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A Bluestocking for the Rake
Nothing ruins logical plans faster than true love…
Agreeing to marry a man sight unseen was the biggest mistake Miss Genevieve Beaufort ever made. She never should’ve trusted her instincts over her logical mind. But since actually marrying the abusive lout was out of the question, she ran…disguised as a boy. And she would’ve been content to remain hidden until her intended gave up searching for her too. If an entirely too handsome rake hadn’t ruined everything first…
Lord Pierce Buchannan needs to focus on saving his family from certain ruin. Discovering a bluestocking in disguise was very distracting. But Ginny’s unparalleled historical knowledge might just lead him to the treasure of a lifetime. So, he has no trouble blackmailing her into helping him. Not falling for the plain Jane's quirky charms, however, will be infinitely more difficult…
It’s not long before Ginny and Pierce realize how much they have in common—and how much they want each other. But when Ginny’s logic clashes with Pierce’s passionate instincts, can their shot at happily ever after survive? Or will their treasure hunting adventure end in heartbreak?
Enemies to lovers meets plain jane heroine in disguise in this humorous and steamy Regency romance that will you won't want to miss!
Agreeing to marry a man sight unseen was the biggest mistake Miss Genevieve Beaufort ever made. She never should’ve trusted her instincts over her logical mind. But since actually marrying the abusive lout was out of the question, she ran…disguised as a boy. And she would’ve been content to remain hidden until her intended gave up searching for her too. If an entirely too handsome rake hadn’t ruined everything first…
Lord Pierce Buchannan needs to focus on saving his family from certain ruin. Discovering a bluestocking in disguise was very distracting. But Ginny’s unparalleled historical knowledge might just lead him to the treasure of a lifetime. So, he has no trouble blackmailing her into helping him. Not falling for the plain Jane's quirky charms, however, will be infinitely more difficult…
It’s not long before Ginny and Pierce realize how much they have in common—and how much they want each other. But when Ginny’s logic clashes with Pierce’s passionate instincts, can their shot at happily ever after survive? Or will their treasure hunting adventure end in heartbreak?
Enemies to lovers meets plain jane heroine in disguise in this humorous and steamy Regency romance that will you won't want to miss!
225 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2024
1 person is currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Holt
324 books700 followersSamantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 31, 2024
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Spinsters and Rebels series and is the story of the younger sister of Maisie, the inn-owner from book 1.
This was a cute story about a plain bluestocking spinster sister, Genevieve Beaufort, also known as Ginny. She has run away from her fiance, stealing his carriage, to hide at her sister's inn, disguised as a boy. She is avoiding an arranged marriage of convenience to the man, not because she is romantic and looking for love. But what she was looking for was a respectful partnership, and hoping that, as she is marrying a man noted as a historian, that she could find some fulfillment helping him in his studies and research and perhaps learn herself. This was an era, after all, that limited greatly the opportunities for women to learn anything beyond managing a household and family. However, she is disillusioned and horrified to find out that her betrothed had no plans of anything to do with Ginny, beyond hiding her off in Scotland, where he would occasionally visit to at least get an heir on her. Not only did he disdain to have her have any part in his work, but he felt she was far to plain to even be seen with him.
Well, one can see where Ginny would not want to hitch her wagon to that particular steed, right?
Anyways, to make up for being an imposition on her sister, Ginny, in her rough boy disguise, has taken to working at the inn, and while there, she makes an off-hand comment when overhearing two men discussing an old sketch/map of the region, drawing on her knowledge of local history. This comment was quite eye opening for the two men, who turn out to be noted adventurer and heir to a dukedom, Pierce Buchanan and his traveling companion. They are in the area seeking a lost treasure that had consumed Pierce's uncle until his death, and they are using a sketch found on his uncle to lead them on the same hunt.
Pierce sees through Ginny's disguise but does not learn the secret of why she is hiding at first. But he is not above revealing her identity and blackmails her into helping them. This becomes a treasure hunting adventure in the English countryside with some Indiana Jones vibes. But while Ginny initially thinks that Pierce is just a mere treasure hunting rake who loves the attention, it turns out that he has deeper reasons for finding the treasure and that is because of his father's illness and the loss of family fortune that puts his entire family at risk of impoverishment and his growing guilt at leaving them behind to suffer through his father's decline and their loss in fortune while he was seeking adventure around the world. He hopes to find the fortune to refill their coffers, and then return home to help his family.
As Pierce and Ginny work together, they grow to like each other and from this, an attraction brews, and then they finally trust each other with their secrets.
This was a cute story, and while I like the adventure/Indiana Jones vibe, I found that there were a lot of continuity and editing issues, especially in connection with book 1. As I read an ARC copy, I hope this was resolved by publication time, but it happened with such frequency it detracted from the story for me because it became annoying. But beyond that, the constant reference to Ginny's lack of beauty/plainness was too frequently harped on, especially in such dramatic emphasis by her fiance. Maybe he is truly a bilious, superficial ass who cannot see beyond physical appearance, but really it seemed to come up far too much in the minds of Ginny, and Pierce as well. Fine, maybe she is not a raving beauty (who is, really??) but it's not as though she is an ugly hag with warts, or hairy moles all over - and it felt like too much was being made of her plainness, especially in contrast to the handsomeness and popularity/notoriety of Pierce. Were there attempts to give this beauty and the beast vibes also??? Otherwise, it was a pleasant, cute, light read.
