The Lady's Command (The Adventurers Quartet)

“Marrying the lady of his dreams had proved suprisingly easy. Forging the marriage of his dreams…That, apparently was an entirely different challenge.”

FINAL DECISION: Focused on developing a mystery that will play out between four separate novels, this book features a newly married couple working to develop a marriage that satisfies both of them. Deftly focusing on the mystery allows for more harmony between the couple than might be expected, but this allows their relationship to grow rather than be mired in pointless conflict.

THE STORY: Captain Declan Frobisher quickly wooed and wed the woman of his dreams. He knew immediately that she was the one. When a secret mission disrupts his honeymoon, Declan hopes to accomplish his mission and return to his wife in short order. Lady Edwina nee Delbraith (a duke’s daughter and sister of gambling king Neville Roscoe from THE LADY RISKS ALL) is pleased with her husband but as a strong, definite and strategic woman she intends of building a marriage based on a working personal relationship. She has no intention of staying home while her husband sails the seas. She will take risks to show her husband that the two belong side by side.

OPINION: This book is more mystery than romance. The usual romance depicted in similar books happens before this book begins. This book is about the formation of a marriage relationship. That being said, I really like books that are about marriage. There is much drama to be found in two people learning to navigate together and creating a life together instead of merely two lives running parallel. That is what is at the heart of the romance in this book. Declan and Edwina have to discover what one another want and need in their marriage. That requires talking and understanding and compromise from both of them.

Initially, Declan expects a marriage that will feature a lady wife to manage his home and children while he sails the world. This conflicts with Edwina’s vision because she knows that she is not delicate and she is determined to fully share her husband’s life and she intends that the two of them wllll manage their life together. Her adventurous soul attracted Declan to her and his desire to put her in a box to protect her cannot satisfy Edwina.

That being said, the normal drama and conflict is largely missing from this book. These two respect and love one another from the beginning and therefore there is some — but not a lot — of conflict between Declan and Edwina. Instead, there is the beginning of a mystery that will last throughout the four books of the quartet. Therefore, anyone expecting a solution to the mystery will be disappointed. This book is the first part of the mystery. Some secrets are revealed, but there is much left for other couples to discover. Indeed, it is clear that Declan and Edwina still have a part to play in future books. The mystery itself was well developed. Regular readers of Laurens will know that she almost always has a serious mystery element in her books. Here, the mystery takes more prominance than in, for example, the Cynsters series.

This book clearly takes place in the same world that Laurens other novels. Making a prominant appearance is Wolverstone (from the Bastion Club series) and there are mentions of the Black Cobra Quartet. While never overwhelming the current storyline, there are many Easter eggs for fans to find.

The remainder of the series will feature Declan’s brothers and the women they find. This book has to do the heavy work of introducing characters and developing the ongoing storyline. This book accomplishes that while giving readers a different type of romance.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book reminds me of the relationship between Penelope and Barnaby Adair in the Barnaby Adair Mystery series that Laurens also writes. The emphasis on the mystery is also similar to that series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LADY’S COMMAND is the first book in The Adventurers Quartet. This is a truly connected four book series. Each of the books will build upon the story before and therefore the books are meant to be read together.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own. I also purchased my own copy of this book.

Laurens review
The Lady’s Command revolves around the relationship between two newly married individuals both of high birth. Approximately 90% of the book involves the main characters analyzing their love life, their relationship or their recent marriage. Edwina is strong- willed, independent, very conscious of her high status in society, and manipulative. Declan, her husband comes across as weak, easily seduced, and easily manipulated. There is little plot and even less action. Declan, who often carries out secret missions for the government goes to a remote British colony to investigate the disappearance of people. He asks her to stay home but she of course ignores his wishes and any possible danger and stows away on board his ship. Instead of shipping her back home, he gives in and takes her with him where she ( stupidly) lands in trouble and he comes to her rescue, Finis- end of story. Two unappealing personalities and one boring book. Not up to Laurens’ earlier standards. The saga continues but not for me. Pico

This book was categorized as a Romance novel. Quick question: Where was the romance aspect of the story? The extent of it was a few kisses, and alluding to them having intimacy. I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but when i read a romance novel, i expect there to be romance. This was the first book I ever read by Stephanie Laurens. Sadly it will be the last. If this is a general reflection of her writing style, I won't bother picking up any others. I would rather stay with Lisa Kleypas, Sabrina Jeffries, or Kat Martin. The stories move much quicker and they really do personify what a romance novel should be. Normally when i read book I want to reach the ending so I can find out what happens to the main characters. With this one, i only wanted to finish it so that I could put it on the top of the "To Be Donated" pile. Highly disappointed.

