A Debutante's Desire

Gentlemen of London #3

by Felicity George

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 infrustratingly 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 . . .

Genres: Historical Romance

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2024

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.

Connect with Felicity:

On Instagram: @felicitygeorge_romance

On Bluesky: @felicitygeorge.bsky.social

On X: @FGeorgeRomance

On Facebook: @FelicityGeorgeRegencyRomance

Reviews

[Alice Goulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been lucky enough to have had an early sneaky peek of this novel and thoroughly enjoyed it!

A Debutant’s Desire by Felicity George



John Tyrold is a wealthy man with the Midas touch but, underneath his brusque exterior, he hides a heart of gold.

Georgiana Bailey is a woman with a broken heart. She hides her grief and devotes her life to helping others. Determined to keep Monica House open, she spent her entire fortune funding the refuge for women and children. With all her money gone, she needs a rich sponsor.

When John informs her she is not fit to run a charitable foundation, Georgiana sets out to prove him wrong. After John’s ward goes missing, he enlists Georgiana’s help and they must work together to find her.

Can John love Georgiana enough to wear his heart upon his sleeve and will Georgiana accept his love, enabling him to mend her broken heart?

A truly heartwarming story that brought a tear to my eye.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Gentleman of London Series is a delicious historical romance perfect for all of us awaiting Bridgerton's season 3! I loved the characters, especially debutante Georgiana, whose charity work -- not marriage -- consumes her. As she works with rich John Tyrold to find his young runaway ward, a slow burn ignites into spicy heat. Histrom fans will swoon and add George to their auto-read list, while circling back to devour her whole series. Enjoy!

Thanks to author Felicity George and Orion for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Georgiana Bailey is the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Amesbury and opera star Anna Marinetti, but her mother died not long after her birth and her father had just married, so Georgiana was raised at Monica House, a home for women in need and their children. For years Georgiana’s father kept her a secret from society and his family, but now that his duchess has learned of her, she insists on treating Georgiana as family, going as far as launching Georgiana into society. Though she agrees to playing the part of a debutante, at 26 Georgiana has no intention of finding a husband. No, her goal is to find sponsors for her precious Monica House. When she meets John Tyrold – rumored to be the richest man in England and dubbed King Midas – she believes she has hit the donor jackpot, but John is used to people wanting his money and quickly shoots her down. Georgiana accepts that John won the first round, but refuses to concede the war. And when he comes to her for help, she agrees, but makes it clear that her help will come at a hefty price. As they begin to work together, Georgiana realizes that John is not the man she thought he was and knows that she can never be the woman he wants. But things aren’t always as what they seem and hearts change.

John Tyrold has no use for society, since it seems all anyone wants from him is money or advice on money. And after suffering a devasting heartbreak years ago, he has no desire to find a wife, therefore, no reason to associate with the ton. So when he is neatly corralled in the park by the very lovely Georgiana Bailey, he is secretly intrigued, even as he refuses to donate to her charity. But when his ward, Flora disappears from school and none of the men he has hired can find her, he realizes that Georgiana is his best bet to find her. He thinks he has Georgiana figured out and is surprised when he realizes he was wrong. The more time spent with her, the more he wants her. But it appears that Georgiana’s heart is locked away, will he be able to find Flora and win Georgiana’s love? Or is he doomed to lose them both?

I have mixed feelings about this book, the first half was long, repetitive and started to get boring, but then around the halfway mark things perked up and I started to really become invested in the story. I liked both Georgiana and John and I was rooting for their HEA, but the story was not without its flaws. There is a cringeworthy connection between John and someone near and dear to Georgiana that was just ICK and, in my opinion, completely unnecessary to the story. Then there was Georgiana’s excessive guilt and refusal to accept happiness, I understood it, but it felt like it dragged on for much too long. Overall, it was a touching story filled with emotion, triggers, loss, secrets, warm love scenes, a bit of heartache, healing, acceptance and finally HEA. This is the third book in the series and there are characters in common, but this book could easily be read as a standalone title without any problem. While this book wasn’t a grand slam for me, I liked it and would recommend it to other historical romance lovers. However, I would strongly suggest reading the content warning before reading the book as there are several triggers including off-page rape, and child loss that might upset some readers.

