Dalliance with the Duchess by Sara Bennett (2024)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 3 of the Disgraceful Duchesses series. Widowed duchess Sophia is trying to move on from her husband’s cruel influence and his crony friends, but an investigator Nicholas asks for her help in finding out if his old friend is in trouble. She goes back to visiting with and gaming with her late husband’s friends to see if the young man is in danger. As she reports back to Nicholas about the friend, she recalls a time when she had a masked intimate encounter with Nicholas at the pleasure gardens. She believes that he didn’t know who she was and never discussed it, but of course he knew exactly who she was and they renew their dalliance in the present. This book was short and steamy with a tiny bit of mystery and intrigue, especially when we find out that Nicholas has been searching for his sister who has been missing for the past decade. A quick read that was entertaining.
Advance ebook provided by Dragonblade Books via NetGalley.
An Affair with a Notorious Heiress by Lorraine Heath (2017)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 4 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. The Marquess of Rexton is supposed to be courting young Miss Gina at the request of her uncle to improve the girl’s chances of finding a suitable match. Unfortunately, Rexton is more preoccupied with Gina’s older and scandalous sister Tillie. The Countess of Langdon went through a horribly scandalous divorce involving being unfaithful to her husband with a footman and is pretty much unacknowledged by the ton. She and Rexton have an instant spark of passion for each other and spend most of the time bickering when Tillie is supposed to be chaperoning Rexton’s outings with Gina. Unfortunately, Rexton cannot simply court Tillie instead, since her reputation makes her an unsuitable wife for Rexton as the heir to a duke. It’s all a mess and Rexton really needs to get over his want for a spotless reputation.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
Tall, Dark, and December by Tracy Sumner (2024)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 12 of the Rake Review series. American self-made man Weston is disgruntled at having been featured in the gossip column because he’s losing potential investors in his steam engine project. So his brother’s valet suggest he take some lessons in propriety from Lady Penelope. He’s instantly intrigued by her intellect, spark, and prim behavior. She’s equally charmed by him, but they keep their relationship professional to secure West’s status in society. Although he is drawn to her, he knows that as the illegitimate brother of a duke, that he’s not suitable for an earl’s daughter. He just needs to take the proper risks and offer for her anyway. Loved the steam and spark in this quick read.
Advance ebook provided by Tracy Sumner.
Diamond in the Rough by Christi Caldwell (2022)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Carmichael Saga. Glain is known throughout the ton as an ice princess, but really her spark was totally snuffed out by her overbearing duke of a father. When her sister runs off to a lending library, she crosses words and wits with the manager there. Abaddon knows that as someone who grew up on the streets, he’s not suitable for a duke’s daughter, but they start a flirtation that turns into more anyway. I liked how Abaddon was not impressed by Glain’s status and prodded at her to reveal her hidden depths. Enjoyable quick read.
Advance ebook provided by Christi Caldwell.
Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses by Lorraine Heath (2017)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 4.5 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. We pick up immediately after Book 4, at the wedding of Rexton and Tillie. Where younger siblings Andrew and Gina are busy lusting after each other. After a quick little eavesdropping misunderstanding, they’re off on nighttime adventuring and believing that they’re ill-suited for each other. Quick novella that was full of flirtation and steam.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
When the Lord Adored Me by Lydia Lloyd (2024)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Part of the Rake Chronicles series. Lady Petunia is off on an adventure through Europe with her mother after rejecting her best friend Lord Edgar’s proposal. And when she’s busy with another man, she realizes she made a horrible mistake and would rather be with Edgar. As soon as she gets home, she goes to belated accept his proposal, but he’s spent the past year trying to get over her and realize that they’re total opposites and might not be able to build a marriage together. Somehow, they end up in a 12 days of Christmas bargain at Edgar’s brother’s townhouse that’s used for liaisons. We’re in for a steamy treat for most of the book, but still with amazing emotional connection and depth. Loved this quick and dirty read.
Ebook provided by Lydia Lloyd.
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