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 Laird’s Willful Lass by Anna Campbell

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

The Laird's Willful Lass (The Lairds Most Likely, #1)The Laird’s Willful Lass by Anna Campbell

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Lairds Most Likely, #1

Release Date: July 31, 2018

The book opens with a young Fergus MacKinnon meeting Hamish and his cousin Diarmid on the moors late at night, the younger boys are lost and Fergus leads them to safety. They have an amusing discussion of what they consider the perfect wife and Hamish and Diarmid don’t agree with Fergus, who believes that a quiet, obedient, sweet woman is the ideal wife…

Fifteen years later, Fergus comes across the scene of a carriage accident and see a stunning woman trapped inside. He rescues her and her father, bemused by the woman who doesn’t do as she is told and seems to think that she can help. He takes them to his castle, her father’s leg is broken and she learns that he will be required to stay for at least a month.

Marina Lucchetti is an artist, she is 1/2 Italian and 1/2 English, but has been raised in Italy. She has worked hard to earn recognition for her art and is very independent and self sufficient – she doesn’t like this man telling her what to do or what is best for her or her father – she was commissioned to paint Scottish landscapes for a client and she is dead set on going to Skye. When Fergus informs her that her father will not be able to go and tells her she should stay at Achnasheen and paint – she bristles – she doesn’t care how handsome the man is, he is not her keeper and will not dictate where she goes!

But she does admit that she can’t go alone and she doesn’t want to leave her father alone, she grudgingly agrees to wait to see if the landscapes will be acceptable. But if they are not, she is leaving.

Fergus and Marina are both strong, independent, stubborn people and they clash quite a bit at the beginning, but they are both reasonable and Marina does see the merits of Fergus’ suggestions. Things are going well and she realizes that she likes him, but her art must come first and to be successful, her reputation must remain pristine. When Fergus suggests they become lovers, she is opposed, she has too much to lose. But when she has a brush with death, she reconsiders and they embark on a temporary affair.

As the weeks pass, they grow closer and neither is looking forward to saying goodbye – but Marina’s life is in Italy and Fergus is tied to Scotland – can there be a HEA?

I really loved this story – It was a straight up love story, no villains, no complicated plot to follow, just a boy and girl falling in love and learning that love is worth any sacrifice. Sigh… Marina and Fergus are wonderful characters, both strong and used to being in charge, watching them learn to compromise was both amusing and poignant. The love scenes in this book were steamy without being overly graphic, the very few secondary characters are great and added to the story without competing for attention, the banter between Fergus and Marina is very entertaining and the ending is sigh worthy. If you are looking for a really good love story without a lot of complications and side stories – this is the book for you!! I am happy to recommend this book and look forward to Hamish and Diarmid’s stories!!

Once a Scoundrel by Mary Jo Putney

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

Once a ScoundrelOnce a Scoundrel by Mary Jo Putney

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Redeemed Rogues, #3

Release Date: September 25, 2018

When Lady Aurora “Rory” Lawrence’s parents learn their youngest daughter has been captured by pirates and being held for an outrageous ransom, her father washes his hands of her, but her mother isn’t willing to let her be sold into slavery. She contacts Lord Kirkwood, who is referred to Gabriel Hawkins by a mutual friend (Gordon).

Gabriel is familiar with the Barbary Pirates, having been captured and escaped himself. He agrees to try and rescue the girl. He is shocked when he finds the man holding her is none other than the man he escaped from years ago. Malek Reis wants 50,000 pounds for Rory, which is an astronomical sum for one woman, but Gabriel learns that she refuses to be released without her cousin, Constance and the entire crew of the ship she was traveling on. When Rory and Gabriel see each other for the first time, she is nearly naked and being displayed to potential buyers. There is an instant connection between them and Gabriel knows he will do whatever is necessary to free this woman.

When he learns why Malek needs so much money, he offers his services to help him get back his wife and children who were taken by Malek’s evil cousin Gurkan. Malek doesn’t have the full ransom, but hopes to tempt Gurkan with exotic animals and if necessary Rory and Constance. Malek promises Gabriel that if they are successful, he will release all his captives.

They set out for Constantinople, with high hopes, but both knowing that Rory could end up enslaved in a harem if things do not go well. Gabriel and Rory grow closer, but neither can make promises for the future, nor can they fully explore what it between them without endangering Rory’s life. When they arrive in Turkey, things take a really bad turn and Gabriel calls upon the British Embassy for help. He is delighted to find one of his “Redeemed Rogues” is working at the embassy and is willing to help. But when Gabriel learns the women have been taken, it might be too late and Rory may be lost to him forever.

This was a good story, well written and action packed. The characters are likable, the imagery is well done, there are tense moments, a little heartache, a charming secondary romance and happy endings all around. The heat level of the book is on the low side, but as you read, you will understand why. I don’t really know why Gabriel was considered a “Scoundrel”, because in my opinion there was nothing “scoundrelly” about him, he was an absolutely wonderful hero and I was delighted for him at the end. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem at all.

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