3, maybe 3.5 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.*

[Ben Bergonzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this novel, set in 1816, teasingly says ‘Not all ladies are in the market for marriage’ but this debutante, Georgiana Bailey, is in fact motivated by an urgent need to seek funds for Monica House, a charity home for women whom men have used and discarded. To provide a school for the womens’ children, and a garden where they can play, is Georgiana’s chief preoccupation as the book begins. She tours refined soirees seeking subscriptions from the well-heeled. Of these none is wealthier than financier John Tyrold – a minor character in George’s previous book A Courtesan’s Worth – an aloof figure with scruffy clothes and hair, but besieged by mothers eager to bring their unmarried daughters into close proximity to him, the most eligible of batchelors. He initially spurns Georgiana’s approach for donations but then an event occurs that turns her into a potential resource to help him, so, against all his instincts, he has to enlist her help. His young ward, Flora, has gone missing without trace. Georgiana, the illegitimate daughter of a Duke and an opera singer, has a chequered past by which she has contacts in the demi-monde into which Tyrold fears Flora has disappeared.
The book is essentially a search for a missing person amongst the high and low society of Regency London (Tyrold has an investigator on his payroll who rejoices in the name of Starmer) but Tyrold and Georgiana find a growing sexual attraction develop after their initial frostiness and distance. This relationship is developed with some enjoyable humour and empathy with both leading characters. Georgina, clever, attractive, capable, talented and sexually uninhibited, is developed to reveal more about her backstory and how and why she became so focused on helping ‘unfortunate’ women.
Plotting does rather rely on coincidences. Despite the generally satisfactory period flavour of the language, some Americanisms have crept in. ‘Fit’ is used instead of ‘fitted’. An address is given as ‘Park Lane and Stanhope’ whereas in reality a British character would always specify ‘The corner of Park Lane and Stanhope Gate.’ The happy ending, when it comes (rather delayed by the characters’ scrupulosity), is enriched by the resolution of the quest for Flora. Georgiana’s emancipated approach to relationships is portrayed via some very frank and detailed sex scenes. I did have the sense that the suspense element, the search, was rather underplayed compared to the developing relationship. The author achieved a better balance of jeopardy and sex in her previous book. Still this longer work is ambitious in its alternating points of view. Both emotionally and sensually, this is a good escapist read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity George’s A Debutante’s Desire is an exquisite blend of passion, drama, intensity and romance that effortlessly sweeps readers back in time to Regency England.

Georgiana Bailey might be making her debut, but she is not remotely interested in finding a husband. She has far more pressing concerns on her mind and having already endured a broken heart, she is far from keen to repeat the experience. Instead, Georgiana hopes to find a wealthy benefactor to help her fund her charity home. Romance is certainly the very last thing on her mind – until fate throws her into John Tyrold’s path…

John has made a fortune, however, he is not in the business of charity. Yet, when his ward Flora runs away, a desperate John finds himself turning to the secretive yet alluring debutante Georgiana and he strikes a deal with her: he will give her all the capital she needs if she helps him find his ward!

Georgiana agrees to help John, however, she hadn’t counted on their burgeoning attraction to one another. As their feelings for one another intensify, will these two people who never had any intention of letting anyone breach the defenses around their hearts find the courage to admit the depth of their feelings for one another? Or will they let this unexpected chance at happiness slip through their fingers?

A stirring, sensuous and scintillating historical romance that sizzles with sexual tension, red-hot chemistry and powerful emotion, A Debutante’s Desire is a lush and sumptuous Regency tale readers will find impossible to resist. Georgiana is a strong, kind-hearted and intelligent heroine readers will root for and brooding John is a swoon-worthy hero who will have them reaching them for their smelling salts.

A terrific Regency romance from Felicity George, A Debutante’s Desire is a hugely enjoyable historical page-turner readers will love.

[Christine Letizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Debutante's Desire is a delicious, Regency romance filled with spice and sexual tension matched by genuine themes of forgiveness, family, and community.

I dove into the third book in this series without having read the previous two (which I plan on rectifying because I am an absolute fan of Felicity George's after having read this third installment of the Gentlemen of London.) George expertly sends us into the heart of this time period through the POVs of her two main characters - John and Georgiana. Both confirm they are not interested in marriage, but between John's kidnapped ward and Georgiana's fundraising for her charity home, their paths and their hearts become intertwined.

