Tag: #TheDuchessSociety

The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner

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

The Wicked Wallflower (The Duchess Society, #3)The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Duchess Society, #3

Release Date: April 21, 2022

Lady Pippa Darlington, the sister of Roan, the Duke of Leighton, has no desire to marry into the ton, and after an unfortunate incident involving an earl and a glass of ratafia, she had “lessons” from the Duchess Society. But rather than look for a husband, she has been laying low and playing the wallflower to glean information the Duchess Society – unbeknownst to them. And when her snooping lands her in trouble, her rescuer is the only man she has ever wanted and the man who is determined to keep her at an arm’s length – Xander Macauley. A Self-made man from the slums of London, who also happens to be a good friend and business partner of her brother. But Pippa is nothing if not fearless and just as determined to attain her heart’s desire. Bit by bit, she worms her way into Xander’s life and his heart, and if love is a battlefield, then Pippa is a major general and she is going to win this war!

Xander Macauley has wanted Pippa for years, but as his friend’s little sister he has deemed her off limits, too bad she never got the memo. Try as he might to ignore her, he can’t and has stopped trying. They embark on a passionate affair and emotions become involved, but his self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy keep him from imagining a HEA for them. Will he realize his mistake before it is too late and his headstrong lady closes her heart for good?

This was a great addition to the series, Pippa and Xander are a great couple and very easy to root for. The story was a little slow to start, but once it kicks into gear, it is a roller coaster ride to the end. This book has a slow burn romance, age-gap, forbidden passion, great secondary characters, “help” from previous characters, steamy love scenes, a hero with a soft-heart under a hard exterior, a heroine who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, a soulmate type of love and finally after some negotiating, a very sweet HEA that includes a heart-melting epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this title to fans of slow-burn to smoking-hot historical romances that lead to HEA.

*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 Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner

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

The Scandalous Vixen (The Duchess Society, #2)The Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Duchess Society, #2

Release Date: January 06, 2022

Roan Darlington, the Duke of Leighton fell hard for shipping heiress Helena Astley years ago on a Dorset beach, but when he finally talks to her, he botches it badly and will spend the next ten years trying to rectify his mistake, but his reputation for being quick to temper and a profligate rake does nothing to further his cause. But Roan is nothing if not persistent and is finally able to coerce her into joining him and his friends at his country estate for Christmas, by promising that his friend’s wives, who run the “Duchess Society” will tutor Helena’s younger half-sister, Theodosia in ton etiquette alongside his younger sister, Philippa. He proposes a faux engagement, that she can break when she returns to London. He just hopes that spending time with her will finally satisfy his burning desire for her once and for all!

Dubbed Lady Hell by the ton, Helena Astley is a successful businesswoman with a thriving shipping empire and an independence that sets her apart from most unmarried women in London. For years Helena has simultaneously hated and desired Roan, but she has no desire to give up her independence or her fortune for any man, least of all a womanizing rake like him. But when he offers her a chance to help her younger sister, it is all the excuse she needs to finally give into the temptation he has always poised without seeming desperate. Helena is no fool, she knows that despite their “engagement” ruse she could never be anything more than a fling to Roan, but even that knowledge doesn’t stop her from agreeing to join his house party. But when a kiss, ten years in the making, spirals out of control, Helena finds herself married to Roan. But can these two find their way to HEA or will they let their insecurities keep them from surrendering to what is clearly the love of a lifetime?

This was a well-written, nicely-paced story with very likable and relatable characters. This story is filled with witty banter, insecurities, great secondary characters, steamyish love scenes, good friends, and a happily ever after, complete with an epilogue that nicely sets up the next book. Overall, I liked both Roan and Helena and enjoyed their love story, but I am not sure why it took ten years for them to get together since they clearly had many interactions over the years. I also found it a bit hard to believe that Roan was pining for her all those years, considering the sheer number of women he slept with during that time. Those things aside, this was a very enjoyable, quick read that I am happy to recommend to lovers of steamyish historical romance. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.

4 stars

*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.*