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League of Lords #1

The Lady is Trouble

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In the first in Tracy Sumner’s sizzling League of Lords historical series, mysticism and paranormal abilities in Victorian England set the stage for a captivating love affair...

He’s a viscount with a dark past who yearns for the one woman he can’t have. She’s a psychic firebrand. Rebellious, spurned by society and determined to change his mind.

What’s a defiant woman to do when the man she’s meant for doesn’t believe in love?

After three years of waiting for Julian Alexander to realize they are destined to be together, Lady Piper Scott takes matters into her own hands. Because her gift as a healer has never done anything but distance her from the most principled man in England. A meaningless diversion as a medium, all done to gain a certain wandering viscount’s attention, backfires. As most endeavors have for a woman known in the ton as Scandalous Scott.

What’s a reluctant viscount to do when the woman he can’t have becomes the woman he can’t live without?

Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp, battled his way from the lowliest slum to assume his title. He carries not only a turbulent past, but a mystical psychic gift that separates him from society. Honorable to his core, he is committed to protecting a community of outcasts with abilities like his own. He has no time, no place, for love. Or repeatedly rescuing the most outrageous, beguiling woman he’s ever known. Even if she needs his protection most—and he desires her above all others.

Seduction, intrigue and desire lead to an explosive passion…

Julian vowed to shield Piper from the deadly foes seeking to possess her powerful gift. Although he needs her help in controlling his own, the mix could be deadly. Soon what was once a simple agreement to work together becomes enchantingly complex as they surrender to a timeless love…

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2020

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About the author

Tracy Sumner

45 books1,571 followers
"Witty dialogue and steamy sensuality.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

The USA Today bestselling author's storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, HOLT Medallion, Golden Leaf and MAGGIE among others. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before returning to NYC.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Find me everywhere on social here!
https://linktr.ee/tracysumner

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5 stars
438 (37%)
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400 (34%)
3 stars
238 (20%)
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29 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
Profile Image for PamG.
1,128 reviews785 followers
September 25, 2020
THE LADY IS TROUBLE by Tracy Sumner is the first book in the League of Lords paranormal historical romance series and takes place during Victorian times. Viscount Julian Alexander and Lady Piper Scott are the main characters in this romance. Piper loves Julian and is tired of waiting on him to realize it. Julian is busy protecting outcasts with paranormal abilities and feels he needs to protect Piper including from himself and his abilities as well as those that are coming for her.

This is not a historical fiction novel where you learn much about the history of the period. Piper and Julian eventually become likeable characters, but it takes time and I did not connect with them as much as I wanted to. The book starts slowly and is almost confusing initially. While we learn things about Piper and Julian, they didn’t feel extremely three-dimensional. They both have flaws and virtues, but I felt something was lacking. The secondary characters enhanced the story, but lacked depth as well. The plot twists were not totally unexpected. The scenes flowed well with effective transitions. The descriptions were vivid and gave a clear sense of time and place. There are several steamy scenes in the last part of the novel.

Overall, this was a read that did not live up to my expectations. The story line sounded great, but it fell short for me. However, there are many reviewers that thoroughly enjoyed the book. I plan to give book 2 a chance. 2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars.
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,000 reviews213 followers
June 29, 2020
I read somewhere this is a blend of X-men meet historic romance and that so far is the perfect explanation for this. If you are looking for a book to have paranormal and also carry the regency era romance this would be the ideal one for you. With a dash of the adult romance that is always found in historical romance books, this would truly wet your appetite for romance.
Profile Image for SuperWendy.
1,042 reviews256 followers
April 9, 2021
X-Men in Victorian England and a convoluted mess. The best way to describe this book is that even though it's supposedly Book 1 in a series, it's like reading Book 6. The reader is dumped right into the middle of some story that you're not privy to, have no grasp on, and yet we're supposed to care about these characters for some reason. Obviously I did not. There was nothing I liked here.
Profile Image for Sarah.
548 reviews31 followers
May 31, 2020
'He’s a viscount with a dark past who yearns for the one woman he can’t have. She’s a psychic firebrand. Rebellious, spurned by society and determined to change his mind.

