it’s historically accurate. I listened to the audio of the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator was very good, and I will look for more of her work.

I really liked Lady Petra and her unwillingness to let others coerce her into doing things that are out of character for her. Her father and her maid were great characters as well, giving her free rein of her own life, but some of the other characters in the book were just plain despicable.

Once the story got going, the primary plot line gave me chills, knowing how easily it could have been accomplished. I figured out what was going on – and who was behind it – relatively early in the book, but I still liked following along to see how everything would work out. I truly hope this is the first book of a series, because I’d like to read more about Lady Petra, her friends, and her adventures.

Wow, what a captivating book. There were a lot of characters in this story and some of the names were hard to keep straight on the audio version of this book but I think it would be much easier reading it. The story takes place in historic England and starts similar to a typical romance type novel with a heroine who is very headstrong for the time. It quickly gets very interesting from a mystery standpoint and there are many twists and turns in the book. It was very hard to stop listening to this book and I listened to this over two days time.

Some parts really touched on mental health and mistreatment of others. Some were sheer suspense. I found it hard to sit still while listening to those more intense parts. The narrator did an excellent job with voices and characters. I would highly recommend to anyone who likes audio books!

Act Like a Lady Think Like a Lord AUDIO by Celeste Connally is a very entertaining book featuring a young woman of the ton (Regency) who is determined to become a spinster. She had lost her betrothed several years before and none of the gentlemen she met seemed to fill his spot. Lady Petra Forsythe has her own fortune, thanks to her dead mother, so she had no need to settle. We open to find her disapproving uncle, Lord Allington, has arrived for his visit, early. He didn’t approve of her and didn’t hesitate to express his displeasure. She wouldn’t put up with it and so accepted an invitation to a ball in town, hosted by the Duchess of Hillmorton. Surely that would be a good enough excuse to flee. Once at the ball she received the disturbing news that her friend, Lady Milford had died. She saw a footman she knew who used to work for Lady Milford and he hadn’t heard the news, indeed had just seen the lady on the street two days previous. Another disconcerting event was the return of her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, who had been on the continent for three years and had never answered even one letter. When she kept her appointment to meet the footman the next day at the park, she found him dead. And who should appear but Shawcross. He was a comforting presence. Thus began their investigation of some strange things happening to women in the ton.

Petra was a strong character, not so different from her peers in many ways, and not without good friends. She was headstrong and independent, but her widowed father had raised her that way. She loved thoroughly and hated just a thoroughly. Duncan was a strong man with good sensibilities, and knew Petra well, so well, he believed what others believed to be her ramblings.
The characters were interesting and the plot was quite good and not at all unbelievable as shipping a wife one had grown tired off off to an asylum was quite common. It was a good story. Highly entertaining!

The narrator is Eilidh Beaton who was a bit difficult to adjust to in the beginning, but quickly became Lady Petra and did an amazing job. She dealt with other characters well, and lent authenticity to the character with her accent.

I was invited to listen to a free e-AUDIO of Act Like a Lady Think Like a Lord by MacMillan Audio, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacMillanAudio #CelesteConnally #ActLikeALadyThinkLikeALord

After her fiancé dies weeks before their wedding, Lady Petra Forsyth declares that she will never get married. Petra uses this newfound freedom to proudly use her title to mingle with the elite without being tied to a man. Life is going well for Petra until a rumor about the death of a friend reaches her. Petra uses her status to gain access to information about her friend and her alleged death. She discovers a private asylum where husbands and fathers are sending women they no longer wish to “deal” with, claiming they are going mad. Petra is on the verge of piecing the mystery together and potentially uncovering the fact that her friend is not dead, when her own independence and sanity becomes jeopardized. This audiobook is perfect for mystery lovers!

Eilidh Beaton has narrated nearly 200 audiobooks. Beaton provides a variety of voices that enhance the listening experience and bring the characters of this story to life.

The audiobook was much better than reading the book. As others have mentioned this book had slow start, and too many characters as well.

It did end with a sweet romance or did it? I look forward to the series continuing but hopefully future books are slightly faster paced, little bit more romance and contained to relevant characters.

