Lovely Little Liar by Gloria Gay

 Ill luck descends on Abigail Westcoate in the middle of the London social season. She is jilted at the altar and shortly after her father loses his health, his home and his fortune. Living with her old aunt at a boarding-house they can’t afford Abby accepts a position as governess with the Countess of Castweill. On learning that the countess is the sister of the Marquess of Ravensgaerd, the man to whom her father had left the care of her meager trust and who allowed a criminal solicitor to steal it, Abby accepts the position under an assumed name. She feels that masquerading under another name is better than the poorhouse. Yet increasingly she finds her heart yearning toward the very man responsible for her misfortune.

I grew up reading regency romance novels and I credit them for my ability to pass World History and Western Civilizations classes in college as I hate history, but because of them I already knew and understood the feudal system and class structures found in monarchies. While my reading tastes have changed significantly over the years, I still enjoy reading the occasional regency romance. And Lovely Little Liar was such an enjoyable read for me.

In order to obtain her position as governess, Abby uses her mother’s maiden name to avoid the recognition and scandal attached to her father’s name. Little did she know when she first accepted the position that she would be working for the sister of the man she holds responsible for her financial ruin. What starts as a lie to obtain employment to keep her and her aunt off the streets, quickly snowballs into one lie after another in order to protect her identity and insure her aunt is provided for. But don’t think for a minute that the title indicates that Abby is the only one involved in subterfuge in the novel and there are many lies told that contributed to her situation. The revelations that occur as the truths are uncovered make for an exciting read at times.

True to the regency romance genre and the time period in which the novel is set, there is almost no sex in Lovely Little Liar. This does not mean that there is no sexual tension because Abby and Rave are almost instantly drawn to one another. Despite her belief that he is largely responsible for her financial ruin, Abby finds herself developing stronger feelings for the Marquess than she would like and fights her heart not only because of his involvement in her financial ruin but also because she is now merely a governess and far below his station, making her no more than an dalliance and never someone he could marry. Unbeknownst to her, Rave does not share her beliefs regarding their potential relationship. While scenes of intimacy are limited to stolen kisses and the occasional baring of breasts (quite scandalous behavior for the period), it is sensual and you can feel the heat between the two.

The best part of a regency romance is that they always have a happy ending (at least the one’s I have read) and Lovely Little Liars is no exception. Ms. Gay has produced a well-written novel that is a very enjoyable regency romance. I look forward to reading more of her work the next time I am in the mood for this genre.