What’s a defiant woman to do when the man she’s meant for doesn’t believe in love?

After three years of waiting for Julian Alexander to realize they are destined to be together, Lady Piper Scott takes matters into her own hands. Because her gift as a healer has never done anything but distance her from the most principled man in England. A meaningless diversion as a medium, all done to gain a certain wandering viscount’s attention, backfires. As most endeavors have for a woman known in the ton as Scandalous Scott.

What’s a reluctant viscount to do when the woman he can’t have becomes the woman he can’t live without?

Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp, battled his way from the lowliest slum to assume his title. He carries not only a turbulent past, but a mystical psychic gift that separates him from society. Honorable to his core, he is committed to protecting a community of outcasts with abilities like his own. He has no time, no place, for love. Or repeatedly rescuing the most outrageous, beguiling woman he’s ever known. Even if she needs his protection most—and he desires her above all others.

Seduction, intrigue and desire lead to an explosive passion…

Julian vowed to shield Piper from the deadly foes seeking to possess her powerful gift. Although he needs her help in controlling his own, the mix could be deadly. Soon what was once a simple agreement to work together becomes enchantingly complex as they surrender to a timeless love…'
_________________________________

4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.

The Lady is Trouble is the first book in Tracey Sumner's League of Lords series and is a paranormal historical romance set in the Victorian era.

I love paranoral historicals and so I had to read The Lady is Trouble when I saw on it on BookSirens. Well-written paramormal historicals are typically quite limitied and so I cherish whenever I find one that can really pull me into the story.

All the charcaters are lovely and the two main characters had a great balance, even if Julian was incredibly stubborn. I really appreciated the way each characters' gift in the book was depicted: the perfect blend of the fantastical and practical. Each gift had its own limitations and price to pay and that is what really made this story so wonderful for me. I would have found it disappointing if the characters had such incredible abilities but then weren't tempered in anyway to give a sense of humanity and believability. Plus it would have given the book's conflict no sense of danger.

The only critisms I would give are that it got off to a it of a slow start, but mainly I would say that there was a lot of buld up to the conflict with the book's villian but yet the conflict itself was quite easily combatted and was covered in only a few pages. Therefore it wound up feeling a tad anti-climactic...but I still enjoyed how it turned out, so this wasn't such a big deal for me.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal HR. I'm looking forward to starting the second book in the series telling Finn's story, The Rake is Taken and will be starting it within the next few days.
_____

I would like to thank BookSirens and Tracey Sumner for sharing a copy of The Lady is Trouble with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for eyes.2c.
2,955 reviews93 followers
February 8, 2020
A Victorian paranormal romance! Mystic overtones give a different twist!

Love her or protect her? There seems to be no middle ground for Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp and Lady Piper Scott, known as the Scandalous Scott.
They are part of group of people whose unusual talents have left them as pariahs and outcastes. Drawn from all different areas of society they are vulnerable or dangerous to themselves and others if their gifts can't be trained
Julian has followed his mentor's lead to bring together these mystic misfits into a supportive League. "Piper’s grandfather had started the society years ago as a place for those genuinely afflicted with a mystical talent to find shelter because to be afflicted was nothing short of a cruel fate." Piper, his mentor's granddaughter, and the true love of his life is a healer. He promised his mentor to not pursue her but protect to her. That struggle between Honor and love almost destroys them.
As a boy Julian had fled his father's cruelty to the stews of St Giles and survived with others of his ilk, the gorgeous Finn and Humphrey.
Piper has loved Julian since she first saw him when her grandfather had brought him to their home. Older now, wild and restless Piper knows she can help him, but will his fears conquer his love. Their togetherness when it comes is enough to move mountains and shake the world off its axis.
At the same time a dark force has centered on Piper and she is in danger.
What sent this story into the five star stratosphere was that when I reflected on my response I had found myself being sucked in, swallowed really, into the troubling forces at work that gave this novel an edgy mysterious wedge. Along with the push and pull of explosive emotions between Piper and Julian, I was hooked. Now I'm wondering about Finn!

