Category: Historical Rom-Com

Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Rom-Com, New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Rom Com, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Just for the SeasonJust for the Season by Rachel Griffiths

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: None Given

Release Date: July 7, 2026

When her half-brother Julian, Earl Ramsay and his wife Anna leave for a prolonged trip, Julian asks his best friend, Wolfgang Latham, the Duke of Warrick to keep an eye on his sister Lady Charlotte. Charlotte is not happy about this turn of events, as she and Warrick have a history, she thought they had been courting a few years ago, but without any explanation, Warrick cut off communication with her and acts if there was never anything between them. Charlotte was hurt, but she didn’t wallow in her pain, instead she focused her energy on fulling her dream of opening a silk mill. Things are going well, until she learns that her mother is in town and in debt, in an attempt to speak to her mother, she goes to a risqué ball, she learns the magnitude of her mother’s debt, runs into Warrick and is accosted by another guest. This sparks a scandal that has Queen Charlotte insisting that Charlotte must marry by the end of the summer. Too bad the only man she has ever considered marrying can’t stand her.

Three years ago, Wolfgang Latham was just a second son and a solider when he fell in love with Charlotte, but and overheard conversation and the death of his older brother changed everything. He vowed to forget about Charlotte and until her brother requested a favor, he was pretty much succeeding. Wolfgang reluctantly agrees, but when Charlotte is embroiled in a scandal and is ordered to marry, he regrets his agreement, because watching Charlotte be courted by other men will be its own form of torture. Things only get worse when he learns the truth of what he overheard three years ago, but is it too late to make things right with Charlotte or will he have to watch her marry another man?

What a fun story! Charlotte and Wolfgang are clearly meant to be, but a very well executed misunderstanding trope keeps readers wondering how they are going to be able to find their HEA until almost the end of the book. This story has a very strong heroine, a hero who struggles with survivor guilt, a dowager who had plans of her own, a steady stream of suitors, lots of witty banter, some steamyish love scenes, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the second book in the series and I didn’t read the first book, but that had no impact on my reading experience. I really liked this author’s writing style, but did feel like this story did drag a bit in the middle, however, the ending was very satisfying and I would happily recommend this title to my fellow HR readers or anyone who enjoys a strong heroine and a hero who will do whatever it takes to make her happy.

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

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Rom-Com, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

Scandal of the SummerScandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Flirty Rotten Scoundrels #1

Release Date: June 23, 2026

After yet another social debacle, Lady Ruby Ballimore knows it is time to leave London and plans to take her best friends Lady Alice Eppington and Miss Tamsin Drake with her. Ruby’s father is the Earl of Hangleton and he is the English ambassador to the small principality of Manfalcone, so when she learns that Princess Serafina of Manfalcone has cancelled her trip to her vacation home in Cornwall, Ruby decides to take advantage of the princess’s absence and spend the summer there, the three of them posing as the princess’s ladies in waiting – what could go wrong? They arrive in Cornwall and are surprised to find the castle rundown and inhabited by Malcolm Archer, a gorgeous former sea captain and his crew. It is clear that they are hiding something and don’t want the ladies to stay, but clearly Malcolm has underestimated Ruby – it is definitely going to be a summer neither will ever forget!

Malcolm Archer was once a promising Naval officer, who rose above his humble origins to captain his own ship, it seemed like his life was finally moving in a positive direction, until the unthinkable happened and he let his feelings make a decision that cost him his career. After being dishonorably discharged from the navy, his former mentor helped him get the job of steward to Princess Serafina’s Cornwall castle. As no one was living in the home and the princess had no immediate plans to visit, there was no need for a full staff, leaving Malcolm to support the crew members that followed him after his discharge. He fell back into his former ways and began smuggling to provide for everyone and the ever-growing dog population. When his latest venture is ruined by none other than Lady Ruby, he returns to Cornwall to regroup – only to had Lady Ruby to show up on the doorstep, insisting that the Princess sent her. Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to recognize him from the social event that caused her to leave England, but he can’t hope for that luck to hold and does his utmost to make her leave – which involves a lot of hilarity but is ultimately unsuccessful.

This was such a fun story! It is well-written, nicely paced and had an amazing cast of characters. This story is filled with emotion, self-discovery, found family, lots of dogs, unexpected guests, abduction, steamyish love scenes, laugh out loud antics, betrayal, loyalty, a hero ready to burn the world for his love, a lot of plot twists and finally a very satisfying ending complete with an epilogue. This is the first book in a new series, and I am already looking forward to the next installment! If you are looking for a fun read that isn’t fluffy or silly – this is the book for you – it delivers an emotional story but still makes you laugh and leaves you with a smile on your face. Highly recommended!

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