I’m starting a new series of blog posts on here with recommendations for books that are set in the 18th & 19th century. First one up: Felicity George’s latest romance novel “A Debutante’s Desire”.
Quick Overview
Publication date: 11/04/2024
Genre: Steamy & heart-warming Regency romance with an intriguing mystery
Readership: Perfect for fans of Bridgerton
Setting: London 1818
Rating: 🪶🪶🪶🪶🪶 – A pure joy to read! 💕
What’s the story about
John might be a catch for any debutante, but Georgiana is no ordinary lady . . .
Georgiana Bailey is making her debut, but she’s not looking for a husband. Her heart is finally on the mend and she’s on the search for a wealthy benefactor to fund her charity home instead.
John Tyrold has made a fortune, but he’s not in the business of charity. Until his young ward, Flora, runs away, forcing him to seek help from the ravishing and secretive debutante, Georgiana. In return, he’ll help save her from her money troubles.
But being so close to the insufferable – and frustratingly handsome – John isn’t as easy as Georgiana would like. Especially once feelings – that certainly weren’t a part of their negotiations – begin to arise.
And for all his expertise, John’s never quite understood matters of the heart . . .
What’s special about this book
I adore Felicity’s writing. She knows this period so well and is able to transport me back in time with such ease as if she’d really been to Regency London herself. The descriptions as well as the language feel absolutely authentic which is an amazing skill. Felicity is also a great storyteller, who kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next between John & Georgiana. I loved the mystery element as well and kept crossing my fingers that Flora would be found unharmed. Even though John & Georgiana don’t get along well at their first meeting, I couldn’t help but root for them right from the start. Their love story was heart-warming and the steamy scenes between them really well written. The novel alternates between both characters’ POV (point of view) which is something I particularly love in romance novels. Last but not least, I really like that this story is also a social commentary about the challenges that women faced back then. There are mentions of sexual abuse, but Felicity handles this topic with the necessary care, sensitivity and authenticity.
A Debutante’s Desire is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
As someone who has read both A Lady’s Risk (book 1) & A Courtesan’s Worth (book 2), I was delighted to see familiar faces from these novels as supporting characters in A Debutante’s Desire again.
More books in this series
Here are the links to book 1 & 2, which I can highly recommend as well: 💕
A Lady’s Risk (Book 1)
Never trust a rake
Lady Margaret has devoted herself to taking care of her young siblings and the estate while her half-brother fritters away the family fortune. Upon Edwin’s death, she learns he has left them destitute and, worst of all, at the mercy of a notorious and cruel rake.
Lord Nicholas would much rather be pursing women for quick sport rather than taking care of a headstrong debutante without any prospects, as well as her siblings. But Edwin saved his life once, and now he owes him a debt. Fortunately, all he has to do is find Meggy a husband, and his debt will be paid.
There’s just one issue: Meggy is nothing like what he’d imagined. And the more time he spends in her company, the more he begins to wonder whether he’s met his match…
A Courtesan’s Worth (Book 2)
A mistress cannot marry for love
As one of the famous Preece sisters, Kitty is the most sought-after courtesan in London. But with the vicious Duke of Gillingham scaring away any man who looks her way, securing a new arrangement with a wealthy gentleman will be no easy feat. Kitty’s only hope to find someone suitable is through her loyal and cherished friend, the Reverend Sidney Wakefield.
Sidney has devoted his life to the church, but it was never by choice. He is a writer and Kitty his muse. As he is roped into Kitty’s plotting, he begins to realise that protecting her from the malevolent Duke comes at a price – and it might mean losing Kitty to someone else entirely.
As Kitty and Sidney try to find a way out, it becomes clear that years of friendship have developed into something deeper. Except that they are from different worlds and Kitty’s heart has never been hers to give away…
About the author
Felicity George is a writer and teacher from Toronto, where she lives with her husband, her two teenage children, a large cat, and a tiny dog. A lifelong devotee of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, Felicity adores a happily-ever-after.
Follow Felicity George on: Twitter
Disclaimer
I have received a free ARC (advance reading copy) of A Debutante’s Desire in exchange for an honest review.
rearhine.wordpress.com 