Reviews

Lady Lavender: A Regency Love novel by Samantha Lin

mierke's review

5.0

Sutton knew the secret to happiness lay in maintaining genuine relationships, and that one could never anticipate where these relationships might start.

It's these words in one of the earlier chapters of Lady Lavender that quite nicely sums up the story: neither Sutton, nor Ellie, nor indeed the secondary couple that connects later in the novel, could have predicted that their stories would intertwine.

On first glance, Sutton - a Viscount with his own lands to control and guide - and Ellie - a sixteen year old sheltered girl - don't seem to have anything in common. Yet both have closed themselves off from the world, for different reason, yes, but they’re both trying to shield themselves from harm (Ellie her frail body, Sutton his heart).
The main difference between the two doesn't even lie in their status or age, but their family: where Ellie’s safe space includes her brother Marcus and sister-in-law Kitty, who both love her viciously, Sutton only has Graham to hold onto. Graham, who spends half his time at the regiment, who can’t always give Sutton the comfort of familial love he so desperately needs. It’s no wonder Sutton clings to him so, and some of the more emotional scenes were based around those two.

Not once had Sutton verbalised how terribly he missed his friend, but Graham, bless his heart, read between the lines and wrote the words in Sutton’s stead.

There’s no reason for Sutton and Ellie to meet, let alone connect, except for the most important one of all: art. It’s in Ellie’s paintings that Sutton sees more than just a girl, and it’s through their art that they share their thoughts. When Sutton first sees Ellie, he doesn't think much of her; it's her way with a brush that makes him look twice. And Ellie's only interest in him at first is the fact that he knows something about art. In the most powerful scene of the novel, it’s art that eventually gets Ellie through Sutton’s protective armour and right into his heart.

For those few, precious heartbeats, a veil had lifted to reveal what lay beneath their usual reserve, and they both wordlessly accepted what they saw.

Neither Sutton nor Ellie easily let people in. It's Ellie's shyness that keeps her holding herself apart from the rest of the world, while Sutton has learned to keep up his facade at all times. Neither of them are able to show who they really are to anyone but their family, yet they find each other in ways they'd never expected.

The staple of a good romance novel, to me, is character growth both together and apart. Lady Lavender certainly delivers on that front. It's the very definition of a slow burn, and it's their personal growth that had me so invested in them. Ellie, while having always been assertive when it comes to her art - the fact that she's managed to cajole her brother into allowing her to work with oil paints surely attests to that - learns that she might be able to use that certainty and instinct in other areas of her life as well. Sutton, upon seeing how there are families out there that are filled with love, learns that letting someone in might actually not be such a bad idea.

I don't usually read Regency romances, and have little knowledge of or love for the etiquette of the time. But Lin managed to create characters that drew me in despite the world they resided in, and I closed the book with a happy, dreamy sigh.

thebeautyunknown's review

4.0

love love LOVED this book and the accompanied game. Lin’s writing is SUPERB. I wish that a bit more was included about kitty and Marcus’s kid though and I felt like the ending was a bit rushed

annaschecky's review

emotional funny inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

hazukieru's review

4.0

I was excited to read this when it came out! I wasn't disappointed at all! It was like playing the game all over again~

It was interesting to see the heroine of the game be so spirited in the novel because I played her more subdued in the game. I didn't mind it much because someone needs to make up for Richard's absence.

I really enjoyed seeing the friendship between Ellie and Harriet so much. I felt like we barely saw Harriet in the original game so I was delighted that we got to see more of her. In tandem it was pleasant to see the friendship between Graham and Sutton through Sutton's eyes.

Speaking of Graham...

Spoiler

the way he and Richard ended up together felt abrupt. I know they bonded during training and during the battle but it just felt like it was convenient that they decided to stay together after the hell they went through.

Maybe I'm whining just a bit because I would've liked to see Richard and Harriet be together. I saw on twitter that there's a new project going on so I hope it involves the two Earlwood sisters since I want them to have a happy ending too...

gofortori's review

3.0

This lovely book is the equivalent to a sun-dappled afternoon with a cup of tea -- light and pleasant to read.

I've been a fan of Tea for Three ever since a friend introduced me to the Regency Love game, and this novel is a charming expansion of that universe.

rabbitrodney's review

5.0

Much like the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice, this is a slow romance that builds slowly over
months and multiple visits. A lovely, comforting and cozy Regency.

binchbean's review against another edition

5.0

I'm absolutely delighted to have finished my 2019 reading goal, and what a lovely little book that made me get there!
I've been following Tea for Three for quite a while now, ever since my friend introduced me to Regency Love two years ago. Clearly, following tea for three on all social media accounts in the hopes they would release new material paid off! I followed all the developments and backed the kickstarter, and even with all that excitement and buildup, Lady Lavender was far from a disappointment. What a sweet, delicate read. I'm so happy that this kickstarter and book was such a success, and I eagerly await RLL!

mostlypoptarts's review against another edition

5.0

I finished this book and then I hugged it and stared at the ceiling for a full ten minutes. 5 out of 5 stars

cerylia's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25