Lord Johns Dilemma (Grenville Chronicles #2) by G.G. Vandagriff

Lord Johns Dilemma (Grenville Chronicles #2) Reviews

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  Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves

  The writing is a bit stilted in the beginning - maybe trying too hard to sound Regencyish but it finds its groove and I could see these people inhabiting that world and behaving thus.
  
  Delia/Cordelia, the h is on the run from an abusive guardian who wants to marry her off to another villainous guy. So, she forges some references and gets this job as governess to the adolescent Lindsay twins. Her plan is to wait it out till she's 25. (She's only 20, btw.)
  
  Lindsays are country neighbors to the Grenvilles. You know who if you've read book #1.
  Close to her destination, she meets the younger Grenville brother, John on his own journey back home from the war. He helps her as her carriage has broken down.
  John and the oldest Lindsay girl, Marianne (ow) have an unofficial understanding - or Marianne has a long standing crush and everyone expects John to fall in line. Not a bad idea for the second son as Marianne would also inherit their neighboring estate. Now here the author tries overly hard to make John sound UN-mercenary. Because, but of course, her estate would matter in any man's decision to marry Marianne. But to John that estate matters only so much as it'd mean he can raise his kids alongside his brother's. He doth protest too much.
  
  So, begin John's tepid courting of Marianne as Delia watches from the sidelines. While John's ambitions end at a life in the country and managing his brother' estate and maybe both estates later, young Marianne wants the excitement of London. She pouts and maneuvers, but John is steadfast regarding his future. By the way, she truly had a crush on John after he once saved her from the bees. Usually, a past and memory like that is reserved for the h.
  Although, why the 'dab of a governess' (four foot ten, we learn later) should distract him is another matter. Marianne is not a sympathetic character but I felt bad for her.
  
  As if there wasn't enough meat to the story, the author adds so many characters along with their stories - like Grenville's sister and another neighbor Aldershott (who owns a monkey. why?)
  
  Also John has melancholia. PTSD perhaps, but sounded like clinical depression.
  Thankfully, he gets a surprise bequeathal - an estate from an uncle in Northamptonshire. So, the Lindsay estate and its pull become redundant. I wasn't quite sure how this would have been resolved otherwise. The h sure is an heiress but John's pigheadedness about living near his brother was a complication.
  
  The later part of the book get bogged down by John's condition, also his confusion and reticence to clear the air vis a vis the two woman. And he leaves it too late. I got bored here. Said dilemma should have ended with the new inheritance but he just procrastinates.
  Also, Delia going from the Lindsays to the Aldershotts and the confusing character and attentions of that man bored me.
  The almost-fiance/villain makes the customary entry, and then all's well.
  
  Leticia, the second Lindsay daughter will feature in book #3. We'll see what becomes of Marianne and her estate.
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  Vintage

  Improvement on the first in the series,
  Lord Grenville's Choice. Lord John, the younger son, is back from the war and rescues a cute little redhead governess on her way to her first job. She's not what she appears to be, but they never are.
  
  Her female employer and her daughter, a hopeful partner for Lord John, are both satisfyingly unpleasant and get a little comeuppance at the end.
  
  It's a soft spun romance: pleasant characters, well written for the most part, the characters aren't wildly anachronistic which means we have one chaste kiss rather than up against the wall, redneck-mother sex.
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  Jac K

  Major John Lambeth returns home from war depressed and looking to move on with his life. He’s the 2nd son (younger brother of the H from book 1) so his options are limited. Fortunately, he’s content to live humbly in the country managing his bro’s estate. He decides Miss Lindsay (Marianne) is the perfect match. She’s beautiful and will inherit the estate next to his brother’s and in love with him. That is until he runs into their new governess, the intriguing Delia Haverly.
  