An Independent ARC via NetGalley
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,519 reviews146 followers
January 28, 2020
The Lady is Trouble
League of Lords Series #1
Tracy Sumner
https://www.facebook.com/Tracysumnera...
Release date 02/18/2020

Blurb :

He’s a viscount with a dark past who yearns for the one woman he can’t have. She’s a psychic firebrand. Rebellious, spurned by society and determined to change his mind.

What’s a defiant woman to do when the man she’s meant for doesn’t believe in love?

After three years of waiting for Julian Alexander to realize they are destined to be together, Lady Piper Scott takes matters into her own hands. Because her gift as a healer has never done anything but distance her from the most principled man in England. A meaningless diversion as a medium, all done to gain a certain wandering viscount’s attention, backfires. As most endeavors have for a woman known in the ton as Scandalous Scott.

What’s a reluctant viscount to do when the woman he can’t have becomes the woman he can’t live without?

Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp, battled his way from the lowliest slum to assume his title. He carries not only a turbulent past, but a mystical psychic gift that separates him from society. Honorable to his core, he is committed to protecting a community of outcasts with abilities like his own. He has no time, no place, for love. Or repeatedly rescuing the most outrageous, beguiling woman he’s ever known. Even if she needs his protection most—and he desires her above all others.

Seduction, intrigue and desire lead to an explosive passion…

Julian vowed to shield Piper from the deadly foes seeking to possess her powerful gift. Although he needs her help in controlling his own, the mix could be deadly. Soon what was once a simple agreement to work together becomes enchantingly complex as they surrender to a timeless love…

My review :

What a man to do when the woman he cares for is in danger and is unwilling to hide ...

I confess I felt quite lost during the first pages, I did not know where I was, the thoughts of the characters were very confusing.
But I am so a fan of marvels and I loved the league of extraordinary gentlemen, I wanted to see where this story would lead me.
It was a difficult read, the slow beginning did not help, hopefully I loved all the side characters and now can’t wait for their own story.
It took me time, and even if the main couple are not my favorite heroes, I needed to know what may happen to them and their friends.
Piper is too reckless and a risk taker when everyone around her is trying to protect the asset she might be to their group. She is not some debutante fresh out the nursery, still she mostly acts like one.
Her lack of maturity was what drove me away from her, she might be shown as the most important paranormal, her endangering decisions and ineptitude to put aside her lust when Julian needs her soothing power gave mostly a picture of a spoiled brat than a confident efficient woman.
She always questioned his feelings when by his deeds, even when wrongly done, he proved again and again she was the queen of his heart.
Julian is far from perfect too but he lived a life filled only with pain and hurt, yet he never let madness take hold of him. Piper was his light in the dark, his salvation but because he does not know how his gift will evolve, he is not always able to differentiate between his deepest feelings, his lust and the attractiveness of her own gift. He is scared to hurt her, thus he keeps her at arms length.
What I can praise Piper is she runs after him, but with blinders, as she is unable to see past her own doubts. Why she often takes a step forward then two back.

This book is like a big cat and mouse game, Julian after the hiding gifted, Piper after Julian, Julian rescuing Piper, the villain after Piper, everyone after Piper and so on.
I felt like I was watching a pilot episode unfolding before me, the background plot presenting the full cast with two playmakers.
Still I want now to learn more about the many protagonists, Finn, Simon, Ashcroft, Humphrey, Minnie.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

I was granted an advance copy on Netgalley by the author, I preordered my own ecopy.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
57 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2022
I think the writing is flawless and there is absolutely no complaint there.
I have a little issue with the trope, which isn’t my favourite. The H was fighting his feelings for the majority of the book because of a promise he has given.
I am excited for the second book though!
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,016 reviews248 followers
October 19, 2020
I do not understand the many negative reviews for this book. This is my first read by this author and I found this book unique and addictive. The characters are brilliant and multi-faceted. I loved the supernatural elements that are thrown in. I enjoyed the descriptive language— especially the descriptions of the auras. The secondary characters were well-developed and likable.

