Month: May 2024

The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Wicked Wallflower (The Duchess Society, #3)The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Duchess Society, #3

Release Date: April 21, 2022

Lady Pippa Darlington, the sister of Roan, the Duke of Leighton, has no desire to marry into the ton, and after an unfortunate incident involving an earl and a glass of ratafia, she had “lessons” from the Duchess Society. But rather than look for a husband, she has been laying low and playing the wallflower to glean information the Duchess Society – unbeknownst to them. And when her snooping lands her in trouble, her rescuer is the only man she has ever wanted and the man who is determined to keep her at an arm’s length – Xander Macauley. A Self-made man from the slums of London, who also happens to be a good friend and business partner of her brother. But Pippa is nothing if not fearless and just as determined to attain her heart’s desire. Bit by bit, she worms her way into Xander’s life and his heart, and if love is a battlefield, then Pippa is a major general and she is going to win this war!

Xander Macauley has wanted Pippa for years, but as his friend’s little sister he has deemed her off limits, too bad she never got the memo. Try as he might to ignore her, he can’t and has stopped trying. They embark on a passionate affair and emotions become involved, but his self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy keep him from imagining a HEA for them. Will he realize his mistake before it is too late and his headstrong lady closes her heart for good?

This was a great addition to the series, Pippa and Xander are a great couple and very easy to root for. The story was a little slow to start, but once it kicks into gear, it is a roller coaster ride to the end. This book has a slow burn romance, age-gap, forbidden passion, great secondary characters, “help” from previous characters, steamy love scenes, a hero with a soft-heart under a hard exterior, a heroine who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, a soulmate type of love and finally after some negotiating, a very sweet HEA that includes a heart-melting epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this title to fans of slow-burn to smoking-hot historical romances that lead to HEA.

*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. *

For a Scandalous Wager by Shannon Gilmore

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)1 Comment

For a Scandalous Wager (Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde #1)

Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Breaking The Rules of the Beau Monde #1
Publication Date: 6/13/24
Period: Regency London

I always enjoy this author’s works because – well – firstly because she writes a really good story with lively, wonderful characters – but secondly, because she manages to create an interesting, witty, and engrossing story that adheres to the norms of the times. This story was a delightful addition to her oeuvre. With a frazzled and put-upon Dalton Rochester and the determined and delightful Evelyn Markham, you have a match made in …

Evelyn Markham is happily into her third season with nary a bow to pique her interest. The one man who does interest her mostly ignores her, and for the moment she is good with that. She provokes him, asks him to break the rules of the Beau Monde with her, and taunts him, but leaves it at that – for the time being. You see, Dalton Rochester is her brother’s best friend – and her father hates him. Of course, everything changes – for Evelyn at least – when her father sees her brother happily wed and thinks the same thing should happen for her. OOPS! Double OOPS when he starts the betrothal process with a man she’s not met – at least not officially – and definitely doesn’t admire. Nothing wrong with him – just a dull sort of stick-in-the-mud. Her antics to avoid the betrothal – and the gentleman – are lively and entertaining – and – might I say – a tad scandalous.

What is a Lord to do? His best friend’s sister is constantly tormenting him with all manner of things – including scandalous wagers. He resists, but with that scandalous wager and the precious shilling involved, he is hard-pressed to keep her at arm’s length. Resistance, of course, is futile because he is as enamored with her as she is with him. The difference is, he realizes it cannot be and she does not. Her father hates him and he would lose his best friend if he pursued a relationship. It could never happen. Well – we’ve all learned that we should never say never.

I thoroughly enjoyed Evelyn’s antics and all she put Rochester through. Her frustration with him was palpable on every page! How could he keep ignoring her pleas for help? Surely, he had at least a small regard for her as a friend if nothing else. Then there was the plea – HELP – that he didn’t ignore. That plea and the aftermath landed them in a tangled can of worms. Could they get out of it with their reputations intact? Could they truly convince her father to let them marry? Will her father marry her off to his choice for her? Will they elope? What will her brother think?

This was a lovely read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.