Review: The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny With a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander

Title: The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny With a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander
Lady Travelers Society Series Book Two
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 404 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Join the Lady Travelers Society in their latest romantic misadventure, from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Victoria Alexander

She must secure her future

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage

Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything

Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.

Review:

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny With a Dashing Stranger  by Victoria Alexander is a giggle-inducing and heartwarming historical romance. This second installment in the Lady Travelers Society series can easily be read as a standalone.

Lady Wilhelmina “Willie” Bascombe is finally ready to return to society after living in seclusion for the past two years following her husband George’s tragic loss.  George’s unfortunate death has been a huge wake-up call for Willie who enjoyed but never questioned their carefree, frivolous and lavish lifestyle. She has paid off all of George’s debts except for one: unbeknownst to  Willie, he used a painting her grandmother left to her as collateral for a loan from an Italian art collector. Now destitute, Willie is hosting a group of mothers and daughters on a small European tour that will take her to Italy where she plans to pay off the debt and reclaim the painting.  Upon her return to England, she will auction off the painting and live off the proceeds.

However, Willie is unaware that Dante Montague also has a vested interest in locating the painting since he believes it rightfully belongs to his family. After he convinces his sister Roz and her daughter to sign up for the tour, he accompanies them so he can keep an eye Willie while he schemes to swoop in and snag the painting from under her.

Dante is intrigued by his beautiful, intrepid tour guide right from the beginning, but Willie initially thinks Dante is staid and stuffy. After her shocking discoveries about her and George’s finances, Willie has no intention of ever depending on a man to take care of her. She is fiercely independent and afraid of making another mistake so she is very cautious about acting on her surprising attraction to Dante. Dante gets up caught up in their mutual desire for each other and he makes a huge error in judgment that puts the couple’s future in jeopardy when Willie stumbles onto his secret. Even with the helpful advice of her new group of friends, Willie’s fears prevent her from  giving up on her plan to ensure her financial future.

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny With a Dashing Stranger is a fun-filled, zany adventure that takes Willie, Dante and the rest of the tour to many exciting and romantic locations.  Victoria Alexander easily captures readers attention in this engaging historical romance that has a cast of lovable characters. The enchanting descriptions of the various stops on their journey bring the story vibrantly to life. The banter between the various characters is often laugh out loud funny yet also interspersed with thought-provoking observations. The romance between Willie and Dante is sizzling hot but full of complications. Another wonderful installment in the delightful Lady Travelers Society series that old and new fans are sure to love.