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Lady Cecily And The Mysterious Mr Gray (The Beauchamp Betrothals) Paperback – May 3, 2018

by Janice Preston (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 55 ratings
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Love or family...How can she choose between them?Lady Cecily Beauchamp has always put her family first. Until she falls under the spell of the mysterious Zachary Gray--a man of Romany descent. Knowing her family will forbid their match, Cecily steels herself to do her duty and marry someone else. Only she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Zach as the spark between them ignites a passion neither can deny!
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  1. Book 3 of 3
    The Beauchamp Betrothals
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Mills & Boon
  5. Publication date
    May 3, 2018
  6. Dimensions
    4.21 x 0.91 x 7.01 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0263932826
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0263932829
  9. See all details
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Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Janice Preston weaves her magic through her dynamic, eloquent, flowing prose and smart dialogues...I am in awe." - Monique, Buried Under Romance

"...a truly charming and gorgeous story!" - Rae Reads

"...trust me when I say that Zach is one of the deepest, most lovable heroes I've read about in quite some time." - All About Romance

"Janice Preston has created a series filled with charm, drama, intrigue and mystery all finished off with a big dose of passion." - Kraftireader

"...a well-written, strongly characterised and emotionally satisfying story featuring two likeable principals who act, talk and think like adults - something that isn't always a given in romance novels." - Caz's Reading Room

About the Author

Janice Preston writes emotional and sensual historical romance. Although all her novels are standalone reads, she loves to write stories set in the same Regency world, and many of her books include book-hopping characters.When Janice isn't writing she enjoys reading, swimming, pottering about the garden when the sun is shining, and travelling whenever she can. She fuels her imagination with endless cups of coffee, is far too keen on unhealthy food, and is an expert procrastinator.For more info go to: janicepreston.co.uk

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mills & Boon; edition (May 3, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0263932826
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0263932829
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.21 x 0.91 x 7.01 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 55 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Janice Preston

Janice Preston

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Janice Preston writes sensual, emotional and heartwarming historical romance. Although all her novels are standalone reads, she loves to write stories set in the same Regency world, and many of her books include book-hopping characters.

When Janice isn’t writing she enjoys reading, swimming, pottering about the garden when the sun is shining, and travelling whenever she can. She fuels her imagination with endless cups of coffee, is far too keen on unhealthy food, and is an expert procrastinator.

For more info go to: janicepreston.co.uk

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
55 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

iread
5.0 out of 5 stars heart pounding romance - 10 stars if I could
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is book three in the Beauchamp Betrothals series. I think this is by far my favorite story so far and I have given five stars to the prior ones. If I could give 10 stars to this romance I would. This story has everything: a dashing hero, a strong loving heroine and a horrid villain. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Bravo Ms Preston!
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Rose Blue
4.0 out of 5 stars Their love is passionate, but forbidden
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2018
Lady Cecily Beauchamp has spent her life raising her widowed brother's children and managing his household. Now that Leo has remarried, Cecily has no desire to become the poor relation, and is pondering her future. Although she is thirty years old, she's still young enough to marry, and possibly have children of her own. Cecily thinks about Lord Kilburn, the suitor whose proposal she refused a year ago, and wonders if she should renew their acquaintance. She doesn't love him, but perhaps he's her best chance at marriage. But Cecily's attention is caught by a tall, dark, and handsome man -- a man with whom a romance is forbidden.

Zachary Gray is attending the wedding of his friend's sister into the powerful Beauchamp family, when he notices a beautiful woman deep in contemplation. They strike up a conversation, and feel an instant rapport, which only increases over their next several meetings. Being half Romany, Zach is aware that he's not considered suitable for Cecily, truly not even as an acquaintance. Still their attraction grows. They are determined to stay away from each other, but can't seem to do so.

As Cecily's brothers begin to notice that she is often in Zach's company, their opposition to the connection becomes stronger and more vocal. Cecily is torn between taking the safe path and pursuing her suitor of a year ago, or risking losing her position in society as well as her family to follow her heart and a future with Zach.

