Category: Tracy’s Reviews

The Earl’s Debt by Constance Remillard

On By TracyIn Debut Novel, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Earl's DebtThe Earl’s Debt by Constance Remillard

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Worthy Peers, #1

Release Date: February 5, 2024

John Malcolm Malvern, the Earl of Sedrich needs a rich bride to save his indebted estate which is sinking further into debt each day thanks to his wastrel brother James, but so far he has had no luck. Malcolm was once in love and had his heart crushed, leaving him wary of deeper emotions, so when he meets Anne Merritt, a refreshing young woman at a ball, he is surprised at his initial reaction to her, he finds himself drawn to her, something that hasn’t happened in a very long time. He chats with her and is completely charmed, so much so, that he wonders if she could be the bride he has been looking for. Even when he learns that she is penniless, he can’t seem to walk away, and when his situation changes and his need for a bride becomes urgent, it seems like he may be able to have the bride of his choice after all. But when his brother shows up with his own bride in tow, things get heated and his budding relationship with Anne is put into jeopardy.

Miss Anne Merritt, the penniless ward of Lord Armitage, had no expectations that this ball would be different from any other, but she was wrong, she meets a handsome stranger and gives him advice on finding a bride. Later he charms her German governess/companion, they share a dance and then cigarette before parting ways. Anne wishes she could be the bride he is looking for, but not only is she penniless, has no dowry and she owes her guardian quite a bit of money, as he paid her father’s debts when he died. She longs for a family but has accepted that she will probably never marry, so when her uncle announces that he has found her a husband, she is shocked and dismayed when she learns that her betrothed is old enough to be her grandfather and has already buried four wives. She rebels, but it does nothing but anger her guardian and gets her locked in her room to await her betrothed. But when her guardian sends her to meet her groom, she is shocked to be delivered to Malcolm. Will this be the start of the life she has always wanted or will it end in heartache?

This was a very good debut novel by a new to me author. The story is interesting and while the plot is not a new one, the author does give her readers a fresh take on the “marriage of convenience” trope. The book features a strong, somewhat outspoken heroine, a once-bitten, twice-shy hero, secret identities, deception, good friends, evil villains, an Aunt who is calling the shots, warmish love scenes, a few triggers, a few tears, a duel, and finally a well deserved HEA complete with an epilogue. This was a good book for a debut novel and the writing does show promise, but I did feel like there was a lot going on and at times it became a bit too much. It also tended to get somewhat wordy, but I am sure as this author continues to write, she will find her stride and only get better. I was impressed by the author’s notes where she details her research and admits where she took a bit of creative license. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my fellow HR readers, but would suggest that you check out the author’s content warning as the story does contain a few scenes that might be troubling/upsetting to some readers.

3.5 stars

*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.*

The Allure of Lord Devlin by Bronwen Evans

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

The Allure Of Lord Devlin: A Love versus Honor Regency Romance (The Bachelorette Series Book 3)The Allure Of Lord Devlin: A Love versus Honor Regency Romance by Bronwen Evans

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Bachelorette Series, #3

Release Date: February 1, 2024

Lady Dharma Dexter attends her stepmother Charlotte’s husband-hunting house party and regrets the decision almost immediately, especially when her best friend’s brother is in attendance and in need of a wealthy bride, willing to ignore the whispers of treason attached to his late father’s name. Not that she wants Warwick Sneddon, the Marquis of Devlin for herself, but she doesn’t want Charlotte to marry him either. A late-night encounter with Devlin has her admitting, that she does want him, but unless he can give her his heart, she couldn’t even consider him as a husband. But when Devlin decides that Dharma is exactly the bride he needs and turns on the charm, Dharma’s defenses begin to crumble and she agrees to let him court her, but then he disappears without a word and when he returns months later, there is a new woman on his arm. Dharma is hurt and angry, but when Devlin finally explains, Dharma is more determined than ever to marry Devlin and will do whatever is necessary to help him clear his father’s name. But even if they succeed in clearing his name, will she be able to win his heart?

Thanks to Charlotte, the new Duchess of Sinclair, Warwick Sneddon, the Marquis of Devlin is no longer quite so desperate for money, but the Devlin title is still tainted by nasty rumors about his father and his possible involvement in treason during the war. Even though it has been ten years, those rumors have destroyed their family, his younger brothers left England to make their own way, and his mother and sister have been shunned by the ton, ruining his sister Rosemary’s chances for a good match. But now she has a suitor, one whose father will never approve of the union. Now that he has finally convinced Dharma to consider marriage, he needs to settle this matter once and for all, but when his investigation leads to an attempt on his life, he feels like he is getting close. After a very enjoyable interlude with Dharma, he gets a message that a widow in Scotland has information that will clear his father’s name, but he must leave immediately and after the attempts on his life, he doesn’t want to draw any attention to Dharma, so he leaves without letting her know and doesn’t communicate with her while he is away. Will he find the answers he needs to restore his family’s honor only to lose his chance for the love of a lifetime?

This was a well-written, fast-moving, very intense story with amazing characters and enough twists and turns to keep you reading well past your bedtime! I loved Dharma and Devlin together and was rooting for their HEA, which was put into question more than once! This book is filled with intrigue, seduction, forced betrothals, a bit of angst, tears, heartache, steamy love scenes, secrets, friends turned enemies, lies, life-or-death moments, redemption, regret, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue that is sure to leave you smiling. This is the third book in the series but it could easily be read as a standalone title. This was a great book, one that I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading it. I am happy to recommend this book and will be keeping my fingers crossed that Ms. Evans decides to write stories for Devlin’s brothers!

*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.*