Piper, our h has pined for Julian (H) since she was a child. Julian has always resisted Piper because of a promise he made to her grandfather. Her grandfather believed Julian would destroy Piper with his gift. He’s always seen Piper as someone to protect but not someone to love. Piper pursues Julian, much to his dismay. He fights her at every turn. I felt for Julian after reading of his past abuse. I felt for Piper because her love is constantly spurned and she is lonely.

There is a bit of suspense toward the end of the book. I enjoyed the buildup of sexual tension and the steamy scenes. The MC’s have great chemistry! It was a great book with a satisfying conclusion. I adored the epilogue!

2,081 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2020
This is a fascinating romantic story about two gifted people, Julian and Piper, (and a whole lot of others too) who are brought together to an estate where they can live in peace while they learn to get their gifts under control.
Besides the romancing, there is an abduction by a crazed person, some other very unique and novel characters and of course, the very endearing and organizing Julian. Piper, the Healer, is a remarkable character too and I felt myself drawn to both of the main characters.
The story is good and besides the slowish start, an enjoyable and true page-turner which I couldn't put down. I felt nicely entertained, so if you want something that is different and enjoyable to read, read this book.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,912 reviews16 followers
February 16, 2020
The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Sumner is the First book in the League of Lords Series. This is the story of Julian Alexander and Piper Scott.
Piper's grandfather saved Julian when he was younger struggling with his psychic powers and his life. Julian has always been grateful to him but then he was murdered and Julian took Piper away to hide her to keep her safe. Because people want to take her and use her healing powers for evil. Piper always had a crush on Julian and now years later after he has 'forgotten' about her she moves forward to prove that she should have potion with the League which is a group of people with talents like hers and Julian's. Julian knows he can't have Piper but he can't seem not to want her either and of course her life becomes threaten again. Enjoyed this special themed historical romance.
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
1,981 reviews55 followers
February 10, 2020
Julian Alexander, the Viscount Beauchamp, has the gift of being able to get visions from objects, he knows how society at large treats people with “gifts” and he is the leader of a group of people with supernatural gifts. He does his best to protect and educate these people, people shunned and feared by society, he cares for them all, but none more than Elizabeth Piper Scott, the granddaughter of the man who rescued him and helped him learn about his gift and how to control it. He has not seen Piper in three years, not since her grandfather was murdered by a person trying to abduct Piper to control her gift. But he has just learned from his lover that Piper is back in town. Shunned and angry, Julian goes to find her and save her – again.

Piper seems to attract trouble, she came to London to force Julian to let her take her rightful place in the League – her grandfather started the group because of her and her gift – she wants to be a part of it!! But her plan to get Julian’s attention didn’t go as expected and she may have accidently caught the hotel room on fire – she escapes the blaze and is looking for Finn, another member of the League and Julian’s “adopted” brother when Julian finds her and whisks her away to Harbingdon – an estate he has purchased and is using to house members of the League.

Once there, they will learn that Finn has been having dreams about a woman who seeks to abduct Piper to use her gift. Piper can “read” auras and is known as a healer, it is a rare gift and many people would do anything to control it. Piper wants to use her gift to help the other members and Julian, but Julian seems hell-bent on keeping her hidden. Piper has loved Julian since she met him and she thought he might return her feelings. But that hope was shattered the night of the attack, when her grandfather died and Julian hid her away and seemingly forgot about her. Piper is done hiding and fighting her attraction to Julian. She wants to take her place in the League and claim Julian’s heart. But Julian isn’t ready to give in and may never be.

I thought the idea of this story sounded great, a steamy historical romance with paranormal undertones – how could it not be? Well, it did not quite work for me, I am sorry to say I didn’t care for the writing style, I found it wordy and vague, almost as if the author didn’t want the reader to know what was going on. I never really understood what Piper’s gift was or how she used it and as much as I tried, I was never really able to get immersed in the story. In addition to that, I was irked by the incorrect formal address (A viscount’s daughter isn’t “Lady” she is “Miss” and even if she was “Lady Elizabeth”, she is most certainly NEVER Lady Scott) and then I found the final confrontation with the villain to be extremely anticlimactic. So unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book and I am not sure I would read the next book in the series.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Profile Image for Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels).
1,072 reviews1,348 followers
February 16, 2020
Piper has been beyond bored languishing away in a secluded house all for the sake of her protection. Julian will do anything to keep her safe, especially from him, which means distance is paramount. Julian is attempting to assemble the league in a secure place and has his work cut out for him. Piper doesn't really know what he's been up to, and causes quite a scene to get his attention. Thus begins their adventure. Keeping Piper safe proves to be way more difficult when someone with similar powers is hunting her.