After her fiancé's untimely death, Lady Petra Forsyth vows to remain unmarried and independent, announcing such in a public setting. When she hears that a friend died, she investigates and discovers a sinister world where men confine their wives and daughters. As Petra seeks justice, her own quest for freedom becomes jeopardized by her headstrong actions.
I am always eager for a Regency mystery with unlikely investigators. I knew going in that this would have strong feminist leanings, but I wasn’t expecting just how much “Men are evil” there would be. It seemed every gentleman she knew was a horrible person.

There were many times where I felt like the author didn’t know this time period at all. A few examples include: an illegitimate child would not inherit a title over the legitimate son. Even if a lady declares her intention not to marry (and I have no idea why she would), it doesn’t mean she is suddenly free to do whatever she wants. A point was added for having stays and not corsets. Same point was then deducted for stating that stays bunch a chemise and causes discomfort. An ill-fitting pair of stays might, but you cannot convince that an Earl's daughter wouldn't have undergarments tailored to her exact measurements.

For the most part, I was just frustrated with the story. The inaccuracies kept taking me out of the story. I was annoyed with the constant referral to sex, even if it wasn’t detailed. There was a rushed out of nowhere romance plot at the end and then a hint at the sequel. However, I am not interested enough to continue with the series. The narrator did an alright job with the material, though her voice was not my favorite.

I definitely did not enjoy it. Readers who have less knowledge of the time period might enjoy it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord.

I am loathe to call this book fun because a lot of the content was disturbing but I would call it enjoyable. It’s a feminist whodunnit, murder mystery set against the backdrop of Regency England.

When Lady Petra Forsyth discovers her friend has passed away but the story isn’t quite adding up she finds herself on a dangerous and winding search for the truth.

Petra is impetuous, headstrong and somewhat naive. She has strong convictions and the best intentions but does seem to step in it quite a lot. It makes her both very likeable and somewhat infuriating to read.

Some of the villainous men in this book made my skin crawl. And I have to say the way they were written and how the narrator presented it was both my favourite element but also had me cringing, squirming and feeling sick to my stomach. I normally love a villain but it was nice in this case to have not one but quite a few characters that it was easy to hate.

This book is to be the start of a mystery series, where it seems we will be facing a new villain each book. But because of the way this book ended it looks like we will also see an overarching storyline that connects throughout.

I must confess that I haven’t read many murder mysteries, but this series is one I will be following.

This started out as what I thought would be a promising light hearted cozy mystery.
It changed.
Dark subject matter - 1800s women’s mental health & well being and the men who use manipulate people’s suspicions around it.
While not what I expected, definitely still interested to see where this story would lead.

Lost interest about 90 minutes to the end.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord had me entertained from the beginning. The story is about Petra, who is an independent woman beyond her time. She is progressive in a more oppressive time. I enjoyed the narrator (Eilidh Beaton) very much. Her accent helped set me in 1700s England. I will recommend this audio book to all who enjoy listening to a romance/mystery book. Thank you for this ALC.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a historical mystery by Celeste Connally.
Petra Forsyth has recently declared that she will not remarry after the death of her betrothed. This sends shock waves through her social group. Petra has her own money and has no need for a husband. However, this have been strange lately between the sudden death of a close friend, and the return of her childhood best friend who left on bad terms. Petra is trying to figure out what is accounting for the strange behavior going around and what she can do to stop it.
This was delightful. The narration was great. The characters were really interesting and I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced eaudio copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord.

This audio was a tad slow for me, but it was a good story with a good narrator. It will definitely find fans in both the romance and mystery genre. People looking for bridgerton like reads, but a little more light-hearted will find a lot to love here.

DNF at 4%.

I am so incredibly bored. There is a long drawn out beginning which as too much explanation about who these people are and doesn't suck me into any emotions. It felt very standoffish.

I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy but I cannot continue. Yawn.

This was a bit of a slow start for me, but I really started to enjoy it about a third of the way through when the mystery began to unfold. I have read so many historical romance books that I expected that from the description and cover, but this book gave me a good respite from the genre. Lady Petra is your quintessential progressive female lead in an old-fashioned society, but that's exactly what gets her into trouble. I devoured the last third of the book to see just how she was going to get her out the whole mess, only to see a hint of what might be the next mystery in the epilogue. Looking forward to the next installment!