📖Book Review ~ Rescued by the Rakish Lord by Sarah Mallory

Harlequin Historical
May 2026

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book

A forced proximity, high society romance set in the late Georgian era

A man of such dubious reputation…that he was called Devil Blackbourne!

When Lord Deveril Blackbourne meets Selina Wynter, he is intrigued. For she has all the accomplishments of a lady, but the fiery temper and spirit of a tavern maid! Then she is abducted by a dastardly suitor, and Deveril—for all his roguish reputation—can't stand idly by…

Lord Deveril is Selina’s least likely rescuer, but when they’re stranded together in a snowstorm and her reputation is at risk, he surprises her with a gallant proposal! Deveril’s no honorable suitor, yet his actions say otherwise… Just who is the real Devil Blackbourne? Selina’s determined to find out!

📖My Review..

Selina Wynter’s ordered life is held to account when she encounters the enigmatic Lord Deveril Blackbourne who is staying near to her country home. Determined to keep her independence, Selina has rejected the idea of marriage but when a dastardly suitor attempts to abduct her it brings her into close contact, once again, with Blackbourne, with interesting repercussions.

I raced through the book in one sitting, comfortable with the plot as it took me from the relative safety of Selina’s sheltered home, to snow stranded days, and nights, in a country inn with roaring fires and hearty country meals. The simmering passion between Selina and Deveril is captured well and in the end I wanted a happy ending for them however, as we soon discover, true love never runs exactly to plan.

Once again, I have been transported back to the late Georgian era when women’s place in society was measured by their marriageable status. Selina is a feisty heroine, with a fiercely independent streak, and the handsome and charismatic Lord Deveril certainly meets his match in this passionate Regency romance which has all the hallmarks of this talented author’s fine writing.

About the Author

Sarah Mallory was born in the West Country and grew up with a love of books and history. She has had over 40 historical novels published and won the Rona Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013.

Website

Twitter @SarahMRomance

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📖 Book Review ~ A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Emma Orchard

Boldwood Books
28 February 2026

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

 

She must marry for her family’s future. He must never marry at all.

Spring, 1805. Nineteen-year-old Allegra Constantine is under pressure to choose a husband, but none of her suitors inspire her. Lord Milton is respectable but passionless, Sir Harry is charming but witless, and the dangerously handsome Mr Englishby has designs she cannot trust. The only man who truly interests her is Max Severin – cynical, scandal-shadowed, and not at all a suitable prospect.

But when a stolen kiss ignites a fire between them, Allegra realises she is in more danger from her heart than from society’s gossip. Because Max carries a secret so perilous, it could ruin them both. And when long-buried truths about Allegra’s family and Max’s past come to light, the consequences threaten more than her reputation. Torn between duty and desire, Allegra must choose: a safe, sensible marriage… or risking scandal, ruin, and her very future for the only man she has ever truly loved.

📖 My Review..

Allegra Constantine realises, for the sake of her family, that she must marry however, her current suitors do not inspire her to romantic thoughts of love but ever pragmatic, Allegra realises that love has nothing do do with her need to find an eligible marriage partner. And yet when she encounters the enigmatic Max Severin at the various social soirees Allegra is intrigued by his dark good looks, his air of detachment and his apparent cynicism of the social niceties. 

There is much to enjoy in this deliciously passionate Regency romance, both Allegra and Max have their secrets and watching these unfold, together with their burgeoning, and at times, illicit relationship made me smile. The story is beautifully written in the style which this talented author has made her own and there's enough intrigue, innuendo and passion to ignite the pages and a real revelation I didn't see coming but which seemed entirely plausible.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor is another hugely entertaining and enjoyable Regency romance from one of my favourite writers of this genre.

It is published by Boldwood on the 28th February.

Best read with..a glass of sweet lemonade

About the Author

Emma Orchard grew up in Salford and was given tickets to the grown-up library at the age of 11 because she’d read all the children’s books and the librarians were sick of the sight of her. She became obsessed with Georgette Heyer and hasn’t stopped reading her novels since. She studied English Literature at university and went on to work at Mills & Boon and behind the scenes in television and in publishing.

Facebook: @EmmaOrchardBooks

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📖Book Review ~ A Tale of Two Dukes by Emma Orchard

Boldwood Books 
20 September 2025

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

 

No one is more surprised than Viola, Duchess of Winterflood, when she receives an offer of marriage from a man she’s not seen in over a decade. An independent widow, close to thirty, with two rambunctious boys, Viola has no obvious reason to accept the new Lord Ventris’s proposal. And yet… within two weeks, Viola finds herself walking down the aisle towards a man she despises and has sworn she'll never kiss. But kisses are all that’s off nothing else.

Accustomed to living a secretive life on the outskirts of society, Richard Armstrong never expected to inherit a title, nor the significant property that comes with it. But now that he has, he’s determined to keep it within his bloodline, and for that he needs an heir. And so, he seeks out the striking widow of his cousin, the late Duke of Winterflood, and offers his hand.

While their passionate but turbulent union raises eyebrows among their family, and the ton at large, both Viola and Richard carry their own secret reasons for agreeing to marry.

But as they start their new life together, they will soon discover that the shocking secrets they’ve both been keeping cannot stay hidden forever. And the revelations, when they come, could turn both their worlds upside down.

📖 My Review

When Viola, the widowed Duchess of Winterflood, receives an unexpected proposal of marriage from a man she has not seen for over ten years, she is rather shocked to hear from Richard Armstrong and even more surprised to find herself accepting his marriage offer even though it comes with certain conditions.

What then follows is a lovely story which takes us back to the time when Richard and Viola first met and the significant effect that this relationship would have on both of their futures going forward. As always the Regency period is brought to life and whilst Viola is a formidable bride she is also constrained by what society expects of her. Richard, with some deep secrets of his own is an interesting character, wonderfully handsome but with an aching vulnerability. 

As always, this talented writer gives us a passionate romance, which sits comfortably alongside the historical period in which it is set, with two central characters who share their innermost secrets in a story which has a dash of spice, a pinch of romance and a wonderful second chance at happiness.

About the Author

Emma Orchard grew up in Salford and was given tickets to the grown-up library at the age of 11 because she’d read all the children’s books and the librarians were sick of the sight of her. She became obsessed with Georgette Heyer and hasn’t stopped reading her novels since. She studied English Literature at university and went on to work at Mills & Boon and behind the scenes in television and in publishing.

Facebook: @EmmaOrchardBooks

Twitter: @EmmaOrchardB #ATaleOfTwoDukes

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📖 Book Review ~ To Catch A Lord by Emma Orchard

Boldwood
21 June 2025

My thanks to the publisher for the invitation to review this book

As a daughter of the notorious Wyverne family, Lady Amelia is used to being the subject of gossip. But while she has accepted her marred reputation – however unfair it is – she hates the horrible men it attracts.

Amelia decides she needs a suitor of impeccable repute to save her from the attentions of ungentlemanly gentlemen, and who better than the handsome and famously moral Lord Thornfalcon? Since coming into his title, ‘Thorn’ has been besieged by women who want to marry him, or have an affair with him, or both – so perhaps a pretend relationship might suit him too?

There’s just one small catch. Thorn’s childhood sweetheart Lavinia has also set her sights on him again, and rallied half the ton behind her. But what does that matter to Amelia – it’s only a fake engagement, isn’t it? Except, as Lavinia and her friends try to tear Amelia and Thorn apart, she starts to realise that her feelings may not be quite so fake after all.

Because the trouble with brave and handsome Lords is… they might just steal your heart.

📖My Review..

With her reputation sullied, and through no fault of her own, Lady Amelia Wyverne seems to attract the worst sort of gentlemen. Deciding upon a course of action, Lady Amelia is determined to set aside the chattering gossips by pretending to become betrothed to a man who is beyond reproach. The only problem, of course, is seeking out such a paragon but with a plan hatched to catch herself a lord, Amelia’s eye settles upon the charmingly handsome Lord Thornfalcon. Marcus Thornfalcon, hero, of the Peninsular campaign, has his own reasons for agreeing to Amelia’s subterfuge, some of which are set to cause all sorts of consternation amongst the ladies of the Ton and is a disaster for one lady in particular who is hell bet on revenge.

These regency romances are so beautifully written that they never fail to make me smile and I flutter through the pages with great enjoyment as I am whisked away to balls and soirées, keeping company with the beau monde of Regency England. Both Amelia and Marcus are delightfully imagined and I quite fell in love with both of them and as their tentative feelings are stirred you can’t help but want everything to work out well in a good way.

To Catch A Lord is a spicy, steamy romance from this talented writer who has captured the Regency Romance market with her passionate stories which, with a hint of Georgette Heyer, bring this world to life. There is a bit of a theme with this set of books as some characters overlap but having said that it is perfectly possible to read each book as a standalone story.

About the Author

Emma Orchard grew up in Salford and was given tickets to the grown-up library at the age of 11 because she’d read all the children’s books and the librarians were sick of the sight of her. She became obsessed with Georgette Heyer and hasn’t stopped reading her novels since. She studied English Literature at university and went on to work at Mills & Boon and behind the scenes in television and in publishing.

Facebook: @EmmaOrchardBooks

Twitter: @EmmaOrchardB #ToCatchALord

Instagram: @emmaorchardbooks

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📖 Book Review ~ The Secret Love of a Gentleman by Jane Lark

Boldwood Books
30 June 2025

Marlow Family Secrets #3

 

A past scandal and a broken heart have left Lady Caroline Kilbride hiding away from the world, in the safety of her brother’s home. But when a devilishly handsome newcomer arrives for the summer, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to him.

Rob Marlow, a man determined to carve his own path in life, never expected to be intrigued by his brother-in-law’s dependent sister. Yet in Caro he sees courage, intelligence and a spark of the woman she once was.

Friendship blossoms into something more passionate, but when the truth of Caro’s painful history resurfaces, will she retreat into the shadows or fight for her happy ever after?

📖 My Review

Whilst Robert Marlow is spending the summer with his sister and brother-in-law, he meets the enigmatic, Lady Caroline Kilbride. That Caroline is frightened of something and hiding away in the country is obvious and Robert, intrigued by this beautiful young woman, is determined to bring her out of her shell and bring some warmth back into her life.. This is a beautifully described romantic novel with just enough spice to keep the passion alive. It's story of intrigue and danger, sly gossip and innuendo and yet is fuelled by a love story which will not be defeated by those who think that Robert and Caroline don't belong together.

This is the third book in the Marlow Family Secrets series and whilst it is possible to read as a standalone story, those readers of the previous books will be delighted to become reacquainted with the characters we have already met. It was especially interesting to meet with Andrew and Mary Marlow who featured so strongly in The Dangerous Love of a Rogue. I have enjoyed stepping once again into this Regency world which the author recreates so well and The Secret Love of  a Gentleman is a delightful romantic read and a great continuation of the series.

Since its original publication in 2015 the book has now been recently re-published by Boldwood Books, with a delightful new cover.

About the Author

Jane Lark is an internationally bestselling author of both historical fiction and psychological thrillers. She has twice been shortlisted for the RNA Awards. The first in her new wartime saga series, The Great Western Railway Girls, will be published in February 2025.

Facebook: @Janelarkauthor

Twitter: @JaneLark 

Instagram: jane.lark

Bookbub profile: @janelark

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📖 Blog Tour ~ The Accidental Debutante by Jane Dunn

Boldwood Books
14 June 2025

Thanks to the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources
For the invitation to the blog tour

A daring young lady and dashing lord

At Prebbles Flying Circus, the daring Eliza Gray captivates audiences with her breathtaking feats on horseback. Yet beyond the applause, she harbours a longing to find the family she lost as a child and discover who she truly is.

