Category: Novella

What Would a Duke Do? By Collette Cameron

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

What Would a Duke Do?: A Regency Romance (Seductive Scoundrels Book 4)What Would a Duke Do?: A Regency Romance by Collette Cameron

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Seductive Scoundrels #4

Release Date: June 26, 2019

Gabriella Breckensole’s secret crush on Maxwell Woolbright, the eighth Duke of Pennington dies a swift death when she overhears him vowing to ruin her grandfather. From that moment on, Gabriella has avoided the duke whenever possible and has kept the knowledge of what she heard to herself. But unfortunately for her, Maxwell doesn’t seem to take the hint…

After finding his grandfather’s journal, Maxwell believes that Gabriella’s grandfather stole his grandmother’s family home from the duchy by cheating his grandfather, furthermore, he believes this act caused the demise of his grandfather and father. He wants vengeance and has come up with the perfect solution – at least perfect in his mind! He will marry the delightful Gabriella Breckensole and make her grandfather give him Hartfordshire Court as her dowry, in exchange, he will let them live there, that way everybody is happy and the estate is returned to the duchy, all he has to do is convince Gabriella that his way is the right way…

Gabriella cannot believe the gall of Maxwell, how dare he demand that she marry him and then threaten her with her grandparents with complete ruin if she doesn’t? Left with no choice, she agrees, but vows to make him live to regret his highhandedness! When she tells her grandparents of Maxwell’s plan, she learns the awful truth and is given the means to turn the tables on Maxwell, will she take the information and enact vengeance on the man that she once believed she could love? Or will Maxwell realize that Hartfordshire Court isn’t worth the price it will cost him to regain it…Gabriella’s love.

This was a well written, fast paced story with two very strong leads, who will lock horns several times before finding their HEA. The book has scandal, vengeance, secrets, lies, some amusing banter, a likeable albeit misguided hero, a very stubborn feisty heroine, warmish love scenes and very hard won HEA.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*

One Night to Remember by Erica Ridley

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

One Night to Remember (Wicked Dukes Club #5)One Night to Remember by Erica Ridley
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Wicked Dukes Club, #5

Release Date: June 11, 2019

Lady Felicity Sutton grew up poor, she along with her brother (now the Duke of Colehaven) worked in a smithy as children and were often hungry and homeless. She got lucky, her brother inherited a wealthy dukedom and she no longer has to work or worry. But it isn’t enough, she never wants to know poverty again and wants to do something to aid the impoverished children of London. To do that, she must marry and marry well. She had certain requirements for her would be husband and is willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure she marries a man who can provide financial stability and fund her dream of a foundation to help the poorest of children.

Felicity has decided this is the season she will marry and stop tinkering with her brother’s carriages. She has found the perfect suitor, Lord Raymore, the marquess is older, but has a substantial fortune and already fights tirelessly in the House of Lords to help the poor, especially children. He is exactly the right man, so she will show him that she is the perfect woman to be his marchioness. But when she learns her brother is entering his racing carriage in a race, she can’t resist suggesting modifications. Cole agrees and tells her he will not be racing himself, he has hired Giles Langford, a well-know coach smith and racer, known as the Curricle King to race in his stead.

Giles is surprised and impressed by Felicity. She is lovely and talented, but this race is important, winning will help his business and afford him the opportunity to apprentice more of the poverty stricken children in his neighborhood. As they work together, they learn more about each other and the attraction grows, leading to kisses and deeper feelings. Giles knows he is far below Felicity’s station, but can’t stop himself for dreaming of the impossible – a lifetime with her.

Felicity is falling hard for Giles, but she can’t give up on her dream and Giles has neither the money or the political power to help her realize that dream. She is torn and has to decide if her dream is worth the cost of losing the love of a lifetime.

This was well written, fast paced, sweet story, with wonderful leads, warm love scenes and delightful secondary characters. Both Felicity and Giles are likeable and the chemistry between them is undeniable. I enjoyed their journey to HEA and would be happy to recommend the book, but I admit, I did find the ending a bit unbelievable/implausible.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*