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 Duke of Desire by Jess Michaels

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

The Duke of Desire (The 1797 Club, #9)The Duke of Desire by Jess Michaels
Tracy’s rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: The 1797 Club, #9

Release Date: September 18, 2018

2.5 stars rounded up.

Katherine, Lady Gainsworth and Robert, the Duke of Roseford have a past, too bad he doesn’t remember it.

Katherine is finally out of mourning for her late husband and is ready reenter society, but her reemergence is under a black cloud. Her husband died while they were in bed and most of the ton is shunning her. Those who aren’t are rakes and rogues bent on bedding her. Enter Robert, the biggest rogue of them all, he makes a bet with one of his roguish friends that Katherine will be his lover. His plan hits a bump when he approaches her and is stunned by the venom she directs at him.

Katherine hates Robert, she blames him for ruining her life and when Isabel gives her the heads up about the wager, she hates him even more. But Robert isn’t willing to give up and pursues her. When a miscommunication has them both invited to the same house party, things begin to heat up between them – she might hate him, but she still wants him.

They grow closer and some secrets are shared, she begins to think that she was unfair in her judgement, until she overhears him talking to the friend he made the bet with. She is crushed and when he tries to explain, she finally reveals why she hated him for years and leaves. Robert is heartbroken and disgusted with himself. He isn’t sure what he can do to win her back or if he even deserves her. But when he gets advice from an unlikely source and admits he loves her, he knows that he will not give her up without a fight.

The book was well written, but it just didn’t work for me, I failed to feel a real connection between Katherine and Robert, I didn’t really feel like her reason for hating him was justified and his reasons for being a rake just felt contrived and vague. I didn’t hate the book, but it is my least favorite of the series and I wouldn’t recommend it. That said, the previous books in this series have consistently been 4 & 5 stars reads for me, so to have read 9 books in a 10 book series before finding one that didn’t catch my fancy is quite impressive!

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

For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

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

For the Duke's Eyes Only (School for Dukes, #2)For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell
Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: School for Dukes, #2

Release Date: September 18, 2018

Lady India “Indy” Rochester and Daniel “Raven”, the Duke of Ravenwood were once the best of friends and betrothed. But a tragedy torn them apart and a betrayal years later solidified their break.

Now years later, the hurt and betrayal still linger, but Indy has moved on, she is an adventuress, she has made her mark in archeology and lives unrepentant and unconventionally. Raven is a rogue and a treasure seeker, but that is a front to hide his true purpose. He is a spy and on a quest to clear his father’s name. Indy is his biggest sacrifice and regret, but his life has no room for attachments.

When Indy infiltrates an archeologist society meeting dressed as a man, she makes a startling discovery – the Rosetta Stone has been stolen. Raven catches her and is shocked that he didn’t recognize her right away – because he might act like a jerk, but she is never far from his thoughts and dreams. When Sir Malcolm finds them, he admits the stone was taken. Raven says he will find it and Indy insists on being included. Much to Raven’s dismay, Sir Malcolm agrees.

He tries to dissuade her, but they are caught “hate-kissing” by a reporter and Indy declares that they have finally set a wedding date – they give the reporter outrageous details of their upcoming wedding and she says they are going to France to shop – neatly backing Raven in a corner.

They set out and will have to work together and it is clear that her trust is not easily restored, his deception doesn’t lie easy and their love never truly died. Can they find more than just the missing stone? Can they find their way back to each other?

This was an amazing story and I loved it. Indy and Daniel are so perfect for each other. I appreciated that India was true to herself and pursued her dreams, even though she never imagined doing it alone. My heart broke for Raven and the choices that he had to make. The story was quick paced, steamy, witty, adventurous and entertaining. My only complaint would be that I didn’t feel like their story was finished, it ended a bit abruptly without certain things being cleared up – but maybe those things will be addressed in the next book (fingers crossed). This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title.

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