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

The Redemption of a Rogue by Jess Michaels

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

The Redemption of a Rogue (The Duke's By-Blows, #4)The Redemption of a Rogue by Jess Michaels

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Duke’s By-Blows, #4

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Desperate times call for desperate measures, at least that is what widowed Imogen Huxley believes. When her husband died and left her penniless, his family was far from sympathetic, they told her she could stay in their care for her year of mourning and then they were done with her, so with no family and no skills, Imogen decides that she has no choice but to become a courtesan. Terrified her husband’s family will learn of her actions before she can find a protector and kick her out, she looks for a man in some of London’s seedier brothels, including the Cat’s Companion. It is there where her life takes a turn from bad to worse, when she sees the madame, Maggie and the Earl of Roddenbury standing over the body of a dead woman and overhears them discussing the fact that the earl killed her and that she wasn’t the first, Imogen gasps and draws their attention to her – she takes off and runs out into the alley, where she runs right into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh.

Oscar is the first of the late Duke of Roseford’s illegitimate children and the owner of Fitzhugh’s a popular men’s club. He is in the alley behind the Cat’s Companion looking for answers, his former mistress went missing and is presumed dead and Oscar wants answers. He and Louisa parted ways when she fell in love with him and wanted him to love her in return, when he made it clear that he was not capable of love, she left him and not long after, he got word she was dead. Now he wants to know why and has come to the brothel looking for answers, but instead what he finds in another woman in trouble. Unable to turn his back on her, he whisks her away to his home and when he learns what she witnessed, he knows her life is in danger and believes the Roddenbury is likely responsible for Louisa’s demise as well.

He offers to help her and keep her safe, but makes it clear that no one – including her dearest friend Aurora – can know where she is. With no options, Imogen gratefully agrees. They both try to fight the intense attraction they feel, but soon they give into desire and become lovers. Oscar makes it clear that he only wants a physical relationship, love is not in the cards for him and he doesn’t want to hurt her as he did Louisa. Imogen agrees but it is obvious that neither one of them is going to be able to abide by the terms, especially when things with Roddenbury escalate and Oscar is forced to face his feelings not only for Imogen, but for Louisa and his siblings as well.

This was well written, fast moving, intense story with wonderful characters and very steamy love scenes. Oscar might be one of the most emotionally suppressed heroes I have ever read, he has such a good heart and cares deeply, but he refuses to name his emotions thinking that if he doesn’t admit to them, they can’t hurt him, but once he meets Imogen, the wall he has always used to keep his feelings in check begins to fall apart. The story is full of mystery, emotion, great secondary characters, including cameos from Selina, Derrick and Nicholas and well as Lucas and Diana from the 1797 club, a really nasty villain, steamy love scenes and finally a very touching declaration scene leading to HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend this title.

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

Any Rogue Will do By Bethany Bennett

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

Any Rogue Will Do (Misfits of Mayfair, #1)Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Misfits of Mayfair, #1

Release Date: October 13, 2020

An accident brings Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth and the man who humiliated her during her first (and only) London season seven years ago. As much as she despises Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury, she has no choice but to accept his help. They form a fragile truce and she admits that he does seem like he has changed, but not enough to completely forgive him. They part ways and he wishes her well and hopes to see her in town – not likely!

Lottie is only going to town to find a husband – on her own terms. Her father proposed a match and she declined, so she has until the start of the season to find an acceptable husband or she will have to marry the man her father has chosen. Lottie wants no part of love, she just wants to retire to an estate of her own and live her own life – without a husband getting in the way. At one time she had dreams of happily ever after, which included Ethan, but he showed his true colors and she was dubbed the Paper Doll Princess and became the laughingstock of the ton. Her mother whisked her home and they planned to return in a year, but tragedy struck, first her brother died and then her mother. After that her father locked himself away and Lottie took over the estate management. But recently her dad has taken an interest again, thus her need to find a husband. She finally makes it to London and can’t believe that Ethan is staying next door to her aunt!

Ethan has grown up since the last time he saw Lottie, at that time he was new to his title – a title he never expected. He inherited a debt ridden estate and needed a heiress, he thought Lottie fit the bill, but when her dad sent him packing, he got drunk and said the words that sent her running back to the country in tears and sadly that was not his only mistake – he also cost his clansman Connor his leg in a racing accident. As a result, Ethan has striven to become a better man and for the most part has succeeded. But he is still hobbled by guilt and feels the needs to make amends. He has come to town for two reasons, one to find a brewmaster for his brewery business and to visit his friend Cal, Earl of Carlyle. Cal tells him that his presence was requested at a dinner party – for years Ethan has tried to fit in and has never been accepted, so he is surprised at the invitation. But the reason becomes clear when he arrives and sees Lottie – they have been set up. But Lottie is gracious and plays that they are reconciled – he plays along and becomes intrigued.

They spend time together and form a friendship of sorts. When the man her dad wants her to marry tries to force his hand, she turns to Ethan, she proposes they have a faux engagement to get rid of her annoying suitor and he agrees – but he plans to win her this time! Little by little, he chips away at the wall she has around her heart and finally she agrees to marry him – but old doubts, conniving fathers and spurned suitors will not make their path to HEA easy.

I thought this was a well written story and for a debut it was very good. Overall, the story flowed at a good clip, there were some title/formal address errors, some modern verbiage and at times, I found Lottie hard to like and thought Ethan was a bit of a glutton for punishment. But for the most part, I thought it was well researched and entertaining. There is a lot of emotion, some witty dialogue, great secondary characters, drama, misunderstandings, determined and possibly insane suitors, steamyish love scenes, a bit of angst and heartache and finally, HEA. This is the first book in a new series and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this new author.

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