The Lizy Reviews: The Bluestocking and the Dastardly, Intolerable Scoundrel

After the success of the Jane Austen Diaries and the Fairie Tale collection, Jenni James is taking on the Regency genre. Jenni is off to a great start with the first title in this new endeavor, The Bluestocking and the Dastardly, Intolerable Scoundrel.

The reclusive Lady Lacey Lamb, Viscountess of Melbourne, receives the mortifying news that Lord Alistair Compton has placed a wager to win her love by the end of the social season. Lady Lamb, of course, has no such intentions towards Compton, a gentleman who hovers on the edge of society and quietly regarded as a scoundrel. Lady Lamb sets a wager of her own, that Compton will fall for her instead, and that brings Compton to her townhouse to engage her in what he thinks will be a game of affections.  Instead, they both quickly discover that playing society’s games is not for either of them. Lady Lamb, passionate about the causes of social reform, needs Compton’s friendship and understanding to confront a ton that is eager to watch her demise.  And Compton needs Lacey to show him that there is more to being a Bluestocking than taking an interest in politics. Lord Compton and Lady Lamb in the end are not enemies but people who bring out the best in each other--including true love.

Image of the Cover courtesy of the Author

Bluestocking is a short and sweet romance that is definitely fun to read. It is enchanting how Lord Compton and Lady Lamb are genuinely trying to help each other even before they fall in love. One of the most gripping parts of the book is Lady Lamb’s arrival at the ball. The author does an amazing job portraying her tension and anxiety, and the reader definitely feels as if they are in Lacey’s head.

More importantly, people forget that the Regency era was not just about romance and society but also about people who were trying to bring about change in the world, and Bluestocking is a nice nod to that. The characters’ perspectives on the future of England are realistic in light of these pending changes. Our Bluestocking’s story is not timeless but a tender, personal moment in the midst of a changing world. The Bluestocking and the Dastardly, Intolerable Scoundrel is stupendous, both entertaining and moving. Jenni James brings her personal touch to a period romance and the result is delightful.

Bluestocking is available for Kindle and is currently a Regency bestseller on Amazon.