Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: The Gentlemen Quartet (Book #1)
• Length: 349 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: January 1, 2014

Tropes

• Enemies to lovers
• Marriage of convenience

My Rating

Book Description

“An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart?

Bath, England — 1810

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician. 

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul. 

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Lady Alethea Sutherton would much rather play her beloved violin than attempt to stay in Society’s good graces.  But when her violin attracts the attention of dangerous people, she is forced to seek help from Bayard Terralton (Baron Dommick).

Bayard and Alethea’s bond was built on a deep love for music, as well as understanding the pain gossip and rumors could inflict.

Alethea also prefers Bay’s upfront and straightforward opinions (even if she disagrees), rather than phony politeness.

I felt so bad for Bayard.  He served his country, got injured, and suffers horrible nightmares because of it.  And what thanks does he get?  Getting committed to an asylum and being labeled the “Mad Baron.”

The mystery of the violin was fascinating!  And the characters were able to come up with smart and surprising solutions to the problems they faced (Ian with the fake violin and Alethea saving Clare’s reputation).

Favorite Moments

🎻 Lady Fairmont’s ball
🎻 Lady’s Rollingwood’s concert
🎻 practicing with the Quartet
🎻 reed pipes
🎻 nightmare
🎻 love confession

Favorite Quotes

“She stared at him, and the rest of the room fell away, and all he saw was her.  The beauty of the music didn’t compare with the beauty in her expression in reaction to the concerto.  She understood how he felt, how the violin had made him feel when he played.  She understood perfectly.“

Camille Elliot

“We should never allow someone to bully us into doing something against what we know to be right, simply because it is easier to give in.“

Camille Elliot

“She had placed him on a pedestal in her Season in London, but the later she had set him apart as a cold statue.  Yet it was the same thing, for in both cases, she had made him out to be remote and unfeeling, when in reality, he was…human.“

Camille Elliot

“But this man had shown his concern for her safety, his love for his sister, his passion in music, his courage in danger.  He had shown his own stubbornness, his own flaws, his willingness to argue with her, his ability to apologize. He was not perfect. He was Dommick.“

Camille Elliot

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