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

A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault

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

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. *

A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

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A Secret Seduction (The Mayfair Literary League, #8)A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mayfair Literary League, #8

Release Date: January 23, 2025

After seven years on the marriage mart, Millicent “Millie” Davies parents have decided that since she hasn’t found a husband on her own, they will step in and arrange a marriage for her. Millicent isn’t opposed to marriage, but after seeing all her friends in the Mayfair Literary League find love after taking part in the “for better or worse” agenda, she wonders if she could be bold enough to pursue her secret crush – Winston Chadwick, the Marquess of Linford. Millie and Winston met in the previous season and it was clear there was a chemistry between them, but due to his participation in a wager, she isn’t sure his interest in her was sincere. And as much as she wishes that he could be her HEA, she is aware that he has made no secret of the fact that he has no plans to marry anytime soon, and with her parents pushing another man in her path, is she brave enough to take a chance and hope she can capture the marquess’s heart or should she just accept an arranged marriage that will save her from spinsterhood, but never touch her heart?

After watching his parents’ epic battles and being reminded at every turn that he is just like his father, Winston has decided that he will not marry until he is at least 40 and then only to sire an heir. He is sure he is not worthy of love and thanks to the constant comparisons to his father, he doesn’t trust his own judgement, instead he lets others make decisions for him as he leads an empty life. He meets Millie when he participated in a thoughtless wager with friends to dance with wallflowers and despite his resolve to remain a bachelor, he is intrigued by her. She is pretty in an understated way and makes him think that he could be a better man, but that isn’t enough to change his mind about marriage. When she flirts with him, he is more than willing to share kisses with her, as long as she knows it will never lead to the altar. Even when his friends comment on his interest in Millie, he denies his feelings, but when another suitor starts showing interest, and can’t seem to be dissuaded, Winston will have to come to terms with his feelings and finally make a decision about his future. Will he risk his heart for what could be the love of a lifetime, or will he let his insecurities cost him the only woman he has ever loved?

This is the final installment of the Mayfair Literary League and what an ending it is! It takes some doing, but Millie and Winston finally overcome their own insecurities, and travel outside their comfort zones, but with good friends and a true connection, they will find their happily ever after. This is the eighth and final book in the series, and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.

*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. *