The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger
By Victoria Alexander
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: November 28, 2017
Reviewed by PJ
A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.
He must reclaim his heritage
Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?
Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything
Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.
Victoria Alexander's second Lady Travelers Society novel is a sparkling gem filled with witty dialogue, intriguing characters, and a delightful romance that unfolds against the backdrop of some of Europe's oldest and most beautiful cities. I didn't want to put it down.
Willie and Dante are so much fun! Poor Dante. He's a brilliant businessman, passionate about his art and his family, who accompanies his sister and niece on the mother/daughter tour being "hosted" by Willie with one goal in mind: retrieve his grandfather's painting before Willie can. He's had the lady thoroughly investigated, of course and expects what rumor and reputation suggest. What he discovers is someone more complex, more intelligent, more challenging, more lovely. Will his goal change mid-stream? Will the lady become more important than the painting? Will she ever forgive his deception? Will his sister spend the rest of her life saying, "I told you so?"
I adored Willie. Growing up without the loving guidance of caring parents, she eloped with her charming husband at a young age and embarked upon a madcap life that was all parties and fun. It all comes to a crashing halt when she finds herself a widow at twenty-eight, is deserted by all of her "friends," and discovers her philandering husband has left her not just penniless but in debt. Recovering the painting left to her by her grandmother will bring her the much-needed funds to ensure her survival. Hosting the tour is a means to an end. She doesn't expect to enjoy it - or the people on it - quite so much. She doesn't expect to discover how much more she really is, or to make friends, real friends, or to find love - the deep, lasting, genuine kind. But will that love survive Dante's deception?
I enjoyed Alexander's first Lady Travelers book but this one is even better. The entire cast of characters is a delight, vibrantly drawn and encouraging the reader to know them better. I'm hopeful some of them will show up again in future Lady Travelers books. The cities visited on the tour are also characters of a sort. Alexander's descriptions are a feast for the senses, making me feel as if I were right there with Willie, Dante and the others, absorbing the history, the scenery, and the romance of their destinations. It made me want to book a tour of my own!
If you enjoy witty banter, heart-felt romance, and characters that leap from the pages, all set within some of Europe's most fascinating cities, book your own tour with Willie and Dante in Victoria Alexander's The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger.
Do you enjoy road romances?
Have you read any of Victoria Alexander's books? Do you have a favorite book or series?
What countries would you most like to tour?
One randomly chosen person leaving a comment will receive a copy of The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger. (U.S. / Canada only)
Victoria Alexander’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Friday, December 1st: View from the Birdhouse
Friday, December 1st: The Sketchy Reader – spotlight/excerpt
Monday, December 4th: Moonlight Rendezvous
Tuesday, December 5th: Reading Reality
Wednesday, December 6th: Books a la Mode – spotlight/excerpt
Thursday, December 7th: The Romance Dish
Friday, December 8th: What I’m Reading
Monday, December 11th: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, December 12th: The Sassy Bookster – spotlight/excerpt
Wednesday, December 13th: From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, December 13th: BTH Reviews
Thursday, December 14th: Blogging with A
Friday, December 15th: OMG Reads
Monday, December 18th: A Holland Reads
Tuesday, December 19th: A Night’s Dream of Books
Wednesday, December 20th: Jathan & Heather
Thursday, December 21st: Books & Bindings
Friday, December 22nd: Book Reviews and More by Kathy
I love stories where the characters are traveling the world. And I'm a huge art fan. This one sounds great!
ReplyDeleteSeeing the cities through the eyes of the characters was like being there myself, Janette. Hope you enjoy this one!
DeleteRoad romances are fascinating and captivating. Touring various countries with a charming companion would be memorable. Italy is my favorite country to explore.
ReplyDeleteReading about traveling and experiencing intriguing and scenic places is wonderful. For me it could be all over the world since I haven't travelled at all. Perhaps though my favorite would be Spain and Italy. This book sounds exciting.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've read quite a few of Victoria's books and enjoyed them. I do love to travel. I've seen a lot of Europe. Now, I wouldn't mind going to Russia, as my grandson is desperate to go there. Maybe this will happen next year.
ReplyDeleteI have read several of Victoria Alexander's books but don't have a favorite, they were all of them wonderfully diverting. Road trip romances are great fun to me, I love learning about the location of the story in the way of an armchair traveller. And it can be fun to see how the hero/heroine reacts to foreign situations. If money were no object and I could travel anywhere, I would like to spend some travelling through Scandinavia.
ReplyDeleteI have read the books and novella in this series. I agree, this is the best so far. The conversations are absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I've never read any of her books. I'd love to travel through Scotland and visit as many castles as possible. Can you imagine? How long do you think that would take?
ReplyDeleteI've read lots of Victoria's books, but not recently so I need to catch up on the newer ones. I'd love to travel back to Italy & see more of the country.
ReplyDeleteI have never read Victoria Alexander but would like to. This sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteI love road romance stories. They offer a variety of interesting opportunities for plot twists and elements. I love to travel and much of "courtship" was a bit of a road trip.
ReplyDeleteI read a couple of her books a while ago and have several on my TBR Mountain. I haven't read enough to have a favorite.
My first choice to visit and tour would be Scotland and Ireland. Next would be England (my husband's grandparents came from there). Next would be a trip to Australia and New Zealand. I would travel everywhere if I had the money.
I love reading stories that include traveling so I can picture the places in my head. I own some of her books but have yet to read them. Thanks for thew review PJ.
ReplyDeleteI actually had an e-arc of this book. Loved it! Large, interesting cast of characters! I am waiting for Val's story! My favorite Victoria Alexander book is a Christmas read - His Mistress by Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI've read many of her books. I especially enjoyed her Sinful Family books. Reading stories about the characters traveling is exciting because it's like you're traveling with them. I would love to tour with Scotland , Ireland and Italy.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
ReplyDelete