Review- Once Upon a Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt

Summary-

Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself.

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world—or in his heart.

Release date: November 14th, 2017

Published by: Forever Yours

Page numbers: 100

Review-

Elizabeth Hoyt writes some of the most beautiful historical romances. If you are a newbie where historical romances are concerned I'd definitely suggest starting with Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. Once Upon a Maiden Lane is the second to last novella in the long running Maiden Lane series. I'm sad to see it end but it will always remain one of the best historical romance series I've ever read.

This is the story of Mary and Henry. Mary Whitsun works as a servant in St.Giles. She was an orphan found on the doorstep but she was raised by the Makepeace family. Now Mary is all grown up. I loved Mary. She was a smart lady with her head on her shoulders. She was intelligent and not afraid to speak her mind. In a society where women were treated so delicately Mary was strong.

When Mary finds out that she could be Lady Joanna's long lost sister her world flips upside down. Now she's the daughter of an aristocrat and she has herself a fiance. Henry, Viscount Blackwell is intrigued by Mary from the moment he sees her. She is unlike any woman he's met before and the more he gets to know her the more he wants her. Henry was a responsible man who took his duties seriously. He wanted to make his family happy even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness in the process. 

Mary and Henry are to have an arranged marriage and they were great together. There is a twist in the plot as nothing less can be expected of Elizabeth Hoyt but there is no unnecessary drama or angst. As always is the case with novellas I was left wanting more but overall Once Upon a Maiden Lane was very satisfactory. A perfect feel good novella.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.