This book gives us everything we love about Regency romance: the sumptuous lifestyle of the ton, the societal pressures which making every action matter, the archaic rules that only add to the slow burn. But here, we also pulled into London's seedy underbelly, where women are frequently the victims.

I adored the feminist bent of this story and how Georgiana drives it. Themes of respect and permission were also weaved into the language of the characters. Overall, what really impressed me was the importance the story gave to healing oneself, our relationships with others, and our community.

A well-plotted story with a streak of intrigue provided by the kidnapping and two well-developed and engaging character arcs, A Debutante's Desire cemented MY desire to read Felicity George's other books!

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgiana's very existence is a scandal: she's the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat who's only recently been acknowledged by her father. She feels like she's unable to truly love anyone because of her traumatic past, so she's devoted herself to running a charity that's very close to her heart. She meets bazillionaire John when she asks him for a charitable donation. He thinks she's refreshing because at least she's honest about wanting his money.

Then his ward, Flora, disappears. Thanks to Georgiana's scandalous charity work, he asks her to help him find Flora. As they work together to search for her, it surprises no one more than Georgiana and John that they're perfect for each other. But Georgiana is still determined not to marry, and John can't understand why ... until she confronts him and her father in one of the most emotional monologues I've ever read. (Literal tears streaming down my cheeks for PAGES.)

I really, really liked this one. It features some unconventional characters in John and Georgiana, and the emotions were REAL. I especially liked Georgiana's relationship with her sexuality. No, she's not a virgin heroine, nor is she chaste throughout the book for any philosophical reason except to maintain appearances for her charity. It really adds to her choices and agency, and makes the HEA feel truly earned.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

AD/PR, ARC recived in exchange for a review:

I really really enjoyed this Regency romance - it was different from others I've read, exploring the darker (but yet very likely true) side of the Regency period. The story follows Georgiana, illegitimate Daughter of the Duke of Amesbury and Mr John Tylord, the "Midas", the wealthiest man in London. On the hunt for Tyrold's young ward, the almost 16 year old Flora, who's gone missing from her school, the pair grow closer and explore their feelings for one another. Flora gave me sort of Lydia Bennet vibes, but much more of sweetie! I love how the book also explores Monica House, Georgiana's refuge for women in need, whether that be sex workers, single mothers, women fleeing abuse etc. I loved how passionate she was to help others, and how the story told Georgiana's own history. My favourite bits were the Jack and Georgie escapades in London's underbelly, and the epilogue! I'd definitely recommend this for fans of Austen, and also historical romance/fiction fans. There were some good spicy scenes also but the main focus was on the relationship between Georgiana and John, and their growing care and respect for one another! Now going to check out Felicity's other works, and thank you so much for an ARC, I really enjoyed it!

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Tyrold has the Midas touch and puts his trust and faith in his pounds and shillings, but as for love…

Miss Georgiana Bailey is the daughter of a Duke, the illegitimate daughter. She will appease her father and his wife and make her debut, but she has no illusions of making a match or ever falling in love again!

Georgiana and John our polar opposites, but they both need each other to get what they want. She needs his funds to support her charity, and he needs her expertise to find something he lost. Forced together. these two end up finding out that they have a lot more common than they originally perceived and both of them start second-guessing their stance towards love…

The story was beautiful and heartbreaking! Felicity George has an amazing way she writes her historical romances, the breathes new life into the genre and the characters she creates are the type that stay with you!

When I read a romance, I want to feel the love, immense myself in the relationship, get to know the characters, experience their trauma, and in the end relish in their joy and happily ever after. This book delivers in a package that you cannot put down!

A Debutante’s Desire by Felicity George is available now and needs to be on all historical romance lovers TBR!