Fate, however, takes an unexpected turn when Eliza is unceremoniously knocked down by a curricle driven recklessly by Raven, Earl Purfoy. Dazed but intrigued, she cannot help but notice Purfoy’s commanding presence.

For his part, the dashing lord, is mortified at his carelessness and resolves to assist the spirited yet intriguing young woman. He deposits her in the care of his dearest friends, Corinna and Alick Wolfe, who encourage Miss Gray in her search for her family and sponsor her entry into London society. The glittering balls and scurrilous gossip of the ton are a far cry from the circus ring and Eliza finds herself the subject of intense speculation and unwelcome advances.

As a most accidental debutante, Eliza has to navigate the complexities of high society and her new friendships. Her quest for family and belonging becomes perilously entwined with Zadoc Flynn, an American heir in search of an English bride, and the unfathomable Lord Purfoy.

Can Eliza uncover the truth of her past and the family she longs for? And will it be Mr Flynn or Lord Purfoy, or indeed her new female friends, who help her find her place in the world?

In a tale of courage, passion, and self-discovery, this lost orphan must decide where she truly belongs..

📖My Review..

If I could inhabit Regency England I would do so in the world this clever author brings to life so beautifully. From the moment Eliza Gray steps into the path of Raven, Earl Purfoy and disappears under the spinning wheels of his curricle I was beguiled by the story of a spirited young woman in search of her family and of an imperious young man who isn’t prepared for the effect that Eliza’s beauty and charming personality will have on his heart.

Whilst those who have read The Unsuitable Heiress will recognise many of the characters who play such an important role in the story, it can also be read as a standalone for it is Eliza and Raven who take centre stage in a deliciously sweet Regency romance. The world of sumptuous ballrooms, with gloriously appealing characters comes alive, from the eccentric American millionaire in search of a suitable wife, to the ale and onion smell of Prebbles Flying circus and the supreme equine competence of Clorinda, the Winged Venus.  I raced through the story reluctant to leave Eliza alone for a second and eager to learn more about her search for a long lost family.

Strongly redolent of a bygone age when young ladies weren’t expected to ride astride or dismount their horse by somersaulting from its saddle, Eliza Gray is a breath of fresh air in a world which constrained its women in tightly laced corsets and Parisian lace and gave them not an ounce of freedom to be themselves. I loved every word and said a reluctant goodbye to this wonderful young woman, wishing her much happiness in a future she so well deserved.

Beautifully written, and impeccably researched  The Accidental Debutante is another fascinating glimpse into the vagaries of Regency life, and of the challenges of finding love when you least expect it.

About the Author

Jane Dunn is an historian and biographer and the author of seven acclaimed biographies, including Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters and the Sunday Times and NYT bestseller, Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, the linguist Nicholas Ostler.

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📖 Book Review ~ A Kiss to Stop a Wedding by Sarah Mallory

Mills and Boon Historical
19 June 2025

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

He must speak now…

Or she'll be bound to another for ever!

Engaged to a viscount, Flora is the envy of every debutante. But her husband-to-be has a cruel streak that makes him anything but desirable. When Flora meets Matt Talacre, the dashing owner of Bellemonte Pleasure Gardens, she discovers what desire truly feels like…after he sets her body ablaze with a single look!

Yet Flora knows that she can’t act on their intense connection—her hateful betrothed is privy to a family secret which means that she can never walk away. Unless Matt can help her…starting with a moonlit kiss at a masquerade ball!

📖 My Review…

Earlier in the year I read The Earl’s Marriage Dilemma is which Matt Talacre had a peripheral role, I was delighted therefore to discover that Matt has been given a wonderful story of his own and his beguilement with the beautiful, Flora Warenne is obvious from he moment he meets her. However, Flora is betrothed to the odious Lord Whilton, but with no date set for her wedding Florence remains living with her aunt and uncle, and yet her momentous meeting with Matt Talacre is about to upset everything about her ordered, and rather boring, life in the country. Both Matt and Flora are characters to fall in love with, their will they, won’t they, relationship is beset with problems from the very start but with steely determination Flora shows that she no simpering miss but a passionate woman who is more than a match for the devilishly handsome Matt Talacre. 

