Georgiana: The Season of Scandal

by Samantha Holt

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2026

About the author

Samantha 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.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darling sisters have always faced the world together. Now, with their father's fortune crumbling, they have one final London Season to secure their futures—or risk losing everything. As the eldest, widowed Georgiana Berry refuses to watch her sisters become victims of circumstance. So Georgiana devises a scandalous solution: she'll take a wealthy benefactor instead of a husband, ensuring her sisters never want for anything again. There is only one flaw in her plan—she has no idea how to attract one. The last man she should ask for help is Rafe, the newly inherited Duke of Ashford, who was once London's most notorious rake.
The start of a new series & hopefully a long one as there are quite a few Darling sisters. I loved the sisters, the dynamics between them & how each one had a different interest. Georgiana is like a mother hen & really looks out for her siblings. She is also determined not to marry again even though her marriage was very short lived. I loved Rafe who hadn’t expected to gain the title & he’d become a soldier & still suffered nightmares from his time fighting. I loved how he first refuses Georgiana’s request but then changes his mind as jealousy raises its head. I loved the connection between the couple, their chemistry sizzled & their banter was witty. I loved their journey to a HEA & look forward to the next book. A quick read which I read straight through
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Holt’s latest novel, Georgiana, is a captivating tale of family, sisterhood, love, and the sacrifices we make to protect those we hold dear. Holt, well-known for her heartfelt historical romances filled with vivid characters and emotional depth, once again delivers a story that draws readers in from the very first page.

Georgiana Berry, the eldest of the Darling sisters, is a woman defined by duty and quiet resilience. After losing her husband just two days after their wedding, she vows never to marry again. When her father gives his daughters one season to secure their futures, Georgiana takes it upon herself to shield her sisters from the harsh realities of their precarious situation. Her plan is simple—find a wealthy benefactor to ensure their safety. The only problem? Georgiana has no idea how to charm or flirt.

Enter Rafe, the Duke of Ashford: a family friend and neighbor, recently returned from war, now carrying the weight of his new title and the scars of his service. Though reluctant to teach Georgiana the art of seduction, he soon finds himself caught between duty and desire as stolen kisses and unspoken emotions complicate their friendship. Their chemistry is electric, and the slow burn of attraction is heightened by witty banter, tender moments, and the ever-present tension of the choice Georgiana must ultimately make—her heart or her sisters’ security.

Holt’s storytelling shines through in the humor, passion, and emotional richness of her characters. The Darling sisters add charm and depth to the narrative, each with her own quirks and personality that leave readers eagerly anticipating their future stories. Fans of Holt will appreciate her consistent ability to blend romance, family dynamics, and historical intrigue into a seamless, engaging read.

Georgiana is not just a love story—it’s a testament to the bonds of family and the courage it takes to let love back into one’s heart. Samantha Holt has crafted a heartfelt, romantic escape that I throughly enjoyed. I cannot wait to see where the Darling sisters’ journeys take us next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure that I was going yo like this short novella. The first chapter was chaotic. Then, I was confused because it felt like the location had changed without explanation and then switched back to the original location. The plot is original, but I didn’t like the premise of the heroine, Georgiana, looking for a benefactor. Luckily, that part of the storyline never surfaced in a way that I didn’t like. The hero, Rafe, was likable from the beginning. I really enjoyed their friendship and all the feelings that they wouldn’t admit. Their connection and eventual surrender all made sense. I liked the banter between the sisters, as well as, Rafe and his friends. In the end, they both realized what they stood to lose and admitted their love so they could get their HEA. The story contained witty banter, flirtations, intimacy, deep conversations, the after effects of war, grief, love, and a HEA. I really ended up enjoying this more than I originally thought I would.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading Georgiana by Samantha Holt, this novella is a delightful read from start to finish. The characters are incredibly engaging—each one feels lively and vivid, making it so easy to get attached to their stories.

The plot is well-paced and full of charm, keeping me hooked the entire time. I especially loved the way the romance unfolded; it was heartfelt, fun, and beautifully written, creating an excellent love story that feels both entertaining and genuine.

Samantha Holt has a wonderful talent for crafting novellas that are both captivating and enjoyable. Georgiana is the perfect mix of interesting characters, a great plot, and a love story that leaves you smiling long after the last page.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, quick read

This is a very good quick read. I liked the characters immediately and look forward to more books in this series.