Tag: Emily Windsor

Earl of Spades by Emily Windsor

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, historical-romance, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Earl of SpadesThe Earl of Spades by Emily Windsor

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Lady to Suit #3

Release Date: July 9, 2026

Seven years ago, Verity Seymour and Miles Firth, the second son of the Earl of Stonewold, fell in love and made plans to live happily ever after while travelling the world and studying botany. Miles goes home to obtain his father’s blessing to marry, but when he returns weeks later, Verity, for no apparent reason, turns her back on Miles and tells him she is to marry another man and wants no further contact with him. Heartbroken, Miles joins the army and leaves the country to fight Napoleon.

Now fate has brought them back together, but Miles is no longer the second son of an earl, he is the earl. And Verity is no longer studying botany, now she lives with her aunt, and her cousin and supports herself painting portraits of cats for wealthy clients. When she sees Miles again, she knows that she never stopped loving him, but she has secrets and must keep him at an arm’s length to keep her heart from shattering once more. Miles has his own problems, as it seems someone is trying to kill him and despite his vow to forget Verity, it is clear that his heart isn’t listening! Can these two overcome the secrets and pain that has kept them apart or are they destine to be star-crossed lovers?

This was another amazing story by Emily Windsor! As always, she writes wonderful characters with a lot of emotion, a bit of levity, a dash of steam and a hard-won HEA. This book is no different, Verity and Miles are perfect for each other and deserve to be together, but they are both stubborn and won’t make their road to HEA easy, but it will certainly be eventful! I really enjoyed this installment of the series and am looking forward to the next book featuring the mysterious “Prince”. This book is perfect for fans of Second Chances, First Love that never dies, Secrets or cats – I would happily recommend this book to you! It is the third book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone title with no backstory issues.

*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 Governess Should Never…Wager a Duke by Emily Windsor

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Governess Should Never... Wager a Duke (The Governess Chronicles Book 5)A Governess Should Never… Wager a Duke by Emily Windsor

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Governess Chronicles, #5

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Once upon a time, Miss Charlotte Webster fell in love with her childhood friend Marcus Scarcliffe, the Duke of Shawdale, and when they danced together at the Christmas ball, she believed that he might return her feelings. But shortly thereafter, Marcus left for London and when he returned, he was a changed man, gone was the kind, happy boy, and along with him any hope of a happily ever after. Things went downhill from there, with the death of her father and the realization that she was penniless, but still had to care for her ailing uncle and her childhood home. Working as a governess, she barely keeps her head above water and when she learns that Marcus is in need of a governess for his ward, she jumps at the chance to be close to her home and if she is honest, to him. But when she learns that he doesn’t plan to be home for Christmas, she issues a challenge to him, if he still wants to go on his business trip after attending three Christmastide events with her, she will work for free until he finds a finishing school for Dinah, but if she wins, he will employ her until Dinah’s debut and pay to fix her roof. It is a bet she plans to win!

Unbeknownst to Charlotte there is a very good reason for the drastic change in Marcus, but even he can’t deny the feelings that seeing Charlotte again stirs in him. So against his better judgment, he accepts her challenge, fully intending to win. But somewhere between dancing at a Christmas ball, a winter wedding, long walks in the countryside, a very unpleasant dinner party, and some sage advice from a stranger, Marcus realizes that life is short and that love is more important than making money. But will Charlotte still have him when she learns the truth or will his past cost him the love of his life?

OMG, I loved this story and although it is a novella, it is a full story, never feeling rushed or skimpy. Written as a very loose retelling of Dicken’s Christmas Carol, this story is a lovely second-chance, friends-to-lover romance. I loved Charlotte and Marcus; their chemistry is undeniable and their interactions are delightfully witty and charming. The secondary characters, especially Dinah, are wonderful, and I loved the cameo of William Wordsworth! Originally published as a “A Governess Should Never…Kiss at Christmastide” in the Christmas in Cumbria anthology, this novella has been revamped with expanded scenes and an epilogue, I loved the original, but this version is even better (which I didn’t think was possible). Even if you read it in the anthology, I would definitely recommend grabbing this revised and updated edition!

*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. *