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 Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber – Release Day Blitz

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Book Publicity, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Release Day BlitzLeave a comment

A Fatal Illusion (Lady Darby Mystery, #11)

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby Mysteries #11
Publication Date: 6/20/22
Period: Late Georgian – 1832
Number of Pages: 384

Each time a new book in this series releases, I always say – this is the best book yet. I do truly mean that each time I say it. Each mystery is new, unique, and exciting, and will keep you guessing while the personal relationships between the recurring characters keep growing and maturing. So, I’ll say it again – this is the best book yet!

Kiera and Sebastian Gage have made a mad dash from Blakelaw House in the borderlands of Scotland, down the Great North Road to Wentbridge, a small village in Yorkshire because Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was brutally attacked and shot. They don’t know what they’ll find when they arrive – will Lord Gage still be among the living? Who would dare attack Lord Gage who is powerful and friends with the King? That is what Kiera and Gage have to figure out – and fast – because not only are there additional attacks on Lord Gage, but Sebastian and Kiera are also attacked.

I love that we begin to see hints, just tiny hints, that Lord Gage might be human after all. Will those last? I also loved meeting baby Emma who played a delightful role in discovering her grandfather’s more human side. Of course, Anderley and Bree were front and center to help in the investigation. Then, there was Henry, and I was so glad to see him accompanying Gage and Kiera to see the father who has always denied him. I know acceptance will finally come for them. Hopefully, the rift within the family will be resolved on that long carriage ride with a convalescent Lord Gage – or – a mean-tempered Lord Gage could rip it all apart. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens there.

The mystery is excellently done, nicely paced, and perfectly delivered. Lord Gage’s past has come back to haunt him – a past he definitely doesn’t want his son poking into. However, the only way to solve the mystery is to delve into the past. The villains are relentless in their pursuit and they almost succeed. If not for the skills of Dr Josiah Barker, the first attempt would have taken Lord Gage’s life and the others wouldn’t have been needed. But, could Dr. Barker still be part of the plot? Hmm, you’ll just have to read the book to see.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Lady in the Grove by Jane Charles

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

Lady in the Grove (Magic & Mayhem #6)Lady in the Grove by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Magic & Mystery, #1 / Magic & Mayhem, #6

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Orion Drakos, the second son of the Earl and Countess of Wharton, has returned to Nightshade Manor in Bocka Morrow to attend the wedding of his cousin Damon Norcott and Cordelia Vail. After the ceremony as he is speaking to Damon when he notices movement at the edge of the grove and sees Damon’s niece Nephele coming out of the wood and asks her what she was doing when she approaches them. Nephele tells him she was speaking to the lady in the grove – intrigued Orion convinces her to show him where she saw the lady and is astounded to learn that the grove extends passed the boxwoods, which he always believed was the edge of the grove. She shows him an opening in the hedge and they enter a clearing with a folly and he sees her, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She is upset by his presence and asks him to leave, when he doesn’t, she does. Orion can’t forget about her and even dreams of her. Determined to get answers, he returns day after day until he finds out that she is Nina Jourdain, the sister of Cassian, the French emigrant that was taken in by his aunt and uncle when he survived a shipwreck that killed his family. But in truth, Cassian saved Nina and begged the Dryads of the grove to save her life, they do but the price is high, Nina will live, but she can never leave the grove.

Orion falls hard for her, but Nina can’t let herself fall for him in return, she has led a quiet life and knows from experience that she cannot leave the grove, so how could she ever consider falling in love or having a family? But Orion isn’t about to give up, he doesn’t care if she can’t leave, he will stay! They seem to be at an impasse and she is firm in her refusal to marry him or even believe he loves her. But her choices are limited and none will give them a true HEA unless they can find a way for her to survive outside the grove, a feat that seems impossible even for a family of witches, or is it?

This was such a great story and I love returning to Bocka Morrow and the witches of Nightshade Manor as well as all the magical beings that reside there, kudos to Jane Charles (and many other authors) who has created this world and kept it going! In this story, I especially loved Orion’s determination to be with Nina and the addition of dryads (tree nymphs) and nereids (water nymphs). I did think the story dragged a bit in the middle, but the ending more than makes up for that! And I wish there had been a bit of heat in the love scenes and that the epilogue had more of their HEA. Overall this was a delightful read and I cannot wait for Pierce’s story!

*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.*