This was my first Tracy Sumner book. This is the first book in the series, no prequel novella or anything. But my biggest complaint about this book was that it doesn't feel like that at all. You walk into the middle of a crazy story with a lot of paranormal-ish stuff going on (reading minds, seeing auras, telekinesis) with hardly any explanation. I'm not sure if she has other books that are in a similar world or if this is just how this one starts. I would definitely try this author again, as there was a lot I liked, but perhaps another series.

If you are looking for a paranormal and historical combo, I highly suggest you try this. Its definitely unique, it's sexy, action packed, I just felt quite a bit lost for much of the beginning of the book it was hard to really fall in love with the story. I was frustrated that there was so much history going on, past relationships, experiences, everyone's powers and I didn't know how any of it was happening. I feel like this book definitely needs a prequel lol.

Thank you netgalley for the complimentary ARC. These opinions are my own
Profile Image for Victoria.
3,981 reviews
January 25, 2020
The characters are developed and stand out individually. The story flowed well (if a little slow in a couple of places) and had a nice mix of mystery, suspense and romance. I thought it was an interesting twist to a Victorian romance and underneath it all, it is a story about understanding and accepting who you are and finding out where you belong. I am very much interested in reading more in this series. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13k reviews150 followers
January 20, 2020
This book left me conflicted. To start, I want to say kudos for the basic plot idea. I thought the combo of historical romance and magic/supernatural elements was fresh and inspired. Once I read the blurb I was intrigued and very excited to read this book. Unfortunately, I feel that the end result never came close to achieving the potential it had because it was burdened by exceedingly unlikable characters. Julian and Piper were quite the pair. I really did not care for Julian's behavior. Honestly, I thought he was quite simply a grade-A jerk. As for Piper, a strong, smart heroine she was not. I not only would have loved to see her exhibit more maturity, I expected it from her. Between the challenges she faced and her age, she came across as entirely too childish. This is my independent, impartial review.
Profile Image for Tonya.
575 reviews130 followers
February 12, 2020
The first book in a new Victorian Paranormal Romantic Suspense series, The Lady is Trouble is a fun read. Full of unforgettable characters that leave you hungry for more of their stories, it is easy to see that this series will be an addictive and fun adventure. The sexual chemistry and tension between Lady Piper Scott and the man she truly desires, Lord Beauchamp (Julian Alexander). Julian strives to keep a distance between himself and Piper... but it seems to become more and more difficult. Her magical gifts of healing make it impossible to stay away from her as he pays a huge price physically, mentally and emotionally for the visions. His gift, his curse is the visions while hers is healing. Julian has also taken charge of a band of people from all different class systems and backgrounds with special abilities. (Sort of like a Victorian era XMEN!)

Someone else needs Piper's healing abilities and it isn't good news for Julian's crew. They all try to protect her but she has earned her nickname of Scandalous Scott for her impetuous, often rebellious behavior. The lady after Piper battles insanity with her dark gifts and vows that nothing will keep her from the relief that only Piper can offer.

What I loved: The sizzle between Piper and Julian nearly burned my fingers! Whew! I also like that author Tracy Sumner is able to write from both Julian and Piper's perspectives which I think is challenging to create different voices, especially internal monologues. I like the story line and the plot twists and there is a good amount of character development that I appreciate!! The book starts out slow and speeds up rapidly!!

What I wasn't crazy about: Understanding that I read an ARC and there is more editing to come before the final publish date: the last part (climax) seemed too rushed, without enough action in the climax. Also wasn't real clear on whether Lady Piper Scott is actually titled as a lady or not...

