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

a Good Duke is Hard to Find by Christina Britton

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

A Good Duke is Hard to Find (Isle of Synne, #1)A Good Duke is Hard to Find by Christina Britton

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Isle of Synne, #1

Release Date: June 30, 2020

To say that Miss Lenora Hartley has been unlucky in love would be an understatement, she has been engaged three times and is still unwed! After being jilted at the altar by groom number three, she decides to escape London and her father’s attempts to find her another suitor. She goes with her dearest friend Margery Kitteridge to the Isle of Synne to visit Margery’s grandmother, Viscountess Tesh. But Synne may not offer the respite she is seeking, as it stirs up memories of her first betrothed, who tragically died and with those memories comes guilt for her part in his death.

Finally back in England after making his fortune in America, Peter Ashford has waited thirteen years for this day, the day when he repays a debt and begins to enact his plan for vengeance against those he believes wronged him and caused the death of his mother. But Lady Tesh refuses his money and insists that he honor a promise he made to his dying mother – a promise to stay with Lady Tesh for a month. He refuses and while rushing out, almost plows over Lenora. He returns to the inn and relays what transpired to his good friend and business partner Quincy Nesbitt. Quincy convinces him to stay and honor the promise.

Peter and Quincy return to Lady Tesh’s and Peter bargains with her – he will stay and will attend dinners, balls and escort her – much to his annoyance. But on the bright side, he learns the lovely woman he ran into earlier – the one he hasn’t stopped thinking of, is also staying with Lady Tesh, along with his cousin, Margery. There is no denying the attraction between Peter and Lenora, but Peter won’t let anything in the way of his vengeance. Peter is the heir to the Duke of Dane, the man he holds responsible for his mother’s death. He has sworn that he will never marry and that title will die him and that he will destroy everything the Duke held dear. Lenora has her own issues to deal with including the new fiancé that her father has sent, with the clear message: accept her father’s choice or be disowned!

I thought the story was well written, but it did drag a bit and I found Peter’s single-mindedness to be a little annoying – but honestly, the vengeance trope is not my favorite as it never seems to make sense to me. I did like that this story took place outside of London and that there was a local legend woven in to the story. The book has a lot of emotion, vengeance, wonderful secondary characters, slightly warm love scenes, a bit of twist at the end and finally HEA. This was the first book in a new series and it looks like Quincy is next up, I really loved Quincy in this book so I am looking forward to his story!

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

Breathless at the Wedding by Michelle Willingham, Jerrica Knight-Catania & KC Bateman

On By TracyIn Anthology, Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Breathless at the Wedding by Michelle Willingham

Tracy’s rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: A Summer Wedding at Castle Keyvnor, #3

Release Date: May 22, 2020


More witches, faeries and romance at Castle Keyvnor! However, of the three anthologies, I would say this installment has the least amount of “paranormal/magical” activity.

A Rake of Her Own by Michelle Willingham – 4 stars – Ariadne Cushing is quiet and shy, she spends most of her time blending into the background, she would like to marry someday, but hopes for love. But her mother has decided that it is time for her to marry and has even selected her groom – Mr. Filmore Wilson. She escapes to the library to be alone to figure out a way out of the betrothal and there she meets Evan Middleton, Viscount Harcourt. She wonders if Evan would consider ruining her – he won’t but since he needs a rich bride to save his family – they strike a bargain. He will help her break the betrothal and she will help him find a rich bride. It is clear that they are attracted and perfect for each other – but without a fat dowry, Evan can’t afford to follow his heart. This was a very sweet story, I was surprised and delighted to find myself liking Ariadne’s fiancé Filmore Wilson and I really hope he finds a lady of his own!


Lady Faye’s Secret Garden by Jerrica Knight-Catania – 3 stars – Braneck Dowlyn is a gardener at Castle Keyvnor and has lived in Bocka Morrow his entire life. Lady Faye Bryant, sister of the Duke of Markham AND the Earl of Somerton has come to for Lady Gwyn’s wedding and learns that her mother has decided to marry her off. She meets Braneck when she is hit by a rock while reading, Braneck kicked the rock and immediately is attracted to her. But Braneck knows she is far above his reach and has been burned by love before. But the heart wants what the heart wants and with the help of a faery, some witches and her rake of a brother – these two may very well find their HEA. Honestly, it was well written and entertaining, but completely improbable and unbelievable.

A Midsummer Night’s Kiss by KC Bateman – 4 stars – Kitty Worth and James Cashell, Viscount Leighton have known each other forever and Kitty has been in love with him for almost that long. But she is convinced that James thinks of her as a younger sister and will never return her feelings so she decides that maybe it is time to move on. James wants Kitty but is wracked with guilt by the death of her brother and his best friend and feels that he has nothing to offer. Titania, Queen of the Fairies sees them and decides to intervene and help them find their HEA. When James learns that Kitty is considering marriage to another man, he knows that he can’t let that happen, if she is going to marry – it will be him! But his interference doesn’t go as planned and Titania will have to step in again to get them back on the road to HEA. This was a well written, cute story, I wish is was a bit longer, but a fun quick read nonetheless!

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