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

Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Never Marry a Stranger (Sons of Scandal Book 3)Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Sons of Scandal, #3

Release Date: August 6, 2024 (Originally Published 1/2009)

When Captain Matthew Leland returned from the dead to surprise his family at Madingley Court, he ends up being the one surprised when he is introduced to his wife, a woman who seems vaguely familiar, but who is most definitely not his wife. But rather than call her out, he decides to play along with her lie until he figures out what she is up to. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love with her and wanting to make his fake marriage real. But his “wife” isn’t the only one with secrets.

Emily Grey met Matthew when he saved her from the sinking ship that robbed her of her entire family. He was shipping off to India, but kindly helped her get settled after the accident and even offered the assistance of his family before he left. Later when she is in trouble, she sees his death notice and makes a decision, she goes to his family claiming to be his widow. Never expecting Matthew to return or for her past to come calling and threatening any chance she has for a HEA.

Of the three books in the series, this book has the best “story”, it is a well-written, nicely paced book featuring really likable characters with lots of secrets and a whole lot of chemistry! I read this book when it was first published years ago and it has stood the test of time, because it was every bit as enjoyable to me now as it was back then! This is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problems. If you like secrets, steamy interludes, characters determined to best each other, and a happy ending, this book is for you!

*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 Wallflower Wager by Lana Williams

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Book Publicity, Novella, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Wallflower Wager (Revenge of the Wallflowers, #20)The Wallflower Wager by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Revenge of the Wallflowers, #20  & The Mayfair Literary League

Release Date: July 16, 2024

Wallflower Lady Prudence “Prue” Davies is no stranger to rogues, so when one literally falls at her feet, she knows better than to be charmed by a handsome face. But Silas Hayward, Viscount Windstead, seems different and he clearly loves his grandmother, so maybe she is wrong about him! But that illusion is shattered when she learns he is taking part in the “Wallflower Wager”, a bet made between rogues, the winner will be the first man to dance with 12 different wallflowers at 12 different balls. With her mind set, Prue sets out to unite the wallflowers and teach the rogues a lesson, but that was before she fell for Silas and realizes their only chance of being together would be if he wins. Can she have it all? Or will she have to choose between love and honor?

Silas Hayward, Viscount Windstead, needs money to save his family from financial ruin and his options for gaining that money are limited. He has an idea for a windmill design that he is sure could be successful, but he needs money to make a prototype – thus his participation in the wager. If that fails, he will have to marry an heiress and put his dreams and his heart on the back burner in order to help his family. He had all but resigned himself to a loveless marriage when he meets Prue and is smitten. But when his best chance at an investor is shot down, he realizes how much he cares about Prue and decides it is better to cut ties with her and do his duty. Even if it breaks his heart, but as any romance reader knows, love will find a way and Silas just has to trust his heart but is that a risk he is willing to take?

This was a very sweet novella with ties to the Mayfair Literary League. I really like Prue and Silas; they are both extremely likable and I love how they encouraged and boosted each other. Their road to HEA isn’t easy, but they are clearly “meant to be” and you can’t help but root for them. This book is the twentieth (yes, 20th) book in the Revenge of the Wallflowers series and can easily be read as a standalone title. I really liked this book and would happily recommend it to historical romance readers.

*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. *