The restrictions placed upon women in the Regency world is beautifully explored and whilst Flora doesn’t always follow convention she is still at the mercy of an unscrupulous fiancée who sees her as little more than attractive appendage with an impeccable bloodline. Brooding heroes and dastardly villains are what this author does so well and in this lovely story we certainly have both extremes but what also shines through is the author’s creative ability to bring such passion to her characters that you can’t help but fall in love with them and be drawn deeper into the stories they have to tell.

A Kiss to Stop a Wedding is a beautifully written, passionate romance, with memorable characters, and a realistic sense of time, place and memories.

About the Author

Sarah Mallory was born in the West Country and grew up with a love of books and history. She has had over 40 historical novels published and won the Rona Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013.

Website

Twitter @SarahMRomance

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📖 Blog Tour ~ The Dangerous Love of a Rogue by Jane Lark

Boldwood Books
 31 May 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Rachel’s random Resources for the invitation to the tour.

 

Is he playing a game with her heart?

Lord Andrew Framlington is known as a rogue of the highest order, a fortune hunter, a man without honour. He plans to marry a wealthy bride to secure his future… but beneath it all, could he be longing for something more, something real?

Miss Mary Marlow, the enchanting sister of a duke, is everything he should not want – innocent, fiercely protected by her powerful family and entirely out of reach. Yet from the moment he sets eyes on her, Drew knows she is the one. Not just for her fortune, but for the way she makes him feel.

Mary knows Drew’s reputation and the danger he poses, knows surrendering to him would be reckless, yet his charm and stolen kisses leave her breathless. Torn between duty and desire, she finds herself teetering on the edge of ruin.

Can Mary trust a rogue with her heart?

📖 My Review..

Lord Andrew (Drew) Framlington is on the hunt for a rich wife and where better than to select one of the wealthy debutantes who attend the season’s most fashionable balls and soirées. However, Andrew is utterly bored by simpering young women, that is until he spots the delightful Miss Mary Marlow, and the chase is on. Unfortunately, Drew’s reputation as a rogue goes before him and Mary’s family are very protective of their daughter so Drew’s persistence is about to be tested to the limit.

This is a fun Regency romp which has everything you need to stir the senses, from a handsome, but troubled leading man, to a young ingénue who, despite her protective lifestyle, knows her own mind and when she sets her sights on Drew, well, let’s just say sparks are about to fly. There’s a real authentic feel to the story, the Regency world comes alive, from elegant ballrooms, to the secrecy of a gentleman’s club and the delicious temptation of a secluded summerhouse, the story comes alive with passion and more than a hint of spice.

The Dangerous Love of a Rogue is sheer escapism from start to finish and whilst it is the fifth book in the Marlow Intrigues series, it is possible to read it as a standalone story. Since its original publication in 2015 the book has now been recently re-published by Boldwood Books, with a delightful new cover.

About the Author

Jane Lark is an internationally bestselling author of both historical fiction and psychological thrillers. She has twice been shortlisted for the RNA Awards. The first in her new wartime saga series, The Great Western Railway Girls, will be published in February 2025.

Facebook: @Janelarkauthor

Twitter: @JaneLark 

Instagram: jane.lark

Bookbub profile: @janelark

📖 Blog Tour ~ A Gentleman’s Offer by Emma Orchard

Boldwood Books
22 March 2025


Thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book
And to Rachel’s random resources for the invitation to the tour

June, 1817

Sir Dominic De Lacy – one of the season’s most eligible gentlemen – has recently proposed marriage… to a woman he scarcely knows. But his father’s choice for him, Miss Maria Nightingale, seems amiable, and at 29, Dominic cannot live the life of a bachelor forever. He hopes he can provide a happy future for her as they learn to care for each other.

Maria, however, has other ideas. Midway through their engagement celebrations, she confesses to Dominic that she is not Maria at all, but her identical twin sister, Margaret. Maria has disappeared, and Margaret’s been persuaded to take her place until she’s found – and for that she needs Dominic’s help. The pair quickly find they make a formidable team, but with just three weeks to avoid the biggest scandal of the season, time is against them.