3 stars out of 5
This is book 2 of the Spinsters and Rebels series and is the story of the younger sister of Maisie, the inn-owner from book 1.
This was a cute story about a plain bluestocking spinster sister, Genevieve Beaufort, also known as Ginny. She has run away from her fiance, stealing his carriage, to hide at her sister's inn, disguised as a boy. She is avoiding an arranged marriage of convenience to the man, not because she is romantic and looking for love. But what she was looking for was a respectful partnership, and hoping that, as she is marrying a man noted as a historian, that she could find some fulfillment helping him in his studies and research and perhaps learn herself. This was an era, after all, that limited greatly the opportunities for women to learn anything beyond managing a household and family. However, she is disillusioned and horrified to find out that her betrothed had no plans of anything to do with Ginny, beyond hiding her off in Scotland, where he would occasionally visit to at least get an heir on her. Not only did he disdain to have her have any part in his work, but he felt she was far to plain to even be seen with him.
Well, one can see where Ginny would not want to hitch her wagon to that particular steed, right?
Anyways, to make up for being an imposition on her sister, Ginny, in her rough boy disguise, has taken to working at the inn, and while there, she makes an off-hand comment when overhearing two men discussing an old sketch/map of the region, drawing on her knowledge of local history. This comment was quite eye opening for the two men, who turn out to be noted adventurer and heir to a dukedom, Pierce Buchanan and his traveling companion. They are in the area seeking a lost treasure that had consumed Pierce's uncle until his death, and they are using a sketch found on his uncle to lead them on the same hunt.
Pierce sees through Ginny's disguise but does not learn the secret of why she is hiding at first. But he is not above revealing her identity and blackmails her into helping them. This becomes a treasure hunting adventure in the English countryside with some Indiana Jones vibes. But while Ginny initially thinks that Pierce is just a mere treasure hunting rake who loves the attention, it turns out that he has deeper reasons for finding the treasure and that is because of his father's illness and the loss of family fortune that puts his entire family at risk of impoverishment and his growing guilt at leaving them behind to suffer through his father's decline and their loss in fortune while he was seeking adventure around the world. He hopes to find the fortune to refill their coffers, and then return home to help his family.
As Pierce and Ginny work together, they grow to like each other and from this, an attraction brews, and then they finally trust each other with their secrets.
This was a cute story, and while I like the adventure/Indiana Jones vibe, I found that there were a lot of continuity and editing issues, especially in connection with book 1. As I read an ARC copy, I hope this was resolved by publication time, but it happened with such frequency it detracted from the story for me because it became annoying. But beyond that, the constant reference to Ginny's lack of beauty/plainness was too frequently harped on, especially in such dramatic emphasis by her fiance. Maybe he is truly a bilious, superficial ass who cannot see beyond physical appearance, but really it seemed to come up far too much in the minds of Ginny, and Pierce as well. Fine, maybe she is not a raving beauty (who is, really??) but it's not as though she is an ugly hag with warts, or hairy moles all over - and it felt like too much was being made of her plainness, especially in contrast to the handsomeness and popularity/notoriety of Pierce. Were there attempts to give this beauty and the beast vibes also??? Otherwise, it was a pleasant, cute, light read.
3 stars out of 5
April 1, 2024
Even though Samantha Holt isn't a super steamy author, she does have the perfect amount of steam that fits her stories. I have always loved her stories and gotten great reads from her storytelling. This is my 47th book by her and have been reading her since 2016.
I loved Genny and Pierce. This was such an unusual story. Definitely not your usual ton story. I really was intrigued with the storyline. I liked their personalities. Really a good read.
I loved Genny and Pierce. This was such an unusual story. Definitely not your usual ton story. I really was intrigued with the storyline. I liked their personalities. Really a good read.
April 3, 2024
A Bluestocking for the Rake. My fellow readers. I had so Nicholas fun reading this historical romance, filled with adventure. What transpires in this book is so not what I anticipated. Thank you to the author for writing such a fantastic love story, based on love, trust, friendship and family.
So many things were unforgettable between Ginny and Pierce. I thought the loving relationship between Ginny and her sister Maisie was the sweetest sisterly bond that two women could have. Maisie didn’t act like a motherly hen, but she knew when to reign Ginny in when her wings had her take to high of a flight. Ginny does not come across as a spoiled young woman, but a much opinionated, head strong woman. She knows what’s expected of her,but she wants to do it by her rules and her decisions. So how dare this six foot tall, blonde handsome of a rogue come sitting in her sisters bar?
Pierce is the man that all women fall for. He knows that he has the appeal that women are looking for but he’s on a mission. With his best friend Youseef by his side. Pierce takes Ginny and Youseef on a unknown adventure that certainly made the book very entertaining. The plot was exceptionally written. The story was engaging.
It was humorous at times. Each wall or barrier that the group hit required them to think their way through, around it or over it. And each event was an exciting page turner. I don’t think that I read one dull moment in the book. I loved the characters were lively and passionate about their goals in life.
The romance is a slow burn, but that didn’t extinguish the hot growing attraction between the main couple. Confessing their love to one another was sweet and beautiful. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
So many things were unforgettable between Ginny and Pierce. I thought the loving relationship between Ginny and her sister Maisie was the sweetest sisterly bond that two women could have. Maisie didn’t act like a motherly hen, but she knew when to reign Ginny in when her wings had her take to high of a flight. Ginny does not come across as a spoiled young woman, but a much opinionated, head strong woman. She knows what’s expected of her,but she wants to do it by her rules and her decisions. So how dare this six foot tall, blonde handsome of a rogue come sitting in her sisters bar?