I can not wait until the next book is released!! Hopefully very very soon!!


Thank you to NetGalley, author Tracy Sumner, and publisher BookBuzz for my temporary, advance digital review copy for me to read and enjoy!!
#TheLadyisTrouble #NetGalley
Profile Image for Janet.
4,697 reviews54 followers
February 11, 2020
He’s a viscount with a dark past who yearns for the one woman he can’t have. She’s a psychic firebrand. Rebellious, spurned by society and determined to change his mind.
After three years of waiting for Julian Alexander to realize they are destined to be together, Lady Elizabeth Scott aka Piper takes matters into her own hands. Because her gift as a healer has never done anything but distance her from the most principled man in England. Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp, battled his way from the lowliest slum to assume his title. He carries not only a turbulent past, but a mystical psychic gift that separates him from society. Honourable to his core, he is committed to protecting a community of outcasts with abilities like his own.
This is the first in a new series & I must admit I struggled with the first few pages & felt like I was in a fog. However I persevered & I’m so glad I did as I was soon engrossed. A well written book that flowed well. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. It took me some time to like Julian & Piper but the further I delved into the book the more I liked them. The combination of romance with the supernatural was refreshing & it worked. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Catherine.
428 reviews54 followers
April 1, 2021
I'd like to thank Booksirens for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've never really delved into the world of regency-era type historical romances, so I'm not exactly sure what to expect of them, but I genuinely had fun with this one. A solid 3.5-stars.

It was sexy. It had drama. And it was like X-Men thrown back in time. Did I mention it was sexy? Yes!

It did start out quite bothersome however. I didn't end up liking Piper, our leading lady until almost halfway through the book, Julian I ended up finding somewhat charming around a third of the way in. I also wish that some of the external conflict had had more time dedicated to it, and less time dedicated to the drama between Piper and Julian at the beginning. I know that this is primarily a romance novel and so romance is where the focus will be, but I was getting really into their powers and the people involved with it all.

Overall, it was a fun read, once I got through the first third of the book, and overall I enjoyed myself. I'd definitely recommend it if you want a sort of regency-era romance piece that is less focused on history and more focused on powers.
612 reviews
March 14, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to review.

I enjoyed the characters and the plot but felt like it took too long to get anywhere. Had the story moved along more quickly I would have rated this higher.

As reckless as Piper is she was enjoyable to observe and see what antics she would get up to next. Julian was good man with the world on his shoulders. It's hard not to love a man like him
Profile Image for Aymara.
20 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2023
Diving into the pages of this tale is like stepping into a time-honored ballroom where historical romance intertwines gracefully with the supernatural. The enchanting fusion of eras and elements spins a web that's hard to resist. With deft strokes of her narrative brush, the author conjures a tapestry of emotions that forms the heart and soul of this book.

Our protagonist, Julian, steps into the shoes of a viscount, wielding power and affluence like a shield against the world's adversities. A twist of magic flows through his veins, linking him to others who possess extraordinary gifts. This connection leads him to a pivotal encounter with Piper, a healer who wields a gift of her own. Love simmers beneath the surface, wrapped in layers of protection, as Julian's heart resonates with a tangible longing.

Tracy Sumner paints an intricate backdrop of 17th-century London, where cobbled streets and whispered secrets form the stage. The meticulous attention to detail immerses readers in a world that's both familiar and fantastical. Amidst the historical tapestry, mystical beings emerge from all walks of life, sprinkling a touch of magic into the narrative's very fabric.

In her exploration of characters and locales, Sumner's prowess shines. Vivid descriptions breathe life into every scene, and the absence of grammatical hiccups is a testament to her craftsmanship. The book paves the way as a series opener, a key that unlocks a realm filled with potential and intrigue.

While the harmony of the story's notes resonates deeply, a minor discordance surfaces in the interactions between Piper and Julian. Their dialogues occasionally mirror the cadence of the 20th century rather than the 17th, a quirk that might raise an eyebrow for some readers. Yet, these fleeting moments of modernity hardly overshadow the book's captivating charm.

