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Master William: Duty made him a gentleman. Love made him a man.
England, 1814.
As Napoleon's empire teeters on the brink of defeat, Master William McArthur is summoned by the Earl of Farleigh to assist in a confidential investigation for the Crown. Accompanied by the dependable Mr Simon Burbury and the enigmatic Lord Ridley, William embarks on a perilous pursuit that leads them from the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire to the glittering streets of London, all in search of an elusive French spy whose activities threaten England's security.
Amelia, Countess of Farleigh, and William's sister, Mrs Catherine Burbury, join the party in London. Amid the splendour and spectacle of the London Season, they lend their own talents to the investigation, navigating ballrooms, drawing rooms, and society gatherings where secrets are often hidden behind polite smiles.
Their efforts become unexpectedly entwined with the fate of Lady Camellia Kerr-Hicks, a spirited young woman desperate to escape a marriage arranged by her father, the Earl of Clive. In her determination to secure her freedom, Camellia risks a scandal that could ruin her reputation forever.
As danger closes in and loyalties are tested, William and his companions must uncover the spy before vital information falls into enemy hands. They must decide whether they can save Lady Camellia from a future she dreads or whether some destinies cannot be altered.
Against the backdrop of a nation at war and a society bound by duty and expectation, Master William is a captivating tale of intrigue, courage, friendship, and the power of choosing one's own path.
As Napoleon's empire teeters on the brink of defeat, Master William McArthur is summoned by the Earl of Farleigh to assist in a confidential investigation for the Crown. Accompanied by the dependable Mr Simon Burbury and the enigmatic Lord Ridley, William embarks on a perilous pursuit that leads them from the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire to the glittering streets of London, all in search of an elusive French spy whose activities threaten England's security.
Amelia, Countess of Farleigh, and William's sister, Mrs Catherine Burbury, join the party in London. Amid the splendour and spectacle of the London Season, they lend their own talents to the investigation, navigating ballrooms, drawing rooms, and society gatherings where secrets are often hidden behind polite smiles.
Their efforts become unexpectedly entwined with the fate of Lady Camellia Kerr-Hicks, a spirited young woman desperate to escape a marriage arranged by her father, the Earl of Clive. In her determination to secure her freedom, Camellia risks a scandal that could ruin her reputation forever.
As danger closes in and loyalties are tested, William and his companions must uncover the spy before vital information falls into enemy hands. They must decide whether they can save Lady Camellia from a future she dreads or whether some destinies cannot be altered.
Against the backdrop of a nation at war and a society bound by duty and expectation, Master William is a captivating tale of intrigue, courage, friendship, and the power of choosing one's own path.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
About the author
Jenny Rae
16 books11 followersJenny’s heart has always resided in the past. After a lifetime of living across England, Ireland, and the USA, she has returned to her Australian roots—bringing a world of history back with her. From the ballrooms of the Regency era to the cobbled streets of Victorian London, Jenny’s extensive travels across Europe transformed her lifelong passion for history into the vivid settings of her novels. A writer since the first grade, she now spends her retirement doing what she loves most: meticulously researching and breathing life into stories of a bygone age. Now residing in Sydney with her husband, Paul, and their four cats (Lucky, Mittens, Topsie, and Salem).
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 14, 2026
Master William is an enjoyable Regency romance with an interesting storyline and plenty of characters. However, I felt there was too much dialogue and not enough insight into what the characters were thinking or feeling.
At times, it felt more like reading the script for a stage play than a witty, emotionally engaging novel. I would have liked more description and character development to really bring the story to life.
Overall, a good read, but I struggled to feel a strong connection with the characters.
At times, it felt more like reading the script for a stage play than a witty, emotionally engaging novel. I would have liked more description and character development to really bring the story to life.
Overall, a good read, but I struggled to feel a strong connection with the characters.
September 26, 2026
The Intrigue continues!
Master William has so much going on! It's wonderful! Miss Amelia (book one) and Miss Catherine (book two) all have events that lead into Mater William (book three) but it is also new! I love that you get to follow the same characters in each book into different stories!