Pierce is the man that all women fall for. He knows that he has the appeal that women are looking for but he’s on a mission. With his best friend Youseef by his side. Pierce takes Ginny and Youseef on a unknown adventure that certainly made the book very entertaining. The plot was exceptionally written. The story was engaging.
It was humorous at times. Each wall or barrier that the group hit required them to think their way through, around it or over it. And each event was an exciting page turner. I don’t think that I read one dull moment in the book. I loved the characters were lively and passionate about their goals in life.
The romance is a slow burn, but that didn’t extinguish the hot growing attraction between the main couple. Confessing their love to one another was sweet and beautiful. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
March 30, 2024
Pierce and his partner Youssef were looking over a map while having a drink at an inn, when the serving lad took a glance at their paper and stated where he thought it was. Pierce persuaded the boy, who was really Genevieve aka Ginny in disguise as she hid from her unwanted fiance, to guide him to that location. And so starts a treasure hunt with the heir of the Duke of Marbury, his Egyptian partner, and the sister of an innkeeper dressed as a boy. On this journey, clues are followed, setbacks occur, tempers flair, secrets are revealed and hearts entwine. There are stormy nights, raging rivers, treks both on foot, hours on horseback, and one dark and disappointing cave. All the while, Ginny and Pierce find themselves drawn towards each other. Then of course, you have the undercurrent of Pierce’s familial situation, and Ginny’s pursuer lurking in the background until each of those situations come to a head. The character are great! Horace and Ginny’s mother and brother fall on the villainous side, while Pierce’s brothers, sisters, mother and father are virtuous and garner your respect and sympathy. Youssef is the humorous sidekick, and Maisie and Appollo are the ‘don’t mess with my family’ muscle. In the starring roles you have the hot, adventurous, loyal Pierce, and the intelligent, fiercely independant, determined Ginny. Add them all together and you have one heck of a story filled with passion, adventure and surprises. Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
The biggest mistake Miss Genevieve Beaufort ever made was agreeing to marry a man sight unseen. She never should’ve trusted her instincts over her logical mind. So when she discovered he planned to make her live in Scotland she ran…disguised as a boy to her sister’s inn in Oakfield. Lord Pierce Buchannan needs to focus on saving his family from certain ruin. Discovering a bluestocking in disguise was very distracting. But Ginny’s unparalleled historical knowledge might just lead him to the treasure of a lifetime. So, he has no trouble blackmailing her into helping him. It’s not long before Ginny and Pierce realize how much they have in common.
The second book in the series & the second Beaufort sibling to find love. A very well written book with not only a delightful romance but also the hunt for treasure. The characters have depth & I loved Ginny who was a plain Jane & Pierce who quickly saw that she was a treasure. The chemistry between them grew hotter & hotter but it took Pierce’s friend & colleague Youssef to make him realise he was in love. I devoured this lovely book in a sitting.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & the second Beaufort sibling to find love. A very well written book with not only a delightful romance but also the hunt for treasure. The characters have depth & I loved Ginny who was a plain Jane & Pierce who quickly saw that she was a treasure. The chemistry between them grew hotter & hotter but it took Pierce’s friend & colleague Youssef to make him realise he was in love. I devoured this lovely book in a sitting.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 18, 2025
Miss Genevieve Beaufort agrees to marry a man, sight unseen because he is a renowned historian and with her love of history she hopes to assist him with his research. When he makes it clear he finds her plain and undesirable and would ship her to Scotland she knows she has to escape. She steals his carriage, disguises herself as a boy and goes to her sister’s country inn to hide out. She assumes Sir Horace will lose interest in finding her and move on, right?
Lord Pierce Buchannan needs to find a treasure that his Uncle had been looking fo before he passed away. He needs the treasure, to save his family from financial ruin. He is known as the Daredevil Duke a man who sails around the world looking for treasures with Youseff, his friend and helper.
So when he sees Ginny disguised as a boy and realizes her knowledge of the area and history would be vitally important to his goal he blackmails her to help him by promising not to reveal her identity. She reluctantly agrees but lets him know she despises him.
You will enjoy Ginny and Pierce’s fun action filled adventure as they search together to uncover the mystery and find the treasure. I loved their witty banter, especially the back and forth its a “sketch” no its a “map”.
As they spend time together they realize they have much more in common than not. Pierce admired her intelligence, became attracted to her, and dislike turned to admiration and love, with a little bit of passion too. I admired how he stood up to the despicable Sir Horace and that he saw the beauty that was Ginny and not the plain lady others saw.
Ginny also realizes her initially thoughts about Pierce were not accurate she sees that he is both interested in preserving history but understands what the treasure could mean to him and his family.
I recommend this entertaining, witty, action packed adventure story and look forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from BookSprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lord Pierce Buchannan needs to find a treasure that his Uncle had been looking fo before he passed away. He needs the treasure, to save his family from financial ruin. He is known as the Daredevil Duke a man who sails around the world looking for treasures with Youseff, his friend and helper.
