Category: Regency Era (1811-1820)

The Regency in Great Britain was a period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son ruled as his proxy as Prince Regent. On the death of George III in 1820, the Prince Regent became George IV. The term Regency can refer to various stretches of time; some are longer than the decade of the formal Regency which lasted from 1811–1820.
Preceded by: Georgian era
Followed by: Victorian era
Monarch: George III, George IV, William IV

The Truth About Dukes by Grace Burrowes

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The Truth About Dukes (Rogues to Riches, #5)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Rogues To Riches #5
Publication Date: 11/10/20
Number of Pages: 400

I had a few trepidations about beginning this book – NOT because I thought it wouldn’t be well written or that it wouldn’t be a wonderful story. No, it was because I absolutely LOVED Robert in A Duke by Any Other Name, where Robert’s brother Nathaniel found his HEA, and we learned what a tragic life Robert had. From what we learned in that book, we knew more strife was on the way, and I just didn’t want to see him go through it. I was so afraid he’d be confined to a madhouse again – at least for a little while – and I just didn’t want to see it. Well, I should not have feared – I should have known. The author handled it all wonderfully and wonderful Robert was triumphant and the baddies got their due – well – some of their due anyway. I’d have preferred more, but I’m a bloodthirsty lady.

Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothaven, was imprisoned (there isn’t a better word for it) in a private asylum at the age of ten – because he had the falling sickness (epilepsy) and his father was ashamed. To make matters worse, his father had him declared legally dead so his brother could assume the title. Robert spent a great many years there, being tortured with ice baths, deprivation, starvation, beatings, isolation, well, you name it and it happened to Robert. Then, five years ago, after his father died, his brother discovered he was alive and immediately retrieved him from the asylum. To say that Robert had phobias and eccentricities is putting it mildly, but he’s been slowly working his way through them – at least now he can go outside – as long as it is in a walled garden. When he again encounters the woman who saved his life while he was in the asylum, he has even more reason to fight to overcome all of his liabilities and become the duke he needs to be.

Lady Constance Wentworth has secrets – deep secrets – most in her family aren’t even aware of them. She has spent the last several years making herself unnoticeable – basically blending into the background. She is ‘perfect’. She always says the perfect thing. She never speaks out of turn. She conducts herself with the most upright respectability. All because she won’t bring shame to her family whose beginnings are pretty shaky to begin with. However, there was a time… Constance once ran away and took menial work at an asylum. There, she became close to the residents and saw their mistreatment. There was one young man who was horribly abused and they became close friends – until her brother found her and took her home.

Now, years later, Constance’s sister is marrying Robert’s brother. This, of course, brings Robert and Constance together as well and their feelings for each other are reignited. I loved how Constance’s support for Robert never, ever faltered. She’s also one smart cookie and helped Robert overcome his phobias as well as his foes.

I thought Lady Constance was the perfect match for Robert and I don’t think the story could have been told any better than it was. It was delightful to watch these two come into their own. I am so glad I decided to read it and I hope you will be as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Snowbound with the Viscount by Shana Galen

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Snowbound with the ViscountBarb’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone Novella
Publication Date: 11/10/20
Number of Pages: 85

In this delightfully lovely tale, we attend a house party that is to end just a couple of days before Christmas. Since the weather has been miserably rainy and uncooperative, the guests are looking forward to heading home for Christmas. However, just as it is time to leave – the weather turns, snow covers the grounds, and keeps the guests in residence.

Holly Farthing and Adam Ivy had been friends since they were children because Adam was close friends with Holly’s brother. She was immediately as smitten as a six-year-old girl can be with a nine-year-old boy. However, as her brother’s friend, nothing ever came of her devotion. Then, during her first season, she met and fell in love with the man she married. That all ended with the death of her husband, and now she’s just lonely and Christmas is a difficult time for her. When her best friend invites her to a house party, she decides to attend because she knows Adam Ivy will be attending. After all, her affection for him is still there and she’d like to see where it could go – if he doesn’t still think of her as a ‘little sister’.

Adam had always liked Holly – as much as a nine-year-old boy could like a six-year-old girl. Even during her come out he was drawn to her and always made an opportunity to speak to her – then – she fell in love and married – and he went on his way in life. He hopes to see her at the house party because she is best friends with the hostess, but he knows Holly will probably be bringing along a betrothed. She is entirely too beautiful and delightful not to be betrothed by now.

Holly and Adam dance around each other for the entire house party – never really approaching – just watching from afar. Until almost the end when Holly makes her move – and WOW – who would have thought. Then, an unfortunate event occurs and forces them to become even closer. Can a fake betrothal become a real one? After what Holly learns, can she trust any man again?

I absolutely loved both Holly and Adam. I loved that Holly knew what she wanted and, even though she was very shy, she went after it. I loved how Adam appreciated Holly and I loved how their HEA grew.

I hope you’ll read this novella and enjoy it as much as I did. I thought it was a great story and just the right length. I do wish it had an epilogue though – somehow I never feel ‘finished’ with a book until the wedding has taken place. So, a short epilogue taking place sometime after the wedding would have made it just perfect for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.