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

Maggie and the Pirate’s Son by Rose Prendeville

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Maggie and the Pirate’s Son (Brides of Chattan #3)Maggie and the Pirate’s Son by Rose Prendeville

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Brides of Chattan, #3

Release Date: July 30, 2024

When Maggie Budge nee Mackintosh learns that her father has chosen another husband for her, now that her year of mourning is over, Maggie decides that one husband was more than enough and bolts. She stows away on a ship in the harbor and plans to start a new life, wherever the ship takes her. But things go bad quickly as she is seasick and severely dehydrated when she is found by Sebastian “Bash” MacLeod, the captain’s son and boatswain/sailing master of the Pirate ship, Auldfarrand’s Revenge. Bash hides her in plain sight and plans to send her back to Scotland as soon as they make landfall, but until they do, Maggie is introduced to the crew as a young boy, Magnus and has her act as his cabin boy. Maggie actually takes well to life on the sea, and soon finds herself falling hard for Sebastian. But there are things she doesn’t know and when the captain’s quest to find his lost treasure almost costs Bash his life, Maggie wants nothing more than to return home, with Bash by her side. Unfortunately, Bash is practically a prisoner on the ship and doesn’t believe he is worthy of Maggie’s love. What will it take for these two to find their HEA?

Born to a Jamaican woman who sadly passed away not long after arriving in Scotland to find Bash’s father, he spent the first nine years of his life being passed from family to family until his father, Cornelius “Mad” MacLeod takes him on his ship and refuses to let him leave. When he meets Maggie it is practically love at first sight for him. He will do anything to protect her, including taking a beating for her and saving her from the other crew members, by letting them think what they will about him. He would love nothing more than to leave the ship and start a life with her, but with his crazy father on a quest for his lost gold and a navy captain hot on their heels, happy ever after seems impossible. Even if he could leave the ship, he has nothing to offer her and that will never do! It will take a miracle to give him the life he has always dreamed of with Maggie, and Bash has never been that lucky. When all seems lost, a miracle comes in the most amazing way possible, proving sometimes good things happen to good people!

This was a very good story with incredibly likable characters, Sebastian especially. This is not your typical HR read, but it is a very good read nonetheless. I did think the story lagged in places, but overall, it held my attention and really drew me into the story. The book has secrets, danger, great secondary characters, buried treasure, pirates, steamyish love scenes (with a virgin hero!), friendships, life or death moments, reunions, and finally a very sweet ending complete with an epilogue featuring cameos from characters from the previous books. I would happily recommend this book to HR readers, especially those who like a good pirate story!

4.5 stars, rounded up.

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

How the Wallflower Wins a Duke by Lucy Morris

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

How the Wallflower Wins a DukeHow the Wallflower Wins a Duke by Lucy Morris

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: July 23, 2024

After a humiliating experience during her first season, Miss Marina Fletcher, the daughter of a wealthy architect, has decided that marriage is not for her and has instead decided to dedicate her life to her true love; music. But her plan might be sidetracked when her very talented father, along with his greatest rival and their families, are invited by the Duchess of Framlingham to attend a house party, so she can get to know them better before deciding who to hire to design the family’s country estate, especially after meeting her son, the Duke. He is the most handsome man she has ever met and it is clear his mother wants him to marry, the problem is the Duke isn’t ready to marry and wants to travel, but his mother is relentless and soon Marina agrees to a fake betrothal with the Duke, that gives them both the freedom to pursue their own desires, it seems perfect, until it isn’t.

Brook Wyndham, the Duke of Framlingham, was never meant to be the duke, mocked by the ton as the Spare Heir Duke, he has been labeled a rake and a reckless gambler, but these smears to his reputation are lies. Brook joined the army at a young age and served in the wars, never planning on returning to his family. But when tragedy takes not only his father, but also his brother, he steps up to do his duty and lets the ton think the worst of him to spare his mother the humiliation. But he draws the line at marriage, Brook just wants to be free and longs to travel; to find himself, and his mother’s matchmaking attempts are getting annoying. He is ready to tell her off when he meets Marina. Though she is not classically beautiful, he is intrigued by her and forms a friendship with her. Then he comes up with an idea that will let them both have what they want, they will get engaged and have a long engagement, during which time, he will travel the world and she will pursue her musical ambitions without society’s censure. It is perfect, but that was before their feelings were involved and now Brook will have to decide if “finding” himself is worth losing the love of a lifetime.

I have read and enjoyed this author’s Viking romances and was eager to read her first Regency era romance. Sadly, this book didn’t captivate me as much as her previous books. The writing is good, but the story is not as smooth as her other offerings have been and I never really connected with her characters. The story has a lot of plot strings that honestly don’t really fit with the story and did nothing to advance the romance. Overall, it was a good read that I liked, but not a book I would read again.

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