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The latest I Love Romance Blog review selection is Redeeming Lord Nash by Trisha Messmer. Take it away, Robin!
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Redeeming Lord Nash by Trisha Messmer
I received a free ARC. This does not impact my review.
Redeeming Lord Nash, by Trisha Messmer, is a historical romance about a rogue aristocrat who falls in love with an American woman, and through a series of fortunate events, finds the courage to confront past mistakes. Lord Nash Talbot is given an ultimatum by his older brother Roland; either marry in three months or risk being cut off from his inheritance. Nash decides to “court” Lady Honoria to continue saving money so that he is able to live without his brother’s support, as well as to stave off any unwanted female attention. Meanwhile, Ms. Adalyn Lovelace is a medical prodigy studying under the care of her father. After deciding to work with the Hope Clinic to provide medical support to those in need, she meets the dark and handsome Lord Nash, whom she is inexplicably drawn to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While the romance isn’t necessarily drama free, I liked how supportive Priscilla and Lady Honoria are of Nash and Adalyn. Moreover, although the men in the book try to protect women’s innocence, these ladies are a lot more devious than they’re given credit for. After all, back then it was easier for a woman to hide behind the pride of a man, get away with all sorts of scandalous affairs. It’s what’s caused Nash to repeatedly underestimate Adalyn time and time again. Moreover, although Adalyn has offered to support him, as a way to show her devotion to him, Nash’s pride gets in the way too often. It reminds me of my own husband, and while annoying at times, it’s also pretty charming.
Beyond the relationship, I like how Nash and Adalyn discuss important topics that, for me personally, should be hashed out. I liked how Nash taught Fingers how to dance, and how he imagined taking her under his wing. I especially loved how they handle their clashing values; Adalyn represents equality in all things, regardless of gender and socioeconomic status, whereas Nash comes from a world of order and hierarchy. I feel this is what prompted Nash to go to America, not as a way to escape his reputation, but to carve a life for himself that he knows he can’t have in England (well, he could but it’d be very hard). I like how relatable Adalyn is, and how, in spite of her feelings for Nash, she refuses to allow them to get in the way of her practicing medicine. And in spite of his rather dark reputation, I enjoy seeing Nash support Adalyn through everything.
Something I also appreciated in the book was Messmer’s discussion of Nash’s learning capabilities. I’m a former teacher, and I remember a lot of students who were embarrassed that they weren’t able to read or write as well as their other peers. And in Nash’s society, the consequences can be devastating; another burden he must carry.
That being said, there were some things I felt were out of place, such as the sudden “murder” plot. Other than this, due to emotionally mature relationship Adalyn and Nash enjoy and the supportive environment around them, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book Info:
He’s no one’s hero . . . until he’s hers.
Lord Nash Talbot’s reputation as a rake keeps him free from the parson’s mousetrap, just the way he likes it. Until his marquess brother issues an ultimatum: find an aristocratic bride, or he’ll cut the purse strings. But Nash’s plan to escape his brother’s dictate unravels when an American bluestocking stumbles into his life.
Past mistakes have taught Adalyn Lovelace that trusting the wrong man results in devastating consequences. Yet, against the advice of friends to avoid Nash, she is inextricably drawn to him. And the vulnerability she senses beneath his carefully crafted façade resurrects passions that had previously been her undoing.
With each stolen encounter, they fall deeper in love. But the investment that will secure Nash’s financial freedom lies in England, and Adalyn has promised to return to Boston with her widowed father. As they struggle to find a solution and happiness is in reach, a past paramour of Nash’s could rip it all away.
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/baBVy2
Here’s a teaser from the book…
Instead, a woman appeared, her bonnet askew, silvery-blond hair blowing free from its pins, and cheeks reddened from exertion. She barreled into him, practically knocking him to the ground. On instinct, he wrapped his hands around her waist to steady them both.
“Where . . . is . . . he?” Her words came in short bursts, the sound of them a bit—off.
Rather than trying to puzzle it out, Nash held a finger to his lips, then pointed to the narrow opening. Deliberately raising his voice, he said, “He got away, I’m afraid. You can try to locate a constable and file a complaint, but these ruffians are a clever lot.” He gave her a wink, then motioned for her to follow him while he stomped to the side of the hidey-hole.
She gave an acknowledging nod with her pretty blond head. “Oh, dear. I suppose you’re right. I should return to where I was and find my father.”
Ah. An American. Fresh off the boat, no doubt. The street urchin probably had lain in wait for unsuspecting foreigners to disembark, then strike, knowing anyone unfamiliar with the seedy side of London wouldn’t expect to be fleeced as soon as they arrived.
Nash pressed his back against the building far enough away from the opening to remain unseen, and the woman followed suit. As they waited, he studied her. Young, but not too young, perhaps six-and-twenty, her blond hair more straight than curly, but falling in tendrils against her neck and forehead. Her eyes, bluer than a summer’s day, locked on his, meeting his gaze directly rather than blushing or feigning shyness as many young women of his acquaintance were wont do. He liked that about her. Instinct told him she was a woman who knew her own mind. Of course, she neither knew him nor had heard about his reputation. He liked that as well.
Someone, for at least a brief time, with whom he could be himself.
She opened her mouth to speak, his eyes drawn to her perfectly formed lips, but he shook his head, reminding her to remain silent.
He mouthed the word, “Wait.” Truth be told, he didn’t mind waiting for the rapscallion to reappear, as the nearness of the woman sent an unfamiliar yet pleasant longing in him.
She shifted, her hand brushing against his and stirring his imagination. Her citrusy scent drifted toward him from the gentle breeze. He inhaled—not lemon—and took another deep breath—orange, the fragrance a blessing to counter the stench of fish.
