The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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Description:
She would never bow to any man…

London, 1815

Trevor Bailey is on the cusp of opening the greatest hotel in London. His days as a gutter snipe are behind him, as he enjoys a life of wealth, society, and clandestine assignments as a spy in the service of the Crown. Until one tumultuous night churns up the past he’d long left behind…

Turned out by her employer for her radical beliefs, Lucy Greenleaf reaches out to the man who was once her most beloved friend. She never expected that the once-mischievous Trevor would be so handsome and gentleman-like and neither can deny the instant attraction.

But Lucy’s reformer ways pose a threat to the hotel’s future and his duties as a spy. Now Trevor must choose between his new life and the woman he’s always loved…

Review:

Thick as thieves to veritable strangers. Familiar yet not. Although cut from the same pilfering cloth (“a pair of Robin Hoods”), individual success was earned from hard work; nothing untoward. Then why are Trevor and Lucy so edgy around each other? This was no longer “thirteen-year-old Trevor, the one who sent her away”. No, with maturity came awareness. Oh, Ms. Holiday, how you make me swoon! I adored the Miss Mirren Mission (review available here) and jumped at The Likelihood of Lucy when Barb offered it to me. Jenny Holiday is a brilliant discovery. Her writing is fresh, humorous and simply impressive.

A governess position lost, her reformer ways clashing with her regency England employer, Lucy turns to long lost, but never forgotten, Trevor. He, the irreverent, loyal friend/partner of the Earl of Blackstone from book 1, is floored by Lucy’s presence and resumes responsibility for her well being like a second skin. Despite the zinging sensations running through her body, Lucy tamps down any romantic interest, convinced that she must remain independent to have any self-respect. My dear girl will learn that while love requires sacrifice, it doesn’t strip you of your essential self. A magnificent discovery awaits Lucy. Swoons I tell you. A love that was always meant to be story!

But our couple refuses the undeniable attraction. They throw themselves into a business relationship at The Jade, Trevor’s dream hotel. Proximity only makes things terribly tempting. A kiss (and a half, but yikes was it lip-biting exciting!) proves life-altering…to the extreme. Trevor’s feelings are so tumultuous, he overdoes it in the protection department.

“…it was what had gotten Lucy out of Seven Dials, and into a better life. He had done it before, and he could do it again.”

Don’t go jumping all over my man just yet! Perhaps he should have asked if Lucy required any saving (yeah, that would have gone over fabulously!) Nothing is good enough for Lucy, not even himself apparently, so Trevor tries to maintain distance for their own good. I for one did not appreciate the arm’s length, lol. You can only imagine Lucy’s distress when Trevor pulls back. He showed her stars (I saw them myself!)…and now he’s confusing her to no end. Trevor’s in so over his head, he’s doing all the wrong things for the right reasons. Love.this.man.

I’ve expressed my utter joy for the love story, but Ms. Holiday layers her book with intriguing subplots of the murdering, spy-by-night, variety. Lucy’s proposition to Trevor…their closet scene…a proposition posed to Lucy…it’s all just so wonderful! Reformer issues are still at the heart and it’s inspiring to see Lucy embrace her intellectualism with supportive partners. Camaraderie enriches the depth of this book.

It’s no easy feat to write a second book. To be as well received is a triumph. Ms. Holiday has talent in spades – I loved The Likelihood of Lucy! Had I not had to participate in family dinners, I’d have devoured this non-stop. Good news is that there appears to be a book 3 in July! Neither title nor cover was revealed, I haven’t a clue as to who will be featured, but it’ll fit right in during my vacation. Kids won’t need me then, ha!

“A rogue female with reform on her mind. This way lies ruin, my friend.”

He should be so lucky. Read this series!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher