THE LOST LIEUTENANT is a Regency romance novel depicting a commoner who becomes part of the nobility by decree of the Prince Regent. Evan Eldridge, the son of a minister, was fortunate to receive a very good education at the hands of his father. Nonetheless, his aspirations do not extend beyond serving in the Army. While on assignment, he inadvertently rescues the Prince Regent’s godson. Evan was seriously injured and suffered memory loss surrounding the events of the heroic deed. Evan’s greatest wish is to recover enough that he can return to his unit and continue in his service to the crown.

During his recovery period, he is surprised by a visit from the Home Secretary informing him that the Price Regent requests an audience with him. Imagine his shock when he appears before the Prince Regent and is bestowed the title of Earl of Whitelock as gratitude for his heroism. Ironically, he is more than a little disappointed that he will now be unable to return to the war and he feels a fraud as he cannot remember anything from his heroic act save from the fragmented recurrent nightmares. He is further thrown out of his element when the Prince Regent intervenes again to encourage him to ask for the hand of a duke’s daughter in marriage.  

To appease the Prince, Evan and Diana are married and journey to their new estate to ready it for a promised royal visit in a few short months. Having been unoccupied for a number of years, White Haven is in complete shambles. As Evan and Diana work together to restore the estate, their love for each other begins to blossom. Yet, to its detriment, they both harbor secrets and have thus far not been fully truthful with one another. Can they learn to trust one another and overcome the obstacles they will face in their future?

THE LOST LIEUTENANT by Erica Vetsch has all the elements of a good Regency romance: social class distinctions, debutantes, balls, fashion, marriages of convenience, nobility, romance, and a little mystery. The reader will find the social activities, witty conversation, gorgeous fashion, and delectable foods to be period specific and accurate. While not the main focus of the book, humor can also be found. While there is intrigue and mystery in the novel, it is rather superficial, yet enjoyable.

This novel differs from others in the genre in a couple of ways. First, the hero is common, not born into the aristocracy. Additionally, though brave, the heroine in the story is more demure and less spirited than usually encountered in the genre. Neither of these differences subtract from the quality of the novel, but rather give it a fresh face. Readers will find this to be a clean novel with no curse words or overt sex scenes. There is some violence in the book, but it is not overly graphic. Those who enjoy Regency romance novels will not want to miss this one.

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