Month: July 2025

Road Trip with a Rogue by Kate Bateman

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Rom-Com, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Road Trip with a Rogue (Her Majesty’s Rebels, #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Her Majesty’s Rebels #3
Publication Date: 7/29/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 333

This book was fun, witty, romantic, exciting, and thoroughly entertaining from the first page to the last. I always enjoy this author’s writing style and the way she develops her characters. So it’s no surprise that I absolutely loved Daisy and Lucien—they’re perfect for each other.

It was also a pleasure to revisit Tess and Justin from the first book, and Harry and Ellie from the second. I’m assuming this is the final book in the series, as Daisy is the last of the three original characters to find her happily-ever-after.

In this story, Daisy Hamilton’s latest assignment for the King & Company agency turns out to be far more complicated than expected. The mission seems simple: intercept the coach carrying Violet Brand to prevent her from eloping to Gretna Green. All Daisy knows is that the coach bears a golden lion on the door. So when she stumbles upon such a coach being attacked by highwaymen, she leaps in to save the day—only to realize she’s stopped the wrong one. And to make matters worse (or better?), the man inside is the one person in the world who could steal her heart.

Lucien Vaughn, Duke of Cranford, is exasperated by his romantic, overly dramatic nephew, Peregrine (Perry) Hughes. Nineteen-year-old Perry is head over heels for Violet Brand, whose father disapproves of the match. In a desperate attempt to end the drama, Lucien encourages them to elope to Gretna Green—and promises to do everything he can to ensure the marriage happens.

Lucien and Daisy share a bit of a past. He’s a friend of all her brothers, and the bold, curious Daisy has been known to sneak around to spy on their gatherings. Lucien has always taken her breath away—and nothing has changed when he steps out of the coach she’s just “rescued.” Being the clever rogue he is, Lucien convinces Daisy to let him help chase down the eloping couple.

The emotional push and pull between Lucien and Daisy was a delight to watch. Their constant scheming and counter-scheming to outwit one another made for some truly enjoyable reading. While Lucien’s grand gesture was touching, I personally didn’t find it quite as memorable as Justin’s from the first book. Still, this was a charming, thoroughly satisfying romance, and I highly recommend it.

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Magic in the Music by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Series Crossover, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Magic in the Music (Magic and Mystery #4)Magic in the Music by Jane Charles

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Magic and Mystery, #4

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Cassian Jourdain is the non-magical foster son of the Earl and Countess of St Alban and has lived most of his life in Bocka Morrow, but what most people don’t know is that he is the displaced Comte de Rohan. His mother was able to smuggle Cassian and his sister Nina out of France during the Terror, but their ship is wrecked near Bocka Morrow, on the Cornish coast. Sadly, his mother was lost and his sister gravely injured, but Cassian made a deal to save his sister’s life and that bargain, he assumed tied him to Bocka Morrow for life. But recent events have changed everything, and he might have the chance to return to France and reclaim his birthright. Which he wants more than anything, especially since meeting Lady Samantha Ellis at the Halloween ball held at Nightshade Manor. He would love to court her, but without restoring his estates, he has nothing to offer her. And tries to keep his distance, especially since she has made her interest in him clear and his adopted family is bent on matchmaking.

Lady Samantha Ellis has been at Nightshade Manor for almost two months, first for the Halloween ball and then decided to stay to help the family prepare for her friend Antonia’s wedding. During this time, she has become enamored with Cassian Jourdain, the foster son of her hosts. But Cassian seems to be sending mixed signals – it is clear that he is attracted to her but has made no attempt to court her. Frustrated and a bit heartsick, Samanatha ended up trapped in a mysterious room the Manor and the only person who can see or hear her is Cassian. Will this forced proximity finally give Samanatha the happy ending she has been seeking, or will she be lost?

I love returning to Bocka Morrow and Nightshade Manor, Jane Charles has done a fantastic job building this world and her characters. This story brings back a lot of former characters, matchmaking and plenty of magic. As much as I liked this story, it wasn’t my favorite in the series, I felt like the lack of communication between Samantha and Cassian dragged on for much too long, causing it to be repetitious and frustrating. Overall, it was a good read and book I would be happy to recommend. This is the fourth book in the series and has ties to other series but can easily be read as a standalone title without any issues.

3.5 stars rounded up

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