Review of Three Weeks with Lady X, Historical Romance set in late 18th century England by Eloisa James
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Synopsis
Thorn Dautry is the highly ambitious, very rich, illegitimate son of the duke of Villiers. In an attempt to dilute the effects of illegitimacy (at least for his future children), Thorn determines to marry the well-born Laetitia Rainsford (aka Lala). Knowing that Lala’s mother won’t allow the marriage unless he can impress her, Thorn buys a country house and hires Lady Xenobia India St. Clair to renovate it.
India is familiar with Lady Rainsford and knows that it will take more than a fancy house to get her to agree to the marriage. In addition to fixing up his house, India attempts to correct his manners. As they spend more time together and their relationship becomes increasingly heated, Thorn tries to set India up with his best friend, Vander.
Review
Three Weeks with Lady X has less romance in it than one would expect from a romance novel, particularly towards the beginning. While Thorn and India are physically attracted to each other, they both work towards fixing the other’s relationship with other people. Unfortunately, the author uses quite a few modern idioms and euphemisms that don’t fit the setting and also make the story seem more sexual than romantic.
I liked India. She is independent and a free thinker. Despite her obvious strength, we see her brought low towards the end when Thorn is unwell. This made her seem much more real than if she had been unaffected by Thorn’s injuries.
Right from the beginning, Thorn and India’s relationship is prickly and heated. They disagree on just about everything, while still managing to become friends and care for each other. This is particularly brought out by the stuff that was left in the house when the previous owner died. Additionally, the dialogue between the two of them was always entertaining.
“Those pictures are exaggerations. You do know that, don’t you, India?”
She scowled at him. “The matter is irrelevant.”
“It’s not irrelevant, because you’re about to marry. During my years at Eton, I saw hoards of men starkers. I can tell you this, India; whoever you marry will not compare to Feather.”
India felt, irrationally, that she should defend her future husband. “You don’t know that,” she objected. “I’m sure he will be … everything that a man should be.”
Thorns grin was making that hot and muddled feeling spread all over her body. “It’s really irrelevant,” she repeated crossly.
“Maybe before you decide on the man, I should take him for a dip in the horse pond and take a discreet glance. It would be awful if you went to your wedding night with images of Feather in mind, only to discover your beloved is the size of a thimble.”
“He won’t be!”
“How would you know? I would feel terrible if a book I owned corrupted you and consequently you never enjoyed your marital life.”
Compared to Thorn’s relationship with India, his relationship with Lala is subdued. Lala is quiet, timid, and a bit afraid of Thorn. She seems quite drippy and obviously believes that she is an idiot. I liked how Lala became more sure of herself around the doctor; she was clearly interested in his work and acted intelligently once she had someone treating her like she was smart.
I was disappointed that Vander didn’t get a HEA. Thorn and India (predictably) ended up together. Lala found someone that she loved. Vander is the only person who gets caught up in this complex web of relationships that doesn’t get together with the love of his life.
Conclusion
Have you read Three Weeks with Lady X? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, it can be bought at Book Depository (they have free worldwide shipping!).
