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 Mortal Blow by Elizabeth Bailey

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

The Mortal Blow (Lady Fan Mystery Book 5)Barbara’s rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: A Lady Fan Mystery #5
Publication Date: 4/13/19
Number of Pages: 374

This is the fifth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. However, should you read it as a standalone, you will miss some of the intricacies of the relationships between the two lead characters and some family members. I had read the first couple of books in the series and did not like Ottilia at all, so I thought I’d wait a few books and try another one to see if the author had decided to mellow her at all. I believe that Ottilia is more likable in this book and more relatable, but I still haven’t grown to love her.

There is a nice mystery in the book, but the pace is as slow as molasses running uphill in the winter. I know the author had a hard time finding a way to have the accused actually be in danger of being hanged – I know because she said so in the Reader Notes in the back of the book. Anyway – her solution just didn’t work for me. It mainly didn’t work because in order for me to buy the solution, Sir Thomas Ingham, the magistrate, had to suddenly become a stupid, backward, misogynist – and he has never been that way in the past books. Sir Thomas had to be that stupid all the way through the book – even at the end. Also – Lord Fanshawe had to be stupid as well – at least for a while. So, while I understand the author’s dilemma, her solution just didn’t seem plausible to me.

Ottilia (Lady Fan) and her husband Lord Fanshawe are returning to London to help resolve some family issues. As they are nearing London, they see a lone woman, covered in blood, standing in the middle of the road. She is totally incoherent, she doesn’t speak, she just stares and points to the wooded area along the road. As they search the area, they discover the body of a dead man.

They take the woman along with them and try to make her comfortable while they report the crime to Sir Thomas Ingham. Once the body is recovered, the medical examiner determines the cause of death. That cause isn’t the injury that Meg inflicted on the man, but Sir Thomas blames Meg anyway. Kind of like she was fighting with him, so she is the one who caused the death.

Ottilia is determined to solve the mystery and prove Meg’s innocence, but all seems to work against her. Even Ottilia’s family members get involved as well as the French émigré’s. Then, there is a surprise twist at the end which is interesting.

I wouldn’t read this book again, but I’m glad I gave the series one more try.

The Gilded Shroud is the first book in the series – and is the only one I have read/reviewed.

 

Heart’s Desire by Wendy LaCapra #Blog Tour

On By TracyIn Blog Tour, Contests/Giveaways, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Meet the Author:

Wendy LaCapra has been reading romance since she sneaked into the adult section at the library and discovered Victoria Holt & Jane Aiken Hodge. From that point on, she dreamed of creating fictional worlds with richness, intrigue and passion. Her stories have placed in several contests, including the 2012 Golden Heart® and her debut series, a trilogy about three Ladies who refuse to play by society’s rules, was released by Entangled Scandalous. She lives in NYC with her husband and loves to hear from readers. For new release and sale alerts, sign up at http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

Lady Clarissa has decided to live life on her terms. After the end of a ten-year betrothal, she wants nothing to do with marriage or the men of the ton. Least of all her friend’s brother, the very charming Lord Markham, or Hearts, as many ladies call the oh-so-handsome earl.
Markham pursues relationships with no ties that bind. Acting the rake leaves everyone satisfied…until he overhears a wager that could lead to Clarissa’s ruin. He can’t help but step in and claim she’s his intended bride.
Clarissa is appalled. She did not need to be saved. Reluctantly, she agrees to the fake courtship, if only to experience what the rakish Markham can offer. But when lust becomes love, Clarissa must make up her own terms and bet it all on Hearts.

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Giveaway:

  • A Tiara – US shipping ONLY
  • eBook prize pack featuring the following titles:
    • Scandal in Spades by Wendy LaCapra
    • Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh
    • Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
    • As Rich as a Rogue by Jade Lee

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Tracy’s Review:

Heart's Desire (Lords of Chance, #2)Heart’s Desire by Wendy LaCapra

Tracy’s rating: 3/3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Lords of Chance, #2

Release Date: May 13, 2019

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was delighted to learn that Percival Stanley, Earl of Markham aka “Hearts” was to be the hero in this book. He was portrayed as a somewhat reckless, impulsive rake in the first book, so I was very surprised by the “real” Markham in this book!

Markham has always noticed Lady Clarissa Laithe, sister to Earl of Rayne, but she was off limits and already betrothed to the Marquess of Bromton, so he kept his interest to himself. When his reckless wager in the previous book changes Clarissa’s life, he is even more impressed by her and the way she handled being jilted. But bad blood between Markham and Rayne make any connection with Clarissa impossible – until it isn’t…

Lady Clarissa is tired of her life being directed by the whims of men and since her broken betrothal and her brother’s abrupt exit from England, she has decided she will not bend anymore. She has decided that she will not marry and when Rayne returns, she will ask him to take her with him on his next adventure. But when she tests her newfound determination on Lord Moultonbury by refusing to smile at his request, she unknowingly triggers a wager that could ruin her.

Markham is at Sharpe’s Club licking his wounds after a run in with a former lover pulled the scales from his eyes – he is going to change and make some hard fast rules for his life, starting now! But that plan is blown out of the water when Moultonbury and his cronies place a wager in the clubs betting book about Lady Clarissa. To save her reputation, Markham claims they are secretly courting and will announce their betrothal when Rayne returns. But what starts as a lie, soon becomes his true desire, but can he convince the lady?

I thought this book was well written, but I had problems with both Clarissa and Markham, so often lately Historical Romances have been portraying heroines as strong, independent woman – which is wonderful and empowering – but in doing so many authors have been embedding their heroines with 21st century views and morals and the stories end up being contemporary romances set in England without electricity, cell phones, internet and cars. Sadly that is what happened in this book – I didn’t really care for Clarissa from the beginning, I thought she was selfish and self-centered and she never changed. Markham started good and I was cheering when he told her off, but in the end, he too disappointed me. The writing was good, the pace was decent (it did drag a bit towards the end), the love scenes were warm and I really didn’t see how these two would find their HEA, but help comes by way of a surprising source. The ending gives a little tease to who the next book will be about and I am looking forward to seeing how that turns out!

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

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