  Bottom Line- The writing isn’t bad, but the pacing is slow. The couple spends zero time together as a couple and don’t have a ton of on-page time together. There’s not really any angst. (I thought he would be courting the OW in front of her- not the case) The big conflict (Delia’s secret) is brushed away quickly with zero action. The OW’s mom offered a smidge of drama but not much.
  
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  Jane

  I'll start by stating that I have not read the first book in The Grenville Chronicles series, nor have I read anything else by this author before. The only reason this book caught my attention, was one of those free ebook deals a few weeks ago that I've ordered to my e-mail. (It no longer is free, sorry. But maybe it'll be free again sometime in the future?)
  
  Surprisingly, I enjoyed this simple, yet sweet story with a love triangle more than I anticipated that I would. In a way I was reminded of Georgette Heyer's work since Vandagriff kept the romance part actually quite clean (the first kiss came very, very late in the book) and I enjoyed the fact that the hero and heroine actually got to know each other a bit before they came to the conclusion that they're attracted to each other. However, you can't really compare it to Heyer's work in those ways since the hero and heroine actually didn't get to know each other all that well before they thought that they're ready to marry each other. But it was a sweet clean romance in those aspects at least.
  
  What I didn't enjoy, was the fact that Lord John thought about marrying another woman for quite a big portion of the book. I'm not a fan of these love triangle-ish plots, BUT I did appreciate the fact that he didn't offer for her before admitting to himself that he's actually interested in a redheaded governess who most probably isn't a governess but a Lady in hiding.
  
  All in all, it was still a rather enjoyable read for me that I even dare recommend to regency romance fans that are looking for a simple and clean story without any of those pffputting tingling nether regions. :)
  
  This review and more can be found on
  The Book Challengers.
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  Candace

  John and Delia
  
  Major John Lambeth is returning home from the Peninsula and from fighting at Waterloo. Miss Delia Haverley has suffered a carriage accident on her way to her new position. Major Lambeth offers his assistance in getting Miss Haverley to Lindsay Hall. They encounter each other two more times. Each time they meet, the attraction between them grows. Will Delia's secrets destroy their budding romance? Will Major Lambeth's melancholia overshadow their feelings for each other?
  
  This is a well written novel. The history is lightly touched in the story. There were times when I felt the words melancholia and melancholy were over used. I also felt some of the subplots were too neatly tied up. The plot was simple but intriguing. The description is superb. This is a light, easy breezy read. I would enjoy another book by this author.
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  Debbie

  I've read a handful of Ms. Vandagriff's novels, and they never disappoint. This one was particularly interesting because of the hero's struggle with "melancholia" throughout the story. Other elements are less unusual, especially when the neighbor's governess who catches his eye is actually a damsel in distress hiding from an evil uncle who wants to marry her off to an equally evil marquess.
  
  I love all of these characters, both the admirable ones and the not-so-admirable ones. We have the tormented Major John Lamberth (Lord John of the title) returning to his brother's home after surviving Waterloo and encountering the formidable and diminutive Miss Delia Haverley (the aforementioned damsel in distress). We have the neighboring household where Miss Haverley works, with the snobby Lady Lindsay; her eldest daughter Miss Marianne Lindsay, who is angling for a proposal from Lord John; Miss Leticia Lindsay, who proves to be more forthright than her more artful older sister; and the mischievous youngest sisters who are Miss Haverley's charges, Molly and Mariah. We also have the rest of Lord John's family, with his older brother Alex and his wife Felicity (salt-of-the-earth types), and his younger sister Annabella (a drama queen) and her husband Alan (a London doctor). There are other characters, as well. Every one is convincingly drawn and has some impact on the storyline as it develops.
  
  While I appreciate the realism of Lord John's battle with depression, I am not so pleased with the less realistic "cure." This story implies that falling in love will chase the blues away rather than being a temporary fix for a more complicated problem. I would be curious to know how the inevitable relapses are faced when the couple is married and the glow of new love has dimmed a bit. But that would be beyond the scope of the HEA here so I shouldn't complain.
  