But even if they find Maria, can they really hope the wedding will happen? Because, as they are starting to realise, chemistry can’t be arranged – and Sir Dominic might just be engaged to the wrong Miss Nightingale...

📖 My Review..

Dominic De Lacy is indifferent to marriage however, at the age of twenty-nine, it is his duty to take a wife and his late father’s wish is that he marries Miss Maria Nightingale, a young woman he doesn’t know well but who accepts his proposal with no resistance and little enthusiasm. With the marriage only weeks away Dominic is astonished to discover that his fiancé is actually not his fiancé at all but is in fact her identical twin sister, Margaret. The reason for this subterfuge becomes evident as the story progresses and as we become more involved in the consequences of this masquerade so we get to learn more about both Dominic and Margaret (Meg).

The door opens into this regency world with all the lovely attention to detail we have come to expect from this author’s historical novels. It’s a delightful romp, beautifully imagined, with sparkling dialogue and all the wit you would associate with a classic Regency romance, and if you have to suspend belief a little, isn’t that what good fiction is all about? Stepping into this world which the author brings so vividly to life is a real delight, her characters leap fully formed from the page, taking you into their confidence and all the while tender little snippets of romance start to twirl around, making the sizzle of sexual attraction between Dominic and Meg all the more tantalising.

A Gentleman’s Offer is pure historical escapism from start to finish, I enjoyed trying to work out how all the threads would come together and I finished this lovely story with a satisfied smile.

About The Author

Emma Orchard grew up in Salford and was given tickets to the grown-up library at the age of 11 because she’d read all the children’s books and the librarians were sick of the sight of her. She became obsessed with Georgette Heyer and hasn’t stopped reading her novels since. She studied English Literature at university and went on to work at Mills & Boon and behind the scenes in television and in publishing.

Facebook: @EmmaOrchardBooks


Twitter: @EmmaOrchardB #AGentlemansOffer


Instagram: @emmaorchardbooks


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Bookbub profile: @EmmaOrchardBooks

 

📖 Book Review ~ The Earl’s Marriage Dilemma by Sarah Mallory

 

Harlequin Historical
December 2024

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

Conham, the new Earl of Dallamire, is resolute: he must wed a wealthy bride. It’s the only way to bring the estate that his late father squandered back into prosperity. But a late-night encounter with beautiful stranger Rosina Brackwood leads Conham to question his carefully laid plans…

Running away from her abominable brother, Rosina is in desperate need of refuge. So when Conham offers her a position as his land steward, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Yet as they live and work together in close confines the crackle of chemistry is impossible to ignore…

📖 My Review..

As always with the Regency romances from this talented writer we are transported back in time to a world of restrictions where women were very much at the mercy of men, be it their fathers, brothers or husbands. Rosina Brackwood very much falls into this category as in escaping her tyrannical and profligate brother she must find employment however with her life in danger she takes a chance on becoming the land steward to Conham, the new Earl of Dallamire. This in itself is an unusual situation as women do not become employed as managers of large estates but Rosina is no shrinking violet and pretty soon Conham realises that there is far more to this feisty young woman than he could ever have imagined.

There’s the fine attention to historical accuracy that we have come to expect from this author’s books but there is also a wonderful array of characters who flit into and out of the story each bringing their own brand of magic to this sparking story. I have been quite engrossed in this wonderful world and have loved spending time and getting to know Rosina and Conham. At its heart, of course, is a tender and romantic love story but there is also so much more to take in especially with those nefarious characters who, hopefully, get what they deserve.

The Earl’s Marriage Dilemma is great escapism which brightens even the darkest of days. It’s an adventurous story, beautifully described, with wonderful characters and a tender love story, what’s not to like 😉

About the Author

Sarah Mallory was born in the West Country and grew up with a love of books and history. She has had over 40 historical novels published and won the Rona Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013.

Website

Twitter @SarahMRomance

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