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

A Governess Should Never…Lure a Spy by Emily Windsor

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

A Governess Should Never... Lure a Spy (Governess Chronicles. #4)A Governess Should Never… Lure a Spy by Emily Windsor

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Governess Chronicles, #4

Release Date: April, 11, 2024

Hugh Cadwalader, also known as “the Scandalous Mr. Hugh Cadwalader” is in need of a governess for his ward Pheobe Thornton. Hugh is a spy for the Home Office and Pheobe is the daughter of his friend and mentor, Ross Thornton, who was found dead in his home 8 months ago, the Home Office deemed his death a suicide, when a letter was found, alleging Ross was a traitor. Hugh is furious, there is no way his friend was a traitor, and the Home Office seems happy to label him a turncoat and brush the matter under the rug. Well, that won’t fly for Hugh, he is determined to find the truth, clear his friend’s name and set Pheobe’s mind at ease. But to do that, he will need someone to care for Pheobe, so hence the search for a governess and so far, there has only been one applicant. Miss Amelia Jones, who Hugh is almost certain is lying about her experience. But she smells of roses and gunpowder and intrigues Hugh far more than she should…

Miss Amelia Lambert is the natural daughter of the Duke of Swanford and his one-time mistress, Alice Lambert, the Butterfly Courtesan, and though she is applying for the position of governess, she is actually an agent in the Foreign Office, tasked with investigating Hugh as a possible traitor. While she might be completely out of her league as a governess, she excels as an agent. She is pretty sure Hugh is not a traitor, but she needs proof, more than just the fact that he affects her like no man ever has. When her cover is blown, they work together to try and find the traitor and for the first time ever, Amelia feels seen and accepted. Is HEA possible for two spies? And that is assuming they find Ross’s murderer and stop them before they too are silenced for good.

I really loved this story, Hugh and Amelia are perfect for each other and they had an on-page chemistry that is hard to find in a book. Their banter was priceless, the secondary characters were wonderful, and I was delighted to realize that Charlotte was the same Charlotte from a previously read novella, as well as cameos from many previously read characters! The book has action, adventure, spies, steamyish love scenes, a lot of emotion, traitors, insecurity, loss, rejection, a housekeeper with home remedies, life & death moments, a matchmaking Aunt, a grieving ward, revelations, happiness and true love, complete with a HEA and an epilogue. Overall, I loved this story and would happily recommend this entire series. This is the fourth book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problem, however, I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reading experience.

*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.*

What Cannot Be Said by C.S. Harris

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

What Cannot Be Said (Sebastian St. Cyr, #19)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #19
Publication Date: 4/16/24
Period: Regency London – 1815
Number of Pages: 352

Exciting times are afoot in England and the world. Napoleon has met his final defeat and is being sent to St. Helena in disgrace and exile. I always, always, always love the books in this series because they seamlessly mix true historical facts with an engrossing mystery and engaging characters. The author’s notes are a wonderful history lesson themselves, and I always read them and admire the level of research this author does to present us with a realistic view of the times while also giving us a fictional mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.

On a beautiful July day, two brothers are escaping all of their sister’s wedding preparations by spending the afternoon at Richmond Park. They are having an uproarious time (did I mention they are tipsy?) until they hear two gunshots – one right after the other. They will never forget what they see as they crest the hill toward the area where the gunshots were fired. There, in an idyllic setting, are two bodies – lying foot-to-foot with their hands folded over their chests.

Magistrate Lovejoy immediately recognizes the area and the way the victims are posed because it brings back the most painful memories of his life – the murder of his wife and daughter fourteen years ago. That murder was solved though – wasn’t it? A man covered in his family’s blood was arrested and hanged – did they get it wrong? Is this a sick copycat murder? He doesn’t know, but he’ll definitely request Sebastian St. Cyr’s assistance.

The investigation takes us from high places to low. You’ll find spoiled, rich, aristocrats whose debauchery is well hidden – and you’ll also find good, honest, loving, and caring aristocrats who only want to help the world. Into the mix you’ll meet every manner of non-aristocrats as well – those who abuse, and those who nurture. The problem for Lovejoy and Sebastian is figuring out which is which – and who did what. It is a sad and poignant journey for Lovejoy and a shocking revelation for everyone when the murderer is revealed.

In this dark and compelling tale, you’ll find scenarios with Social injustice/parity, baby farms, insane asylums, cruel apprentice systems, child labor, and the plight of women who are property rather than people. Yes, there is all of that but it is in the background surrounding the excellently paced, well-written mysteries surrounding multiple murders. I recommend this book – and this entire series. Every book in the series has been an excellent read and I recommend you read all of the books in order. Yes, you can read this one as a standalone, but why would you want to when all of that background and character-building makes your enjoyment even more intense? Each new book in the series is a must-read for me, and I hope you’ll give it a try and become as addicted as I am. Happy Reading!

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

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