  Otherwise, this is a clean, well written Regency romance.
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  Aimee (Getting Your Read On)

  Sometimes this girl is just in the mood for a good regency romance. This book fit the bill perfectly. Imagining those lovely dresses, walks in the garden and taking tea is all part of the regency charm.
  
  Lord John is tired. After facing the atrocities of war, he is longing for a quiet life in the country to lift his spirits and rejuvenate his soul. Now he needs to find a wife who shares the same desires. Lord John thinks he knows what he wants but then he meets Miss Haverley and he becomes distracted by her loveliness and charm. He knows there is more to Miss Haverley than meets the eye. She is hiding something and he is determined to find out what and why.
  
  Miss Haverley is a mystery and there are things about her that just don't add up. She has everyone wondering. Especially Lord John. He is determined to unravel her secrets because she is the sunshine and light to his darkness.
  
  I enjoyed this book and it's characters. It was a gentle, easy read and I was quite content to stay in the English countryside with Lord John and Miss Haverley. I need to pick up the first book in this series because I'm so curious about Lord John's brother and his story. This book can stand alone though. I don't think you need to read the first to be fully invested in the second. It's just my curiosity now, driving me to read the first book. I know where I'll go when that regency mood hits again!
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  Whitebeard Books

  I enjoy good progressive stories. This second in a series is every bit as good as the first volume and has some of the same characters in a later chapter in the family's lives. Ms Vandagriff has done it again and again, I can't wait for the next in the series. I like the characters and the time frame. Please keep at it!
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  Alisa

  On his way home from the war, Major John Lambeth is looking forward to the peace of his family's country estate in Lincolnshire. Then he comes across a carriage accident and a damsel in distress. Only she isn't really in distress and she clearly isn't who she says she is. He is curious and determined to solve the mystery of "Miss Haverley's" true identity.
  
  Lady Cordelia Frensham has escaped her cruel uncle, the new Earl of Sudbury, who would marry her to the highest bidder, and has secured a position as a governess for the Lindsay family. She is using the name Delia Haverley to keep her true identity a secret.
  
  It is assumed that Lord John will marry his brother's wealthy neighbor, Miss Lindsay who has had a crush on him since she was a young girl. But the more time he spends with "Miss Haverley," the less interested he is in Miss Lindsay. Both John and Delia are very likable and it's fun to watch their friendship develop, but the ending felt rushed.
  
  This book stands on its own, but if you read the first book in this series, "Lord Grenville's Choice," it is fun to watch Alex's and Felicity's relationship as it has grown since the first book.
  
  Content: Clean
  Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)
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  Lisa (Bookworm Lisa)

  3.5 Stars
  
  This book is a sweet regency romance that is great for the times when you want a romance story to get lost in for a little while.
  
  Sir John has recently returned from the Battle of Waterloo. He was injured and decided it was time to settle in the country of the Land he had fought for. He suffers from melancholia and just wants to find some peace in his life. He has his path figured out. He will come home and marry the local girl, Miss Lindsay, who has had a crush on him since she was a young girl.
  
  It doesn't take long for him to realize that his plans and not what he wants. He meets the governess of the Lindsay family and knows that he wants more from life. He wants a happy marriage with a woman he loves and admires.
  
  Delia is hiding from her uncle who wants has promised her to a man who only wants her inheritance. The job of governess protects her identity and is the last place her uncle will think to look for her.
  
  The story is pretty straightforward. A couple who do not want to find each other, but do at a very inconvenient time in their life. The dilemma of falling in love and knowing that you can not have the person of your affections.
  
  The book is very clean and can be read an enjoyed by anyone of any age who enjoys a light regency romance.
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  Allie

  I like this new to me author-for a light, fun, Regency read
  
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  Jennifer Thompson

  I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable. Though the book isn't a long one, the author put just enough into each character to bring them all to life. The attention to detail makes them all well-rounded, each with enough of his or her own history to know them better than one might expect. I found these characters to embody an authenticity that was easy to relate to. I enjoyed the balance of strength and weakness that each displayed, along with the vulnerabilities and sensibilities.
  
