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

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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The Debutante’s Desire by Felicity George

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Debutante's Desire (Gentlemen of London #3)A Debutante’s Desire by Felicity George

Tracy’s rating: 3 maybe 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Gentlemen of London, #3

Release Date: April 11, 2024

Georgiana Bailey is the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Amesbury and opera star Anna Marinetti, but her mother died not long after her birth and her father had just married, so Georgiana was raised at Monica House, a home for women in need and their children. For years Georgiana’s father kept her a secret from society and his family, but now that his duchess has learned of her, she insists on treating Georgiana as family, going as far as launching Georgiana into society. Though she agrees to playing the part of a debutante, at 26 Georgiana has no intention of finding a husband. No, her goal is to find sponsors for her precious Monica House. When she meets John Tyrold – rumored to be the richest man in England and dubbed King Midas – she believes she has hit the donor jackpot, but John is used to people wanting his money and quickly shoots her down. Georgiana accepts that John won the first round but refuses to concede the war. And when he comes to her for help, she agrees, but makes it clear that her help will come at a hefty price. As they begin to work together, Georgiana realizes that John is not the man she thought he was and knows that she can never be the woman he wants. But things aren’t always as what they seem and hearts change.

John Tyrold has no use for society, since it seems all anyone wants from him is money or advice on money. And after suffering a devasting heartbreak years ago, he has no desire to find a wife, therefore, no reason to associate with the ton. So when he is neatly corralled in the park by the very lovely Georgiana Bailey, he is secretly intrigued, even as he refuses to donate to her charity. But when his ward, Flora disappears from school and none of the men he has hired can find her, he realizes that Georgiana is his best bet to find her. He thinks he has Georgiana figured out and is surprised when he realizes he was wrong. The more time spent with her, the more he wants her. But it appears that Georgiana’s heart is locked away, will he be able to find Flora and win Georgiana’s love? Or is he doomed to lose them both?

I have mixed feelings about this book, the first half was long, repetitive and started to get boring, but then around the halfway mark things perked up and I started to really become invested in the story. I liked both Georgiana and John and I was rooting for their HEA, but the story was not without its flaws. There is a cringeworthy connection between John and someone near and dear to Georgiana that was just ICK and, in my opinion, completely unnecessary to the story. Then there was Georgiana’s excessive guilt and refusal to accept happiness, I understood it, but it felt like it dragged on for much too long. Overall, it was a touching story filled with emotion, triggers, loss, secrets, warm love scenes, a bit of heartache, healing, acceptance and finally HEA. This is the third book in the series and there are characters in common, but this book could easily be read as a standalone title without any problem. While this book wasn’t a grand slam for me, I liked it and would recommend it to other historical romance lovers. However, I would strongly suggest reading the content warning before reading the book as there are several triggers including off-page rape, and child loss that might upset some readers.

*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.*