Category: Victorian Era (1837-1901)

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe.
Preceded by: Regency era
Followed by: Edwardian era
Monarch: Victoria

The Duke and Lady Scandal by Christy Carlyle

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Duke and Lady Scandal (Princes of London #1)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Princes of London #1
Publication Date: 4/1/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 364

What happens when a bluestocking, whirlwind of an antiquities store owner meets a staid, no-nonsense Scotland Yard Inspector? Chaos and romance at its best. This was a really fun start to a new series, and I can hardly wait to see what happens next!

Alexandra Prince was the one who was always left behind in her adventurous family – and she doesn’t like it a bit. While her parents and siblings were off on exploring adventures, she was at home – sickly. She is outspoken, a bit impulsive, and honest to a fault, and those traits often land her in a bit of bother, much to the lament of her brother, Dominic, and her sister, Eve. Really, she just wants to do good and be of help. So, when she overhears snatches of a conversation about stealing the crown jewels, she goes to Scotland Yard to tell her tale. When the very handsome inspector actually listened to her, she was more than pleased.

Detective Inspector Benedict Drake is bound and determined to climb to the highest ranks in Scotland Yard. He is a workaholic who lives and breathes his cases. He has come a long way since his humble beginnings, and nothing is going to come between him and success. Then, this whirlwind of a chit barges into his office with tales about someone planning to steal the crown jewels. He concedes she is being honest and really believes what she’s saying – but – without descriptions or identifying details, there is no way to even begin to track anybody down.

As Ben follows leads to wrap up the case he’s been working on – and do inquiries into Alexandra’s reported case- they become more and more drawn to each other. Ben just wants to keep her safe and away from investigating, but she’s having none of it. She’s always wanted to have her own adventure, and now she will.

This was an enjoyable read with compelling, likable characters and a good mystery. I enjoyed watching Ben learn that success wasn’t necessarily what he thought it was.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Novella, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Gentleman's Touch (Madams and Mischief Book 2)A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Madams and Mischief, #2

Release Date: March 31, 2025

When Marshall Craven, Viscount Rochford is summoned to Madame Tansley’s office after a night of debauchery, he never expected his employer to give him an assignment to act as a companion to a young lady, who could not be told of his true occupation, or that he is not being hired for his usual services. The lady in question is a recluse and a suffers from haphephobia. Marshall is being hired to gain her trust and help her overcome her fears. It is an assignment that he at first refuses but is goaded into accepting. He has no idea what to expect but is shocked nonetheless by the young woman he meets. Clearly Adeline Price needs help, but never did Marshall think he would fall in love for the first time in his life and end up having her heal his hidden wounds.

Heiress Adeline Price was orphaned early in life when her beloved parents died of leprosy and left her to care of their solicitor. She was raised by servants and governesses, but the trauma of her parents death left a huge impact on her and caused her fear of touch and as time passed, she got worse and now at twenty three, she hasn’t left her home in nearly ten years. When Marshall shows up, she is at first upset by his presence, but soon she finds herself under his spell and falling in love. Slowly, with his help, she begins to free herself from the fears that have held her captive for so long and for the first time, she has hope for the future. But when she learns Marshall’s true occupation, she begins to doubt everything and insists that he leave. He refuses stating that he won’t go until she can leave the house, so she sets out to do just that. But when he finally does leave, she realizes the mistake she has made and will have to find the strength to overcome her fear and fight for the man she loves.

This was a well-written story with likable characters and several interesting and unique story points by a new-to-me author. And while I appreciated the fresh plot, I didn’t really understand how either Marshall or Adeline ended up where they were in life – that might be due to the length of the novel, which was more like a long novella, so maybe the author just didn’t have space to give the reader their complete backstories. Overall, it was a good read with a happy ending as well as a bit of spice. So, if you are looking for a quick read that isn’t your run-of-the-mill Victorian romance – I would happily recommend this title. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read the first book and believe these books can all be read as standalone titles.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *