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 Governess Should Never…Lure a Spy by Emily Windsor

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

A Governess Should Never... Lure a Spy (Governess Chronicles. #4)A Governess Should Never… Lure a Spy by Emily Windsor

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Governess Chronicles, #4

Release Date: April, 11, 2024

Hugh Cadwalader, also known as “the Scandalous Mr. Hugh Cadwalader” is in need of a governess for his ward Pheobe Thornton. Hugh is a spy for the Home Office and Pheobe is the daughter of his friend and mentor, Ross Thornton, who was found dead in his home 8 months ago, the Home Office deemed his death a suicide, when a letter was found, alleging Ross was a traitor. Hugh is furious, there is no way his friend was a traitor, and the Home Office seems happy to label him a turncoat and brush the matter under the rug. Well, that won’t fly for Hugh, he is determined to find the truth, clear his friend’s name and set Pheobe’s mind at ease. But to do that, he will need someone to care for Pheobe, so hence the search for a governess and so far, there has only been one applicant. Miss Amelia Jones, who Hugh is almost certain is lying about her experience. But she smells of roses and gunpowder and intrigues Hugh far more than she should…

Miss Amelia Lambert is the natural daughter of the Duke of Swanford and his one-time mistress, Alice Lambert, the Butterfly Courtesan, and though she is applying for the position of governess, she is actually an agent in the Foreign Office, tasked with investigating Hugh as a possible traitor. While she might be completely out of her league as a governess, she excels as an agent. She is pretty sure Hugh is not a traitor, but she needs proof, more than just the fact that he affects her like no man ever has. When her cover is blown, they work together to try and find the traitor and for the first time ever, Amelia feels seen and accepted. Is HEA possible for two spies? And that is assuming they find Ross’s murderer and stop them before they too are silenced for good.

I really loved this story, Hugh and Amelia are perfect for each other and they had an on-page chemistry that is hard to find in a book. Their banter was priceless, the secondary characters were wonderful, and I was delighted to realize that Charlotte was the same Charlotte from a previously read novella, as well as cameos from many previously read characters! The book has action, adventure, spies, steamyish love scenes, a lot of emotion, traitors, insecurity, loss, rejection, a housekeeper with home remedies, life & death moments, a matchmaking Aunt, a grieving ward, revelations, happiness and true love, complete with a HEA and an epilogue. Overall, I loved this story and would happily recommend this entire series. This is the fourth book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problem, however, I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reading experience.

*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.*

The Debutante’s Desire by Felicity George

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Debutante's Desire (Gentlemen of London #3)A Debutante’s Desire by Felicity George

Tracy’s rating: 3 maybe 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Gentlemen of London, #3

Release Date: April 11, 2024

Georgiana Bailey is the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Amesbury and opera star Anna Marinetti, but her mother died not long after her birth and her father had just married, so Georgiana was raised at Monica House, a home for women in need and their children. For years Georgiana’s father kept her a secret from society and his family, but now that his duchess has learned of her, she insists on treating Georgiana as family, going as far as launching Georgiana into society. Though she agrees to playing the part of a debutante, at 26 Georgiana has no intention of finding a husband. No, her goal is to find sponsors for her precious Monica House. When she meets John Tyrold – rumored to be the richest man in England and dubbed King Midas – she believes she has hit the donor jackpot, but John is used to people wanting his money and quickly shoots her down. Georgiana accepts that John won the first round but refuses to concede the war. And when he comes to her for help, she agrees, but makes it clear that her help will come at a hefty price. As they begin to work together, Georgiana realizes that John is not the man she thought he was and knows that she can never be the woman he wants. But things aren’t always as what they seem and hearts change.

John Tyrold has no use for society, since it seems all anyone wants from him is money or advice on money. And after suffering a devasting heartbreak years ago, he has no desire to find a wife, therefore, no reason to associate with the ton. So when he is neatly corralled in the park by the very lovely Georgiana Bailey, he is secretly intrigued, even as he refuses to donate to her charity. But when his ward, Flora disappears from school and none of the men he has hired can find her, he realizes that Georgiana is his best bet to find her. He thinks he has Georgiana figured out and is surprised when he realizes he was wrong. The more time spent with her, the more he wants her. But it appears that Georgiana’s heart is locked away, will he be able to find Flora and win Georgiana’s love? Or is he doomed to lose them both?

I have mixed feelings about this book, the first half was long, repetitive and started to get boring, but then around the halfway mark things perked up and I started to really become invested in the story. I liked both Georgiana and John and I was rooting for their HEA, but the story was not without its flaws. There is a cringeworthy connection between John and someone near and dear to Georgiana that was just ICK and, in my opinion, completely unnecessary to the story. Then there was Georgiana’s excessive guilt and refusal to accept happiness, I understood it, but it felt like it dragged on for much too long. Overall, it was a touching story filled with emotion, triggers, loss, secrets, warm love scenes, a bit of heartache, healing, acceptance and finally HEA. This is the third book in the series and there are characters in common, but this book could easily be read as a standalone title without any problem. While this book wasn’t a grand slam for me, I liked it and would recommend it to other historical romance lovers. However, I would strongly suggest reading the content warning before reading the book as there are several triggers including off-page rape, and child loss that might upset some readers.

*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.*