Month: September 2023

Duke in Training by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Duke in Training (Wayward Dukes)Duke in Training by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Wayward Dukes’ Alliance, #8 AND Observations of a Wallflower, #4

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Miss Theresa “Tessa” Claxton, a self-proclaimed spinster, made friends with American Darius Copeland and did the unthinkable, she fell in love! But fear of losing his friendship has kept her mouth shut and when he is called to his uncle’s estate, it is almost a year before they see each other again. But when he returns, he is no longer a mere mister, he is now the Duke of Ellings and under the tutelage of his cousin the Duke of Claybrook. Claybrook is bitter and has compiled a list of rules to avoid matrimony, rules he takes quite seriously and that he is doing his utmost to make sure Darius adheres to. Rules that Tessa is fully aware of and is determined to make Claybrook break, but rather than Claybrook, it is Darius she tempts into breaking the rules. Too bad he will never think of her as anything other than a friend or does he?

Darius never imagined he would ever be the duke, but when his uncle dies in an accident and then is followed soon after by his own father, Darius finds himself with a title he never expected and thanks to his suspicious cousin, not sure who he can trust. To make matters worse, the woman he has fallen in love with has repeatedly stated her desire to remain unwed, but when he returns to town, she shows him marked attention, and now his cousin’s “rules” have him questioning her motives. Can he trust her or will his doubts cost him the love of a lifetime?

This was a fast-paced story with a lot of familiar faces and utilizes the oft-used miscommunication trope. I didn’t really mind the miscommunication, but it dragged on a bit longer than necessary, and while I don’t want to give anything away, I did feel like Tessa was a bit of a hypocrite and was completely unfair to Darius. Overall this was a good read and I am really looking forward to reading Claybrook’s story!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Twice Upon a Midnight: A Regency Cinderella Story by Anna Harrington

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

Twice Upon a Midnight: A Regency Cinderella Story

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Publication Date: 9/26/23
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 193

Sometimes reimagined fairytales are just downright fun to read and this is one of those times. The story features Lady Elenora (Ellie) Darby, the much-loved daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Durham, and Spencer Rhodes, business owner and unwanted stepson of the Duke of Pensworth. Oh! My! A working-class commoner and a duke’s daughter – how will that ever work? Well, hang on to your hats, read the book, and you’ll find out. Besides, with the sweetest Fairy Godfather around, how could it not work?

Ella and her parents have been living in France since the end of the war. Not because they wanted to, but because her father is a gifted negotiator and was asked by the Prince Regent to take on certain tasks related to the ending of hostilities and getting the continent back on an even footing. Now, back in London, it is time to launch Ella into English society with the most lavish ball London has ever seen. When Ella just has to escape into the gardens for a breath of air, she runs into the most fascinating man she’s ever met. They talk of wonderful things – especially poetry – and she is truly smitten. But, at midnight – just as everyone is unmasking – he disappears. She has no idea who he is or how to find him.

Just once Spencer would like to see the inside of a ballroom, to waltz, to see how the upper crust of society lives. Even with his wonderful friend and father figure, Martin, begging him not to do it, Spencer forges an invitation to the Duke of Durham’s ball. He just has to make it out in his half-brother’s name. Since the two both look like their mother, he can pass for his brother. What a crush! Out in the garden, he runs, literally, into the most fascinating woman. She doesn’t run away and they spend delightful time talking about books, philosophy, and poetry. He doesn’t know who she is, but she is wonderful – everything he’d ever want in a woman. Except – he knows she is a Lady and can therefore have nothing to do with a common man like him. So, when the opportunity presents itself, he disappears without ever giving her his name.

Ella’s journey to finding Spencer is so romantic – as is his reason for hiding from her. With unexpected foes and loving allies can the two find each other again? The story is lovely and well-written with good pacing and a very satisfying ending. It also had plenty of drama and suspense involving Spencer’s half-brother, but it wasn’t dark. Ella was the kind of heroine you’d always want to read – sweet, smart, loving, kind, and generous – and Spencer was the kind of hero you’d want for your own – smart, giving, intelligent, handsome, caring, considerate, and loving. Just sigh-worthy.

I recommend this lovely novella and hope you’ll love it as much as I did. While it is a novella, I felt I got the full story and everyone was fully fleshed out and relatable. If you love historical romance and/or fairy tale reimagining, then this story is for you.

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

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