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This was a complete delight from start to finish! Portia - nicknamed Pistol Portia - has self-selected to live as an independent woman during the Regency and the only requirement is having a bodyguard. Enter - Randall Denham. He is rigid, he is an ex-soldier, he has some parent issues - but also a sweetie and definitely a sub! These two have known each other for years, are in their late thirties/ early forties, and are both pining SO HARD. Super-steamy, short and sweet!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam:
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam:
Wooooow! 5 stars for a novella?? Honestly...I'm impressed. In the midst of all the predictable ballroom romances, Nicola Davidson's At His Lady's Command stands out for many reasons. It is such a unique historical romance — I can say with certainty that I haven't read a historical romance like this one before.
At His Lady's Command is a delicious erotic bodyguard romance between a Captain and a lady of the aristocracy. Captain Randall Denham has been in love with Lady Portia Butler from the very beginning since her father hired him as her bodyguard. He has been pining for her for a long time, but the class difference between them prevents him from making a move. It takes a while for Portia to see him as a man, rather than just a bodyguard. And when she finally sees him for the sexy and brawny man that he is? Sparks fly (understatement of the year).
Now...what exactly makes this historical romance stand out from all the other historicals? For one, the hero and heroine are older than the usual heroes and heroines of the genre: Portia is 38 years old and Randall is 44 years old. These are experienced and mature characters who have their own struggles to overcome and ultimately find strength in each other's arms. I also found it interesting that Randall and Portia don't want kids. And unlike the other heroes and heroines who usually change their minds because of love, these two don't change their minds and actually remain childless! Oh, and did I mention that Randall is a submissive beta hero, while Portia is an Alpha heroine? This pairing works out beautifully. The sexual dynamic between the two is so well done.
At His Lady's Command is the perfect blend of heat and heart and I highly recommend it!!
At His Lady's Command is a delicious erotic bodyguard romance between a Captain and a lady of the aristocracy. Captain Randall Denham has been in love with Lady Portia Butler from the very beginning since her father hired him as her bodyguard. He has been pining for her for a long time, but the class difference between them prevents him from making a move. It takes a while for Portia to see him as a man, rather than just a bodyguard. And when she finally sees him for the sexy and brawny man that he is? Sparks fly (understatement of the year).
Now...what exactly makes this historical romance stand out from all the other historicals? For one, the hero and heroine are older than the usual heroes and heroines of the genre: Portia is 38 years old and Randall is 44 years old. These are experienced and mature characters who have their own struggles to overcome and ultimately find strength in each other's arms. I also found it interesting that Randall and Portia don't want kids. And unlike the other heroes and heroines who usually change their minds because of love, these two don't change their minds and actually remain childless! Oh, and did I mention that Randall is a submissive beta hero, while Portia is an Alpha heroine? This pairing works out beautifully. The sexual dynamic between the two is so well done.
At His Lady's Command is the perfect blend of heat and heart and I highly recommend it!!
A fun historical romp that balances the main relationship nicely with some outside conflict, but doesn't feel rushed. I've not read all the books in this series, but the necessary backstory was filled in with conversation so I didn't feel lost at all. A nice break from my recent PNR bingeing!
Oh this was just wonderful. I've been looking forward to Portia and Denham's story since I started reading the series, and their book didn't disappoint. So heartfelt and funny, with both the characters pining after the other for years in close proximity. Portia was exactly the headstrong lady I hope to grow up to be, and Denham was devoted and protective and just wonderful. I loved that they talked about their future, and that they both didn't want children, and that they were both mature older people, who knew exactly what they want, who were settled and clear in their needs. The resolution of the story made me tear up, it was so sweet.
Also let me just say, Nicola Davidson really knows how to write hateful family members, huh.
Also let me just say, Nicola Davidson really knows how to write hateful family members, huh.
I was a bit disappointed in this tbh bc the femdom element seemed very light and tame. But it was still charming and an enjoyable read.
Content warning for threats of psychiatric incarceration.
Content warning for threats of psychiatric incarceration.
Stars: 4 Stars
Format: Digital
Series: Complete
Steam Level: Explicit
Aww the last one. I loved all these characters and I am sad to see them go. But at least there is a Christmas one I can read closer to the holidays! This takes place as a continuation of the epilogue of My Lord, Lady, and Gentlemen.
Quick Thoughts:
- Heck yeah Pistol Portia! Love that through this she stayed her feisty self and didn’t “see the light” and tone herself down
- Wish there was more of her ordering Captain Denham around. His enthusiastic acceptance of this dynamic was fun
- I want to know how the idiot half-brother found out about them. Hmmmm.
- No surprise baby! Thank god!
- The epilogue was a little “everything is happy for everyone” but it was nice
Overall a fun conclusion to this series.
Format: Digital
Series: Complete
Steam Level: Explicit
Aww the last one. I loved all these characters and I am sad to see them go. But at least there is a Christmas one I can read closer to the holidays! This takes place as a continuation of the epilogue of My Lord, Lady, and Gentlemen.
Quick Thoughts:
- Heck yeah Pistol Portia! Love that through this she stayed her feisty self and didn’t “see the light” and tone herself down
- Wish there was more of her ordering Captain Denham around. His enthusiastic acceptance of this dynamic was fun
- I want to know how the idiot half-brother found out about them. Hmmmm.
- No surprise baby! Thank god!
- The epilogue was a little “everything is happy for everyone” but it was nice
Overall a fun conclusion to this series.
idk if it was the pairing or the feeling of a repeat story-line, but this one didn't work for me.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Bodyguard, Forbidden Love
3rd Act Breakup?: No
The Praise: I’m so glad Pistol Portia and Denham finally got their happily ever after! The writing is great, as usual for Nicola’s books.
The Critique: I only wish there’d been more spice!
Final Thoughts: This was a very sweet ending to the series!
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Abandonment
One of my favorite tropes/kinks executed so disappointingly.