  I also really liked the storyline, and the way it all tied together so well. The story was easy to follow, yet hard to put down. The era was interesting, the customs and practices of the times were genteel, yet the gossip and everyday issues were still as much a part of daily living as they are today.
  
  If you don't have a tremendous amount of time to sit down and read a long book, this one is a satisfying and enjoyable read, without all the time commitment of a longer book. Yet, even if you have tons of time to read, it is still too worth it to pass up.
  
  
  
  Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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  Tori (Book Chick)

  3.5 stars... "Miss Haverly" is on the run and in hiding from her cruel guardian uncle who is trying to marry her off to the highest bidder. Major/Lord John has just returned from war and is hoping for a quiet life in the country. When they meet both of their lives change forever...
  This book started off strong. I didn't want to put it down and I was really rooting for Miss Haverly and Lord John. However, the ending was lacking. It was good, but really just summed up and rushed. I felt like I was missing details and it all just ended as quickly as possible. If a situation takes 20 chapters to develop, it shouldn't take 2 to resolve. However, other than that, I really enjoyed the book and the characters. I recommend it to anyone who likes regency era stories. :)
  
  *I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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  Jen

  I have had the pleasure to review Lord John’s Dilemma, and what a dilemma it was! This book was very engaging and easy to read. I found myself excited to see what would happen next. It seems all of society would assume that Lord John will marry his betrothed, but when he happens upon a lowly governess in a predicament he begins to question everything about his own life and his future. His obsession regarding the governess whom he believes to be hiding something begins to overtake his thought processes and leaves him in quite the tailspin. Lord John must decide how to proceed amid controversy and family drama. I would have enjoyed a more climactic ending, however I thoroughly enjoyed this love story about how to proceed in getting what you may desire while overcoming the obstacles within your path.
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  Tonileg

  Historical English romance with a war Vet finding love with the governess of the lady he thought he was going to court.
  Lord John is back and everyone believes he will marry his childhood friend and neighbor, but before anything can happen, he falls in love with the mysterious Miss Haverley. There is an obvious HEA because she isn't a simple governess, but a heiress on the run. The usual fluff.
  212 pages and kindle freebie
  2 stars
• 
  Jenny

  Meh. It wasn't TERRIBLE, but it wasn't great, either. The conflict is quickly resolved, and there's a bit too much insta-love for me.
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  Elouise

  We meet Lord John Grenville on a road to his home, back from the horrors of the Napoleonic war. Suddenly he sees a carriage in the ditch and a young lady standing by it. He takes her to his home which is next door to the one she was heading for to take on a post as governess for two girls. They talk while the horse walks beside him and get acquainted a little. This chance encounter started a progression of events leading to a really interesting love story. Love blooms slowly as we find that John suffers from melancholia, known as battle fatigue following the world wars and post traumatic stress syndrome now. John becomes infatuated with Cordelia although he knows her a Delia. She falls for him too but cannot even tell him who she really is let alone that she loves him. She has to play her role as a governess and continue to hide from her evil uncle who used to beat her and has arranged a marriage for her to a real scoundrel! A lovely fast paced love story, set in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, compelling in the telling. I enjoyed this one immensely. I think I found a new favorite author here.
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  Shash

  Lord John has a few dilemmas in this story. I really liked him, and ached for him as he battled with melancholia. I admired his strong desire to do something for those that served in the war. He is a good man, and I was so happy to see good things happen to him.
  
  Miss Haverly is kind and caring. I was impressed with her willingness to leave the privileged life she knew and work as a governess. And she did it without complaint, even when Mrs. Lindsay was awful to her. I loved the way things worked out in the end.
  