It was attraction at first sight. Both Captain Declan Frobisher and Lady Edwina Delbraith felt it. They even loved each other’s families and the secrets that would soon be shared. When Declan is called upon by the First Lord of the Admiralty to the British settlement in Freetown, West Africa to investigate a number of missing people, the last thing he expected would be to take Edwina with him. She insisted; he refused. Then, he had no choice once he found her showed on board the ship. Now, Frobisher finds himself investigating the missing officer and trying to protect Edwina at the same time.

This is Stephanie Laurens first book in historical romance series, The Adventurers Quartet, set in 1824. It’s a sweet romance between the two very likable main characters. Because they are married at the outset of the story, it lacks the romantic tension that is common in many romance novels. It’s a marriage like many others in which the two begin life’s journey learning the intricate details of each other. The writing, however, invoked a little more ‘telling’ than ‘showing’. Rating: 3 out of 5.

Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

When I get a hankering for a romp through Regency times, I have a relatively short list of authors who can transport me straight into the time period where I can sit on the sidelines and enjoy a visit with the ton. Author Stephanie Laurens earned a spot years ago with the incredible Cynster novels.

In The Adventurers Quartet series, she introduces four couples and their unexpected journeys into love. The series is described as “a riveting blend of Regency-era high seas adventure, a mystery shrouded in the heat of tropical jungles…” In The Lady’s Command, Captain Declan Frobisher and Lady Edwina Delbraith are in the early stages of their marriage.

Typically, the storyline would revolve around a couple, following their courtship and subsequent trials and tribulations before a tidy happily ever after. The Lady’s Command actually picks up after the marriage. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the rings are exchanged, this is a perfect example. Maybe thinking that Edwina was a traditional debutante was Declan’s first mistake. Instead, she has a mind of her own with her own dreams and aspirations that are firmly rooted with her husband’s presence by her side…not a continent away.

When their plans are interrupted by a trip to West Africa, both Declan and Edwina are forced to re-evaluate their plans for merging their lives in a very quick fashion. As the focus of the story shifts from romance mode to more of a mystery of missing people, readers get to see a different side of the author outside the traditional constraints of the typical Regency setting. While the romance is still there, there’s a greater sense of suspense and intrigue to help kick off this new series.

In true Laurens’ style, the characters are compelling and multi-dimensional, always guaranteed to leave an impression on the reader. With Edwina and Declan leading the way, The Adventurers Quartet series promises to be another jewel in the author’s crown.

THE LADY'S COMMAND has everything that you can expect from Stephanie Laurens - adventure, danger, intrigue, a strong-willed and independent heroine and an honorable and brave hero - but it's also a little different because in this book, the story begins after the courtship and marriage of the couple, unlike in other books where this is usually a part of the adventure.

Captain Declan Frobisher knew he wanted Lady Edwina Delbraith as his wife the first time he set his eyes on her and now that he's achieved that goal, he expects that she'll spend her time like the other ladies of the ton - managing his household, bearing his children and pursuing other ladylike interests, while he sails the seas as part of his family's business holdings as well as on the covert missions undertaken on behalf of the Crown. Lady Edwina has different ideas on what kind of marriage she wants and it involves being a part of every bit of her husband's life, not just part of it. So when Declan has to go on a mission and refuses to allow her join him, she takes matters into her own hands decisively.

I enjoyed this couple very much, especially their willingness to make their marriage what they wanted in spite of the expectations of society and their journey becomes one of discovery. Edwina has the spirit of an adventurer, just like Declan and embraces life with open arms. She's also very skilled and strategic at social niceties, which comes in handy for the Frobishers who have little skill in that area and have to rely on Edwina and her family to help them. These skills will be very handy in the information-gathering mission they are undertaking and I liked that Declan was quick to recognize and capitalize on that. The revelation that Declan and his brothers routinely undertook secret missions for the Crown highlights his loyal, daring and courageous nature and Edwina was definitely the perfect woman for him. There are some surprises too, but what stands out is that Edwina is the more forceful personality of the two of them, which is a departure from Ms. Laurens's usual characters.

I love the mystery angle of this story and anyone who loves mysteries or has read and loved her Black Cobra Quartet series will love this new series as well. Danger, secrets, missing persons and voodoo priestesses are just some of what await Declan and Edwina at the end of their journey, The clues are doled out sparingly but you'll be waiting for the next book eagerly just for more pieces to the puzzle.

This book has a slower pace than other books and the romance is more sweet than fiery but that doesn't make it less interesting. I actually enjoyed the development of Edwina and Declan's relationship. THE LADY'S COMMAND has its own charm and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Reading Lauren's works over the years, the notion of marriage and what factors contribute to bring two people together in a strong relationship that grows over time has surely been a central theme.
With The Lady's Command that theme is given voice. It is overt. We are taken from a different beginning into uncharted territory. I must admit that it took me a moment to be drawn into this more explicit direction. We are not starting from the across a crowded room beginning. We are starting from the happily ever after, riding off into the sunset with your prince/princess beside you, place. Unusual, invigorating even!
When Captain Declan Frobisher is called upon to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a crown spy in the West African port of Freetown shortly after his marriage to Lady Edwina Delbraith, he envisages that his wife would stay at home guarding home and hearth. Annoying as it was to have to step into action so soon after his marriage, Declan must however meet this request. His family's seafaring empire continues to assist the crown, having been privateers with a Letter of Marque that had never been rescinded.
If Declan thought that Edwina would go quietly into the night--he was wrong, as he discovers once his ship has set sail. Edwina joins him in his quest for information into the spy's disappearance. What they uncover is alarming and puzzling. There are more disappearances, including young women and children, than openly acknowledged. It is up to Edwina and Declan to pursue the threads that they can in the differing circles of Freetown inhabitants open to them. When danger threatens from an unknown source they press on.
The voyage is one of discovery on both the personal and the investigative level. Edwina finds herself married to a man who matches her adventurous heart and between them Declan and Edwina chart their way into a closer and more satisfying relationship. Drawn into this delightful opening chapter of The Adventurers Quartet I look forward to the next episode of high sea adventure that is surely the mark of the Frobisher family.

A NetGalley ARC

This is book 1 in the Adventurers Quartet.

Captain Declan Frobisher knew the moment that he laid eyes on Lady Edwina Delbraith that she would be his wife. What he didn't realize was that she had as big an adventurous spirit as his own.

Upon learning that her husband was leaving on his ship to complete a job shortly after their wedding, Edwina did what she had to to set the tone for the rest of her marriage... she stowed away on his ship. What she didn't know was that her husband was on a secret mission for the crown.

Finding his wife aboard his ship was shocking to Declan, but he soon realized that she could be an asset to his mission.

Can these two accomplish their mission and become closer to each other in the process?

I really enjoyed this story, but I will say that I was disappointed that we didn't get to see the development of their love story. The story a few weeks after the marriage and we do learn a little about the courtship, but not enough to satisfy this romantic heart. I felt like this story was more of a mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in. Not at all what I would normally expect from Laurens.

I was however very intrigued by the mystery that will span all four of the novels. What a way to keep the readers interested!!

While it is a very good and well written story, don't read it counting on getting your romance quota for the day...

It appears that the next story in the series will have more of the romance that I have come to love from Laurens. It will be out in April.

Thanks go out to Harlequin for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

Stephanie Laurens describes her writing style as "Errol Flynn meets Jane Austen." This is a perfect description for The Lady's Command.

What a charming and unique read! It combines romance with a loving, newly married couple, a mystery, and some adventure, too. The book has a delightful mix of all of these elements.

This is my first Stephanie Laurens read, but it will not be my last. I intend to read the next three books in this series when they are available.

The Lady's Command was well written, with dialogue that flowed and added much to characterization. This book involves many characters, and I appreciated the Cast of Characters. (I referred to it often while reading.)

Readers of historical fiction, regency novels, and light romantic historical mysteries will enjoy this novel. Recommended!

This story is a Regency romance. Though I've read other historicals by this author, this one did not engage me as quickly or as completely, although the characters were interesting. If you want an adventure that includes a stow-a-way bride, and a visit to an African port with all many of unsavory characters, this story may be for you. It is the first of what looks to be a series, perhaps involving all of the Frobischer brothers. This volume begins with Declan following his recent marriage to the lady Edwina, herself a strong female character in a time when such strength was likely hidden, if not only rarely acknowledged by the men.

How they set up the tale that will follow through subsequent volumes moves a bit too slowly for me, but does spark interest.

Stephanie Laurens continues to be one of my all time favorite authors. Her creative genius knows no bounds. This is the first book of a new series, The Adventurers Quartet. This story is filled with adventure, intrigue and a love story. Declan Frobisher is called to duty to investigate missing people in Freetown, Africa and his new bride, Lady Edwina, stows away on his ship to join him. While in Africa, they uncover evidence that the conspiracy is greater than the government is aware of. Danger ensues and they barely escape. They return to London so that the next operative can take over the investigation. This story is a cliffhanger.

If you've never read Stephanie Laurens before, don't judge her by this lackluster outing. Read Devil's Bride or any of the early Cynster or Bastion Club books. This contains many of the elements that were in those earlier book—the Alpha, protective hero, the heroine determined to be his equal partner, the lengthy (sometimes too lengthy) sex scenes, the adventure plot—but in this case they all seem kind of tired, as if she's just going through the motions.
Read those early books, and you'll see what I mean.

I loved Ms. Laurens' Cynster family series and was looking forward to some other books by her. However, I was disappointed in this one. The pace was too slow and I absolutely hate the fact that the mystery will not be resolved until the last book in the series. I do not like being forced to buy other books to have the mystery resolved. I will simply read the last book. It looks like this author is doing the same thing in the next generation Cynster books. Please go back to stand alone books.

Stephanie Laurens is the best of both worlds. Her bold tenacity to give the readers what they want is shown in her characters and the stories she writes. The Lady's Command blends action, romance and suspense in order to create a story that appeals to more than the standard romance reader. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and found myself amused by the spunky no holes barred Edwina and spellbound by the fearless Declan. The road to happily every after proved to be a bumpy one for these lovers but was a delightful eye opener for me.

London - 1824

Declan Frobisher and his new wife, Lady Edwina Frobisher, daughter of a Duke, are enjoying their new marriage attending events with friends. Edwina is a beautiful blonde lady with impeccable manners. Declan is the second of four Frobisher brothers. Their father owns a large shipping company and numerous ships. All of the brothers are involved with the shipping business and have their own ship.

When Declan is summoned by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he knows that something is brewing. His family has helped the Crown with covert operations in the past and gears himself for what may be coming. It appears that some men sent by the government to Freeport in west Africa, have gone missing and no one has any idea what could have happened to them. Declan is requested to take his ship, "The Cormorant” and sail to Freeport. He is to appear there as just a visitor and not on any particular business so as to not spark the interest of anyone that might be behind these missing people. He is to quietly see what information he can find. Of course, he agrees to the request.

Declan tells Edwina that he will be gone for about two weeks just to take some cargo someplace for the company. When she insists on going with him, he is adamant that she will not. After some argument, she finally relents - or so he thinks. When the ship sails and he retires to his room, he is surprised to find a large trunk in his room. Yes, you guessed it. Edwina is inside! But all is not lost because she truly enjoys the trip and learns about sailing. He tells her the real reason for his trip and they both make plans on how to tackle the problem.

When they arrive, they are welcomed by the English people and using her perfect skills as a lady, Edwina is able to glean information that not just men, but some women and children have gone missing too. Coupling that with what Declan learns and more surprising things surface.

We meet some of the local natives of the town and find that their unusual rituals may be hiding something sinister.

I really liked this book. Declan and Edwina are perfect for each other. A great story. This is the first book in the author’s new series called “The Adventurers Quartet.” I look forward to reading future books in this series and highly recommend it.

Copy provided by the publisher.

Not anywhere as good as her early books. Maybe she just spoiled us with books I love to reread and reread again. I won't buy the rest of the series. I'll wait until they are in the library. I guess it's hard to keep writing at a really high level. Had this been the first book by her that I had ever read, I would think it's OK like so many other writers. However, for me this book is a letdown.

Wow, loved so many of Stephanie Laurens books. Devil's Bride of course being the top dog but so many others almost right there. This book along with the other recent offerings from this author are so disappointing. Rather than being caught up in the story, one feels like they are watching from a long ways away as really boring things happen to the characters. We miss the entire courtship of this couple and jump in on their "honeymoon". Too much inside the head analysis of what may be rather than much interaction developing within the protagonists relationship. I almost feel like a computer program or a team of junior writers is putting her stuff together based on an algorythm of her style. Couldn't make it past page 30.

I usually enjoy Stephanie Laurens and was extremely disappointed with this book. The characters were boring. The dialogue repetitive. The story line unrealistic. I get this is THE FIRST in a new series, but I didn't like the characters, they weren't strong...just annoying.

The story completely lost me when Declan meekly accepted his wife of 3 weeks stowing away on his ship. I literally had to stop reading the book and check that this was actually written by Stephanie Laurens and that I didn't purchase a sudo author by mistake.

I'll skip the rest of this series. Hopefully when this sseries is over in 2 years, she'll come up with a new compelling story line.

My Picky Picky Picky Bed Bound Retired Doctor Friend loves this book enough to ask me to buy her ANY of Stephanie Lauren's books and happy to see she has many others. I am in here to get her what I can and help her hospital time fly by. I took a photo of the cover with my iPhone to not forget the author when I got back home to my PC.