[SH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Georgiana Bailey is in search of a a wealthy benefactor to fund her charity home and John Tyrold is just the man she is after. However, John is not willing to engage in her charity until he finds that he must seek Georgiana’s assistance to find his young ward, Flora. Flora has run away to supposedly marry, and Georgiana might have an idea of where to begin his search. So, they both agree to help each other but soon find that their feelings begin to complicate matters.
Whilst the first chapter held my interest, I soon found that it the following chapters were slow and repetitive. The picture painted of John was not one that engaged me, and Georgiana’s guilt did not help me warm to the story. However, it did pick up midway through the book and I found myself enjoying the storyline.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dawn Witney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This much anticipated third novel from the pen of Felicity George does NOT disappoint. I loved everything about it from the sumptuous cover to the final words. Georgiana Bailey is so relatable, a woman who is determined to do her best to help those less fortunate, and raise much-needed funds for her charity despite the accident of her birth which makes her a cause for gossip amongst the wealthy from whom she needs to elicit donations. John Tyrold is a self-made millionaire and set in his ways. But when his young ward, Flora, runs away from her school, he seeks Georgiana's help to find her. What follows is a wonderful journey into the underworld of Regency society where danger lurks on every corner. I enjoyed the first two books in the Gentlemen of London series, but this is my favourite to date. A big thank you to the author, Felicty George, for sending me an advanced reading copy.

[Emily Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous Regency romance from Felicity George

This novel can be read as a stand-alone, but for someone who has followed the series like I have, there’s extra delights. I have been longing for John Tyrold’s book from the start, and this did NOT disappoint. A gorgeous love story with a slow burn and then off the charts steam. As always, Felicity George presents the Regency era with a slightly darker edge, which strikes me as much more realistic than most Regencies—though I love the completely light-hearted ones as well! But there’s something about how Felicity George weaves the slightly darker elements into the world she creates, but still always ends her novels with a beautiful happy-ever-after.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felicity George brings us her most modern heroine yet in Georgiana Bailey in the Gentlemen of London series' third installment, A Debutante's Desire.
However, Georgiana's modern work and life experience as well as her personal beliefs are blended seamlessly into the Regency era.
The storyline is full of surprises, and also leaves the reader guessing right to the end in terms of the conclusion of several plot lines.
& of course, a little steam along the way is a given!
While it is the third book in the series, it can be read independently of the others. Perfect for a cosy weekend in or to take away on a summer holiday break.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its brilliant that there's another instalment in this series and good to read John's story. Georgiana is a fabulous lead and her story is a heartfelt one. She feels like a feminist of her time.

The spice levels seem to up again in this read (didn't think that was possible but this is scorching hot!) as does the tension between the pair. This was a tad too much of a slow burn for me but potentially worth the wait.

A great read to keep me going whist I impatiently wait for the next Bridgerton series.
Dazzling and daring.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I was intrigued by Tyrold from book 1 and his story did not disappoint. FMC was also dynamic and beautifully written. I loved the twists and turns which felt more authentic in this book compared to its prequels where sometimes things fell into place rather neatly and felt somewhat trite. In this book the progression of story and character development felt earned and human in a way that was very lovely to experience.

I assume we may get Rose and the doctor’s story down the line and perhaps Edward’s as well. I hope they will live up to this book!

[Mel.Reads.Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I KNEW I WAS GOING TO LOVE TYROLD! From his first few moments “on screen” in the previous books I had a feeling he was going to be my favorite and I was RIGHT!
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Watching John & Georgiana interact and banter and challenge each other was awesome. Two very passionate people fighting for what they love. I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling, the weaving of the multiple stories and their similarities. I love the suspense, the passion, the verbal sparring and the characters!
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I also enjoyed the lack of miscommunication. Aside from Tyrold waiting too long to declare his intentions, I loved how he intentionally and quickly cleared up any possible situations that could have gone wrong.
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What a great addition to the series! Is Edward next?!
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Thank you @felicitygeorge_romance for this amazing ARC!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual heroine, a member of the Ton who was born out wedlock, older than the usual debutante and who wants something more than a rich husband.
I had fun and thoroughly enjoyed this well plotted and engrossing novel.
Well done, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jessica Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scorching romance combined with a very satisfying mystery. Readers are in for a treat.

[lizzybookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful!!! You will fall in love with John and Georgiana’s story. It was an intriguing, delightful read with just the right amount of spice🩵 A must read for regency romance fans

[Rebekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being in this regency world yet the conflicts of the characters felt contemporary. It was a captivating story and slow burn, steamy romance. If you love romance this book is for you!

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me this time

[Esmée · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whenever I see a spelling mistake in a book I’m kind of out. I got till page 90. Maybe I will try again later but it hasn’t quite grasped my interest

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent