Category: Top Pick – Highly Recommended

Viscount in Love by Eloisa James

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

Viscount in Love (Accidental Brides, #1)Viscount in Love by Eloisa James

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Accidental Brides, #1

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Miss Victoria “Torie” Sutton, the younger daughter of Sir William Sutton, never imagined that she would end up married to Dominic “Dom” Kelbourne, Viscount Kelbourne, her sister’s fiancé, but when her sister Leonora meets her betrothed’s new wards, she elopes with another suitor, leaving Torie to clean up her mess. The wards in question; Florence & Valentine are twins, and the children of Dom’s late sister. Torie falls in love with the children immediately and enjoys spending time with them, but she has no desire to marry Dom just to become their nanny – which she is pretty sure is the reason Dom has demanded that she marry him in place of her sister. Especially as Dom is widely known as an intelligent man and a powerhouse in the House of Lords, as well as, the fact that he chose Leonora for her perfect ladylike qualities – attributes that Torie does not (nor does she want to) possess. Torie is universally considered “addled” as she is unable to read or write, but what people don’t know is she possesses a photographic memory and has learned to laugh at herself, therefore deflecting society’s scorn, in addition to this, she is a gift painter and a truly nice person – definitely not the bride Viscount Kelbourne was looking for. But she won’t deny that she finds him attractive and despite her reservations, she finally agrees to marry him, but there is no way she is going to fall in love…

After being jilted by Leonora Sutton, Dominic Kelbourne is determined to marry Torie, he doesn’t care what society thinks, and finds himself strangely protective of her. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the twins adore her and he is incredibly attracted to her. It takes some doing, but eventually he convinces her to marry him and then proceeds to fall head of heels in love with her. But Dom is not prepared for his feelings and makes one mistake after another, culminating in a mistake that may cost him the love he never knew he wanted. Can he make things right or is it too late?

What a great start to a new series! This well-written, perfectly paced story is a fun “grumpy meets sunshine” type of story. This book has wonderfully imperfect characters, great banter, lots of emotion, steamy love scenes, delightful secondary characters, a hero with a temper, a heroine who isn’t afraid to give as good as she gets, a house bunny, a sword fight and very happy ending that includes an epilogue. This was such a great read, it was the book I didn’t even know I was waiting for and can’t wait to read it again! I loved Torie and Dom individually, but I loved them even more together, this is a fictional couple that will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t wait to meet the next Accidental Bride!

*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. *