Not My Idea

Bethany Swafford

Jun 2023 · A Gentleman of Misfortune Book 1 · Bethany Swafford

About this ebook

Lucas Bywood's Grand Tour ends with five ominous words: "Lucas, you must return home."

He expects a brief visit. Perhaps a stern lecture. What he gets is utter chaos.

His best friend, Miles, has gambled away the family ring he needs to propose to the woman he loves. His father insists on an arranged marriage to that very same woman — who Lucas can barely tolerate and who clearly despises the arrangement as much as he does. And his mother's riding accident? Everyone calls it unfortunate. Lucas calls it suspicious.

All he wants is to escape back to the continent and resume his interrupted travels. But abandoning his family now would be unconscionable — even if staying means untangling a web of secrets no one wants exposed.

When every solution creates three new problems, what's a reluctant gentleman to do?

A witty Regency tale of family secrets, reluctant heroism, and the trouble that follows those who'd rather avoid it entirely.

Ratings and reviews

It was an interesting story on how Lucas makes his way through all the road blocks he seems to face. I enjoyed the story as I said I found it different and a bit refreshing. Since the mystery is not solved this is kind of a cliffhanger but really the first part of the story is complete.

The story and the humour make for an appealing read. Must however suggest that your editor do a better job with continuity of characters in the next book - eg Mason / Miller - very grating.

a really sweet story, with a lot of twists and turns that will have you guessing,all the way till the end.

About the author

For as long as she can remember, Bethany Swafford has loved reading books. That love of words extended to writing as she grew older and when it became more difficult to find a ‘clean’ book, she determined to write her own. Among her favorite authors are Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer.

When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand.