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 Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical MysteryLeave a comment

A Touch of MaliceBarbara’s Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby Mystery #8
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 384

With each new entry in the Lady Darby series, I think it just can’t get any better – but then, it does. This author never fails to intrigue and delight and she has quickly become one of my favorite historical mystery authors. While it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I would suggest reading at least the first book or two in the series to really understand Kiera’s history.

After their harrowing and intense recent visit to London, Kiera (Lady Darby) and Gage are attending a Twelfth-Night celebration in Scotland at Sunlaws Castle, the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Bowmont. It is their intent to celebrate the holiday and for Kiera to finish the painting she had already begun for the duchess before traveling on to Edinburgh for the birth of their child.

During the Twelfth-night celebration, the Lord of Misrule decided to take everyone on a ghost tour where, of course, a body was discovered. Who was it? There were no identifying features, no personal possessions, and nobody was missing from the area. Then, how did he even get there? Could it be Lady Eleanor’s husband, the Earl of Helmswick? He is supposed to be in Paris, but he’s sent no communications to anyone since he’s been gone. Except, that isn’t unusual for the Earl, so surely it isn’t him. But, if not him, then who?

What an exciting rollercoaster ride of a tale. It is hard to tell who is an enemy and who is a friend or who is a victim. You will be scratching your head from beginning to end and the wrap-up will surprise you. The only constant is Kiera and Gage’s love and respect for each other.

I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. Now, it is hours after I read the last page and it is still on my mind. So, of course, I cannot wait for the next book which is set in cholera ridden Edinburg. Will we finally get to meet the new baby?

I hope you will love this book as much as I did – shux – I’m sure you will love it as much as I did because it is an exceptional read.

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

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick

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

Highland Sword (Royal Highlander #3)Highland Sword by May McGoldrick

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Royal Highlander, #3

Release Date: March 31, 2020

Morrigan Drummond follows her greatest enemy into an alley with murder in her heart, but before she can act, she meets Aidan Grant who is protecting the man she wants dead. Morrigan makes it clear that she is not to be underestimated. She gives him a through thrashing and manages to escape, but not without losing her blade and taking a couple of knocks herself.

They meet again days later when Isabella is called to tend a sick man brought to Dalmigavie by barrister Aidan Grant and his solicitor brother, Sebastian. Isabella asked Morrigan to accompany her and she is shocked when she realizes the man she fought is the man Isabella is meeting. She hopes he will not tell Isabella of their first introduction – she also learns that the man she hates more than anyone is the man Aidan is trying to have Isabella save. She is grateful that he keeps her secret and thinks that they will have no further contact – but that thought is blown away when his witness sees Morrigan and tells everyone that he is her uncle.

Aidan needs the man’s testimony and approaches Morrigan for help. They soon start an unlikely friendship and gradually they fall in love, but there are secrets that Morrigan hasn’t shared and when a common enemy threatens to reveal her secrets, Morrigan will have to make a choice – share her fears and shame or lose the man she has come to love.

This was a well written, intense story with a lot of emotion and sensitivity triggers – parts of the story are truly heartbreaking and difficult to read, but Aidan manages to keep the story from becoming oppressive. I feel a little torn in this review, I liked the story and felt the romance suited the storyline, but I also felt that some parts dragged and the romance was really downplayed. Considering the subject material, the story was executed perfectly, but I still wished for more. This is the third book in the series and I recommend reading the books in order – this installment ties up all the loose ends and provides both closure and comeuppance| I enjoyed the book and would be happy to recommend it!

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