Category: Part of a Series

A Reputation Reclaimed by Demri Hess

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Debut Novel, Georgian Era (1714-1837), New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Reputation Reclaimed (Sins of the Season, #1)A Reputation Reclaimed by Demri Hess

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Sins of the Season, #1

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Miss Helena Hargreaves and her twin sister Felicity take the ton by storm, but while her sister finds love quickly, Helena is not as lucky and will settle for nothing less. She doesn’t lack for suitors, but when one doesn’t want to take no for an answer, things get ugly, and Helena becomes the subject of salacious whispers. While her reputation is not completely ruined, she feels the change in her status and when she is caught in a compromising position with Lowen Roskelley, the Duke of Carrivick, a man who clearly dislikes her, the hope of a love match seems almost impossible.

Lowen, the Duke of Carrivick, never thought he would be the duke, but with the death of his older brother, followed quickly by his father and mother, Lowen finds himself in a position he was not prepared for, not only as the duke but also caregiver to his baby sister Thomasin. Lowen has held himself to a high standard and Helena Hargreaves though beautiful is definitely not someone he would ever consider as a bride – until he has to. But that doesn’t mean he has to like it, yet he finds himself torn between contempt and desire for his unwanted duchess. Is happily ever after possible for them or are the destined for a loveless future?

This was a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised by this emotional story. I liked Helena and Lowen as individuals and really wanted them to find their HEA, unfortunately, they didn’t seem to make it easy on themselves. The book was filled with a lot of emotion, rumors, misconceptions, preconceived notions, a bit of spice, some heartache, and finally a very, very, very hard-won HEA. I liked this story but will admit it was somewhat predictable and then seemed to resolve itself without much effort. I definitely felt that Lowen needed to grovel a lot more than he did, but overall, it was a surprisingly good read and one I would be happy to recommend to my fellow HR readers. It should be noted that there are scenes in this book that might be upsetting to some readers, and I would strongly suggest reading the content warnings before reading this book.

*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. *

This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret

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

This Much Is True (The Liars' Club, #3)This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 rounded up to 3 of 5 stars

Series: Liars’ Club, #3

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Althea “Thea” Hartley comes from a very unusual family and has been writing plays for her family for years – at least she used to. After having her heart bruised and her confidence crushed last season, Thea is hoping to find her muse and a husband this season. Unfortunately, the only man who seems to spark her creativity is the last man she should want. It isn’t until an encounter with a highwayman that Thea puts two and two together and realizes that things are not what they seem. But despite finding her muse and love, neither is going to be easy to hold on to, because she can’t keep one without the other.

Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James has convinced the entire ton and his more importantly his vile uncle, the Earl of Redcliffe, that his is a dimwitted oaf, but in actuality, Jasper is cunning and brave. He has sacrificed much and tolerates the abuse of his uncle, in order to protect his aunt and cousins. Two years ago, he fell hard for Thea but she didn’t notice him, and he was in no position to court her. He still isn’t in a position to declare himself, but now that she has noticed him, nothing will ever be the same. Can he save his family and have his heart’s desire or is he just begging for heartache?

I was so looking forward to this story after having enjoyed the first two books in the series. But I just had a hard time getting into this book – I found it slow moving and became frustrated with pace and obstacles keeping Thea and Jasper apart, which felt contrived, then after dragging for so long, the story comes to a somewhat rushed ending. Obviously, there is a happy ending, but I finished the book feeling a bit disappointed with the execution and that there was no epilogue for the series finale. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read and Jasper is a keeper, but it just wasn’t the story I was hoping for. This is the third book in the series and while you could read this book as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order.
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*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. *