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Hearts of Somerset #2

An Unfortunate Alliance

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One mistake cost him his inheritance; assuming a false identity may cost him everything else…After turning to the card tables in hopes of winning back his fortune, Gregory Davis finds himself at the mercy of his creditors…until a wealthy victim of investment fraud makes him an offer he can’t find evidence to bring the criminal to justice, and all Gregory’s debts will be repaid.

Widow Sabrina Stafford is determined to help those hurt by her father’s criminal activity. With careful economizing, she’s stretched her modest dowry. Now, her coffers are running dry, and she needs new revenue to continue her charity work, a difficult task given she is a woman with a damaged reputation.

Disguised as a man, Sabrina infiltrates the gambling dens of Bath in search of a promising investment venture. Instead, she finds Mr. Davis, a ghost from her past, using his own alias and disguise. With both of their true identities at risk, Gregory and Sabrina form an alliance, but will working together lead to achieving their goals or place them in danger?

A clean, kisses-only Regency romance.**Part of the Hearts of Somerset series**Book 1: An Unexpected Earl
Book 2: An Unfortunate Alliance
Book 3: An Unclaimed Heart
Book 4: An Unforeseen Attachment
Book 5: An Unrivaled Match
Book 6: An Unwavering Heart

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

8 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Brooke J. Losee

31 books71 followers

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
800 reviews371 followers
June 13, 2025
I loved this story so much!!! It is absolutely wonderful! In this story we have not one but two secret identities. Gregory Davis has grown a beard and is going by the name Gregory Carrow. Sabrina, a widow, is disguised as a man named Mr. Blythe. They both go to gambling dens to meet the same man but for different reasons. Gregory and Sabrina have a past and eventually recognize each other. But keep each others secret. Like I said I loved this story so much! It was so much fun and super interesting. I loved how the story unraveled in them discovering what each other were up to and seeing through their disguises. I also loved watching the romance blossom between them. I also really enjoyed Gregory’s mother, she was a great addition to the story and quite a fun character. We also get to see a couple characters from “An Unexpected Earl” which is book one in the series, show up in this one. Overall, this was a wonderful story and I highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore.
612 reviews14 followers
June 24, 2025
I absolutely loved it! There's nothing quite like a thrilling redemption story! Sabrina and Gregory are such endearing characters, and the second chance meeting at a gaming hell? Absolutely captivating! I found myself swept away by the warmth of his mom’s love, her kindness, and the power of forgiveness. I felt completely transported into the tale! This author’s writing style is simply enchanting, weaving together mystery, romance, and all my favorite elements of the Regency era. What a fantastic journey!

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Emma | meadowroselibrary.
218 reviews28 followers
June 24, 2025
“𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚? 𝑻𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘, 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒕?”

As soon as I hear this story was going to be about Sabrina, I knew it'd be an amazing book! If you've read the author's Apsley Family series, you'll know who Sabrina is! She has changed so much, it's amazing! She's so determined and just wants to serve and help others, she's such an inspiration.

Gregory was also briefly in the Apsley Family series, so I was so excited to see him again as well! Seeing his story from his point of view was really good, and made everything click together. He's one that you could easily judge from the outside, seeing his life...but there's so much depth to it, the reason, what's happened in his life, it was all just so moving.

I really hope this series continues for awhile, because I don't think I can ever get enough of them!! 🩷

*I received an e-ARC copy for review, all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Tales and Toils.
73 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025

Sabrina has spent her life under the control of men. After exposing her father’s criminal dealings—leading to his imprisonment—and then losing her husband, a duke, less than a year into their marriage of convenience, she finds herself abandoned and destitute. Haunted by guilt for those harmed by her family's disgrace, Sabrina wastes away in quiet despair. Now, with little left to her name, she disguises herself as a man and enters a gaming hell, desperate to make contact with a potential investor who might help her increase her funds. But when she runs into the only man who’s ever shown her kindness, she risks everything—if he recognizes her dressed as Mr. Blythe, the fragile remnants of her reputation will be utterly destroyed.

Gregory Davis has been conned out of his inheritance by a fraudulent investment scheme. Ashamed and struggling to care for his estate and mother, he turns to gambling where the successes of one night is taken the next. When a Lord—also a victim of the same swindler—offers him funds to investigate and bring the culprit to justice, Gregory takes the chance. He didn’t expect the beautiful Duchess to reenter his life profoundly different that he last saw her—or for her to become a distraction he can’t afford, especially with his matchmaking mother meddling in his affairs.

