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

This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Rom-Com, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

This Much Is True (The Liars' Club, #3)This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 rounded up to 3 of 5 stars

Series: Liars’ Club, #3

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Althea “Thea” Hartley comes from a very unusual family and has been writing plays for her family for years – at least she used to. After having her heart bruised and her confidence crushed last season, Thea is hoping to find her muse and a husband this season. Unfortunately, the only man who seems to spark her creativity is the last man she should want. It isn’t until an encounter with a highwayman that Thea puts two and two together and realizes that things are not what they seem. But despite finding her muse and love, neither is going to be easy to hold on to, because she can’t keep one without the other.

Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James has convinced the entire ton and his more importantly his vile uncle, the Earl of Redcliffe, that his is a dimwitted oaf, but in actuality, Jasper is cunning and brave. He has sacrificed much and tolerates the abuse of his uncle, in order to protect his aunt and cousins. Two years ago, he fell hard for Thea but she didn’t notice him, and he was in no position to court her. He still isn’t in a position to declare himself, but now that she has noticed him, nothing will ever be the same. Can he save his family and have his heart’s desire or is he just begging for heartache?

I was so looking forward to this story after having enjoyed the first two books in the series. But I just had a hard time getting into this book – I found it slow moving and became frustrated with pace and obstacles keeping Thea and Jasper apart, which felt contrived, then after dragging for so long, the story comes to a somewhat rushed ending. Obviously, there is a happy ending, but I finished the book feeling a bit disappointed with the execution and that there was no epilogue for the series finale. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read and Jasper is a keeper, but it just wasn’t the story I was hoping for. This is the third book in the series and while you could read this book as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order.
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*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. *

What Happens in the Highlands by Anna Bradley

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

What Happens in the Highlands (Cairncross Castle, #1)What Happens in the Highlands by Anna Bradley

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Cairncross Castle, #1

Release Date: June 24, 2025

After the death of their father, Catriona “Cat”, Freya and Sorcha MacLeod are left to deal with the onslaught of treasure hunters trying to find the stash they believe Rory hid in Castle Cairncross. The way they dealt with the first invaders cost them severely, with the villagers turning on them, whispering of witchcraft and making their lives miserable. But it isn’t until a stranger follows Cat home from the village and is accidently poisoned that they agree they can no longer protect themselves from the rumors and may have to abandon their home. But when the stranger wakes and tells Catriona his story, she agrees to consider the possibility that the treasure is real.

Hamish Muir, the Marquess of Ballantyne, traveled to Castle Cairncross to reclaim the treasure his father told him of before his death. Originally, he sent his cousins to get the treasure, but they were thwarted by the sisters. So he has come himself and does a bit of reconnaissance before and learns from the villagers that the sisters are rumored to be witches and are recluses, barely ever leaving the castle since Rory’s death. Hamish sees Cat in the village and follows her home – admittedly a bad idea, but he is out of options. When they tussle and he is touched by a poisonous plant, he is lucky that Cat is knowledgeable about herbs and healing. When he recovers, he realizes that he might be wrong about the sisters. Cat agrees to help him find the treasure and they go through Rory’s papers, leading them to believe that Rory, Archie Muir (Hamish’s father), Malcolm Ross & Angus Dunn most likely found Bonnie Prince Charlie’s lost fortune and made a pact and that Rory as the last living member of the pact was most likely retrieving the treasure when he was shot. Hamish sends for his best friends Callum Ross & Keir Dunn – Malcolm and Angus’ sons to protect Freya and Sorcha, so he and Cat can find the treasure. But he never expected to fall for her and knows that if she ever learns that he started the treasure frenzy, there will be no chance for a HEA.

I was so excited for this book – I love a good treasure hunt / road trip romance, and this story seemed to check all the boxes, but unfortunately, it didn’t really work for me. It wasn’t bad, Cat and Hamish are both likable and relatable, but it was slow moving and lacked that true treasure hunt thrill. It does pick up a little at the end and the story ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, but it didn’t leave me excited for the next book. Overall, it was an OK read with great characters, and I am not sorry I read it, but it is not a book I would read again.

*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. *