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 Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner

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

The Scandalous Vixen (The Duchess Society, #2)The Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Duchess Society, #2

Release Date: January 06, 2022

Roan Darlington, the Duke of Leighton fell hard for shipping heiress Helena Astley years ago on a Dorset beach, but when he finally talks to her, he botches it badly and will spend the next ten years trying to rectify his mistake, but his reputation for being quick to temper and a profligate rake does nothing to further his cause. But Roan is nothing if not persistent and is finally able to coerce her into joining him and his friends at his country estate for Christmas, by promising that his friend’s wives, who run the “Duchess Society” will tutor Helena’s younger half-sister, Theodosia in ton etiquette alongside his younger sister, Philippa. He proposes a faux engagement, that she can break when she returns to London. He just hopes that spending time with her will finally satisfy his burning desire for her once and for all!

Dubbed Lady Hell by the ton, Helena Astley is a successful businesswoman with a thriving shipping empire and an independence that sets her apart from most unmarried women in London. For years Helena has simultaneously hated and desired Roan, but she has no desire to give up her independence or her fortune for any man, least of all a womanizing rake like him. But when he offers her a chance to help her younger sister, it is all the excuse she needs to finally give into the temptation he has always poised without seeming desperate. Helena is no fool, she knows that despite their “engagement” ruse she could never be anything more than a fling to Roan, but even that knowledge doesn’t stop her from agreeing to join his house party. But when a kiss, ten years in the making, spirals out of control, Helena finds herself married to Roan. But can these two find their way to HEA or will they let their insecurities keep them from surrendering to what is clearly the love of a lifetime?

This was a well-written, nicely-paced story with very likable and relatable characters. This story is filled with witty banter, insecurities, great secondary characters, steamyish love scenes, good friends, and a happily ever after, complete with an epilogue that nicely sets up the next book. Overall, I liked both Roan and Helena and enjoyed their love story, but I am not sure why it took ten years for them to get together since they clearly had many interactions over the years. I also found it a bit hard to believe that Roan was pining for her all those years, considering the sheer number of women he slept with during that time. Those things aside, this was a very enjoyable, quick read that I am happy to recommend to lovers of steamyish historical romance. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.

4 stars

*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 Hanging Cheat by Elizabeth Bailey

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

The Hanging Cheat (Lady Fan Mystery Book 10)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Fan Mystery #10
Publication Date: 11/24/23
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 335

I completed my read of the last book, The Vengeance Trail, in a very sad mood because Francis had a lot of emotional suffering in that book, and it was not over by the end. That left me wondering how things would change for this book – and the rest of the series – to work. I have my answer now – and if you were wondering the same thing, you’ll have your answer as well.

A very pregnant Ottilia Fanshaw, Lady Fan, and her husband Francis are at her brother’s home for the funeral of his wife who had been ill for a very long time. Francis cannot wait to leave so he can get Ottilia back to their home and coddle her before the delivery of their child. Just as their departure is approaching, their two nephews come running into the house announcing they’ve discovered a dead body in the woods. Is it natural causes? Is it suicide? Is it murder? Lady Fan – and even Francis – are sure it is a murder staged to look like a suicide. Poor Francis – because we all know Ottilia will want to stay and solve the crime.

There is a plethora of suspects because the victim is the most hated man in the district – not a single soul has anything good to say about him. They speak with suspects throughout the district, but few have real alibis which makes the elimination of them all but impossible. How can Lady Fan work through it all and solve the crime before her pregnancy makes it impossible for her to do so? With time of the essence, she decides to divide and conquer. She enlists her two nephews and Francis to help interview suspects, chase down clues, and help puzzle out the events, so surely she’ll identify the murderer soon.

This is an excellent mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. Just when you are absolutely sure who the culprit is, there is a revelation that makes you doubt it. When we finally wind through all of the clues and suspects and find the culprit – you’ll be surprised – at least by part of it.

I enjoyed this addition to the Lady Fan series and am already looking forward to the next one. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well.

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