Hi y’all!

I am thrilled to be sharing my review of Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore. A good friend of mine recommended it as her favorite historical romance, and it was fantastic!

I absolutely loved this Regency romance! A beautiful love story set against the fascinating backdrop of a British Naval Ship during the Napoleonic Wars. I’ve read several books by Jennifer Moore (her Blue Orchid Society series: Solving Sophronia, Inventing Vivian, and Healing Hazel) and love her historical detail plus beautiful romance.

Book Summary: “Amelia Beckett is delighted to be a widow. Married by proxy to a man she’d never met, Amelia recognizes that a fortuitous entry into widowhood frees her from meddlesome chaperones and matchmakers. Heiress to her mother’s sugar plantation in Jamaica, she happily anticipates working in a man’s world, with the additional credibility of her new title: Lady Lockwood. But with the arrival of Captain Sir William Drake, her plans quickly go awry…

William has traversed the Atlantic with one purpose. If he cannot prove that Amelia’s marriage to his brother was a fraud, she will be entitled to a sizeable portion of his family’s estate. He is determined to return this duplicitous “Lady” to London for an official hearing, and he carries with him a letter that will ensure her cooperation…

Left with no choice, Amelia joins the captain on his return voyage to England, and the two quickly find that ship life does not allow for evasion. Amelia and William are ceaselessly thrown together, and amidst fierce storms and ocean battles, what began as antipathy seems to be evolving quite unexpectedly. But as they draw ever closer to their destination, will the impossibility of their circumstances shatter any hope of a future together?”

The writing is lovely and transports readers into life on a naval ship. The imagery and descriptions are beautiful. We can see the sea and the life aboard the ship in detail. I loved learning so many details about naval life from mending sails to cooking and baking on a ship to navigation and even surgery. There were so many people and so many places involved on the ship! It feels like a mini city with how many people are on board and all their different roles. Although life must have been difficult at times aboard a ship, the writing makes the experience look joyful amidst the sorrow. The lovely writing also helps readers see the many relationships and friendships Amelia builds with her companions especially Slushy and Tobias and of course with Captain William Drake.

The love story between Amelia and William is a beautiful enemies to lovers romance. I loved the slow burning nature of their relationship. How they become friends and grow into something more. I love how William protects her, fights for her, and is willing to do anything for her. And I loved how Amelia comes to care for him and feel safe and secure with him. Each stolen look, a waltz, a kiss on her hand, a soft spoken word, and several swoony kisses all were so deliciously romantic. It seemed impossible for them to find a way to be together. There are many surprising twists along the way. But love finds a way! What a sweet ending. It was so lovely to see how it all came together.

The action is intense and fascinating! With the setting on a naval ship during wartime, I was surprised by the intensity of the action. We have naval battles, enemy captures, secret plots, lawsuits, surprise villains, nightmares, death and despair. I learned a lot about naval command and wartime procedures. I was surprised by the corruption and hatred from some characters. Amelia’s bravery when all seemed lost was inspiring. Her heroics were the climax to an engaging novel that had so much exciting action throughout. There was so much to keep up with so it was hard to put down! I had to see what happened! Loved the ending when William goes after Amelia on the water! Their happily ever after is so satisfying and beautiful.

Overall, an absolutely lovely romance! So glad to have read it!

What are your favorite historical romances?
Who are your favorite historical fiction authors?