So when he sees Ginny disguised as a boy and realizes her knowledge of the area and history would be vitally important to his goal he blackmails her to help him by promising not to reveal her identity. She reluctantly agrees but lets him know she despises him.
You will enjoy Ginny and Pierce’s fun action filled adventure as they search together to uncover the mystery and find the treasure. I loved their witty banter, especially the back and forth its a “sketch” no its a “map”.
As they spend time together they realize they have much more in common than not. Pierce admired her intelligence, became attracted to her, and dislike turned to admiration and love, with a little bit of passion too. I admired how he stood up to the despicable Sir Horace and that he saw the beauty that was Ginny and not the plain lady others saw.
Ginny also realizes her initially thoughts about Pierce were not accurate she sees that he is both interested in preserving history but understands what the treasure could mean to him and his family.
I recommend this entertaining, witty, action packed adventure story and look forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from BookSprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2024
Wow, what a story! I have read a lot of books by Samantha and loved them all, but this one was amazing. What is not to like we have a lost treasure, a Lord admired by most and followed by women of all ages and a Lady hiding as boy. On top of all that both have secrets no one would expect. Pierce with his best friend Youssef has traveled the world finding lost treasure. He is well known. Now he must find the treasure his uncle talked about all his life to save his family from ruin before the ton finds out. All he has is a hand drawn map his uncle carried with him always. Genevieve Beaufort is on the run, thanks to listening to her instinct instead of using her brain. She agreed to marry a man so she wouldn’t be a burden to her brother without ever meeting him. Knowing he was a man who studied history she thought was enough. Wrong, very wrong. Knowing she can’t break the engagement and will not marry him she runs. As she is plain without the curves most women have dressing a boy is the plan she comes up with. Her sister, Maisie and her fiancé, Apollo let her stay at their inn. Ah, now the plot thickens when she sees the map and let's slip where or what it is. Pierce finds out she is a girl and blackmails her into helping him. Ah but fate, has something different in store for our couple. As they work to find the treasure feeling, secrets, longing and desire show up. This story is a page turner for sure, much is going on and happens along the way. Once started you can’t put it down. I am not much for history but one learns a lot while reading this truly amazing story. Don’t miss this intriguing story with many surprises and wonderful ending. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Be sure not to miss this one.
March 28, 2024
Plain, unnoticeable Ginny is fascinated by history. When she agreed to marry a renowned historian sight unseen, she never expected the man planned to ship her off to Scotland never to be seen again. So she did the only thing she could think of: run away and hide out at her sister’s country inn dressed as a boy. Her fiancé would eventually lose interest, wouldn’t he?
Adventurous and suave heir to a duke, Pierce spent most his life sailing the seven seas looking for treasure with his uncle and trusted sidekick Youssef. His final mission is finding the one loot his uncle never could, the one that will save his family from ruin. He has a map and a village, but no clue where to start. That is until a serving boy at the local inn blurts out his thoughts. Helpful, but, it wasn’t a boy…
Pierce catches his ‘boy’ Ginny and blackmails her into helping him. Not willing to share her secret and rather intrigued by this mysterious treasure hunt, she agrees to help.
They don’t actually like each other all that much at the beginning, so this is a slow burn, frenemies to lovers, charming, small town romance between a rake who’s not half the rogue newspapers make him out to be, and a dressed up mouse who turns anything but mousy when it comes to her true passion.
It’s a fun dynamic, neither of them turning out to be what the other assumed, they tease and argue, the spend a lot of time together before they realise they can’t do without the other. Add a little drama, a few secrets, a lot of history and a bit of adventure to this quest, and you get an entertaining read with a nice splash of steam and a near miss at the end. The plot, even though predictable, is captivating and witty. I liked it, and I’m happily looking forward to the next in this series!
Adventurous and suave heir to a duke, Pierce spent most his life sailing the seven seas looking for treasure with his uncle and trusted sidekick Youssef. His final mission is finding the one loot his uncle never could, the one that will save his family from ruin. He has a map and a village, but no clue where to start. That is until a serving boy at the local inn blurts out his thoughts. Helpful, but, it wasn’t a boy…
Pierce catches his ‘boy’ Ginny and blackmails her into helping him. Not willing to share her secret and rather intrigued by this mysterious treasure hunt, she agrees to help.
They don’t actually like each other all that much at the beginning, so this is a slow burn, frenemies to lovers, charming, small town romance between a rake who’s not half the rogue newspapers make him out to be, and a dressed up mouse who turns anything but mousy when it comes to her true passion.
It’s a fun dynamic, neither of them turning out to be what the other assumed, they tease and argue, the spend a lot of time together before they realise they can’t do without the other. Add a little drama, a few secrets, a lot of history and a bit of adventure to this quest, and you get an entertaining read with a nice splash of steam and a near miss at the end. The plot, even though predictable, is captivating and witty. I liked it, and I’m happily looking forward to the next in this series!
March 28, 2024
A Lovely Enemies To Friends To Lovers Story
I really enjoyed this slow-burning love story. The well-developed plot is good and packed with a treasure hunt, humour, a bit of steam and a touch of suspense. The characters are endearing.
It was fun to read how their relationship slowly develops. In the beginning they banter like siblings, Pierce keeps teasing her while she would love to send him to hell, but later it's heartwarming to see how they support and encourage each other as the story progresses.
To escape her rude and unwanted fiancé, Ginny Beaufort, a plain bluestocking with a penchant for history, flees London and hides out at her sister Maisie's inn in the country disguised as a boy.