I loved Ms. Laurens' Cynster family series and was looking forward to some other books by her. However, I was disappointed in this one. The pace was too slow and I absolutely hate the fact that the mystery will not be resolved until the last book in the series. I do not like being forced to buy other books to have the mystery resolved. I will simply read the last book. It looks like this author is doing the same thing in the next generation Cynster books. Please go back to stand alone books.

Stephanie Laurens is the best of both worlds. Her bold tenacity to give the readers what they want is shown in her characters and the stories she writes. The Lady's Command blends action, romance and suspense in order to create a story that appeals to more than the standard romance reader. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and found myself amused by the spunky no holes barred Edwina and spellbound by the fearless Declan. The road to happily every after proved to be a bumpy one for these lovers but was a delightful eye opener for me.

London - 1824

Declan Frobisher and his new wife, Lady Edwina Frobisher, daughter of a Duke, are enjoying their new marriage attending events with friends. Edwina is a beautiful blonde lady with impeccable manners. Declan is the second of four Frobisher brothers. Their father owns a large shipping company and numerous ships. All of the brothers are involved with the shipping business and have their own ship.

When Declan is summoned by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he knows that something is brewing. His family has helped the Crown with covert operations in the past and gears himself for what may be coming. It appears that some men sent by the government to Freeport in west Africa, have gone missing and no one has any idea what could have happened to them. Declan is requested to take his ship, "The Cormorant” and sail to Freeport. He is to appear there as just a visitor and not on any particular business so as to not spark the interest of anyone that might be behind these missing people. He is to quietly see what information he can find. Of course, he agrees to the request.

Declan tells Edwina that he will be gone for about two weeks just to take some cargo someplace for the company. When she insists on going with him, he is adamant that she will not. After some argument, she finally relents - or so he thinks. When the ship sails and he retires to his room, he is surprised to find a large trunk in his room. Yes, you guessed it. Edwina is inside! But all is not lost because she truly enjoys the trip and learns about sailing. He tells her the real reason for his trip and they both make plans on how to tackle the problem.

When they arrive, they are welcomed by the English people and using her perfect skills as a lady, Edwina is able to glean information that not just men, but some women and children have gone missing too. Coupling that with what Declan learns and more surprising things surface.

We meet some of the local natives of the town and find that their unusual rituals may be hiding something sinister.

I really liked this book. Declan and Edwina are perfect for each other. A great story. This is the first book in the author’s new series called “The Adventurers Quartet.” I look forward to reading future books in this series and highly recommend it.

Copy provided by the publisher.

Not anywhere as good as her early books. Maybe she just spoiled us with books I love to reread and reread again. I won't buy the rest of the series. I'll wait until they are in the library. I guess it's hard to keep writing at a really high level. Had this been the first book by her that I had ever read, I would think it's OK like so many other writers. However, for me this book is a letdown.

Wow, loved so many of Stephanie Laurens books. Devil's Bride of course being the top dog but so many others almost right there. This book along with the other recent offerings from this author are so disappointing. Rather than being caught up in the story, one feels like they are watching from a long ways away as really boring things happen to the characters. We miss the entire courtship of this couple and jump in on their "honeymoon". Too much inside the head analysis of what may be rather than much interaction developing within the protagonists relationship. I almost feel like a computer program or a team of junior writers is putting her stuff together based on an algorythm of her style. Couldn't make it past page 30.

I usually enjoy Stephanie Laurens and was extremely disappointed with this book. The characters were boring. The dialogue repetitive. The story line unrealistic. I get this is THE FIRST in a new series, but I didn't like the characters, they weren't strong...just annoying.

The story completely lost me when Declan meekly accepted his wife of 3 weeks stowing away on his ship. I literally had to stop reading the book and check that this was actually written by Stephanie Laurens and that I didn't purchase a sudo author by mistake.

I'll skip the rest of this series. Hopefully when this sseries is over in 2 years, she'll come up with a new compelling story line.

My Picky Picky Picky Bed Bound Retired Doctor Friend loves this book enough to ask me to buy her ANY of Stephanie Lauren's books and happy to see she has many others. I am in here to get her what I can and help her hospital time fly by. I took a photo of the cover with my iPhone to not forget the author when I got back home to my PC.

The last couple books by Laurens have been disappointing. This book follows those same lines. Her characters are always too perfect. Rich, confident, attractive, well-liked...basically the idyllic life. It makes for boring reading. It was so much of perfection that I stopped reading at pg 58. I just can't read more perfect drivel.