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Unladylike Lessons in Love
By Amita Murray
🎧 Narrated by: Aysha Kala
The Marleigh Sisters, Book 1 
Book 8 of 2024

Thank you to Bibliolifestyle and Avon for my review copy! 

Have you ever read a book that you *could not put down* but also weren’t sure you really liked it at all? 

That is a very dramatic question to start this review, since I did not dislike this book overall! I absolutely could not put down Unladylike Lessons in Love, but there were a few moments that I truly disliked the book. And other moments that I really loved it. 

What I loved: 

-Lila, the main character, is fiercely protective of the people in her inner circle and has relatively modern sensibilities about romantic relationships and women working

-The author does not shy away from difficulties in the time period due to race, class, and disability

-The central mystery and conflict

What bothered me:

-The writing at times, especially during the romantic scenes. Some of the descriptions felt very odd to me. 

-While Lila is helping Maisie and cares for her, she is also extremely judgemental and disgusted by the way Maisie has made a living for herself (s3x work)

Amita Murray has written many contemporary mysteries, and this is her first historical romance, so it makes sense that the mystery element was so strong. This is my first book from her, and I would love to read future Marleigh Sisters books! 

QotD: What element of a book is most important to you? 

📚 Character – dynamic, lovable, interesting, BA…?

📚 Setting – unique, realistic, vivid…?

📚 Plot – fast-paced, twisty..?

📚 Writing style – clear, poetic, unique…?

AotD: I like my characters to be sure of themselves and lovable! 

[book synopsis]

Amita Murray takes us on a journey from the pleasure gardens of society to the dangerous streets of 19 th century London, in this spectacular romantic debut by an unforgettable new voice. 

“Women mind their reputation if they want to marry. I don’t want to marry.”

As the eldest daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, Lila Marleigh knows what it’s like to be an outsider from “polite” society. As children, she and her sisters were wrenched from their home and sent to England, never quite accepted by those who claimed to care for them. Now Lila has set herself up as hostess of an exclusive gaming club, charming the ton that flocks to her establishment each night, though it shuns her by day. 

One night, Ivor Tristram comes barging through her door, accusing her of being his father’s mistress. Lila defies his expectations at every step and convinces him to navigate London’s rat pits and pleasure gardens with her, in her quest to solve a violent crime.

As they set out together to uncover the truth, an irresistible passion ignites that will shake them to the core. Lila must fight to protect those she loves, yet the biggest threat is to the sanctity of the heart she has guarded so carefully all her life.