Pierce, the heir of a dukedom, and his friend Youssef are treasure hunting and seek adventure. But Pierce has another reason to find the treasure his late uncle used to hunt: due to his father's mental decline, he needs the treasure to restore his family's reputation and fortune.
When he accidentally realises that the girl disguised as a boy could help him find the treasure, he blackmails her to gain her cooperation.
At first, Ginny thinks he's a rakish adventurer seeking the treasure for wealth and fame, and she dislikes him very much.
But she soon becomes as fascinated by finding an important historical treasure as he is, and she realises that he does it for the people he cares about. Ginny admires his determination, he her knowledge. Although they disagree on how the treasure should be used, the two forge a partnership and soon become friends and more...
All in all, an entertaining read that I am happy to recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this slow-burning love story. The well-developed plot is good and packed with a treasure hunt, humour, a bit of steam and a touch of suspense. The characters are endearing.
It was fun to read how their relationship slowly develops. In the beginning they banter like siblings, Pierce keeps teasing her while she would love to send him to hell, but later it's heartwarming to see how they support and encourage each other as the story progresses.
To escape her rude and unwanted fiancé, Ginny Beaufort, a plain bluestocking with a penchant for history, flees London and hides out at her sister Maisie's inn in the country disguised as a boy.
Pierce, the heir of a dukedom, and his friend Youssef are treasure hunting and seek adventure. But Pierce has another reason to find the treasure his late uncle used to hunt: due to his father's mental decline, he needs the treasure to restore his family's reputation and fortune.
When he accidentally realises that the girl disguised as a boy could help him find the treasure, he blackmails her to gain her cooperation.
At first, Ginny thinks he's a rakish adventurer seeking the treasure for wealth and fame, and she dislikes him very much.
But she soon becomes as fascinated by finding an important historical treasure as he is, and she realises that he does it for the people he cares about. Ginny admires his determination, he her knowledge. Although they disagree on how the treasure should be used, the two forge a partnership and soon become friends and more...
All in all, an entertaining read that I am happy to recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2024
Genevieve Beaufort made a mistake, now she's hiding out hoping that her former fiancee won't come after her. After all, she's plain and a nobody, and donning the disguise of a boy suits her just fine.
Pierce is a duke who needs to save his family from ruin and the key to do so just might be the treasure map he is determined to solve. In a chance meeting, Ginny blurts out the symbol on the map. Intrigued, Pierce follows her only to discover what she is. They strike a deal whereby she will show him the area on the map, but all too soon Ginny is invested in finding this treasure as well.
What starts out as dislike soon turns to like and Ginny and Pierce can't deny the chemistry and passion between them. As they search for this treasure and fall more and more for each other, a new threat emerges but with the help of family and love, they both find a treasure more precious than any material good.
Great storyline, great writing, and a romantic mystery- what is there not to love about this book? I was hooked from the beginning with Ginny's disguise and her quick tongue. Pierce is swoon-worthy and together they both have a chemistry that flies off the page. This is a slow burn, there is a lot of learning to trust each other but when they do open up and confess to each other, the book picks up speed. Add in the threat to Ginny and a mystery treasure and it gets even better. Although a bit predictable, I still loved reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pierce is a duke who needs to save his family from ruin and the key to do so just might be the treasure map he is determined to solve. In a chance meeting, Ginny blurts out the symbol on the map. Intrigued, Pierce follows her only to discover what she is. They strike a deal whereby she will show him the area on the map, but all too soon Ginny is invested in finding this treasure as well.
What starts out as dislike soon turns to like and Ginny and Pierce can't deny the chemistry and passion between them. As they search for this treasure and fall more and more for each other, a new threat emerges but with the help of family and love, they both find a treasure more precious than any material good.
Great storyline, great writing, and a romantic mystery- what is there not to love about this book? I was hooked from the beginning with Ginny's disguise and her quick tongue. Pierce is swoon-worthy and together they both have a chemistry that flies off the page. This is a slow burn, there is a lot of learning to trust each other but when they do open up and confess to each other, the book picks up speed. Add in the threat to Ginny and a mystery treasure and it gets even better. Although a bit predictable, I still loved reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2024
This is one of my favorite tropes…a young woman who disguises herself as a boy to avoid detection. Last summer we read about the romance between Maisie, an innkeeper, and her childhood crush Apollo, a viscount. Maisie’s family always ran the Oakfield inn and she preferred this life rather than the one her brother, now a famous lawyer, entertained in London. At the end of the novel, her sister Genevieve came dashing into the inn disguised in boys clothes and told her she needed to hide.
Ginny is hiding from her fiancée, because he did not want her help in his historical endeavors and had no intention of being seen with her..she was plain. She knew that this was no love match, but was abhorred by his remarks. She would hide at the inn by working there with her sister, until she could determine a new plan. It was Pierce Beneford’s good fortune that the map he was studying at the inn was recognized by Ginny. She could help him find the treasure that he so desperately needed to help his father, a duke whose mind was slipping away.
