Category: New To Me Author

A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Novella, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Gentleman's Touch (Madams and Mischief Book 2)A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Madams and Mischief, #2

Release Date: March 31, 2025

When Marshall Craven, Viscount Rochford is summoned to Madame Tansley’s office after a night of debauchery, he never expected his employer to give him an assignment to act as a companion to a young lady, who could not be told of his true occupation, or that he is not being hired for his usual services. The lady in question is a recluse and a suffers from haphephobia. Marshall is being hired to gain her trust and help her overcome her fears. It is an assignment that he at first refuses but is goaded into accepting. He has no idea what to expect but is shocked nonetheless by the young woman he meets. Clearly Adeline Price needs help, but never did Marshall think he would fall in love for the first time in his life and end up having her heal his hidden wounds.

Heiress Adeline Price was orphaned early in life when her beloved parents died of leprosy and left her to care of their solicitor. She was raised by servants and governesses, but the trauma of her parents death left a huge impact on her and caused her fear of touch and as time passed, she got worse and now at twenty three, she hasn’t left her home in nearly ten years. When Marshall shows up, she is at first upset by his presence, but soon she finds herself under his spell and falling in love. Slowly, with his help, she begins to free herself from the fears that have held her captive for so long and for the first time, she has hope for the future. But when she learns Marshall’s true occupation, she begins to doubt everything and insists that he leave. He refuses stating that he won’t go until she can leave the house, so she sets out to do just that. But when he finally does leave, she realizes the mistake she has made and will have to find the strength to overcome her fear and fight for the man she loves.

This was a well-written story with likable characters and several interesting and unique story points by a new-to-me author. And while I appreciated the fresh plot, I didn’t really understand how either Marshall or Adeline ended up where they were in life – that might be due to the length of the novel, which was more like a long novella, so maybe the author just didn’t have space to give the reader their complete backstories. Overall, it was a good read with a happy ending as well as a bit of spice. So, if you are looking for a quick read that isn’t your run-of-the-mill Victorian romance – I would happily recommend this title. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read the first book and believe these books can all be read as standalone titles.

*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. *

How to Court a Rake by Bronwyn Scott

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

How to Court a Rake (Wed Within a Year Book 1)How to Court a Rake by Bronwyn Scott

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Wed Within a Year, #1

Release Date: April 1, 2025

As the grandson of the Earl of Sandmore, Caine Parkhurst and three brothers work for their grandfather as operatives known as the Four Horsemen. But the ton see them as rakes – a cover the brothers are happy to cultivate. Caine meets Lady Mary Kimber, the daughter of the Earl of Carys, while attending a ball, seeking information about a traitor. Normally, he would avoid an “innocent” like the plague, but she intrigues him, so much so he asks her to dance and then ends up humiliating her by leaving in the middle of the dance. His reason for leaving was not voluntarily, his grandfather ordered the brothers to go to Wapping to catch a traitor set on sabotaging a ship sailing to Greece. During this mission his younger brother Stepan goes missing and leads directly to Caine being bestowed the title of Marquess of Barrow and lesser titles for his brothers. Titles that will only become hereditary if they marry within a year, a condition Caine has no intention of honoring. Caine is heartbroken over the loss of Stepan, but he isn’t ready to believe he is dead and there is still a traitor to find. This brings him back to Lady Mary, as her father may be assisting the traitor. He never expected to like her so much and when she suggests he court her to stall her father’s plans to marry her off, he is more than happy to comply. But he never planned on falling in love and knows that she will probably hate him once she realizes his reason for seeking her out. A HEA seems unlikely, but one never knows when love is involved.

After years of being a dutiful daughter and a perfect debutante, yet still being passed over by two dukes, her parents have decided that enough is enough and have told Mary that if she doesn’t find an acceptable husband this season, they will arrange a marriage for her. When her path crosses with Caine something inside her rebels and she allows herself to be bold, but it backfires when he leaves her on the dancefloor, damaging her already fragile reputation. But when he calls on her the next day to make amends, she never imagined that her live was about to change and her heart will never be the same.

This was the start to a new series and if this book is anything to go by, I am all in! I enjoyed this book so much, it has wonderful characters, a bit of espionage, a mystery, some steamyish love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, a bit of action, a really nasty villain, heartache, a hard-won HEA and not one by TWO epilogues. I am looking forward to the next book and would happily recommend this book to my fellow HR lovers!

*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. *