Tag: Amy Jarecki

The Duke’s Privateer by Amy Jarecki

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

The Duke's Privateer (Devilish Dukes #3)The Duke’s Privateer by Amy Jarecki

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Devilish Dukes, #3

Release Date: January 5, 2021

The last person Miss Eleanor Kent ever expected to be interested in the chinoiserie that she “obtained” for Prinny’s collection at Brighton Pavilion was Sherborn “Sher” Price, the Duke of Danby. But on further consideration, she realizes she really shouldn’t be surprised, since the duke has been tasked by the Prime Minister to track down and stop smugglers from sneaking their goods into England and failing to pay the duties – something she knows a lot about – since she is in fact a smuggler! She tries to keep her head low and not attract any more attention than necessary, but the duke seems more than a little intrigued by her and with Prinny’s help, convinces her to meet with his mother about redecorating his townhouse. With no way to refuse, Eleanor accepts but hopes to avoid him.

But Sher isn’t about to let her off the hook that easy – he suspects she is not all she appears to be and once he starts digging into her life, learns that her invalid father owns an import business and the more he digs, the more he is convinced that Eleanor is involved in smuggling, but he isn’t sure to what extent and uses that as an excuse to stay close to her. He invites her to ride in the park, which results in her finding an abandoned baby, a baby she refuses to turn over to a foundling house. She is shocked to learn that Sher is very good with babies and even helps her find a nursemaid for the baby girl, she calls Margaret. There is also the fact that when he learned her father is mentally locked inside his own mind, he offered to visit him and read to him – which has unexpected results for both of them – for her, her father begins to interact and respond for the first time in years, making it impossible for her to keep Sher from visiting and for him – he overhears her servants talking about shipments and uses that info to bring her empire to a halt. But when she tries to sever ties with him and asks Prinny for help – things that an unexpected turn!

This was well written, fast-paced, fun read with very likable characters and several interesting plot points. The story has a lot to like, smugglers, a secondary romance, a foundling, a strong heroine, a wonderful hero, several twists and turns, a marriage of convenience, warm to steamyish love scenes, and a very sweet ending complete with an epilogue. I did feel the story meandered off point a couple of times, but in the end, it was all good. This is the third book in the series, but it can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher.*

The Highland Laird by Amy Jarecki

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Jacobean/Stuart Era (1603-1714), Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

The Highland Laird (Lords of the Highlands #8)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Lords of the Highlands #8
Publication Date: 10/20/20
Number of Pages: 352

OMGoodness! The combination of Emma Grant and Laird Ciar (Key-ar) Grant is phenomenal. I don’t think we could ask for a better hero and heroine. Picture this huge, gruff, powerful, craggy Highland Laird without a gentle bone in his body – except for one small, delicate, sheltered, blind woman. Ciar has known and been best friends with Emma’s brother, Robert (The Highland Renegade), all his life – and he’s known Emma almost that long as well. Everyone, especially the males, treats Emma as if she isn’t even there – everyone except Ciar that is. He always takes time to speak to her, to assure that she is listened to, and he doesn’t treat her as if she is less just because she is blind. He protects her – without taking away her independence. Is it any wonder she’s always adored him?

Emma and her family, as well as Ciar and many other Highland Lairds, are at Achnacarry Castle for the wedding of Sir Kennan Cameron and Divana Campbell (The Highland Rogue). Emma hates leaving her home at Moriston Hall because of her trouble negotiating unfamiliar terrain and layouts. At home, she can roam freely because she knows every rock, pebble, chair, and rug and can easily negotiate her way among them. Away from home, she feels inadequate and dependent and she hates that feeling.

Tensions are running high in Scotland – and in the Highlands in particular. Queen Anne has taken to her bed and isn’t expected to rise again. Without an heir, the monarchy would be in crisis. The English want the Hanoverian George, who has never even stepped foot on English soil, to become King. The Jacobite Scots want James who is of Stuart blood. The powerful Lairds stand ready to raise their armies in support of James – but will James even come?

When Anne passes and George is tapped for the succession, all of the Lairds who are gathered for the wedding head out in different directions to spread the word and to gather support for James. As Ciar is speeding on his way, he encounters murder and robbery. He can’t just pass it by. The only honorable thing to do is to stop and help. Yet, it is he who awakens, manacled, in the prison at Fort William. Governor Henry Wilcox takes great delight in having a powerful Highland Laird as a ‘guest’ in his prison. He’d hang Ciar immediately if it wouldn’t cause riots and even more unrest. He’ll still hang him – just not as quickly.

We soon learn just how smart, brave, and resourceful Emma is. She is a remarkable young woman who doesn’t let her physical limitations stop her. Breaking Ciar out of an English prison, under the noses of the English soldiers, is either the most foolhardy or the bravest thing Ciar has ever seen. Now, they are both wanted and on the run. They have to avoid the soldiers and yet manage to prove Ciar’s innocence. Oh! What an exciting adventure they have before they make it to their HEA.

I absolutely loved this book! I loved how Ciar treated Emma as a fully functioning adult rather than someone who is ‘less’. I loved that Emma didn’t let anything stop her. Add an absolutely lovely epilogue to the mix and you have a great 5-star read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.