New challenges that have to do with history such as Napoleon and the war with America fill this story and allow it to feel full and rich with knowledge. While also staying true to the regency time period. It's authentic, unique and honestly, so well thought out!
Camilla is trying her best not to be married off to a scoundrel but her parents have plans of their own. So to escape a sudden engagement and quick marriage, Camilla and her sister Diane escape with Lady Amelia to safety. It's quite a good and intriguing story!
Jenny has a way of creating a world that is rich with history, society, scandal, a spy network and strong friendships, all while keeping everthing, including the romance, clean and conversations witty.
Each story is woven with careful patience and things progress slowly but at the same time quickly! If you try to rush, you will miss important things. Jenny's writing takes you on a journey. It's beautiful.
I can't wait to see where the story will progress in the next book!
It's very exciting and I have fallen in love with the characters. They are stunning and well written. I would say that this series is a hidden gem of historical regency romance and i have enjoyed every moment of it! It's truly delightful!
Master William has so much going on! It's wonderful! Miss Amelia (book one) and Miss Catherine (book two) all have events that lead into Mater William (book three) but it is also new! I love that you get to follow the same characters in each book into different stories!
New challenges that have to do with history such as Napoleon and the war with America fill this story and allow it to feel full and rich with knowledge. While also staying true to the regency time period. It's authentic, unique and honestly, so well thought out!
Camilla is trying her best not to be married off to a scoundrel but her parents have plans of their own. So to escape a sudden engagement and quick marriage, Camilla and her sister Diane escape with Lady Amelia to safety. It's quite a good and intriguing story!
Jenny has a way of creating a world that is rich with history, society, scandal, a spy network and strong friendships, all while keeping everthing, including the romance, clean and conversations witty.
Each story is woven with careful patience and things progress slowly but at the same time quickly! If you try to rush, you will miss important things. Jenny's writing takes you on a journey. It's beautiful.
I can't wait to see where the story will progress in the next book!
It's very exciting and I have fallen in love with the characters. They are stunning and well written. I would say that this series is a hidden gem of historical regency romance and i have enjoyed every moment of it! It's truly delightful!
March 13, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Masters William by Jenny Rae. The story immediately pulled me into the world of 1814, just before the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the historical setting felt vivid and engaging. It was easy to imagine the tension of the time while following Master William McArthur on his mission.
The investigation to uncover the French spy was interesting and kept me curious as the journey moved from Yorkshire to Wiltshire and finally to London. I liked how the mystery was balanced with the social life of the London season. The involvement of Amelia, Countess of Farleigh, and Catherine Burbury added another layer to the story, especially as they helped gather information.
I also found the situation with Lady Camellia Kerr Hicks very compelling. Her struggle to avoid a marriage arranged by her father added emotion and tension to the plot, and I was really hoping things would work out for her.
Overall, the characters felt lively and the story kept my attention from beginning to end. It’s a thoughtful mix of history, mystery, and personal drama, and I genuinely enjoyed the journey through the book.
The investigation to uncover the French spy was interesting and kept me curious as the journey moved from Yorkshire to Wiltshire and finally to London. I liked how the mystery was balanced with the social life of the London season. The involvement of Amelia, Countess of Farleigh, and Catherine Burbury added another layer to the story, especially as they helped gather information.
I also found the situation with Lady Camellia Kerr Hicks very compelling. Her struggle to avoid a marriage arranged by her father added emotion and tension to the plot, and I was really hoping things would work out for her.
Overall, the characters felt lively and the story kept my attention from beginning to end. It’s a thoughtful mix of history, mystery, and personal drama, and I genuinely enjoyed the journey through the book.
March 21, 2026
I found Master William fascinating. I especially liked the details of the Napoleonic Wars that were present in this book. The historical detail was excellent; I enjoy a well written clean romance. I don't want to give anything away, so will just say that the book kept me engaged from start to finish.
January 10, 2025
Lovely Clean easy read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews