Sometimes I wonder if we can keep the Regency genre going. Seriously, there are only so many things upper class people in the early nineteenth century could have gotten up to, and we have been writing about them ever since Dearest Jane had Lizzy dance with Mr. Darcy. One day, will a writer sit down and realize that every possible story line has been done, and there is nothing left?

Well, not if Jenny Brown is that writer. Her debut novel, Lord Lightning, takes the genre and gives it a spin just unique enough to bring a fresh take to the same old haute monde, without alienating the purists who only want stories that could have actually happened.

You see, aside from being the standard well-born lady left penniless by a wastrel father, Ms. Brown's heroine, Eliza Ferrell, is a gifted astrologer who can read patterns in the stars to predict the future and analyze personalities. At first, I was a bit skeptical, in the way I view the lady-as-secret-pirate-queen or lady-as-secret-intrepid-spy stories; I can only suspend my disbelief so far. But Ms. Brown gives us just enough backstory about an aunt who passed ancient wisdom on to Eliza, and I found myself agreeing that it could have, just maybe, really happened in the real world.

Eliza offends the rakish Lord Hartwood, aka "Lord Lightning" by telling his mistress the stars warn against her going on a journey with him. You see, Lord Lightning intends to comply with a requirement in his predecessor's will by visiting his mother like a dutiful son – except with scarlet woman in tow. When the mistress doesn't go, Lord Lightning forces Eliza to substitute, even wearing said mistress's tawdry dresses and submitting to his attentions in from of Mamma. Of course, said attentions turn out to be quite acceptable to Eliza, and his Lordship finds her to be much more than a mousy little bluestocking with a star chart.

There is nothing out of the ordinary in the story line, but since you are reading Regency romance, you aren't expecting anything except a cute meet, unlikely characters slowly seeing each other in a new light, a vanquished threat to the heroine, and a happy ending. And that is what Ms. Brown delivers.

Now one word of warning – Ms. Brown's voice is what I consider very period appropriate. She writes in the just-a-bit-stilted way I imagine members of the haute ton to have really spoken. I can see where some readers might find that a bit wordy and formal, but I loved it. It's not as easy to read as some books, but the authenticity and story line make it well worth any effort.

I look forward to seeing many more of Ms. Brown's efforts in the bookstore – and my TBR pile – very soon! ~ Donna

***This review may contain spoilers

Debut author Jenny Brown has conjured up an entertaining tale of seduction, astrology and love.

Eliza Farrell, one step from living in the streets thanks to her gambling father who himself is a few steps from debtor's prison, makes her living doing astrology charts for well paying customers, usually women of questionable reputation. When she is called in to do Violet, an actress's chart, and that of her current paramour, Lord Hartwood, little does she know that the man in question, a disreputable rake called 'Lord Lightning' is outside the door listening.

She begins to expound on his deep capacity for love, and the need to be loved. Violet snorts her disbelief. As does Lord Lightning. He sweeps into the room, and Violet, not liking what she hears from Eliza, breaks with Edward Neville, Lord Hartwood. Edward is livid, and when he sees the seeress outside, he abducts her, with every intention of making her his mistress, or at least, giving her a fright in payment for his loss of a mistress. He wants a mistress to accompany him to claim his inheritance. Eliza will do in a pinch, even though he finds her unattractive.

To his shock, she agrees, for forty-five pounds and to have her collection of books made safe and secure. Edward takes her back to his townhouse, and finds, she is not quite as unattractive as he thought, and after a few brandies, he is kissing and exploring her quite thoroughly. He is not a seducers of virgins however, and manages to stop himself, even though Eliza is responsive.

The next morning he tosses money at her in an attempt to be rid of her, but Eliza is not so eager to go. She proposes that she merely 'pretend' to be his mistress. The reasons he wishes a mistress to be in attendance with him is to rattle his mother, with whom he has had a violable relationship since birth. Also, it is the condition of his late brother's will. It is rather convoluted actually, and somewhat strange. And we find out, not really true. He really wants to embarrass his mother is the real reason. Edward's relationship with his mother has grounds in deception, no doubt explaining Edward's closed off heart and his low opinion of women. Edward's mother is a real dragon. Hateful, no wonder Edward wants to embarrass her.

After the almost seduction, Eliza continues her role as 'pretend' mistress, which accounts for a few public and heated kisses and gropings in the very public hallways of the estate. While there is a definite spark of physical attraction, what is engaging about this story is the slow building friendship between the so-called notorious Lord Lightning and Eliza. It is quite moving to see them slowly reveal their darkest secrets of their pasts, and their longings. And grow closer as a result. Edward, it seems is filled with self-loathing, which he masks with his Lord Lightning persona. He really is two men, and I found his character fascinating, though at times, not likable.

Eliza is stubborn and determined to unveil Edward's true nature, while he is determined to never show any vulnerability. Mama Dragon soon has Eliza arrested on trumped up charges.

Edward, finally, has an epiphany.

This must be love, he thought with wonder, this joy that arises when I am close to her, even when there is no reason to feel joy, this hope that fills me even when there is no reason to hope.

Edward, as I said, is hard to take. He really does say and do some nasty things while in his 'Lord Lightning' persona, but it is his heartfelt confessions that redeemed him in my eyes. He had a horrid childhood, and it affected his life on so many levels.

Eliza herself, has not had it easy, and she grows stronger as the book progresses. I liked that. And her talent for whipping up an astrology chart is endearing.

Edward goes into rescue mode, as Eliza is now in the clutches of some debauched magistrate, Some unanswered questions of Edward's past is resolved, along with the reason for his mother's disdain toward him. Can Edward and Eliza find love at last?

While I enjoyed the growing friendship between the two, and the astrology backdrop, I found the passion between them lacking something I can't quite put my finger on.

Regardless, this was very readable, and I would recommend it. ~ Karyn