Read this delightful slow burn romance between 2 people who both harbor secrets that they are unwilling to share. Enjoy what happens on their hunt, the clues they find, and how Ginny unravels the whereabouts of the historical treasure. What will happen when her horrible fiancée finds her? What will Pierce do about that? Holt delivers the sweetest romance with a little steam and a lot of wonderful characters. Hope the series continues. 5 stars 🌟
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Ginny is hiding from her fiancée, because he did not want her help in his historical endeavors and had no intention of being seen with her..she was plain. She knew that this was no love match, but was abhorred by his remarks. She would hide at the inn by working there with her sister, until she could determine a new plan. It was Pierce Beneford’s good fortune that the map he was studying at the inn was recognized by Ginny. She could help him find the treasure that he so desperately needed to help his father, a duke whose mind was slipping away.
Read this delightful slow burn romance between 2 people who both harbor secrets that they are unwilling to share. Enjoy what happens on their hunt, the clues they find, and how Ginny unravels the whereabouts of the historical treasure. What will happen when her horrible fiancée finds her? What will Pierce do about that? Holt delivers the sweetest romance with a little steam and a lot of wonderful characters. Hope the series continues. 5 stars 🌟
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
March 29, 2024
I liked this book because I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the banter between Pierce and Youssef and Pierce and Ginny. I did find Ginny annoying at the beginning. She had a lot of preconceived notions that she put on Pierce, but she was nice to Youssef so it wasn’t that she didn’t trust all men because of her bad experiences. It just seemed like she made up bad things in her head about Pierce.
I really liked the fact that once they realized they loved one another, they told each other immediately. It made the story move along nicely because searching for the treasure seemed to be taking a lot of time. Of course, everything couldn’t be perfect right away. Trouble from her past showed up to ruin it all, but Pierce wouldn’t let that happen so along with, Youssef, Ginny’s sister, and her fiancé they all saved the day, and they got their happy ending. I do feel like there were some things that could have been explored in more detail so I didn’t feel like I was left hanging or wanting to know what happened which is why I only gave 4 stars. Those additions would have made the story even more interesting to me, but I still really enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked the fact that once they realized they loved one another, they told each other immediately. It made the story move along nicely because searching for the treasure seemed to be taking a lot of time. Of course, everything couldn’t be perfect right away. Trouble from her past showed up to ruin it all, but Pierce wouldn’t let that happen so along with, Youssef, Ginny’s sister, and her fiancé they all saved the day, and they got their happy ending. I do feel like there were some things that could have been explored in more detail so I didn’t feel like I was left hanging or wanting to know what happened which is why I only gave 4 stars. Those additions would have made the story even more interesting to me, but I still really enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2024
Pierce and Ginny’s Story . . .
The story is well-written with a comfortable pacing making it easy to read. The mixture of characters with their varied personalities is a perfect fit, as their interaction keeps the story line interesting and moving the reader forward. Miss Genevieve Beaufort (“Ginny”) realizes she should never have agreed to a sight-unseen marriage. And now she is on the run from her unpleasant abusive betrothed, Sir Horace Robertson. She changed her appearance, now disguised as a boy! But Lord Pierce Elliot, Marquis of Beneford, a handsome rake, is not fooled. He is searching for a treasure. She saw his “map” and identified the stone circle at Hartbury. He recognizes that Ginny’s love of the past and its history can provide information that may help him locate the treasure. Blackmailing her into helping him will save him invaluable time. Will they allow their attraction to bring them together? Or will their very different personalities drive them apart? With the added humor woven into the story, which is my favorite part, I have no complaints with this one. Grab your copy and share their adventure! Will each of them find what they are looking for?
The story is well-written with a comfortable pacing making it easy to read. The mixture of characters with their varied personalities is a perfect fit, as their interaction keeps the story line interesting and moving the reader forward. Miss Genevieve Beaufort (“Ginny”) realizes she should never have agreed to a sight-unseen marriage. And now she is on the run from her unpleasant abusive betrothed, Sir Horace Robertson. She changed her appearance, now disguised as a boy! But Lord Pierce Elliot, Marquis of Beneford, a handsome rake, is not fooled. He is searching for a treasure. She saw his “map” and identified the stone circle at Hartbury. He recognizes that Ginny’s love of the past and its history can provide information that may help him locate the treasure. Blackmailing her into helping him will save him invaluable time. Will they allow their attraction to bring them together? Or will their very different personalities drive them apart? With the added humor woven into the story, which is my favorite part, I have no complaints with this one. Grab your copy and share their adventure! Will each of them find what they are looking for?
March 28, 2024
Extremely well written, full of mystery, drama, love, action, suspense, history, adventure and lots of twists. Absolutely a beautiful cover. Ginny is a run away who has decided she doesn't want to marry a man who doesn't really feel anything for her. All he needs is a broodmare not a woman who would be able to help him. So she hides at her sister's Inn as a boy. Pierce is a treasure hunter but has returned home to help his family. His father has been losing his mind for the last few years and the family coffers are getting low. He needs to find this treasure that has been a mystery for years for his uncle. Pierce and Ginny meet up at the Inn where she has been hiding and strike up a friendship and an agreement to find the history of the area and the treasure. Has so much action and adventures plus add in a vengeful ex and what a fantastic story. Hang on for the read of your life by this fabulous story teller. A must read. Has return from book one, the best characters to complete this story. Would strongly recommend this book and book 1.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2024
Fleeing betrothal to a vile man, Ginny has taken refuge at her sister’s inn, disguised as a boy. Pierce is a celebrated fortune hunter who has come home to care for his family. He also believes he will find the treasure he and his uncle hunted for years. Pierce uncovers Ginny’s disguise and “blackmails” her into helping with his search. She is familiar with the area and its history, and joins the hunt. Pierce and Ginny fall in love, but how can it work? He needs to help his family and she has a big secret. This is a good story with mystery, suspense, drama, action, secrets, adventure, and romance. The characters are likable and engaging, except Lord Horace who’s a real jerk. Pierce and Ginny are great. They are both smart, snarky, and interested in history. Apollo and Maisie from the first book make an appearance. Pierce’s friend Yousef is quite entertaining. Searching the countryside, exploring old castles and caves, lots of fun, but will Pierce find the treasure he seeks? Intriguing plot, interesting characters, and an ending to treasure.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 30, 2024
I really liked the trope and the characters. The book was a good length, but I must admit I wanted more when it was finished.
