THE LADY’S COMMAND (The Adventurers Quartet #1) by Stephanie Laurens-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 29, 2015

The instant Captain Declan Frobisher laid eyes on Lady Edwina Delbraith, he knew she was the lady he wanted as his wife. The scion of a seafaring dynasty accustomed to success, he discovered that wooing Edwina was surprisingly straightforward—not least because she made it plain that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

Declan’s vision of marriage was of a gently-reared wife to grace his arm, to manage his household, and to bear his children. He assumed that household, children, and wife would remain safely in England while he continued his life as an explorer sailing the high seas.

Declan got his wish—up to a point. He and Edwina were wed. As for the rest—his vision of marriage…

Aunt of the young Duke of Ridgware and sister of the mysterious man known as Neville Roscoe, London’s gambling king, even before the knot was tied Edwina shattered the illusion that her character is as delicate, ethereal, and fragile as her appearance suggests. Far from adhering to orthodox mores, she and her ducal family are even more unconventional than the Frobishers.

Beneath her fairy-princess exterior, Edwina possesses a spine of steel—one that might bend, but will never break. Born to the purple—born to rule—she’s determined to rule her life. With Declan’s ring on her finger, that means forging a marriage that meets her needs as well as his.

But bare weeks into their honeymoon, Declan is required to sail to West Africa. Edwina decides she must accompany him.

A secret mission with unknown villains flings unexpected dangers into their path as Declan and Edwina discover that meeting the challenge of making an unconventional marriage work requires something they both possess—bold and adventurous hearts.

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REVIEW: THE LADY’S COMMAND is the first installment in Stephanie Laurens’ THE ADVENTURERS QUARTET historical romance series with a little bit of mystery and suspense that focuses on the Frobisher Brothers. This is Captain Declan Frobisher, and Lady Edwina Frobisher’s story line.

Told from dual third person points of view THE LADY’S COMMAND focuses on an investigation into a number of missing people in a British settlement in Freetown, West Africa in 1824. When Captain Declan Frobisher is commanded to head the fact-finding mission, his wife of three weeks stows aboard his ship, and Declan finds himself partnered with the women he loves as he searches for answers to the missing British citizens. What ensues is a gentle inquiry as to the ‘rumors’ about the vanishing people, and who may be responsible for the mysterious acts. When Edwina and Declan push a little bit too hard, our heroine finds herself the next intended victim.

THE LADY’S COMMAND is the introductory story line that offers a little bit of background into the missing people; a possible illegal slave trade; hints, clues and the investigative process; plus a little bit of history about the Frobisher family. There are moments of seductive romance; intrigue, mystery and suspense that add a number of possibilities as to the who, what, and why of the disappearance of several people in Freetown, West Africa. The romance aspect of the story line is beautifully written but the relationship between our couple has already been established so there was none of the angst or anxiety of a building love. All of the $ex scenes were very descriptive (flowery and romantic) but mostly implied.

Stephanie Laurens writes a story line that follows two paths: the investigation into the missing people; and the loving relationship between a new husband and wife. If you are a fan of sweet and sensual romance, set in a time not so long ago, with a little bit of mystery and suspense then THE LADY’S COMMAND is a great way to start a new series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy