What do you think?
Rate this book
The Swooning Virgins Society #3
The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere
There’s nothing distinct about the brick building that houses The Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls, which perfectly suits the purposes of its extraordinary residents—bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats—and find their true loves along the way . . .
The only thing Georgiana Harley despises more than chaos is bad behavior. So when the Duchess of Kenilworth pleads for help to escape her witty, charming, handsome, heartless monster of a husband, she’s come to the right place. Calm and logical, with nerves of steel, Georgiana is uniquely qualified to safely disappear the duchess, along with her young son. Her greatest challenge is Her Grace’s brother, Lord Haslemere. An arrogant scoundrel, he keeps interfering with Georgiana’s methodical plans. If only he would get out of her way—yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?
Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere isn’t about to trust his precious sister and beloved nephew to some delicate chit who looks as if a stiff wind could send her sprawling—no matter how brilliant Georgiana is. Or beautiful. Or brave. Or lovable. Or irresistible. But does even he have the courage to fall for a young woman with the starry eyes of an innocent—and the unstoppable fierceness of a lioness? Only time, and taking a risk, will tell . . .
The only thing Georgiana Harley despises more than chaos is bad behavior. So when the Duchess of Kenilworth pleads for help to escape her witty, charming, handsome, heartless monster of a husband, she’s come to the right place. Calm and logical, with nerves of steel, Georgiana is uniquely qualified to safely disappear the duchess, along with her young son. Her greatest challenge is Her Grace’s brother, Lord Haslemere. An arrogant scoundrel, he keeps interfering with Georgiana’s methodical plans. If only he would get out of her way—yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?
Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere isn’t about to trust his precious sister and beloved nephew to some delicate chit who looks as if a stiff wind could send her sprawling—no matter how brilliant Georgiana is. Or beautiful. Or brave. Or lovable. Or irresistible. But does even he have the courage to fall for a young woman with the starry eyes of an innocent—and the unstoppable fierceness of a lioness? Only time, and taking a risk, will tell . . .
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
81 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
52 books844 followersAnna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 18, 2021
Series: The Swooning Virgins Society #3
Publication Date: 6/1/21
Number of Pages: 320
This was a delightfully entertaining, fast-paced, well-written story. I absolutely loved both of the main characters, and it was also fun to have a visit with the main characters from previous books. The Prologue nicely introduces the two main characters and to my delight, it also has an epilogue – way to go Anna Bradley!
Georgiana Harley was the only one of Lady Clifford’s girls who happened to be home when the Duchess of Kenilworth came to call. During the call, Lady Clifford and Georgiana learned that the duchess was requesting them to investigate what had happened to Clara Beauchamp who mysteriously disappeared about six years previous. Since the duchess’s patronage could greatly benefit their school, they readily accepted the task. As part of her request, the duchess insisted that nobody could know that she was seeking information about Clara – or anything else about the investigation. That particularly applied to her brother Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere – and it also applied to her husband, the Duke of Kenilworth. Secrecy was of the utmost importance. Georgiana begins her investigation at the unlikeliest of places for her – a masque ball. As someone who is bookish and detests the aristocracy, the last place she wants to be is at a ball filled with them.
Benedict had noticed something was off with both his nephew, Freddy, and his sister, Jane, but neither confided anything in him, so he did his best to ignore it. Ignoring it became impossible after conversations he overheard at a masque ball on his first night back in London. He’ll do whatever he has to do; step on anybody’s toes; run roughshod over anybody he has to in order to assure his sister and nephew are safe and happy. He tries to insinuate himself into Georgiana’s investigation, but she’s having none of it – until he makes her an offer she cannot refuse.
Benedict and Georgiana form an uneasy alliance – neither really wanting the other involved, but since they cannot get around it, they will work together. Until – well – things aren’t exactly uneasy anymore and a relationship begins to form and grow. Will they be able to survive the investigation? There is more to it than readily meets the eye and now they’ve placed themselves and others in danger with the questions they’ve asked.
You will absolutely adore Benedict, the rogue who really wasn’t, and Georgiana, the mathematician without a heart, who found she actually had a very loving nature. There are two delightful little urchins, Sarah and Susannah, who open – and close – the book, and you will laugh and smile at their antics.
I can definitely recommend this book. It is a wonderfully entertaining read with delightful characters and a fast-paced and interesting story. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/1/21
Number of Pages: 320
This was a delightfully entertaining, fast-paced, well-written story. I absolutely loved both of the main characters, and it was also fun to have a visit with the main characters from previous books. The Prologue nicely introduces the two main characters and to my delight, it also has an epilogue – way to go Anna Bradley!
