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

Heiress for Hire by Madeline Hunter

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

Heiress for Hire (A Duke's Heiress, #1)Heiress for Hire by Madeline Hunter

Tracy’s rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: A Duke’s Heiress, #1

Release Date: April 28, 2020

Chase Radnor’s evening is not going as planned. His plan was to learn more about Minerva Hepplewhite aka Margaret Finley, it was NOT to be bashed on the head and tied up. He tells Minerva that he is the nephew of the late Duke of Hollinburgh and that Minerva/Margaret was left a rather large bequest by the duke. Ten thousand pounds and a partnership in an investment! Minerva is stunned, she has never met the duke and though this inheritance is a blessing, giving her the money she needs to open her own inquiry business, but it could also be a curse, especially since Chase knows who she is. What else does he know? She decides her first order of business will be to find out

Chase has his own inquiry business and has been tasked with finding the three mystery women his uncle left his personal fortune to – completely cutting out his family. He is also certain that the duke didn’t accidently fall off the roof of his county seat and has more than one person – including the Home Secretary, Robert Peel! He is pretty sure his uncle was murdered – but by who. None of the family, save himself knew his uncle changed his will and cut out the family – so Minerva becomes his prime suspect.

Their investigations cross and they get to know one another, Chase is no longer certain that Minerva is his uncle’s killer, but he isn’t quite ready to cut ties with her. Minerva is equally intrigued by Chase, which comes as a shock, she was sure that she would never be interested in a man after the horrors she lived through with her late husband, but intrigued she is, which could be dangerous for her in more ways than one.

I thought this was a good book, a little slow to take off, but well written and interesting. The mysteries in the book are well done and while I am not sure how I feel about the outcome of his uncle’s death, I think the way that was handled perfectly complements the mystery of Minerva’s husband’s death. Chase and Minerva are both complexed characters, they are both shaped by their pasts, both clever and observant and clearly perfect for each other. In addition to the mysteries, the book has a large cast of secondary characters, a slow burn romance, steamish love scenes and a HEA that is nicely executed. This is the first book in the series and it nicely sets up the series without taking the readers focus from Chase and Minerva. I am happy to recommend the book and look forward to the next book!

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

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

First Comes Scandal (Rokesbys #4)First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rokesbys, #4

Release Date: April 21, 2020

When Nicholas Rokesby is called home from medical school by his father, he has . no idea what is wrong and is less than pleased to find out that his father wants him to “save” Georgiana “Georgie” Bridgerton from ruin by marrying her. He has nothing against Georgie – he likes her, but he has never thought of her that way and is not sure he can…

Georgie is angry, she escaped Freddie Oaks, the dastard that kidnapped her and tried to force her to elope, but instead of praising her for her ability to save herself, the ton has deemed her ruined! Her choices are marry Freddie – not in this lifetime – or retire to the country and live out her life as a spinster. Neither option is appealing so she should be overjoyed when Nicholas proposes…

Georgie doesn’t want Nicholas’ pity proposal and makes her refusal crystal clear – but later when she has had time to think, she knows she has made a huge mistake. As luck would have it, Freddie decides to made a late-night visit to Georgie’s window and ends up in need of medical attention – good thing Georgie knows a soon-to-be doctor!! After helping him tend Freddie, Georgie confesses she made a mistake and asks if she may reconsider, Nicholas proposes again and this time she accepts. Could it be that a scandal was exactly what they needed to see what has been there all along?

This was a well written, very sweet, friends to lovers story. Nicholas and Georgie are very likable and their transition from friends to lovers is believable and entertaining. The book is filled with witty banter, has lots of cats, well-meaning parents, a slow burning romance that ignites into passion and a very satisfying HEA – it is a bit slow at points and there is not a lot of drama/conflict – but if you are looking for a light, amusing, uncomplicated, feel-good read – look no further, this is that book!! This is the fourth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.

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