A Lady of Means by Carly Kaye

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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In her debut novel, A Lady of Means, Carly Kaye delivers a sharp, witty, and deeply endearing historical romance with a modern edge.

Book Description

Lady Moria Pembrooke had a plan to get over her tragic

1. Dress to kill at all times.

2. Amass a circle of well-connected friends.

3. Create a burn book full of leverage to use against anyone who would insist she's ruined.

4. Marry for a title that will make everyone bow down to her.

Moria had accomplished the first three on her own...until a chance meeting with a captain with tattooed hands and a gentle soul who sees past her facade to the jaded-but-lovable woman beneath. Except she's still her, her schemes are still her schemes, and he has a duty to uphold. Now he's back from active duty, and ready to do whatever it takes to win her for good this time before he has to ship out again.

Moria and Devyn's courtship is further complicated by her family ties, her burn book, and an enticing rival for her hand. Moria has limited time and infinite choices to make before her window for her redemption closes. Her choices could effect not only her future, but her younger sister's as well. Choices which are complicated further by the charming Duke of Andover who offers her security and amiable companionship. But for the kind of love that withstands time and distance and every flaw, Devyn and Moria find just what sacrifices they're willing to make.

About Carly Kaye

Carly Kaye is a Tennessee-based single mom and former English teacher. When not playing with her kids, Carly also works as a freelance copy editor, spends her free time either volunteering in her community, hanging out with her friends and family, or in other worlds(a.k.a. reading). She was inspired to write a balance of humor, angst, spice, the different faces love wears, and yearning a redemption arc for a beloved character, but of all women who have been given a label. You can look her up on socials: @carlywritesandreads.

My Thoughts

In her debut novel, A Lady of Means, Carly Kaye delivers a sharp, witty, and deeply endearing historical romance with a modern edge. The story introduces us to Lady Moria Pembrooke, a woman with a very specific, four-part plan to secure her future after a personal tragedy. Her scheme includes dressing impeccably, amassing influential friends, creating a "burn book" for leverage, and, most importantly, marrying a man with a title. Moria is on track to accomplish her goals until a chance encounter with Captain Devyn, a man with tattooed hands and a gentle soul who sees past her carefully constructed facade.

Devyn and Moria’s initial connection is challenged by his duty to the Crown and her schemes. When he returns from active duty, he is determined to win her heart for good. Their courtship is a compelling dance complicated by Moria’s family ties, her scandalous burn book, and an enticing rival for her hand: the charming Duke of Andover, who offers her security and amiable companionship. With her future—and her younger sister's—on the line, Moria must choose between a life of status and a love that withstands time, distance, and every flaw.

At its core, A Lady of Means is a beautiful and bittersweet story of a young woman trying to find her place in a world that has hurt her. Moria, with her hard exterior and witty schemes, is a character you come to feel is a close friend. Behind her tough facade lies a soft, delicate flower who, despite her own strength, deserves to be protected. The author masterfully balances Moria's fierceness with her vulnerability, creating a heroine who truly owns every room she enters.

Kaye's writing is earnest and beautifully transportive, immersing the reader in the high-stakes world of Regency society. You will find yourself on a ballroom floor, listening to gossip and witnessing Moria's fierce and loyal friendships. While the large cast of characters adds to the immersive setting, you will be utterly attached to both Moria and Devyn by the end of their emotional journey. This book will make you laugh, cry, and leave you feeling completely fulfilled.

As a forewarning, please check the content warnings as the book contains descriptions and discussions of difficult experiences and situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

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