Georgian Era (1714-1837) – Flippin' Pages Book Reviews

Category: Georgian Era (1714-1837)

The Georgian era is a period in British history 1714 to 1830. The kings were all named George: George I, George II, George III and George IV. The sub-period of the Regency is defined by the Regency of George IV as Prince of Wales during the illness of his father George III. The definition of the Georgian era is often extended to include the short reign of William IV, which ended with his death in 1837.
Preceded by: Restoration
Including: Regency era
Followed by: Victorian era

Once Upon a Magical Night: A Midsummer’s Ball by Amanda Mariel

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Anthology

Release Date: June 24, 2026

This anthology has five new novellas by some of my favorite authors, each with a bit of magic and a happy ending:

Entrapped by Enchanted Desire by Dawn Brower: Lady Rosina wants freedom. Anton Marcus, Duke of Sinclair, demands control. But when an enchanted midsummer invitation traps them inside Puckton Castle, desire, truth, and meddling fairies may force them to choose love. 3.5 stars

When the Dawn Found Us by Amanda Mariel: Rosalind Bennett is swept into magical Puckton Castle, where guarded Adrian Vale, Duke of Ashbourne, tempts her heart amid fairy mischief, stolen kisses, and one enchanted midsummer night that demands a choice by dawn. 3.5 stars

Loved in a Dream by Jane Charles: Lady Polina St. Martin is promised to another, but dreams of adventure. Lord Benjamin Cartwright, Viscount Amesbury, is ready for marriage—just not love. When a magical ball draws them together, destiny may rewrite every rule. 4 stars

A Bewildering Interruption by Ramona Elmes: Lady Bianca Tartley is sensible, agreeable, and certain she has no taste for unnecessary risks. Edmund Knight is ruthless, guarded, and one day away from the revenge that has ruled his life. When magic draws them together, leaving may become the last thing either of them wants. 4 stars

A Rhyme of Fanciful Dreams by Tabetha Waite: Lady Julia Perry seeks freedom for one forbidden night. Frederick Ellis, Earl of Napleton, longs to escape his haunted past. At a mysterious Midsummer’s Ball, passion feels like magic—but will sunrise make their love vanish like a dream? 3.5 stars

Overall, this collection of novellas was a fun read, but it wasn’t quite as connected and cohesive as I was expecting. Based on the prologue, I thought it was going to be five stories all at the same ball – but that is not the case. That is fine, but it was a bit jarring as I was reading and expecting one thing yet getting a completely different era and magical interaction. Each story was well written, had likable characters, a few kisses, a bit of magic and finally a happy ending.

*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. *

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Flirty Rotten Scoundrels #1

Release Date: June 23, 2026

After yet another social debacle, Lady Ruby Ballimore knows it is time to leave London and plans to take her best friends Lady Alice Eppington and Miss Tamsin Drake with her. Ruby’s father is the Earl of Hangleton and he is the English ambassador to the small principality of Manfalcone, so when she learns that Princess Serafina of Manfalcone has cancelled her trip to her vacation home in Cornwall, Ruby decides to take advantage of the princess’s absence and spend the summer there, the three of them posing as the princess’s ladies in waiting – what could go wrong? They arrive in Cornwall and are surprised to find the castle rundown and inhabited by Malcolm Archer, a gorgeous former sea captain and his crew. It is clear that they are hiding something and don’t want the ladies to stay, but clearly Malcolm has underestimated Ruby – it is definitely going to be a summer neither will ever forget!

Malcolm Archer was once a promising Naval officer, who rose above his humble origins to captain his own ship, it seemed like his life was finally moving in a positive direction, until the unthinkable happened and he let his feelings make a decision that cost him his career. After being dishonorably discharged from the navy, his former mentor helped him get the job of steward to Princess Serafina’s Cornwall castle. As no one was living in the home and the princess had no immediate plans to visit, there was no need for a full staff, leaving Malcolm to support the crew members that followed him after his discharge. He fell back into his former ways and began smuggling to provide for everyone and the ever-growing dog population. When his latest venture is ruined by none other than Lady Ruby, he returns to Cornwall to regroup – only to had Lady Ruby to show up on the doorstep, insisting that the Princess sent her. Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to recognize him from the social event that caused her to leave England, but he can’t hope for that luck to hold and does his utmost to make her leave – which involves a lot of hilarity but is ultimately unsuccessful.

This was such a fun story! It is well-written, nicely paced and had an amazing cast of characters. This story is filled with emotion, self-discovery, found family, lots of dogs, unexpected guests, abduction, steamyish love scenes, laugh out loud antics, betrayal, loyalty, a hero ready to burn the world for his love, a lot of plot twists and finally a very satisfying ending complete with an epilogue. This is the first book in a new series, and I am already looking forward to the next installment! If you are looking for a fun read that isn’t fluffy or silly – this is the book for you – it delivers an emotional story but still makes you laugh and leaves you with a smile on your face. Highly recommended!

*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. *

Share this:

Share this: