Another amazing Regency romance by Jess Heileman! I listened to the audiobook version and loved it. The narrator was fabulous and did a wonderful job bringing each of the characters to life. I loved the way she voiced the male characters especially, and Bella’s snooty mother. The story was completely engaging and I couldn’t wait to see how it all would turn out.

Arabella Godwin has been trained since she was little to be an Incomparable. Her mother’s tactics though are cruel and deceptive. Bella is beautiful, but she’s left a trail of broken hearts in her wake. She’s never forgotten her childhood friend Augustus and his cousin Ruth, but misunderstandings separated them seemingly forever and now she has the opportunity to secure a wealthy marriage to a titled gentleman. When her father secretly arranges for her to reconnect and stay with Augustus’ family for a time, will she open her heart once again to her friend or will she maintain her well-trained facade?

I loved the way Bella changed as she spent time with her friends. She went from a stuck up, too proper young lady to a warm, charming, kind woman. Augustus is the epitome of patience. He was so kind, funny, and romantic. I loved the picnic by the sea and their subsequent walk. I was broken hearted when Bellla’s mother showed up. There were so many twists and turns in the story and I wasn’t quite sure if this would end in a happily ever after. There’s humor, tragedy, and swoon-worthy romance, as well as those soul cringing catty scenes that expectedly accompany ton gatherings.

This is one Regency romance that’s a must read or listen! Content: clean, small brief mentions of murder and suicide. I received a complimentary audiobook from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )

I am a firm believer that true love conquers all, no matter what type of love you are referring to, romantic and otherwise. I believe that true love will always prevail, and this kind of love is shown all throughout A Well-Trained Lady. The love between friends is something I treasure in my own life and you can see this between Bella and Ruth. The personalities and depth of the characters is what really drew me into this story. Bella's struggle with being what others want her to be and who she really is, Ruth with her childlike wonder and excitement, and Augustus and his flirtatious charm and whit, and the chemistry the trio brings to these pages is truly a wonder.

Just like Abigail, Jess Heileman's first book, I was completely smitten and submersed myself in the idyllic scenery and intrigue of the secrets Bella's father carries. Bella's mother had me literally growling at the pages, the woman insufferable and one of the most self-serving characters I've ever seen.

Truth, acceptance, and love prevails in A Well-Trained Lady, and with an ending that was seemingly unexpected, made for a fun and fulfilling read that was quite enjoyable!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own. ( )