Ginny was a intelligent and determined woman who decided to run away rather than marry a man who thought she was an embarrassment. Her character's strength stayed consistent throughout. Never became weak and needy.
Pierce was the hero that doesn't mind having a strong female. He had a lot of personal family stuff going on and needed to find the treasure to save his family. He knew immediately that Ginny was meant to help him. Along with Ginny and his friend, Youssef (who needs his own story), they set out to find treasure having small adventures on the way.
The book had humor, a few twists, romance, a bit of heat , and a happy ever after. A perfect combination. I am excited for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ginny was a intelligent and determined woman who decided to run away rather than marry a man who thought she was an embarrassment. Her character's strength stayed consistent throughout. Never became weak and needy.
Pierce was the hero that doesn't mind having a strong female. He had a lot of personal family stuff going on and needed to find the treasure to save his family. He knew immediately that Ginny was meant to help him. Along with Ginny and his friend, Youssef (who needs his own story), they set out to find treasure having small adventures on the way.
The book had humor, a few twists, romance, a bit of heat , and a happy ever after. A perfect combination. I am excited for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
This is book two in this series but can be read and enjoyed if you have not read book one.
Miss Genevieve Beaufort (Ginny) is hiding out in her sister’s inn, after running away from an unwanted betrothal.
Lord Pierce Buchannan, together with his friend is looking for a long-lost fortune which he needs to save his family from ruin.
Ginny thinks Pierce is a fortune hunter who does not appreciate historical artifacts. Peirce thinks Ginny is a nuisance but needs her historical knowledge to help find the treasure.
Will they learn to trust each other?
Can they work together to find the treasure?
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters (both main and support) and the way they interacted with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.
Miss Genevieve Beaufort (Ginny) is hiding out in her sister’s inn, after running away from an unwanted betrothal.
Lord Pierce Buchannan, together with his friend is looking for a long-lost fortune which he needs to save his family from ruin.
Ginny thinks Pierce is a fortune hunter who does not appreciate historical artifacts. Peirce thinks Ginny is a nuisance but needs her historical knowledge to help find the treasure.
Will they learn to trust each other?
Can they work together to find the treasure?
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters (both main and support) and the way they interacted with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.
March 29, 2024
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. Ginny was very interested in History and research but was restricted by her gender as to what she could achieve. She has run away from her fiancé to her sister’s inn, where she works, disguised as a boy. Here she meets Pierce, heir to the Duke of Marbury. Pierce is an adventurer and is currently searching for some long lost treasure near the inn. Ginny and Pierce have quite a feisty relationship at first, gradually their feelings change. However, they both have secrets and there is the fiancé to consider. I found this to be an entertaining read. It was good to read what was happening with the characters from the first book. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 7, 2024
Such a good read - Desperate to escape an unwanted suitor, Ginny seeks shelter at her sister's inn disguised as a young boy. Unwittingly drawing the attention of Pierce by her recognition of his sketch, she is dragged into his search for buried treasure. He's got to save his family's fortune before the creditors come knocking and take advantage of his ailing father. As they traipse across the English countryside with his steadfast companion Youssef, the pair develop feelings that will not be denied. But her fiance appearing could ruin everything. What will they do?
An adventurous slow burn story with great characters. Ginny might not be beautiful in the traditional sense, but Pierce saw the beauty of her mind and her heart. And that's worth more than surface beauty anyday.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An adventurous slow burn story with great characters. Ginny might not be beautiful in the traditional sense, but Pierce saw the beauty of her mind and her heart. And that's worth more than surface beauty anyday.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
An Absolute Delight!
I have just read the splurb on this story after finishing the book and I'm smiling all over again! (Sorry, I know I should have read it before reading the book, but I don't always do that.)
I'm smiling because I just loved it all and Ginny and Pierce too of course. What a super couple they made; if only they had realised sooner that together meant happiness.
And what a neat adventure they went on - so it just goes to show that on occasion, if you run away from your problems, you may still find your happy ever after - well, this is fiction, after all! One can live in hope.
I have enjoyed this story so much - it was light and just an absolute delight!
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and this has been my voluntary review of the book.
I have just read the splurb on this story after finishing the book and I'm smiling all over again! (Sorry, I know I should have read it before reading the book, but I don't always do that.)
I'm smiling because I just loved it all and Ginny and Pierce too of course. What a super couple they made; if only they had realised sooner that together meant happiness.
And what a neat adventure they went on - so it just goes to show that on occasion, if you run away from your problems, you may still find your happy ever after - well, this is fiction, after all! One can live in hope.
I have enjoyed this story so much - it was light and just an absolute delight!
