Georgian Era (1714-1837) – Page 182 – 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

Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The 12 Dukes of Christmas, #9

Release Date; September 4, 2020

Lady Isabelle “Belle”, sister to Duke of Nottingvale is on her way to Cressmouth for Christmas when her maid takes ill and she insists they stop in Houville. Worried about ruining her reputation, she tells the innkeeper she is a widow, Mrs. Lepine, thinking they will only be there for one night. She is out of her element tries to make the best of things, but is unsure what she is supposed to do, as she has never been on her own before. She is looking at the crowded dining room and notices a handsome, well dressed man. He beckons her over and invites her to sit at his table. Grateful, Belle immediately takes a liking to the handsome stranger.

Calvin McAlister is in Houville preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, he and his partner Jonathan MacLean have come up with a revolutionary idea – a line of ready-made formal wear for the average man. They will plan to sell or rent their cloths in shops, but primarily by mail order. Up until now it has been a dream, but the chance to have the Duke of Nottingvale as an investor could make that dream a reality. Calvin is a recluse by nature and feels uncomfortable in social situations, making his partnership with Jonathan perfect. Jonathan will handle the people and Calvin the clothes. So it makes no sense to him why he offered to share his table with the lovely stranger. As soon as he offers, he regrets his decision, but is delighted to discover, Mrs. Lepine feels just as awkward as he does and that he enjoys her company.

Belle and Calvin will grow much closer when a bout of the flu leaves the inn shorthanded and leaves Belle without a maid’s assistance in dressing – a task she hires Calvin to do! When he discovers what a talented artist she is, he hires her to finish painting his catalogue sketches. They are falling hard, but when the truth of who she is comes out, will their love survive?

This was a well written, nicely paced, absolutely delightful novella. Belle and Calvin are wonderful characters who are perfect for each other despite their social status disparities. This book had secondary characters, but they really play a very small role in the story, also this book was a bit steamier than the previous offerings in the series (not a complaint!) but it fit the story and I loved the ending. I am happy to recommend this book, it is the ninth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.

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

The Return of the Disappearing Duke

The Return of the Disappearing Duke
A scarred mercenary…Or the Disappearing Duke of Greybourne?

The Return Cover Disappearing Duke

Rafe has spent years running from his true identity. He’s a lone wolf, living far from aristocratic England and his violent father. Then unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne requests his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert. In Cleo he discovers a fellow outcast—and a fierce desire! Cleo must return to London, and here lies Rafe’s dilemma—because following his heart means claiming the title he’s avoided for so long!

Purchase Links:

Amazon ~ Amazon US paperback ~ Amazon UK ~ Bookbub

The Return Author

Author Bio:

Lara Temple writes strong and sensual Regency romances about complex individuals who give no quarter but do so with plenty of passion. She lives with her husband, two children, and one very fluffy dog and they are all very understanding about her taking over the kitchen table so she can look out over the garden as she writes and dreams up her Happy Ever Afters.

Social Media links:
Amazon author page US ~ Amazon author page UK ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook Author Page ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website

GIVEAWAY:

Giveaway to Win 3 x E-copies of The Return of the Disappearing Duke (Open INT)
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Tracy’s Review:

Tracy’s Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Rafael Edgerton, heir to the Duke of Greybourne, ran away after yet another violent confrontation with his father. At 16 he left home, became Rafe Grey and enlisted in the military. Years later he works as a mercenary and has learned of his father’s death. He knows he has to return to England, but is in Egypt trying to coax his younger brother Edward “Edge” out of hiding. This is when he meets Cleopatra Osbourne – who is also trying to find her younger brother.

Cleo and her brother Dash decided it was time to return to England, but Dash would not leave Egypt without telling their father, so he set out, found out his father was dead and having some trouble with an “associate” – this man wants a book that Dash took when he got their father’s belongings, but Dash disappeared and a case of mistaken identity has put the villain on Cleo’s trail. She “hires” Rafe to get her to Cairo safely, he agrees, but is not willing to let her go on alone once they reach the city. He insists on taking her all the way to London – with or without their brothers!

I really liked Cleo and Rafe, but the story was not my favorite. It was a very slow-moving story that dragged in several places, then the last chapters are jam-packed with reunions, revelations, secrets and resolutions. I will reiterate, Cleo and Rafe are wonderful characters, the banter and dialogue between them is fantastic and I LOVED Rafe’s little names for her – but all in all, everything was slow and felt dragged out. The love scenes are mild and never lead to consummation, his secret was built up, but really ended up being a bit of a red herring. The epilogue was the saving grace of this book – it was so sweet and so fun that it made up for all my previous frustration.

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