  There is a wide array of supporting characters. They cover the whole scale as far as likability goes, and add a lot to the story. And there’s even a monkey. :)
  
  This is the second book in the series, but stands alone. I haven’t read the first one, but really want to read Alex and Felicity’s story now. Loved them!
  
  I listened to the audio book. The narrator did a good job, and it was easy to tell who was speaking.
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  Darkwinde

  I wasn't expecting to find a hero fighting depression in this book, but I did, and it was wonderfully done. I have been tortured in the past by books that tried and failed to have characters with depression. Lord John's "melancholy", brought on by his experiences in the war, shows us what clinical depression can really be like without dragging the reader through too much darkness. I appreciated this take on helping people understand this condition. Thank you, Ms. Vandagriff!
  
  Other than that, I also liked this book. Delia (h) was strong and yet vulnerable. John wasn't just about his depression, but also about finding his place after coming home. It didn't get that 5th star because I did feel there was a little too much fortuitous circumstance that lead to the HEA. I would have liked for the characters to have had to work a little more for it.
  
  This is a clean romance with impassioned kissing, but nothing else.
  
  Overall, I will definitely read more from Ms. Vandagriff.
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  Amanda Jane

  More comedy
  
  Once again we have a glut of Earls, this time with a returning soldier, a Major no less, and a Lady turned governess hiding from her devious uncle/guardian and his choice of profligate husband for her.
  
  Of course true love prevails, even if he is suffering from melancholia and she is sacked from her position for dancing with the Major because he's assumed to be marrying the sister of her charges.
  
  And to add to the drama her next employer , a widower with a daughter, decides to try and bribe her into marriage when she's discovered.
  
  It couldn't get anymore clichéd if it tried.
  
  Btw.. no such thing as a five pence back then.. sixpence yes.. thrupence yes.. five pence is decimal coin which arrived in 1970/1
  
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  Amanda Murphy

  Clean and fun to read
  
  I enjoyed this story. It was very clean and a little exciting and relaxing to read. I did find the author's apparent need to drown her tale in words that were difficult to understand without the constant use of a dictionary very distracting and annoying. I don't really think an inspirational romance is the right place to flaunt your intelligence. The dialogue was sometimes awkward and the story could have used a bit more editing. But all in all I did enjoy it and I would certainly recommend it to readers who like a light hearted romance without the graphic sex and innuendo that many have.
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  Cyndi

  Yes!!!
  
  What a treat to read something that touches close to my own personal life . While not a Lord or Lady , as a veteran and mom of 2 vets, melancholia, survivors guilt, mental and physical trauma are an everyday struggle. We do one day at a time. We are coping and like Lord John and Lady Cordelia, its easier with a loving support of those who are dear to us.
  Suffice it to say i enjoyed your book ,its characters and connected with them very much.
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  Richelle

  I enjoyed reading this. I love John and Delia, their connection is fabulous, but the revealing of her true identity and situation at the end all seemed a bit rushed. Up until that point I thought it was great, but the ending is where it fell flat for me. Overall, I did like the story and will definitely read the next in the series.
  
  Romance - Sweet and Clean
  Language - None
  Violence - Mild (memories of wartime, abuse) Nothing descriptive
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  Diane Horne

  Lord John's Dilemma By G.G. Vandagriff
  
  Two stars, it was a good book but confusing.. Lord John left the war, but he suffered from ppst disorder... Delia was in hiding as a governess to not marry a man her uncle choose fit for her.. John like Delia but he wanted to chose in someone in his class another lady.... Delia like him and wanted the truth out but, he like her but... Then it all comes together at the end...
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  Elda

  A wonderful angst filled love story
  
  I enjoyed reading this story. I'm a sucker for love stories during this time period. I was almost hesitant to get this for fear it would be full of explicit sex. But this was a good clean read. It also addressed the issue of so called "battle fatigue" in a very delicate and respectful way. This author is now on my list of favorites.