As the final page turns, one cannot help but be lured forward, eager to witness the continuation of this enchanting journey. For in the end, it's the essence of entertainment that prevails, carrying readers seamlessly into the sequel's awaiting embrace.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Penelope ✈️ theflyawaygirl.
102 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2023
This was totally unexpected! And I loved it. As a fan of Sumner’s The Duchess Society series, this series that combines historical fiction and romance with fantasy and paranormal… well, that just sounded intriguing!

The book did not disappoint.

The first few chapters do seem as if there might have been a book before this one, as we are thrown straight into the action, without much introduction to the various characters. However, as one continues reading the back story starts to unfold and we learn more about how the characters came to be who they are and how they are all connected.

Our first main character is Lady Elizabeth - Piper - Scott, who is half American and the granddaughter of an earl. Specifically, granddaughter of an earl who founded the League of Lords, a society for supporting those with paranormal abilities.

Secondly, we have Viscount Julian Alexander, who Piper’s grandfather brought under his wing after Julian fled his abusive father and lived in the rookery until he was 15. After the earl’s death, Julian took over the running of the League and aims to provide as many people with abilities with the support and stability he lacked when growing up.

This was such an interesting read and the fantastical paranormal side made it totally different from the average work of historical fiction. I’m looking forward to book 2!

[I received an ARC thanks to BookSirens and the publisher in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]
Profile Image for Heather  Mood Reads.
592 reviews28 followers
October 18, 2020
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

I had a hard time getting into this book because it dragged on and Paige and Julian continued to go back and forth with their feelings for each other. I did enjoy the steamy scenes in this book, and the fantastical aspect was interesting to learn about.

I thought Paige's character was written well and her feelings for Julian were genuine, but I had a hard time believing Julian's feelings for Paige. I think this book and the series holds a lot of potential. I plan on reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Debby.
152 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2023
The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Sumner is a book that was intriguing and brought a different type of historical romance than I’m used to with the added storyline of paranormal skills.

Julian and Piper have known each other since they were young and Julian is firm in his role as Piper’s protector and wants to keep her hidden away for her protection, despite Piper’s desire to be out in the world and embrace her gifts. Julian denies his feelings for Piper, much to her frustration. He’s doing it to “protect” her, but as well all know she doesn’t need it, she needs him.

This was a fun read and had secondary characters that were intriguing and added a great depth to the story and set them up for their own stories. We got the Regency romance with the aristocracy thrown, along with a lovely relationship progression.

I look forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Olive.
88 reviews10 followers
February 11, 2024
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the eARC.

I was incredibly excited for this one—Regency-era paranormal romance?! Yes, please! Unfortunately, while the premise was good, the execution wasn’t as expected.

The plot felt jerky, the writing was a over the top, and the characters felt two-dimensional and dramatic. The beginning was especially jarring, jumping from one harrowing scene to another. I never could settle into the story.

Didn’t end up loving this one, but I hope future books in the series deliver.
Profile Image for Jo Anne.
657 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2023
Well this book was certainly different from any other Tracy Sumner Book I have read before! Julian is a wonderful hero, kind, compassionate and protective and Piper is strong, determined and stubborn. They, and the characters surrounding them, have special abilities which make their lives very difficult. Julian is determined to protect Piper from himself, and she is determined to have him. Their battle makes for an interesting tale.

I received an ARC for free, but give my honest opinion voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,178 reviews38 followers
January 29, 2021
This is a paranormal historical romance. I enjoyed the read very much and look forward to more of the same.

Julian and Piper make an incredible couple in this mystical Victorian tale.

This is an interesting twist on the typical historical romance.

Tracy Sumner has written an amazing book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Abby Stopka.
578 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2022
Maybe more of a 3.5. The beginning is a bit slow but is a pretty good book overall.9
1,375 reviews15 followers
July 2, 2020
A fairly typical historical romance. Piper has always loved Julian. Julian loved Piper but when her Grandfather died, Julian made promises that shouldn't have been made. The story is sweet but there is a lot of story spent on Julian lamenting the same things again and again. I liked Piper. She is a rascal and adds the humor to the story.
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