Georgiana Harley was the only one of Lady Clifford’s girls who happened to be home when the Duchess of Kenilworth came to call. During the call, Lady Clifford and Georgiana learned that the duchess was requesting them to investigate what had happened to Clara Beauchamp who mysteriously disappeared about six years previous. Since the duchess’s patronage could greatly benefit their school, they readily accepted the task. As part of her request, the duchess insisted that nobody could know that she was seeking information about Clara – or anything else about the investigation. That particularly applied to her brother Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere – and it also applied to her husband, the Duke of Kenilworth. Secrecy was of the utmost importance. Georgiana begins her investigation at the unlikeliest of places for her – a masque ball. As someone who is bookish and detests the aristocracy, the last place she wants to be is at a ball filled with them.
Benedict had noticed something was off with both his nephew, Freddy, and his sister, Jane, but neither confided anything in him, so he did his best to ignore it. Ignoring it became impossible after conversations he overheard at a masque ball on his first night back in London. He’ll do whatever he has to do; step on anybody’s toes; run roughshod over anybody he has to in order to assure his sister and nephew are safe and happy. He tries to insinuate himself into Georgiana’s investigation, but she’s having none of it – until he makes her an offer she cannot refuse.
Benedict and Georgiana form an uneasy alliance – neither really wanting the other involved, but since they cannot get around it, they will work together. Until – well – things aren’t exactly uneasy anymore and a relationship begins to form and grow. Will they be able to survive the investigation? There is more to it than readily meets the eye and now they’ve placed themselves and others in danger with the questions they’ve asked.
You will absolutely adore Benedict, the rogue who really wasn’t, and Georgiana, the mathematician without a heart, who found she actually had a very loving nature. There are two delightful little urchins, Sarah and Susannah, who open – and close – the book, and you will laugh and smile at their antics.
I can definitely recommend this book. It is a wonderfully entertaining read with delightful characters and a fast-paced and interesting story. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2021
This is my first time reading Anna Bradley's work, and it won't be my last. While reading, the style reminded me somewhat of author Amanda Quick; the deft combination of historical setting, a central romance, and an underlying mystery was very reminiscent of Quick's style. This book is the third installment in a series, but I have not read the first two books and was able to follow along just fine. The cast of characters was large, and there are instances of couples from the previous novels showing up, so if it would bother you to not see the circumstances of how the women met (the "virgins" that are being referred to in the title of each book in the series), then it might be best to start with the first book (The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray). Even though I didn't know how the titular women in the series met, it did not detract from my reading experience or confuse me.
The story follows a strong, intelligent young woman, Georgiana Harley who teaches at a School for Wayward Girls. Georgiana is particularly fond of math (and all things logical and orderly), so her rule-driven life is upended when she meets (and has to join forces with) the rakish Lord Benedict Haslemere. Georgiana is tasked with finding out what happened to a young woman who mysteriously went missing many years ago. Lord Haslemere is drawn into the fold because Georgiana is asked to find the missing girl at his sister's behest. Fiercely protective of his sister and nephew, Benedict cannot leave such an important task to just anyone. When he starts sparring with Georgiana, he realizes right away that there isn't anyone quite like her.
To put it plainly, I really enjoyed this book. For a rake, Benedict was quite the cinnamon roll hero and Georgiana was smart and charming. In some cases, I feel like authors have an idea for two characters independently and then try to mash the results together, but in this instance, Georgiana and Benedict just make sense. I found the dialogue to be genuinely funny at parts, and Benedict possessed a very sly wit. This was another instance where things could have gone awry (i.e., the author tells me that their lord or lady is a laugh riot and then when the character actually speaks, I'm left with nary a chuckle), but I was pleasantly surprised! Benedict does have a great sense of humor and Georgiana does seem to have a wicked intellect.
The mystery element was refreshing and kept me guessing. I thought I had it figured out, but there were some great twists and turns. What happened to the missing woman? How is Benedict's sister involved? I had to keep reading to find out. I love that Bradley incorporates the history and social norms (e.g., primogeniture, rules of propriety) into the plot. Who knew what faro rooms were before reading this book? Speaking of faro rooms, that scene in the gambling hall was just *chef's kiss*. The chemistry was palpable. And the fact that Benedict was so turned on by how smart Georgiana is? My kinda hero.
Some minor things that might just be me:
1) The "bad guy" was so comically evil, they may as well have been rubbing their hands together at scenes.
