Category: Re-Release / Updated Edition

Unwrapping the Duke by Jane Charles

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

Unwrapping the Duke (Wayward Dukes' Alliance #15)Unwrapping the Duke by Jane Charles

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Wayward Dukes Alliance, #15

Release Date: July 9, 2024 (previously published in All I Want for Christmas is a Wayward Duke Anthology)

Once upon a time Leopold Tilson, the Duke of Claybrook fell in love with Lady Bethany Grey – the best friend of Tessa, the woman he was courting. When he and Tessa agreed they would never suit, Leo turned his attention to Bethany and things seemed promising – until she pushed him into the Serpentine. When he demanded to know what he had done, she told him to call on her, but a family emergency prevented him from doing so, and by the time he returned, she refused to see him. Leaving him heartbroken and confused, even two and a half years later. But when a trip to visit family during Christmas ends with Leo wrapped in a rug and left for dead in the middle of the road, it might just be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Lady Bethany Grey has avoided Leo like the plague, especially after he never called on her to find out why she was so upset. She was going to skip Christmas with her family because she learned that he would be there. But she decides at the last minute to close her club and join the family, she will just ignore Leo as she has for the last couple of years. But when she finds him unconscious and wrapped in a rug laying in the middle of road she cannot ignore him. Forced proximity gives them a chance to sort out the past and a call from an old friend makes it impossible to pretend that they can keep their situation secret. It is clear that they will have to marry, but Bethany wonders if her heart can withstand the pain of unrequited love?

This was a well-written, nicely paced sweet second-chance romance novella. Leo and Bethany are a wonderful couple who through misunderstanding almost missed their chance at HEA, thankfully fate saw fit to give these two stubborn people a second chance. The book is filled with witty banter, an underdressed duke, long-sought answers and finally a long-awaited HEA. This was a fun, quick read that is technically a Christmas novella – but really isn’t. I enjoyed this story and would happily recommend it. This story was originally published in the “All I Want for Christmas is a Wayward Duke” anthology and has ties to the Trent Family, the Tilson Family and the Wicked Widows League & the Wayward Dukes Alliance series.
>
*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 Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

A Matter of ClassA Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: 07/09/2024 re-release

When Reginald “Reggie” Mason incurs the wrath of his father by spending money foolishly and losing even more by gambling, his father puts his foot down and demands that Reggie settle down and marry or be cut off without a shilling. His father, Bernard is a self-made man who made a fortune in coal, but despite his enormous wealth, has never been accepted into the ton. He had high hopes for Reggie, and by sending him to schools with the ton’s sons, he gained connections as well as a great education. Reggie refuses to marry saying he is still young and hasn’t done anything ruinous, unlike their neighbor’s daughter, who ran off with the family coachman and was seen by half the ton before she was dragged home, ruined and jilted by her betrothed. Upon hearing that tidbit, Bernard hatches a plan – after 30 years of being snubbed by the ton, and especially his haughty neighbor the Earl of Havercroft, the tide has turned, and Bernard sees a way to marry his son into the nobility – he will make Havercroft an offer he can’t refuse!

Lady Annabelle “Anna” Ashton, the only child of the Earl of Havercroft is in a world of trouble. Thanks to an ill-advised elopement with Thomas Till, she has found herself ruined and her father is threatening to send her into exile. He is especially upset that her betrothed, the Marquess of Illingsworth cried off, which will ensure the financial ruin of family, which is in dire straits thanks to some poor investments and unwise spending. But even knowing this, Anna could not bear the thought of marrying the marquess when she was madly in love with another. Now it seems she is ruined and unless she agrees to marry Reginald Mason, the son of the man her father hates, she will be sent away. Could things get any worse?

This is a re-release of a previously published story, which I read years ago and was delighted to learn that it was being given a second life – I loved this story when I first read it and I think I actually loved it more today – it is fresh, fun and an utter delight to read. I loved Anna and Reggie, they are both likable and both care deeply for their families. This story doesn’t have a lot of action, drama or angst – but it has love, friendship, hope, and a lovely happy ending. It is not the story you think it is going to be – it is better! It has earned a spot on my very small keeper list and I happily and highly recommend it to my fellow historical romance lovers!

*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. *