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

When You Rescued Me by Sian Ann Bessey

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), historical-romance, New To Me Author, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

When You Rescued MeWhen You Rescued Me by Sian Ann Bessey

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Orphaned and forced into a life of crime to survive, young Samuel Ross’ luck finally ran out the day he met Hannah Dennington. He had the misfortune to enter the pawn shop that Hannah and her father were in and tried to hide the watch he had lifted to escape the Bow Street Runner after him, and he might have gotten away if Hannah hadn’t informed the Runner of the location of the hidden watch. He is taken to the magistrate Sir John Fielding and fully expected to be sentenced to death, but Sir John decided that Samuel deserved a second chance and sent him to the Marine Society. There he was trained to join the Royal Navy. Now twelve years later, Samuel is back in London and in need of work after being injured in the war and discharged from the Navy. He tries his luck once again with Sir John and is given a chance to become a Bow Street Runner, never imagining that he would once again cross paths with Hannah.

For years Hannah believed that Samuel was sent to the gallows and prayed for his soul, while blaming herself for his death and never forgetting his solemn gray eyes. So, twelve years later when she is saved from a highwayman by a Bow Street Runner, she is shocked to see the same gray eyes but didn’t make the connection. She and Samuel grow close while working together to find the man that accosted her, and she deeply hurt when she learns who he really is and that he kept it from her. She sends him away and tries to move on, but her heart is not ready to let him go, despite her hurt feelings. Can a man with a checkered past and a lady of good breeding find a way to happily ever after?

This was a very well written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline. I especially liked Samuel, he was such a great hero, and I loved seeing his transformation from street urchin to a decent upstanding man. Hannah was very much a lady of her era but didn’t shy from pursuing her passion for business and was lucky enough to have an indulgent father. I did think she was a bit dramatic upon finding out that Samuel was the same boy she thought she had sent to the gallows all those years ago, but thankfully she realizes the error in her thinking and makes amends. Overall, this was a very sweet, no-steam story with great secondary characters, a decent mystery, second chances, intrigue, a bit of drama and finally a twist that gives Samuel and Hannah a well-deserved HEA.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

How to Ruin a Rake by Kate Pearce

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), historical-romance, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

How to Ruin a Rake (Rakes of London)How to Ruin a Rake by Kate Pearce

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rakes of London, #2

Release Date: September 29, 2026

After her sister started a scandal, Lady Allegra Musgrove and her family decide to lay low in the country until the gossip dies down. She is waiting for the carriage when she is abducted by a very drunk masked man and told that she will be released shortly. Allegra, not one to play the damsel in distress, argues with her captor, and knocks him out by throwing a book at him. She thinks she will be released soon, but hours later, when the carriage crashes, she realizes how bad her situation really is. She finally wakes her abductor, who turns out to be the notorious rake, Max Devereux, Marquess of Blanchard. And she learns that she was taken by accident, but now they are stranded in the middle of nowhere with limited resources. Max promises to return her to her family and stifle any gossip, but the journey will not be without pitfalls, and their story won’t end when he gets her home.

Max Devereux, Marquess of Blachard, the very bored heir to the Duke of Barfleur, has made a huge mistake. He planned to abduct Allegra’s sister Lady Carenza and convince her to be seen with him in public, so he could win a wager. Instead, he was knocked unconscious by her younger sister, thrown from a carriage, his friend who he thought was driving is nowhere in sight and apparently, he stole his purse, and left in the middle of nowhere with a very angry Lady Allegra. He promises to return her to her family, with no one the wiser. He never expected to like her, or desire her or ever see her again after fulfilling his promise, but as they say, the best laid plans…

This was a well-written, nicely paced, fun read with very likable characters. Both Allegra and Max were easy to like, Allegra for her intelligence and Max for his charm and wit, I enjoyed watching each character grow and evolve, especially Max. This story has a lot going on; there is a wager gone wrong, abduction, a road trip, force proximity, a daring escape, steamyish love scenes, a marriage of convenience, real character growth, a serious lack of communication and finally a happy ending. I liked this story better than the first book, but I did feel like Allegra seemed to turn into a martyr towards the end of the book which seemed out of character and I do wish the book had an epilogue, but overall, it was a fast, fun, enjoyable read which I would happily recommend. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *