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

Earl’s Choice by Jess Michaels

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

Earl's Choice (Regency Royals, #2)Earl’s Choice by Jess Michaels

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Regency Royals, #2

Release Date: September 21, 2021

Sasha Killick’s parents died while returning from England on a diplomatic mission for King Alistair of Athawick and at the behest of his wife, Queen Giabella, they adopted Sasha and she was raised as a sibling to their children. But when she grew older, the King refused to let the Queen give her the same priveledges as his daughter Princess Ilaria and forced Sasha into servitude – she was no longer to be treated as their daughter, now she was to be Ilaria’s companion and occasional body double. Not that the queen or her children ever treated her that way, but that was how she was viewed by the world. So when King Alistair died and her “brother” Grantham ascended to the throne, they traveled to England to form ties and to find a match for Princess Ilaria, Sasha knew her role and that any dreams she ever harbored of a HEA for herself were just that; dreams and something she thought she was alright with until she met the man intended for her “sister”.

Thanks to the ineptitude and schemes of his no-good father, Thomas Martindale, the Earl of Bramwell has inherited a mess and a tarnished name, that was further tarnished when his sister Aurora finally married the man her father kept her from years ago. Thomas has done his best to restore the estate and his family name, but he knows to truly save the earldom, he will have to marry an heiress. When his mother suggests a match with Princess Ilaria of Athawick, he agrees to meet her and consider the match, knowing he doesn’t really have any other options. But it isn’t the princess that captures his attention and his heart, it is her adopted sister Sasha and try as he might, he just couldn’t drum up any enthusiasm for a match with Ilaria. But with his estate in need of a fortune, he is not free to follow his heart and tries to quash his feelings for Sasha – but the heart wants what the heart wants and he resigns himself to a loveless marriage with Ilaria for the “greater good” – but when Ilaria is attacked and Sasha steps in to play her double, thus putting herself in danger – it is then that Thomas knows that he can’t give her up, but first he needs to find a way to save her!

This was a well-written, fast-paced story with wonderful characters, but a good majority of the book felt like a rewrite of the previous book. That is not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, I did, but it felt like déjà vu for the first 75% of the book. The book follows the same timeline as the first book in the series, but is told from Sasha and Thomas’ POV, their connection is instant, strong, and forbidden, they both try to ignore the pull, which leads to a bit of an angsty tale with wonderful characters, a touch of mystery, some steamyish love scenes and finally a well deserved HEA. I did wonder when I finished the book why the queen waited so long to rectify the late king’s cruelty, especially considering how much she appeared to love Sasha, but it was still a good read and would recommend it – this is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*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.*

The Vixen of a Viscount by Linda Rae Sande

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

The Vixen of a Viscount (The Heirs of the Aristocracy, #6)The Vixen of a Viscount by Linda Rae Sande
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Heirs of the Aristocracy #6
Publication Date: 9/21/21
Period: Regency

I was smiling the whole time I was reading this delightfully entertaining and romantic book. The characters are smart, witty, and so very ready for love to find them. I always look forward to this author’s well-written, excellently paced books – partly because I always get TWO romances – but mostly because they are just consistently good reads. If you are looking for a navel-gazing, angsty, woe-is-me kind of story – well, this isn’t it. The characters are bright, happy, well-adjusted, and have wonderful families who love them. That said, their journey to their HEA is never dull!

Vivian and Christina have been best friends forever. Both are lovely, smart, accomplished, and follow all of society’s rules. Vivian, however, is getting very tired of being prim and proper because it hasn’t gotten her anywhere. Not only has she not had any proposals – she hasn’t even had a suitor. She assumes it is because she is so very tall – taller than most of the men she meets. What other reason could there be? She has a nice dowry enough to draw at least a few men’s interest, but not one man has remotely shown an interest. Not since Sebastian left four years ago – Sebastian the man she always thought she’d marry.

Sebastian was always restless – always seeking one more thrill, taking one more risk, bedding one more woman. However, he’d known since Vivian’s come out that she was the one he’d marry – when he was ready – he just hadn’t ever been able to be ready to settle down. He left for his grand tour the day after he almost ruined her and he hasn’t been back since. Four years is a long time, but he didn’t mean to be gone that long. He spent the last two years living in a monastery in the Alps and he’s a changed man. He’s changed his reckless ways and he’s ready to wed Vivian – he just has to convince her. While Sebastian has calmed down and settled – it appears Vivian has gotten a bit bolder. Hmmm

Viscount Richard Hartwell received his title just a few weeks ago when his father died. I think Richard might have been my favorite character. He was one of the most naïve men you could ever meet. Other than his time at Eton, he has never been away from his country home. His home where there were no women – no aunts, no sisters, no cousins, no mother. He had never had any female influence on him at all. He’s only in London to take care of all of the paperwork involved in the transfer of the Viscountcy from his father to himself. And – well – maybe find a bride so he can set up his nursery and ensure the continuation of the title. But – as he’s settling all of the Viscountcy requirements he is hit with revelation after revelation after revelation about his father, his family, himself, his mother. Much too much for one man to absorb in such a short span of time – except for the calm, steadying influence of Christina.

I can certainly recommend this book. It is delightfully entertaining and you’ll love all of the characters – both major and minor. OH! BTW – it has the very best epilogue.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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