I admit that I was very disappointed at first with Cecily's failure to stand up to her brothers and her reluctance to immediately fully accept Zach. However, upon seeing how society truly treated him, calling him a gypsy and worse, and treating him as less than human, I began to understand how drastically her life would change. As Cecily's brothers, Leo and Vernon, were heroes of the last two books in this series, it did pain me to see them so hard headed and reluctant to even consider Zach, and to watch them use their influence to separate the couple.

LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR. GRAY is more than a lighthearted romance, as it delves into people's prejudices and fear of what and who is different from them. Zach is a beautiful person, despite the abuse he suffered and the things he lost. He's a gentle soul who has his own demons to face and choices to make if he is to have any chance of a future with Cecily. I love that Cecily had the full support of her brother's wives right from the get go. Though he was slow getting there, Leo eventually showed his true nature and what he was made of when the chips were down, and I felt he nicely redeemed himself. I think Cecily and Zach's happily-ever-after was sweeter because it was so hard won, and their passionate love story concludes with a romantic scene that had me smiling, if a bit teary eyed.

As reviewed at rosesareblue dot net. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
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Monique D
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly written, smart, and moving
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2018
It was at her brother Vernon’s wedding that Lady Cecily Beauchamp started feeling melancholy. She was glad that her two brothers were happily married, but what was to become of her now? They had no need for her anymore, would she remain the dependent relation from now on with no husband, no children, no household of her own? Feeling despondent, Cecily went to the garden where she met the most exotic man she had ever laid her eyes on: Zach Gray, the man with the diamond earring was a friend of the brother of the bride. And a very perceptive man, it turned out, a near stranger to whom she eagerly unburdens her conflicted soul. Oh, that she could have so charming a suitor! Except that Mr Gray is of Romany descent; even for a thirty year-old spinster, it would not be acceptable, she a daughter and sister of dukes. With a heavy heart, Cecily concludes that she will accept Lord Kilburn’s proposal, does she truly have any other choice?

Do not expect LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY to be a cute little story where pretty people make googly eyes at each other, where some aristocrats are slightly shocked then charmed by the colourful Romany man, and that after a little pish posh, all is well; this is not fluff. LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY is one of the most emotionally gripping stories I have recently read, and a spellbinding one; not because of some mystery, but from a human point of view. Zach has dealt with prejudice for most of his life, from people like Cecily’s family, and he chose to life his life the way he wanted: that of a Romany, like a nomad. Cecily has always done the right thing, done what was asked of her, never ruffling any feathers, but she loves her family and her life of privilege. Cecily and Zach do fall in love, but what is right: doing what one must or doing what one wants to do?

Janice Preston paints an extraordinary picture of Regency society and its prejudices, which affect even our heroes and heroines. I was extremely surprised – and delighted beyond belief – at how realistically the question of this “forbidden” romance was handled. I nearly subtracted a star from my review because of a detail in Zach’s past, but then mentally I added three more stars for the way Zach reacted to the situation, and how bravely Ms. Preston dealt with the prejudice issue. There is so much tension on all sides, and so well conveyed, that I could almost feel the atmosphere vibrating with the tension, the sparks flying between Zach and Cecily, and the storm brewing on Leo’s side – Cecily’s older brother, the Duke. Leo is one formidable character, and slightly terrifying. LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY is filled with exceptionally fleshed-out characters, and I loved Daniel Markham and Olivia – one of Leo’s daughters, among others. Character development is possibly the most impressive I have ever read, and no one has it easy.

I could say so much more, but some of it could be seen as spoiler material, so I will reluctantly abstain, but take my word for it, you will cheer, you will feel humbled, maybe even slightly ashamed, you will hurt and weep and rejoice; I believe LADY CECILY AND THE MYSTERIOUS MR GRAY will leave no one unmoved. I was alternatively stunned, ecstatic, and in tears at how the story, and the romance, unfolded. Janice Preston’s weaves her magic through her dynamic, eloquent, flowing prose and smart dialogues, thus creating a Regency world of such authenticity that I was immersed in that world from the beginning. I am in awe.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2 people found this helpful
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Jan
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing tale of bigotry and love - yes, both in the same story
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2018
Ever read a book that was so good you didn’t want it to end, but at the same time you wanted to finish it to find out how the story unfolds?

Such a book is this latest by Janice Preston.

Lady Cecily and the Mysterious Mr. Gray is the third in the Beauchamp Betrothals series and I simply could not put it down. Cecily is the daughter and sister of dukes. Zach Gray is, well he’s Romany. We first met Zach when he was still going by the name of Absalom and had saved the life of Thea’s brother, Daniel, in book two of the Beauchamp Betrothals. This new episode in the story of the Beauchamp family opens at the wedding of Lord Vernon (Lady Cecily’s brother) and Thea. Cecily is sitting next to Zach in church and the tale develops from there.

Zach has a back story which is filled with betrayal, violence and a change in circumstances that altered the course of his life for the following ten years.

At her brother’s wedding, Cecily realizes that she has to change the course of her life or dwindle into a maiden aunt always living in someone else’s home.

How, despite the duplicity of a nobleman, Zach and Cecily find their lives intertwined and how they come to a HEA makes for a fantastic read with many twists and turns.

Brava, Ms. Preston, you’ve penned another winner.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kate M
5.0 out of 5 stars Kate M
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2018
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I have very much enjoyed Janice Preston’s books since I first discovered her last year. In particular I was really impressed with the first two books in the Beauchamp Betrothals series and Leo in Cinderella and the Duke came across as one of the best HR heroes. Accordingly I was very much looking forward to this new addition to the series and needless to say I was not disappointed. It is another great read from this extremely talented author.
Ms Preston illustrated in a very sympathetic manner the difficult choices faced by the two protagonists - Cecily who was all too aware of what was expected of her as a member of the ton and what it might mean for her future relationship with her family should she pursue her relationship with Zach and Zach who had turned his back on his noble family and embraced life with his mother’s Romany kin. Leo and Vernon, the heroes of the two previous books, came across as quite unsympathetic for much of the book but this was understandable given the standards and morals of the time. However they came good in the end. I particularly liked the fact that Ms Preston showed that despite his background Zach was truly a gentleman and acted in an honourable manner throughou whereas the supposed “gentleman” acted in a completely dishonourable way. Ms Preston tied this in nicely with Leo’s description in the first book of what made a true gentleman and I very much liked this touch.
All in all a lovely and touching romance and a great addition to the series and I very much look forward to reading Olivia’s book later this year.
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DD
4.0 out of 5 stars Really Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2018
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This was a nice surprise and got better as the book progressed. Great characters and you felt the overwhelming draw between the lead characters.

I would rate this book 4.5. Recommended.
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Lynn Forth
5.0 out of 5 stars Another compelling and sensuous story in this stunning series.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2018
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An exquisite read full of Janice Preston's idiosyncratic little touches that draw you in, like Myrtle, the three legged dog. I found the central plot utterly compelling. Lady Cecily's gradual realisation of the diminished life she will lead if she doesn't marry is totally believable. As is her turmoil when she is torn between her duty to her family and facing their total disapproval if she follows her heart. There is a stark choice between 'should' and 'want' and she has to decide. As ever in this author's books, the Regency background is perfectly captured so you understand the limitations that bind the characters in the society in which they move. Zach's outcast status is sensitively handled and the attraction between the lovers is exquisitely and sensuously conveyed so you actual feel their forbidden passion ignite.
Can't wait for the next one in this compelling series.
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wood_beez48
5.0 out of 5 stars A unique love story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2019
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Having read both of the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to reading Cecily's story. And what a beautiful story it was. I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Cecily and Zach, and Cecily's slow realisation that she could make her own choice about her future. I thought the plot was so well told, and it was clear how well-researched the history of the Romany people was. It made for a unique love story, yet within the familiar Regency setting. I thoroughly recommend this story.
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Vicki B
5.0 out of 5 stars A besutiful, emotionally charged story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2018
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This was a beautiful, emotionally charged story. I found the heroine's dilemma totally believable, torn between her desire to do her duty by her family and her passion for Zach. I was particularly drawn in by tension between a high-born heroine and a hero who is shunned by society. I loved every minute of it.
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