The Lady He Lost

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The Lady He Lost by Faye Delacour

336 pages | Published by Sourcebook Casablanca

The Set Up: Jane and Eli were close confidantes until he found himself engaged to her cousin and swiftly sent abroad with the Navy. When Eli is presumed dead after a shipwreck, Jane mourns him as a friend publicly, while privately believing she’s lost the love of her life. Two years later, Jane is determined to provide be herself by opening a women’s club when Eli suddenly returns - very much alive.

This is a book for the Colin and Penelope fans. I thought it was a really well done friends to lovers / second chance romance, which was the perfect way to get through the break between Bridgerton episodes.

There was a really lovely mutual respect between the two main characters, and while there were definitely moments of physical chemistry, it wasn’t the main focus of the book. Jane and Eli really considered what the other wanted out of life and how they could compromise to make it happen. I LOVED the fact that they would entertain the idea that Jane would be the one to provide for their family with her business, rather than Eli and his naval career.

Another interesting element was Jane’s uncle. I haven’t read much historical fiction which includes queer characters, and I thought his inclusion, was done well.

Thanks to Sourcebooks for the gifted copy!