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 Wayward Duke by Katrina Kendrick

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The Wayward Duke (Private Arrangements)The Wayward Duke by Katrina Kendrick

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Private Arrangements, #4

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Eight years ago, tragedy and grief tore the newlyweds, Julian and Caroline, the Duke and Duchess of Hastings apart and has kept them apart for all these years. Caroline was almost crushed by the loss she suffered and that led to the rift with Julian, but eventually she found her way alone, she has good friends and a successful career as a painter, but she never stopped loving Julian or wondering “what if”. So, when Julian shows up at her residence and informs her that he will be residing with her until he leaves for Italy in a month. She is both annoyed and thrilled at the prospect. She agrees but has conditions; they must present a united front to society, and they will have to share a room. He agrees and slowly they begin to heal the rift that has kept them apart, they even work together on a mission for the Home Office. It is clear that their love never died, but they have hurt each other, and it will take time for them to completely heal. Time they may not have if a madman bent on destroying the Duke of Hastings is successful.

Julian never stopped loving Caroline, but when she sent him away all those years ago, he left and vowed not to return until she asked him to. It is a vow he has kept for eight long years, but when circumstances arise that leave him temporarily homeless, he decides to take his chances with his duchess. As they begin to heal their marriage, he is contacted by an agent of the Home Office with a request for his skill at cryptography and he enlists Caroline to help him decode the message. They figure out that a terrorist is planning attacks on the aristocracy, and Julian even has a suspect in mind, and with Caroline’s help, he is sure they will find him. Their relationship seems to be back on track, but when the terrorist attacks escalate and they are caught in the aftermath, it is clear that their enemy is out for blood and Julian will stop have to stop him before he ends any chance for a true HEA with Caroline.

I have been waiting for Caroline and Julian’s story for a very long time, and I am happy to say that it was well worth the wait! This story is a classic second-chance romance with a bit of angst, loss, grief, intrigue, action, wonderful characters, forgiveness, healing, very steamy love scenes, a true soulmate type love and finally a lovely HEA including an epilogue. I think this was the best installment of the series and definitely a book I would read again. As much as I loved this story, I was disappointed that Caroline never actually said “I love you” to Julian – instead she gives him a Hans Solo “I know” response to his declaration. I would absolutely recommend this is a lovely story of healing, forgiveness and a second chance at love to all romance readers, especially those who enjoy a bit of intrigue and lots of steam in their romances. This is the fourth book in the series, and could be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

NOTE:  This story contains elements that might be upsetting for some readers, I would suggest checking the Content & Trigger Warnings before starting this book

*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. *

A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault

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A Lady Would Know BetterA Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: None Listed

Release Date: January 28, 2025

While out walking with his sisters, Jasper Maycott, the new Earl of Belhaven discovers an unconscious woman in the snow and he brings her home to nurse her back to health, but when she wakes, she has no memory of who she is or what happened. Having suffered much loss in the last year, including the woman he loved, Jasper has sealed his heart and never expected to have feelings for the woman they are calling Jane. But Jane manages to pull him out of his grief, but without her memories, what future could they possibility have?

When Jane wakes in Mulgrave Hall, she has no recollection of who she is or where she is from but knows something is wrong. She is drawn to the brooding, grief-stricken Jasper as well as his sisters. But without knowing her past, she can’t risk her heart or causing Jasper and his family more pain. Yet when she is reunited with her family, things don’t go as this reader expected and HEA seems like an impossibility.

While I will not deny that this book was technically well-written and the author has a gift for writing a character’s emotions, I cannot say that I enjoyed it. The characters are likable, but formulaic, and the “I was in love and will never love again” trope is one that annoys me to no end. The story starts out promising, but it drags until the ending, which was anti-climactic and frankly, disappointing. Add to that the complete disregard for the protocols and etiquette standards of the Victorian era, and you end up with a contemporary romance in period dress. Overall, I didn’t care for this book, but the writing has promise and I would consider reading another book by this author.

*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. *