Author: Tracy

Avid reader (and reviewer) of historical romance, historical mystery, fantasy, romantasy and paranormal mystery

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

First Comes Scandal (Rokesbys #4)First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rokesbys, #4

Release Date: April 21, 2020

When Nicholas Rokesby is called home from medical school by his father, he has . no idea what is wrong and is less than pleased to find out that his father wants him to “save” Georgiana “Georgie” Bridgerton from ruin by marrying her. He has nothing against Georgie – he likes her, but he has never thought of her that way and is not sure he can…

Georgie is angry, she escaped Freddie Oaks, the dastard that kidnapped her and tried to force her to elope, but instead of praising her for her ability to save herself, the ton has deemed her ruined! Her choices are marry Freddie – not in this lifetime – or retire to the country and live out her life as a spinster. Neither option is appealing so she should be overjoyed when Nicholas proposes…

Georgie doesn’t want Nicholas’ pity proposal and makes her refusal crystal clear – but later when she has had time to think, she knows she has made a huge mistake. As luck would have it, Freddie decides to made a late-night visit to Georgie’s window and ends up in need of medical attention – good thing Georgie knows a soon-to-be doctor!! After helping him tend Freddie, Georgie confesses she made a mistake and asks if she may reconsider, Nicholas proposes again and this time she accepts. Could it be that a scandal was exactly what they needed to see what has been there all along?

This was a well written, very sweet, friends to lovers story. Nicholas and Georgie are very likable and their transition from friends to lovers is believable and entertaining. The book is filled with witty banter, has lots of cats, well-meaning parents, a slow burning romance that ignites into passion and a very satisfying HEA – it is a bit slow at points and there is not a lot of drama/conflict – but if you are looking for a light, amusing, uncomplicated, feel-good read – look no further, this is that book!! This is the fourth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.

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

The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Scottish/Highlander, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews3 Comments

The Highlander's Lady Knight (Midsummer Knights, #2)The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Midsummer Knight, #2

Release Date: April 28, 2020

Lady Isolde Maxwell has been wronged and her brother Gilbert, the Earl of Easton refuses to fight for her honor, instead he has betrothed her to the cur! Isolde decides that if Gilbert will not defend her honor, she will have no choice but to do it herself! She ensures her brother is not able to attend the tournament at the Rose Citadel, steals his armor and sets out, once there she plans to impersonate her brother and challenge Brodie Ross, fight him, restore her honor and dissolve the betrothal – what could possibly go wrong?

Chieftain Cormac Sutherland is out of options, his crops have failed again and his people are starving, he petitioned the Ross clan for help, but learned that they made a deal with the English. He knows he needs a bride that will bring coin and farmable land – but heiresses are not exactly falling in his lap. When his twin brother Graham suggests they attend the Rose Citadel tournament and steal the brides intended for the Ross brothers – Cormac is at first against the idea – but he soon decides that he owes it to his clan to try.

Upon arriving at the Rose Citadel, the brothers meet Alan, a mercenary and his dog Pip – Alan is looking for work and even though Cormac makes it clear they are not hiring, Alan becomes an invaluable asset. Alan points out Isolde to him and Cormac is immediately sure the plan is a bad idea – he is not comfortable wooing women and Isolde is lovely which will make it even harder for him to talk to her. But thanks to Pip, Cormac gets to speak to Isolde.

Isolde doesn’t have time to be charmed by the handsome highlander, she needs all her wits about her to convince people that both she and Gilbert at in attendance and can’t be distracted. She brushes off his attempts at flirtation and returns to her room. The next day she spars with Cormac as Gilbert and challenges Brodie. She beats Brodie, but it becomes clear that there is something more between Gilbert and Brodie. Brodie issues a counter challenge for the broken betrothal and insists that Gilbert fight his champion – a huge man that has never been beaten.

Cormac and Isolde have formed a friendship and it soon develops into deeper feelings – so when Cormac learns Isolde’s secret, he asks her to marry him and offers to fight in her stead – she will marry him, but will not let him sacrifice himself for her! It seems that fate is working against them – they find love, but happily ever after doesn’t seem possible.

This was an amazing story with a heroine that will not meekly allow herself to be used as a pawn and a hero that will do anything to protect her. This book has a little of everything, great leads, lots of action, steamy love scenes, secrets, deceptions, betrayal, some amusing moments, an adorable dog and a very hard won HEA. This book is part of an author collaboration series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I loved this story and am happy to recommend it!