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 Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Bachelor (Duke Dynasty, #2)The Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Duke Dynasty, #2

Release Date: February 25, 2020

Lady Gwyn Drake has a history with Lionel Malet that goes back much further than their recent encounter when he tried to abduct a heiress. He is blackmailing her and if she doesn’t pay, he says he will tell the press about the affair they had ten years ago and ruin her. Gwyn never told anyone about the one night she spent in his bed or the consequences and will do anything to keep her secrets. Thinking she can intimidate him, she pulls a gun, but is quickly disarmed and would have been in trouble if she wasn’t saved from him by Major Joshua Wolfe. A man she has long been attracted to and who clearly doesn’t feel the same, or so she thinks.

Joshua is the current Duke of Armitage’s cousin and acting estate gamekeeper. Joshua was gravely wounded in battle years ago and is desperate to return to active duty. His letters to the War Office have been ignored, so when Gwyn’s brother the Duke of Thornstock asks him to act as her bodyguard in London, he agrees and hopes that he can finally get some answers from the War Office and keep his attraction to Gwyn a secret. He feels unworthy of her, even though he is the grandson of a duke and a war hero.

He is not sure what is going on with Gwyn and Malet, but he thinks there is more than what Thorn and Gwyn have told him and when there is an attempt to sabotage their coach, he is sure of it. He is determined to get answers and keep Gwyn at arm’s length – but she won’t make it easy!

I thought this was a great addition to the series. Gwyn and Joshua are both a little broken and both have trust issues, they are clearly perfect for each other, but neither is going to make the journey to HEA a smooth ride! The book has some amusing dialogue, a lot of secrets, a bit of intrigue, some steamyish love scenes, a great supporting cast of characters, a nasty villain and finally HEA. I did feel like the book dragged a bit towards the end and I was disappointed that Gwyn never actually says “I love you” to Joshua – it is implied, but for me – it’s not the same. This is the second book in the series, but there is also a linked novella in the anthology Seduction on a Snowy Night that is Heywood and Cass’s story and the events in that book are closely linked to this story – so while this book is easily read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the novella “A Perfect Match” if you want a bit more backstory. Overall, I am happy to recommend this book and I look forward to the next installment.

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

His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell

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

His Secret Mistress (A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women, #1)His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Logical Man’s Guide to Dangerous Women, #1

Release Date: February 25, 2020

Kate Addison and Brandon “Bran” Balfour have a history, fifteen years ago they were in love and shared an amazing night of passion, but the very next day everything changes when they each believe the other betrayed them. But fate isn’t done with this duo and they meet again in the small town of Maidenshop.

Bran left England after Kate betrayed him for a man with money and a title, he made a fortune and became a well-respected architect, he returned to England when he learned of his brother in law’s passing and became guardian to his nephew – Christopher, the new Duke of Winderton. The dukedom was nearly bankrupt and Bran has worked hard for these past years restoring his nephew’s legacy. He is back in Maidenshop licking his wounds after a bridge design project he has been working on for a year is suddenly looking at other designs. He joins his friends Dr. Ned Thurlowe and “ Mars” the Earl of Marsden at the local tavern – the Garland – they have a club – The Logical Men’s Society – for bachelors only, a state that all three are happy to maintain. Bran was enjoying a drink with his friends when he gets an urgent summons from his sister – Lucy, the widowed Duchess. Lucy is beside herself – Christopher has announced he is in love with an actress and is going to marry her! Bran brushes aside her concerns until he learns the actress’ name – Kate Addison!

Kate’s life has gone through many changes since her affair with Bran, the man she loved who cruelly betrayed her. She left London not long after that night, returned home and buried her parents, then her brother inherited a dukedom, and Kate returned to acting, starting her own small troupe and performing plays she has written herself. She is working towards her goal – to perform in London again and she is so close! If not for a broken wagon, she would be on her way right now, but instead she is in Maidenshop, fending off the lovesick Duke of Winderton and trying not to lose her patience with him, she believes she has everything under control until HE shows up, she is surprised at her reaction and how angry she is – but she pretends to not know him. However when he acts like he was the injured party and threatens to have her run out of town, Kate fights back!

It is not long before our lovers talk and the truth comes out – they were both betrayed and both assumed the worst about the other. Can they rekindle the love they once shared or has too much time passed?

I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and flowed nicely. It had likeable lead characters, a believable scenario that torn them apart, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, a lot of emotion, some laughs, some tears, even some anger and healing. The ending was not what I was expecting and at first I didn’t think it was going to work, but it was perfect and exactly what the story needed. This is the first book in a new series, but you may recognize Kate as Matthew’s sister from The Duke That I Marry, if you liked her in that book – you are going to love her in this one! I am happy to recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book! Please note – the edition I read was an Uncorrected Proof, so my review is based on the assumption that the title errors and other mistakes will be corrected prior to publication.

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