Month: August 2020

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Someone to Romance (Westcott #8)Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Westcott, #8

Release Date: August 28, 2020

Lady Jessica Archer, daughter of the late and sister to the current Duke of Netherby, has decided that this will be the year she finally marries. At 25, she has had many opportunities, but when her dearest friend and cousin Abby’s life was upended by scandal, Jessica stood by her in solidarity, but Abby married two years ago and Jessica realizes romance is probably not in the cards for her. She decides that she will make a practical match, much to Abby’s dismay. But little does she know that fate has something else in store for her!

Gabriel Thorne first sees Jessica at a small inn in the middle of nowhere and immediately dislikes her, as she is the reason he has to give up the private parlor he paid handsomely for! Gabriel is back in England not by choice, he left 13 years ago under a cloud of suspicion and made a new life for himself in America. His mother’s cousin adopted him and took him under his wing, leaving Gabriel a prosperous shipping business, that Gabriel turned into an even more prosperous shipping empire. But when the past comes back to haunt him and the fate of someone he loves is caught in the balance, Gabriel leaves Boston and returns to England to claim his birthright. Gabriel is actually Gabriel Rochford, the Earl of Lyndale and is soon to be declared dead. Gabriel was happy to let the title pass on to his cousin Manley Rochford, despite their past, but when Manley starts making changes that hurt people Gabriel loves, he will do his duty. Part of that duty will be to marry and he decides that haughty Lady Jessica is perfect for the job! He goes to London and meets with his godfather Sir Trevor Vickers, due to the accusations leveled against Gabriel when he left, they decide to keep his identity a secret until Gabriel can clear his name. But they do sponsor him and introduce him to the ton.

Jessica begins the season hoping that there will be some new prospective suitors in town and is surprised (and intrigued) to see Gabriel, but he is not the only new face, she is also impressed and attracted to the soon-to-be Earl of Lyndale’s son, Anthony Rochford. When Gabriel tells Jessica he intends to marry her, she is annoyed and tells Gabriel that if he wants to marry her, he will have to romance her! They spend more time together and it is not long before Jessica figures out who Gabriel really is and vows to help him claim his title and clear his name.

This was a well written, slow paced love story with a dash of mystery. The book chock full of betrayal, lies, murder, secrets, likeable characters, mild to warmish love scenes, a bit of intrigue, a vile villain, the entire Westcott family and lots of my personal favorite AVERY! I enjoyed the story, but I really didn’t feel the “romance”, it was definitely an unstated, slow burn type of love story – I did believe they loved each other – but that love did not leap off the page at me. This book is the eighth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title, I really enjoyed the story and would happily recommend it!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by the publisher*

Miss Harvey’s Horribly Lovable Fiance by Cerise DeLand

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Miss Harvey's Horribly Lovable Fiancé (Four Weddings and a Frolic, #3)Miss Harvey’s Horribly Lovable Fiancé by Cerise DeLand
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Four Weddings and a Frolic #3
Publication Date: 8/24/20
Number of Pages: 126

This was a delightfully fun and entertaining read. The characters were an absolute delight, the romance was sweet, the story was excellently written and well-paced, and the humor was boundless. It was just the lighthearted kind of read you’d want in these troubling times. I mean – just look at the title – that should tell you it is entertaining.

Miss Esme Harvey’s father is rich as Croesus and as his only child, she’s quite the heiress. Her family is a close loving one and she’s never wanted for anything. (It was really nice to see a loving, supportive family). She wanted Giles Wilfred Charles Beauchamp, the Marquess of Northington – and he wanted her just as desperately – so all was good there – right?

You see, Giles has a habit of disappearing – with no explanation. He proposed – and disappeared. Now, it is time for the wedding and – he’s disappeared again, but he’s on his way – but he’s late. Esme has to wonder – why does he disappear? Doesn’t he really love her? She thinks she knows what he’s up to, but – well – she’s not sure.

Giles doesn’t have the kind of family Esme does. His father, the Duke of Brentford, is a profligate, womanizing, gambling, wastrel who cares nothing for anyone except himself. Giles has spent his entire life trying to distance himself from his father – to maintain a spotless reputation. Luckily, he has wealth in his own right – but his father is constantly hitting him up for money. Sometimes Giles gives it to him – and sometimes he doesn’t. However – this time – he wants a LOT – and won’t sign the marriage contract until Giles agrees to his demands. Oh! My!

When Esme learns about Giles’s father, she determines to ‘save’ him and protect her father’s money at the same time. The adventure begins! Esme is a hoot – she can ride and shoot and generally take care of herself and when she pulls a gun on poor Giles and leaves him totally naked, in a room at an Inn, his chagrin is complete. He has to get her back! Can he?

This short, fun read will leave you chuckling and shaking your head. You’ll love the delightful characters and will enjoy meeting them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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