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 Brush with Shadows by Anna Lee Huber

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

A Brush with Shadows (Lady Darby Mystery #6)A Brush with Shadows by Anna Lee Huber

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Lady Darby Mystery #6
Publication Date: 3/6/18

Fifteen years ago, at the age of eighteen, Sebastian Gage walked away from Langstone Manor and swore he’d never return. Now, it is in view, as cold and brooding as the moors on which it sits. Every nerve in Sebastian’s body is singing and the tension in the coach is palpable. He certainly didn’t want to return, but here he is, all because his grandfather sent him a missive asking him to come and investigate his cousin’s disappearance. He almost didn’t come and probably wouldn’t have if Kiera hadn’t persuaded him to do so. He and Kiera are tired to the bone because they have traveled from Ireland as quickly as possible. Kiera knows that Sebastian’s life here was not a happy one, but, since he won’t talk about it, she has no idea what that life was really like.

Upon arrival, they are received very coldly by Sebastian’s aunt – the servants didn’t even know they were coming – nor did his aunt. Then, Sebastian learns that not only is his cousin missing, his grandfather is also at death’s door. Had my aunt and cousins treated me the same way Sebastian’s did, I wouldn’t be at all interested in spending my time in a very hostile environment to try to find one of them. However, Sebastian is a very good man and will do what he can to help the family that abused him and his mother.

Albert, Sebastian’s older cousin and heir to Sebastian’s grandfather’s title, walked out onto the moors one day and nobody has seen him since. Not a single trace of him is anywhere to be found. Then, Albert’s brother Rory goes missing as well – and in the same manner. Where could they be? How could they just disappear without a trace? Kiera and Gage are having a really hard time with this investigation because the house is filled with secrets and nobody – even Sebastian’s grandfather – is telling them what they need to know. They are doing all of that while trying to protect themselves as well because they have also been attacked.

I know every murder mystery has to have a victim, but I really didn’t want it to be this one. I came to like this victim more and more as I read more of the book. The villain is a surprise to the reader and to Gage and Kiera. I am so glad we got to know more of Gage’s early life and that there are some reconciliations. I’m also looking forward to their next case in London and to hopefully see Lord Gage (Sebastian’s father) get a bit of a comeuppance.

As always, Huber’s writing is excellent, the story is well plotted and executed, and the characters are fully-developed and engaging. The descriptions of the moors set the mood and immerse the reader in that place and time. You can just feel the fog creeping up around you and surrounding you until you cannot see – and the fear – can you find your way, can you avoid the bogs. Oh! My!

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”

The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith

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

The Rogue's Seduction (Seduction, #3)The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Seduction #3
Publication Date: 3/5/18

A rollercoaster of a read filled with heart-stopping suspense and sweet sensuousness. This novella is so fully developed, well planned and well written that you feel as if you’ve read an entire novel. I love that the villain is really vile and that the author didn’t shy away from delivering the justice he deserved. I absolutely hate it when an author shies away from true punishment for the villain.

I loved the characters – all of them. Each of them was so likable and relatable. I really liked our heroine’s parents. They were in love with each other and they wanted that for their daughter. I loved it when the father tells our hero that if he breaks his daughter’s heart he’ll “bury him in the woods where nobody will ever find him”. I also loved Mr. Craig, the butler, and would love to see more of him in other books.

Perdita Darby is the darling of the ton. She’s sweet, proper, brave and very intelligent. In her view, being a wealthy heiress was a terrible burden. It put a mark on her. When the vile Samuel Milton tries blackmailing her into marrying him, she doesn’t cower. No, she develops a plan to thwart the villain and then she goes about carrying out that plan. She’s heard some very troubling things about Milton and she certainly doesn’t want him anywhere near her. Milton didn’t care about her money, he cared about breaking her spirit and maybe even killing her.

Vaughn, Viscount Darlington, is known as The Devil of London. He’s sinfully handsome and sensuous – all of the ladies love him. He’s also poor as a church mouse, but that isn’t his fault. He’d been ignored by his parents his whole life because they doted on his older brother. When that older brother died, his parents went into a tailspin and ran up debts that were impossible to repay after their deaths. Vaughn has had chances to marry heiresses but just can’t bring himself to do it. Can you imagine his shock when he receives a midnight visit from the darling of the ton – unchaperoned – and she has a proposal for him? Oh! My!

Vaughn knows that it will take more than a betrothal to thwart Milton, but Perdita doesn’t know it. Vaughn also knows he wants to marry her – he finds her bravery, intelligence, and beauty enchanting. Reading this book just makes me wish I had the ‘author gene’ – some of the things that were thought and said made my heart sail. “We are twin souls curled around one another, always straining for that next kiss, that next lingering caress stolen at the right moment.”

What a page-turner! It is interesting and exciting right through the last page – and then – you wish there was more because you don’t want it to end.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion an/d given without any influence by the author or publisher.”