Book Review: Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

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What is this book about?

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument … with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .

My review:

This is just what I love about Regency romance – sweet romance in an age of societal politeness with characters that challenge the status quo.

Lady Alethea plays the violin and she is very good at it. I was surprised to learn that well-bred English ladies did not play the violin as an acceptable instrument. What a silly societal restriction. But it made for some great conflict as she showed everyone how wrong it was. I also rooted for her to find a man and fall in love with a man who was not a brute like the ones she had lived with all of her life.

Along comes Lord Dommick, who at first (at least in Alethea’s mind) is just like every other man she has come in contact with. I loved him right from the start because of his loyalty to his friends and love for his mother and sister. Waiting for Alethea to figure it out was a sweet sort of torture.

Not just romance, but a mystery and suspense to boot, this story begged me to turn the pages to find out the mysterious origin of Alethea’s violin. I loved it.

This is the first book in a series that has not been finished yet. I hope that the author does give us the stories of the men in the Quartet because I found Raven and Ian so intriguing.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The romance of course – sweet and sometimes pleasantly torturous.

What I didn’t like about this book:

The horrible men who should have appreciated Alethea rather than abuse her.

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Sweet romance wrapped in mystery and suspense with so many good characters. This is the first book in a yet-to-be-finished series. I hope this author continues to tell the tales of these gentlemen.

Note: I received this book complimentary from a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Camille Elliot, author website

-Loraine Nunley

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