Category: Part of a Series

Duke in Training by Jane Charles

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

Duke in Training (Wayward Dukes)Duke in Training by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Wayward Dukes’ Alliance, #8 AND Observations of a Wallflower, #4

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Miss Theresa “Tessa” Claxton, a self-proclaimed spinster, made friends with American Darius Copeland and did the unthinkable, she fell in love! But fear of losing his friendship has kept her mouth shut and when he is called to his uncle’s estate, it is almost a year before they see each other again. But when he returns, he is no longer a mere mister, he is now the Duke of Ellings and under the tutelage of his cousin the Duke of Claybrook. Claybrook is bitter and has compiled a list of rules to avoid matrimony, rules he takes quite seriously and that he is doing his utmost to make sure Darius adheres to. Rules that Tessa is fully aware of and is determined to make Claybrook break, but rather than Claybrook, it is Darius she tempts into breaking the rules. Too bad he will never think of her as anything other than a friend or does he?

Darius never imagined he would ever be the duke, but when his uncle dies in an accident and then is followed soon after by his own father, Darius finds himself with a title he never expected and thanks to his suspicious cousin, not sure who he can trust. To make matters worse, the woman he has fallen in love with has repeatedly stated her desire to remain unwed, but when he returns to town, she shows him marked attention, and now his cousin’s “rules” have him questioning her motives. Can he trust her or will his doubts cost him the love of a lifetime?

This was a fast-paced story with a lot of familiar faces and utilizes the oft-used miscommunication trope. I didn’t really mind the miscommunication, but it dragged on a bit longer than necessary, and while I don’t want to give anything away, I did feel like Tessa was a bit of a hypocrite and was completely unfair to Darius. Overall this was a good read and I am really looking forward to reading Claybrook’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.*

A Simple Favor by Lana Williams

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

A Simple Favor (The Mayfair Literary League Book 4)A Simple Favor by Lana Williams

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Mayfair Literary League, #4

Release Date: September 14, 2023

Lady Eliza Chadwick, one of the newest members of the Mayfair Literary League, has just returned to London after being away for years. She hopes to forge some true friendships with her co-members because despite being the sister of a marquess and having attended a finishing school, Eliza has always been alone and struggles with feelings of being unlovable and even unworthy of attention. When she learns of the club’s “For Better or Worse” agenda, she knows exactly who she would implement it on, her brother’s best friend, Philip, a man she has long admired and who always treated her kindly and made her feel seen. She hopes by asking him for a favor, he will see her as a woman and not just his friend’s little sister.

Philip Carstairs, the Duke of Trentworth, is still mourning the loss of his father and elder brother. He never thought he would be the duke and longs to make his late father and brother proud. He has come to London to find a wife and plans to offer for one of Lord Oxley’s daughters, as his father had wanted to join the two families. Uncomfortable with marrying the woman promised to his brother, he decides to propose to one of the younger sisters, but that was before he set eyes on her – Lady Eliza Chadwick. No longer the pudgy little girl he remembered, she is now a lovely young woman and when she asks for a favor, he can’t say no. He agrees to show her marked attention at events, so she will garner attention from other suitors. It seems harmless until he realizes that he wants her for himself and finds himself torn between honor and happiness.

This was another well-written, perfectly executed novel in the entertaining “Mayfair Literary League” series. I really liked Eliza and Philip and felt their struggles to feel worthy. My heart nearly broke for Eliza when the truth about the “For Better or Worse” agenda came out, but she proved that she was worthy, despite being dealt a double rejection. This story is filled with emotion, secrets, favors, kisses, heartache, insecurity, good friends, a bit of drama, some tears, surprising revelations, a heaping serving of angst, and finally a HEA complete with a spicy epilogue. This book is the fourth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this book and am looking forward to the next installment.

*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.*