As their paths cross and their alliance deepens, both Gregory and Sabrina must navigate a web of deception, longing, and danger, all while searching for a missing man whose return could restore a broken family.

This Regency romance is a delightful mix of humor and heart. It’s laugh-out-loud funny in places, deeply emotional in others, and beautifully captures the resilience of its characters in the face of scandal, loss, and unexpected love.

Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,582 reviews111 followers
June 21, 2025
Do you know how fabulous this book and series is? No? Well let me tell you...

Firstly, it's Regency, like yay! The world Brooke presents is so realistic of the era, I feel as though I've gone through a time machine and landed precisely in her book. Secondly, it's a delightful uncomplicated read, guaranteed to have you all swoony, when you aren't laughing that is, because Brooke has the balance down pat. Thirdly, her pacing couldn't be better, it's just the right amount to keep me glued to the pages. Fourthly, her characters are immensely endearing, I can't help loving them. I even love the "baddies" who are all realistic. Fifthly, the redemption arc she captures is beyond heart warming. There is absolutely no spice, it's as clean as the driven snow but heck, Ms Brooke manages to convey all the heat without even turning on the stove! Enticed already? Ok, no sweat, I'll give you more....

Gregory, at first glance and to the outside world, appears as a rake, a nonchalant irresponsible man and an unreformed gambler, squandering his money. But the truth is far more dire, the truth is he's broke, the truth is he's been duped, the truth is he's out of his depth. But relief comes in an unexpected turn and not without it's risks. Poor Gregory, keeping all of this close to his chest for fear of recriminations while presenting a front to everyone around him. I loved his entire stance, the nobleness he carries, the need to correct his mistakes. But things get a bit more complicated...enter Sabrina, a character I disliked intensely from previous books. But wait! Remember I said something about redemption? Well shoot, I wasn't sure if I wanted to kiss Ms Losee or bop her over the head because, guess what she did? Yep! She had me LIKING Sabrina! She had me full of sympathy for her! Geez, after setting her up as villain personified, Ms Losee turned me upside down, inside out and twisted beyond belief! That's how incredible this author is, even those I thought there was no hope for, she gave me hope, she gave me perfection!

Sabrina was evil, manipulative, calculatingly and downright awful in the previous books but Brooke opened her up, gave us a glimpse into her soul, which honestly is a good one. She was manipulated by her vile father, she has never experienced a parents love, she thought she had to be a dutiful daughter and accept whatever her father wanted of her. Ms Losee really did a spectacular job peeling away my misconceptions, although, it took Gregory a tad longer...Sabrina is remorseful of her prior behaviour. Wanting desperately to redeem herself, she concocts a scheme that leads her directly in Gregory's path. Her only friend, her servant Helen, has her back and is the most beautiful friend she can have. Loved her. But on her path to self redemption, Sabrina uncovers some of the shady deals her father is doing, has done and she does whatever she can to break the shackles he's bound her by.

I absolutely loved the shenanigans Gregory and Sabrina got to, I loved their "other" personas and I loved both the heartfelt as well as humourous, which this author does superbly. This book, to the, was far more intense than the previous ones, there was real danger, physical as well as of being discovered and I I inhaled it all! My best was seeing "bad boy" Gregory and social pariah Sabrina develop an understanding.... eventually... seeing them evolve and recognise the other was extremely warming. So too was what developed between them, so too was the beguiling love that sparked. Ms Losee ALWAYS leaves me sighing happily, perfectly content and all fuzzy and warm. Subterfuge and an unlikely romance is the name of the game and it was done in the most delightful, credible way.
Profile Image for Kaitlin M.
103 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2025
Definitely a favorite of mine!

Sabrina Stafford is a widowed duchess left on her own after she and a group of friends charge her father for his fraudulent financial dealings. Left with very little money to support herself, or make up for her father’s actions which she feels responsible for, Sabrina is seeking new investment opportunities.

Gregory Davis is a gentleman who was tricked out of his own inheritance by another man shortly after his father passed and he inherited his estate. He is hired by a titled gentleman to break into the inner circle of this fraudulent investor in order to gain enough information to be able to charge him for his misdeeds.

Sabrina and Gregory had met a few years earlier at a house party, before Sabrina had changed into the selfless and caring woman she is now. They shared a moment that served to strengthen Sabrina to break away from her father’s control and change into the kind of person she wants to be.

In the present day, disguised as a man, Sabrina meets Gregory at an illegal gambling table intent on gaining the attention of the investor. Sabrina does not realize the man is a swindler and she and Gregory fumble in their initial attempt to gain his attention.

As they continue in their efforts secrets are revealed and an unfortunate alliance is made between the two to seek justice.

It was so lovely to get to watch Sabrina and Gregory grow closer and learn that they are not defined by their past or their mistakes and that they deserve love despite their perceived shortcomings.

Sabrina is such a strong and stubborn character, but we allay get to see get show great care and selflessness towards others.

Gregory is also strong and incredibly protective of those he cares about. Watching him navigate protecting Sabrina while also having to allow her to do risky things due to her stubbornness.

I absolutely loved this story and was so glad to get to see Sabrina and Gregory find their happily ever after.

Thank you to the author for including me on her ARC team, all opinions stated are my own.

Content: potential spoilers from here
Clean kisses only
Gambling
Drinking (once)
Violence (gun shots but no injuries)
Language (use of hell many times but only in reference to gaming hells)
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
630 reviews23 followers
June 25, 2025
AN UNFORTUNATE ALLIANCE
(Hearts of Somerset Book #2)
by: @brookejlosee

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~One mistake cost him his inheritance; assuming a false identity may cost him everything else...

“There is something utterly freeing about being in charge of your future.”

-AN UNFORTUNATE ALLIANCE, is a dear witty story lovingly weaved with humor, heart, and depth.

“I find much about you sparks my intrigue.”

-This story will take you on a dear journey with secret identities, lovely redemption, found family, and intriguing characters. It shows the value of holding on to hope and choosing to stand for what’s most important, to move forward with choosing to be better than yesterday.

“People change. Our past misdeeds should not define us when we strive to do better. To be better.”

-It emphasizes the choice one has to looking ahead and changing which leads to belonging, healing, growth, and happiness.

“Do not hold on to the past. “We all make mistakes. Some are worse than others, but it is how we grow from them that should define us, not the mistakes themselves.”

-Above all, this book shows that, it’s people that matter. When we look for the good and focus on those that make us be happy, we find our home. This story emphasizes two imperfect people agreeing to weather life’s storms and face the disappointments together in hopes that they will both be a little better, a little stronger, when the sun returns.
Love makes all the difference, and fills in all the cracks, making this story worth the dear read!🙌🏻📚🩷

“You are what is important to me. I should
hope you know that.”

•Content: gambling and the addiction of it, strained family dynamics, mild violence/danger, gun shots fired, drinking in excess scene, no language, kisses only.

“You have the opportunity for a love match. Please do not throw it away because you fear the storm. Do not choose to face it alone.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“All I have to offer you is my heart.”

#anunfortunatealliance
#brookejlosee
#allaboutthebestreads
Profile Image for Venus | Bookstagram.
60 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2025
Ever since I read Saving Miss Scott (where these characters first appear) I have been waiting for Sabrina and Gregory's story!
I loved this opportunity for the two of them to reunite and be able to act on the feelings they already had.
They both want to redeem themselves for their past mistakes, guilt is such a heavy burden and between the two of them they can help each other overcome it.

Sabrina Stafford has always been a pawn, first to her father's interests and then to her late husband, the Duke.
Now, free of both and shunned by London society, she goes to Bath to make amends by helping the people who were affected by her father's frauds. But she also wants to be a better person than the cruel and manipulative woman she once was.
But she didn't expect to meet a man from her past, the one man who has awakened her heart.
Gregory Davis is desperate to save his nearly ruined estate. After being swindled and losing most of his inheritance in card games, he gets an unexpected opportunity to bring the man to justice and receive the money he needs.
So he travels to Bath under a fake personality, but his plans go awry when he meets a woman he was attracted to and intrigued by years ago.
Although Gregory has always avoided marriage, now with Sabrina's company, he begins to reconsider his determination.

You will find:
♠️Dual POV
♠️Second Chance
♠️Redemption
♠️False Identities
♠️Matchmaker mother
♠️Angry duck
♠️Sweet kisses

I am very happy with Sabrina and Gregory's story ♥️
To learn more about the past of these characters, I recommend reading Saving Miss Scott.

Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Hearts of Somerset series.

Follow for more 💐
Bookstagram: @sina.venus.booklover
Profile Image for Leigh W.
278 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2025
Gregory Davis acts like a man possessed to earn his fortune back. After being the target of a fraudulent deal, he is desperate to prove his worth and not make his mother suffer for his mistakes. He chooses to use the gaming hells to return his funds. However, luck is a fickle lady and he finds himself more in debt than before. He is presented with one final deal that could not only salvage his titles but get revenge against the man who took advantage of him. Sabrina Stafford is looking to redeem herself. Her name is tainted through her father and her deeds she did while under his thumb. She has the means to help others but she is running out of money. Rumor has it a wealthy businessman is starting a new venture and she is determined to be part of it. Unfortunately the best way to access this man is in the gaming hells, a place where respectable women shouldn't be. Sabrina hatches a plan to go disguised and attract his attention but is distracted by another gentleman. One she recognizes and knows could make her plans fall apart. Can these two work together to make their goals happen or will this be an unfortunate alliance?

These two are looking for redemption in all the wrong ways. Gregory knows that gambling isn't the way to go but had an addiction to it. Sabrina has done a 180 with her personality and is giving too much of herself. These two end up balancing each other out and keeping each other in check. I love the interactions Sabrina has with her staff who are like family to her now. The later chapter when she is trying to sneak around Mr. Fox had me laughing out loud at the antics. A very well done story and a great addition to the world Brooke has built.
Profile Image for Dev G.
372 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2025
With this being my first Brooke Losee story, I was not familiar with Sabrina Stafford, née Perry nor Gregory Davis from Saving Miss Scott.

A few years have passed and Gregory and Sabrina are reunited, unknowingly at first due to both being in disguise, which was so fun.

They are both down and out, financially and in the eyes of society.

I knew nothing of Sabrina beforehand, and I must say that her journey in this story had me rooting for her like no other. She has been used, abandoned, cast out, and humbled. Truly seeking to make up for hurtful past deeds not only committed by herself, but by her father. Her transformation was beautifully and sometimes heartbreakingly portrayed.

“I wanted people to see that I had changed. I had worked hard to become a person I could live with, a person who was not so self-absorbed and conceited, but oftentimes I wondered whether I would ever truly succeed.”

Gregory is focused on taking down a swindler who tricked him out of most of his fortune. He gets the surprise of his life when he discovers Sabrina is the odd young “man” sitting at his gambling table. What’s even more surprising is the state of her life.

Gregory’s mother was a hoot but also wise in guidance. With a little nudge, she encourages Gregory to take a deeper look at Sabrina.

"People change, Gregory. Our past misdeeds should not define us when we strive to do better. To be better. I would have missed out on many of life's most precious treasures had I clung to old judgments.”

Gregory’s and Sabrina’s love was tender and sweet and full of forgiveness. Engaging and endearing.

Humorous Highlights:
♠️Gregory’s beard
♥️The brandy incident
♣️The fox
♦️Lord Duckworth

Thank you to Brooke Losee for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Natasha.
373 reviews
June 13, 2025
Sweet romance, Regency atmosphere, and a very engaging prose with dual, first person POV

Kind and charitable Sabrina, with pain in the past and determination in the present to right her wrongs is definitely a character one can’t help but admire. But it is the unraveling of her history with Gregory and others and how much change she’s had as a person that points to a beautiful redemption. Redemption that Gregory also desires and to which a reader becomes privy.
Wonderfully written, this arc dominates over even the sweet romance which is clean and fun and beautiful. A reader is sure to eagerly await the HEA while enjoying the beauty of forgiveness unfold.

However, the plot also boasts a mystery, an adventurous search for justice, all kinds of mistaken identity, and a menace of a duck! If you are like me, you’ll greatly enjoy this novel.

And if you suddenly find yourself curious about Sabrina’s past life, Saving Miss Scott is the book to dive in. With that, the heroine’s redemption shines even brighter.

Possible triggers: gambling and the addiction of it,

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,095 reviews51 followers
June 24, 2025
Trying to make up for the wrongs that she and her father committed against people, Sabrina Stafford has given herself to aiding those who were affected by them. With the real possibility of becoming destitute, Sabrina hatches a daring plan to restore her coffers, little realizing that this will lead her into danger and second chances. Her change of heart was touching and I really wanted to see her succeed.

Gregory Davis has everything to lose and is hoping that gambling will restore the large amount of money he has lost. When he is approached by a member of nobility about bringing down Mr. Westmore, the man who swindled him and many others, Gregory takes up the challenge. I loved how the characters became involved in this for various circumstances. Gregory is a loyal, deeply caring young man who you really want to see him succeed in trapping Westmore and having a chance at happiness. There are some surprises that I didn’t see coming, and it made the story all the more interesting.

Things to enjoy:
Regency period
dual POV
multiple hidden identities
green eyes
meddling mother
dear personal maid
Lord Duckworth
humor
redemption
justice

Favorite quote:
“But you have the opportunity for a love match. Please do not throw it away because you fear the storm. Do not choose to face it alone.”

This is the second book in the Hearts of Somerset series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is fun to see the same setting of Bath and also the return of Lord Duckworth.

drinking in excess scene

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Krystal.
7 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2025
This book is absolutely amazing and I'm so thrilled that this was a redemption story. Sabrina and Gregory about both relatable characters who are trying to make up for mistakes in the past. Who would have guessed they would come across one another in a gaming hell while under different names.

I found myself involved in their story wondering: will they make amends for their past and forgive themselves, will they bring Westmore to justice, and how will they handle their growing feelings for one another?

If I am being completely honest, my most favorite character is Lord Duckworth. While he is only mentioned twice, you just can't help but laugh until tears fall at this silly duck.


Thank you Brooke for letting me be a part of your ARC. I cannot wait to see what other stores you have to tell!
1,295 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2025
This is an entertaining read. The story has a little mystery, suspense and sweet romance. It grabs your attention right away and holds tight until the end. The characters are well defined and are quickwitted. Gregory has been swindled before and is desperately trying to bring back his estate from near ruin. When he makes a deal to uncover the swindler, he never expected to run into an old acquaintance. Sabrina has never been able to trust a man. Now that she is a widow, she is determined to run her estate and help those her father wronged. This is a clean, wholesome romance and can be read as a standalone story.
Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
574 reviews19 followers
July 11, 2025
This is a cute regency romance. Though not gripping, it has a decent pace and held my interest throughout. I liked the characters, but felt the relationship might have been a little weak? The switch to ‘love’ seemed rather sudden, and the relationship conflict at the end forced and artificial… But it was still a good read and sufficiently entertaining for me.

Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
37 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2025
Don't you love when an unfortunate alliance turns into a fortunate one and what an alliance it is! I am so glad Ms. Losee wrote a story for the characters Gregory and Sabrina, we were introduced to them in her series Saving Miss Scott. I absolutely love redemption stories, give me more!! Another beautiful story by this author!
Profile Image for Erin Saulpaugh.
526 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this one. This was an interesting read. The story unraveled through the characters and them learning what each other is up to. Gregory's mom is a fun character, a great addition to the story. she is part of the reason why I kept reading.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,385 reviews135 followers
June 28, 2025
✅♥️Thank you @brookejlosee for the opportunity to read An Unfortunate Alliance. This is my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts:
I love when an unfortunate alliance has me excited for it to turn into a fortunate alliance. And, that is what I got with reading An Unfortunate Alliance.
Main characters are Sabrina and Gregory. What an adventure they take us on!
Mistaken identity
Mystery
A menacing duck(yes, I said that!)
Romance
Finding forgiveness
Duel POV
Humor and banter
This is the second book in the Hearts of Somerset series. Though you could certainly read each book as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous book.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
Profile Image for Tanvi.
600 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2025
My heart ❤️

I have been waiting to know more about these characters ever since I read about them in Saving Ms Scott and this was a particularly beautiful ending for them.

This book is not only well written, it's funny, it's emotional, it talks about second chances, not for others, but also for yourself.

I loved the character growth that both Sabrina and Gregory go through, and you cannot help but fall in love with them.
Profile Image for Rachel.
382 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2025
Brilliant. Interconnected characters with book 1, but reads as a standalone. I love the hidden Identities and the story line for this story. Second chances. Pick up this series it doesn't disappoint!
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