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and this has been my voluntary review of the book.
March 31, 2024
Entertaining Historical Romance
Ginny is disguised as a boy, taking shelter in her sister's inn. She is on the run from the man she has promised to marry.
Pierce must save his family from financial ruin, and he thinks finding a treasure will help him accomplish his goal. He finds out that Ginny knows about this treasure. He knows she is no boy, so he blackmails her. That is a despicable thing to do, indeed, but love interferes. It turns out that Pierce is not the cad Ginny knows him to be. Will the two find the treasure? What about Ginny’s abusive intended? Does he find her, and if he does, what happens? I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.
Ginny is disguised as a boy, taking shelter in her sister's inn. She is on the run from the man she has promised to marry.
Pierce must save his family from financial ruin, and he thinks finding a treasure will help him accomplish his goal. He finds out that Ginny knows about this treasure. He knows she is no boy, so he blackmails her. That is a despicable thing to do, indeed, but love interferes. It turns out that Pierce is not the cad Ginny knows him to be. Will the two find the treasure? What about Ginny’s abusive intended? Does he find her, and if he does, what happens? I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.
April 1, 2024
Runaway Bluestocking to the rescue, Daring Duke looking for Treasure, or Treasure hunter seeks a wife ( He just doesn’t know it yet), or I know, I know - Historian Bluestocking vs Treasure Rake. Any of these can be use to describe the book but any way you look at it. This book was time wisely spent reading. I enjoyed the interactions between ALL the characters and there was enough action and romance to keep me going but not enough to over power to plot. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
This is the second in the series and is again set around the Inn that Maisie and Apollo run from the first book. This time it is Maisies sister who is in hiding, when she comes across Pierce, a treasure seeking, Lord who has his own secrets. A bit of Blackmail, treasure hunting and can 2 enemies trust each other. I love the fact that these stories do not follow the norm of regency romance, but include normal people, and that the hero and heroine, are not always perfect but have flaws as normal people do, helping make the story more believable. Looking forward to the next instalment of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
I enjoyed this charming book two of the Spinsters and Rebels series. The intelligent Miss Genevieve “Ginny” Beaufort has hidden herself away from a disastrous arranged marriage. The adventurous Lord Pierce Elliot, Marquis of Beneford, has returned home to find his family in dire straits. His goal is to find a hidden treasure to save his family. Little does he know that he will find an even more precious treasure in his hunt. Engaging storyline, wonderful secondary characters, banter, sizzling sparks, doubts, humorous times, danger, realizations and love make it a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2024
This book was a lot more fun than I expected. A very pleasant and easy read. Plenty of romance, mystery, comedy, and a bit of steam. I love smart heroines, though I'm always a bit aggravated when despite being presented as intelligent they inevitably do something dumb to warrant needing rescue.
A woman using a creative way to escape a marriage to a cruel man and an heir to a failing estate trying what he knows best to review his family from losing everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A woman using a creative way to escape a marriage to a cruel man and an heir to a failing estate trying what he knows best to review his family from losing everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2024
Lord Pierce finds love when he least expected to and in a very interesting way. Miss Genevieve/Ginny Beaufort is hiding out dressed as a male when she meets Lord Pierce and sparks fly. This is an entertaining historical regency romance with likable characters and a story filled with mystery, intrigue, plot twists, fun banter, some steam, and a sweet happily ever after. A Bluestocking for the Rake is book two and a great addition to the Spinsters and Rebels series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 16, 2024
It was such a lovely book to read!
In this romance story with a sort of 'Indiana Jones' vibes, you have Genevieve, a very insecure FMC with an acute historical knowledge and the handsome Pierce her counter part as MMC. This novel was a very well written with not only a delightful love story but also with surprises and hunt for treasure with the help of a very intelligent lady in disguise. I really enjoyed it! It was very pleasant and cute read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this romance story with a sort of 'Indiana Jones' vibes, you have Genevieve, a very insecure FMC with an acute historical knowledge and the handsome Pierce her counter part as MMC. This novel was a very well written with not only a delightful love story but also with surprises and hunt for treasure with the help of a very intelligent lady in disguise. I really enjoyed it! It was very pleasant and cute read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2024
I enjoyed the adventure of finding lost treasure and getting rid of an awful fiancé. The heroine was a very intelligent and the hero recognized that in her. Having the hero’s father have dementia/Alzheimer’s was very touching. It was a good read with some excitement at the end with a duel. I enjoyed the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
Pierce wants to find the treasure his uncle was looking for to save his family struggling financially while Ginny wants to help him find it and give to a museum while hiding from her boorish cruel fiance. They go great lengths and risk their lives looking for it and she even makes a deal with her ex. I agree that Ginny shouldn’t have to marry such a horrible man and did what she had to do to escape. But she stubborn about how the hidden treasure would be used with creditors hounding his family.
March 30, 2024
Lighthearted Treasure Hunt.
What a fun story! Escaping an arranged marriage to hide out and search for hidden treasure provided so many directions for the story to go. I had to smile at the love – hate banter between Ginny and Pierce. It was a pleasure watching these two spar and discover details involving the missing treasure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a fun story! Escaping an arranged marriage to hide out and search for hidden treasure provided so many directions for the story to go. I had to smile at the love – hate banter between Ginny and Pierce. It was a pleasure watching these two spar and discover details involving the missing treasure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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