Lady Cecily and the Mysterious Mr. Gray

Janice Preston

May 2018 · The Beauchamp Betrothals Book 3 · Harlequin

About this ebook

He was thoroughly unsuitable—but hearts don’t always follow the rules . . . “One of the deepest, most lovable heroes I’ve read about in quite some time.” —All About Romance

Lady Cecily Beauchamp has always put her family first. Until she falls under the spell of the mysterious Zachary Gray—a man of Romany descent. Knowing her family will forbid their match, Cecily steels herself to do her duty and marry someone else.

Yet she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Zach as the spark between them ignites a passion that neither can deny—and that may force her to choose between family and love . . .

Ratings and reviews

It was at her brother Vernon’s wedding that Lady Cecily Beauchamp started feeling melancholy. She was glad that her two brothers were happily married, but what was to become of her now? They had no need for her anymore, would she remain the dependent relation from now on with no husband, no children, no household of her own? Feeling despondent, Cecily went to the garden where she met the most exotic man she had ever laid her eyes on: Zach Gray, the man with the diamond earring was a friend of the brother of the bride. And a very perceptive man, it turned out, a near stranger to whom she eagerly unburdens her conflicted soul. Oh, that she could have so charming a suitor! Except that Mr Gray is of Romany descent; even for a thirty year-old spinster, it would not be acceptable, she a daughter and sister of dukes. With a heavy heart, Cecily concludes that she will accept Lord Kilburn’s proposal, does she truly have any other choice? Do not expect LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY to be a cute little story where pretty people make googly eyes at each other, where some aristocrats are slightly shocked then charmed by the colourful Romany man, and that after a little pish posh, all is well; this is not fluff. LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY is one of the most emotionally gripping stories I have recently read, and a spellbinding one; not because of some mystery, but from a human point of view. Zach has dealt with prejudice for most of his life, from people like Cecily’s family, and he chose to life his life the way he wanted: that of a Romany, like a nomad. Cecily has always done the right thing, done what was asked of her, never ruffling any feathers, but she loves her family and her life of privilege. Cecily and Zach do fall in love, but what is right: doing what one must or doing what one wants to do? Janice Preston paints an extraordinary picture of Regency society and its prejudices, which affect even our heroes and heroines. I was extremely surprised – and delighted beyond belief – at how realistically the question of this “forbidden” romance was handled. I nearly subtracted a star from my review because of a detail in Zach’s past, but then mentally I added three more stars for the way Zach reacted to the situation, and how bravely Ms. Preston dealt with the prejudice issue. There is so much tension on all sides, and so well conveyed, that I could almost feel the atmosphere vibrating with the tension, the sparks flying between Zach and Cecily, and the storm brewing on Leo’s side – Cecily’s older brother, the Duke. Leo is one formidable character, and slightly terrifying. LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY is filled with exceptionally fleshed-out characters, and I loved Daniel Markham and Olivia – one of Leo’s daughters, among others. Character development is possibly the most impressive I have ever read, and no one has it easy. I could say so much more, but some of it could be seen as spoiler material, so I will reluctantly abstain, but take my word for it, you will cheer, you will feel humbled, maybe even slightly ashamed, you will hurt and weep and rejoice; I believe LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY will leave no one unmoved. I was alternatively stunned, ecstatic, and in tears at how the story, and the romance, unfolded. Janice Preston’s weaves her magic through her dynamic, eloquent, flowing prose and smart dialogues, thus creating a Regency world of such authenticity that I was immersed in that world from the beginning. I am in awe.

About the author

Janice Preston grew up in Wembley. At eighteen she moved to Devon, where she met and married a farmer, but she now lives in the West Midlands with her second husband and two cats. She has two children and two step-children, all now adults. Apart from farming, Janice has worked as a conveyancer, a police call handler and a university administrator. She currently works part-time for a weight management counsellor (vainly trying to control her own weight despite her love of chocolate!).