Lost in his thoughts, he’d almost missed the rustling coming from inside the narrow opening.
When the boy’s head popped out, Nash grabbed him by the collar and yanked him from his hiding place. “Hand it over,” he said in his sternest voice.
“Wha’?” the imp answered. Scrawny and underfed, the lad appeared to be about eleven or twelve. His filthy face and torn knees of his breeches elicited a wave of compassion in Nash’s heart.
Nash had heard about the boys Ashton had rescued from the vile man Coodibilis. Ashton had adopted Manny, and Camilla Denby had adopted the boy they called Pockets. Was the fellow before him a remnant of Coodibilis’ gang?
Nash gave him a little shake. “The lady’s reticule. We know you have it. Return it at once, and I won’t seek out a constable and press charges.”
The woman sent a castigatory glance Nash’s way. “You’re frightening him.”
“He’s not going to hand it over if you offer him tea and biscuits.”
“Well, I might,” the boy chimed in, a grin spreading across his face. “I ’eard some of you lot are good to blokes like me.”
Nash bit back a grin at the boy’s cheek. He briefly considered using his rank to frighten the boy but decided not to use that leverage with the lady next to him. Besides, the lad seemed a better judge of Nash’s station than the woman. He’d heard how Americans took pride in their egalitarian ways.
He shook the boy again and delivered an idle threat. “I’ll box your ears if you don’t hand it over this moment.”
The woman forced her way between them. “I forbid you to harm him. He’s only a child.”
Nash couldn’t help it. He rolled his eyes. “Madam, this child has purloined your reticule.”
“Look at him. He’s probably hungry.” She stooped toward the urchin, her expression kind and compassionate.
Oddly, Nash yearned to have such an expression directed toward him— especially from her. He shook himself for his moment of weakness.
“You talk funny.” The lad’s lips quirked upward.
Somehow Nash didn’t think the boy was laughing at her, but like himself, found it rather delightful.
“She’s from America. Yet another reason to return what you’ve stolen. We don’t want to make a bad impression on our visitors, now do we?”
The child opened his ratty coat and untied a rope around his waist that held the woman’s reticule. With a filthy hand, he held it out.
When she took it, the boy kicked Nash in the shin and raced off. “Bloody hell!”
Nash hopped on one foot, grabbing his throbbing shin. “I’ll catch that thieving street rat if it’s the last thing I do.”
“Language, sir.” She grasped his arm and lead him to a group of barrels lined up against the building’s wall.
He leaned against one for support while massaging his tortured shin. Such audacity. “I’d wager you would curse too if someone assaulted you.”
A tiny smile crept across her delectable lips. “And you would most likely win. Allow me to examine you.”
Nash’s gaze jerked toward her. “Examine me?”
“Yes. I’m a physician. Well, that’s not entirely true. I don’t have the actual credentials, but I’ve studied under my father and assist him in his practice.”
Another bluestocking. Were they overtaking the civilized world? What was it with women? Although, he had to admit, his recent experiences had shown them to be intriguing.
Laurence Townsend certainly seemed a happy man. Nash thought about the portrait of the viscount’s wife hanging in the man’s study. Maybe he had erroneously discounted them.
“And does your husband approve of you examining strange men?”
She peered up with those big blue eyes from where she palpated his leg through his trousers. “I’m not married. And I wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t approve.”
When she resumed assessing his injuries, he allowed the smile to break across his face. Not married. Excellent.
“As you’re an unmarried woman, especially considering you’re touching my person, I believe introductions are in order,” he said. “I’m Nash Talbot.”
“Adalyn Lovelace,” she answered, continuing to press lightly against the affected area. “You’ll bruise, but nothing seems broken. Is there anywhere to obtain some ice? Applying a portion might reduce the swelling. Otherwise, there might be a bump.”
She rose, standing before him. “Try to put weight on it.”
He straightened and eased more weight onto his injured leg. Although it still throbbed, it certainly wasn’t unbearable. “The little mongrel purposely disabled me so I couldn’t go after him. He’s both fast and wily.”
“I imagine he would have to be to live on the streets.” She backed away, and for the first time, a slight blush bloomed across her cheeks.
It only made her more attractive.
“I should get back,” she said, her voice wavering slightly. “My father will be concerned. Thank you again for your assistance. It was most gallant of you.”
Gallant? Well, that was a word never used in conjunction with the name Nash Talbot. The day had been full of surprises.
“It was my pleasure.” He pulled a card from his coat and handed it to her. “In case you care to call on me to see how I’m coming along with my injury, I would be delighted to see you again. In a professional capacity, of course.”
As she accepted the card, her fingers brushed his again, sending that enticing wave of pleasure up his arm. “Of course.” The blush deepened.
Satisfied she’d interpreted exactly what he intended with his offer, he bowed and kissed her fingers. Then he returned to where he’d come from.
His life suddenly seemed to brighten.
AUTHOR: Trisha Messmer
TITLE: Redeeming Lord Nash
GENRES/TROPES: Historical Romance, Regency romance, antihero, disabled (dyslexia), reformed rake
DATE: June 1, 2023
PUBLISHER: Indie
ISBN/ASIN: B0C361DFXH
OUR RATING: ♥♥♥♥
REVIEWED BY: Robin G.
Guest Reviewer Bio:
My pen name is Robin Goodfellow. I fell in love with reading after I picked up Fallen by Lauren Kate. I am currently a licensed substance abuse counselor and LPC-A (although I hope to be an LPC soon). I was also a former math and special education teacher. Although I tried going to medical school, it didn’t work out. On the bright side, I’ve got more time for reading and writing! Mental health is a personal passion of mine, as is crochet, and annoying my husband.
This new release looks fantastic! ♥ We’ll check it out…
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