2) There were a few plot...not holes exactly but maybe divots that distracted me but didn't necessarily get in the way of my reading enjoyment. For instance, without getting into too many details there is a portion of the book where Benedict and Georgiana have to stay on the road (on the run?) for an extended period of time and this whole time (I think it may be 3 days?), both characters do not change their clothes. For some reason this really got to me! I kept thinking about how smelly and wrinkly their clothes must be! They meet people along the way; can someone please lend her a dress? Also there is a part where someone packs supplies in their carriage for a long trip, but then they go back in a different carriage without their supplies. What happened to all of their supplies? Maybe Georgiana could find it and sneak a change of clothes?
3) As I note in my previous reviews, repeated phrases in books kills me. The phrase "curve of his mouth" or "his mouth curved into a smile" was just on the edge of too much.
In conclusion, this is a sweet, slow burn historical romance with mystery elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's a light, quick snack with fun, likable characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Bradley's books in the future.
Steam: 2.5/5
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
The story follows a strong, intelligent young woman, Georgiana Harley who teaches at a School for Wayward Girls. Georgiana is particularly fond of math (and all things logical and orderly), so her rule-driven life is upended when she meets (and has to join forces with) the rakish Lord Benedict Haslemere. Georgiana is tasked with finding out what happened to a young woman who mysteriously went missing many years ago. Lord Haslemere is drawn into the fold because Georgiana is asked to find the missing girl at his sister's behest. Fiercely protective of his sister and nephew, Benedict cannot leave such an important task to just anyone. When he starts sparring with Georgiana, he realizes right away that there isn't anyone quite like her.
To put it plainly, I really enjoyed this book. For a rake, Benedict was quite the cinnamon roll hero and Georgiana was smart and charming. In some cases, I feel like authors have an idea for two characters independently and then try to mash the results together, but in this instance, Georgiana and Benedict just make sense. I found the dialogue to be genuinely funny at parts, and Benedict possessed a very sly wit. This was another instance where things could have gone awry (i.e., the author tells me that their lord or lady is a laugh riot and then when the character actually speaks, I'm left with nary a chuckle), but I was pleasantly surprised! Benedict does have a great sense of humor and Georgiana does seem to have a wicked intellect.
The mystery element was refreshing and kept me guessing. I thought I had it figured out, but there were some great twists and turns. What happened to the missing woman? How is Benedict's sister involved? I had to keep reading to find out. I love that Bradley incorporates the history and social norms (e.g., primogeniture, rules of propriety) into the plot. Who knew what faro rooms were before reading this book? Speaking of faro rooms, that scene in the gambling hall was just *chef's kiss*. The chemistry was palpable. And the fact that Benedict was so turned on by how smart Georgiana is? My kinda hero.
Some minor things that might just be me:
1) The "bad guy" was so comically evil, they may as well have been rubbing their hands together at scenes.
2) There were a few plot...not holes exactly but maybe divots that distracted me but didn't necessarily get in the way of my reading enjoyment. For instance, without getting into too many details there is a portion of the book where Benedict and Georgiana have to stay on the road (on the run?) for an extended period of time and this whole time (I think it may be 3 days?), both characters do not change their clothes. For some reason this really got to me! I kept thinking about how smelly and wrinkly their clothes must be! They meet people along the way; can someone please lend her a dress? Also there is a part where someone packs supplies in their carriage for a long trip, but then they go back in a different carriage without their supplies. What happened to all of their supplies? Maybe Georgiana could find it and sneak a change of clothes?
3) As I note in my previous reviews, repeated phrases in books kills me. The phrase "curve of his mouth" or "his mouth curved into a smile" was just on the edge of too much.
In conclusion, this is a sweet, slow burn historical romance with mystery elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's a light, quick snack with fun, likable characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Bradley's books in the future.
Steam: 2.5/5
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
September 13, 2021
London & Oxfordshire 1795, going forward. Romance w/
mystery. 2 romances. Perhaps the author needed to start
over?
Benedict, an earl, had concerns for sister Jane who wed
a duke 6 years prior. Was she happy? Why did he seldom
see her and her son?
Georgiana, taught 'maths' @ a charity school. Her friends
Cecilia & Gideon were happily married as were Sophia &
Tristan. What about her? She & her school mentor Lady
Clifford, agreed to assist Jane in finding missing Clara,
on whom they had few details. Why? Couldn't Bow St. do
this faster? more efficiently?
Ben & Georgiana met. He thought her a viper & she noted
he was bosky (on this occasion) & seldom serious? She
thought herself, tall, gangly & unattractive. Long story
short, these MCs went on a Oxfordshire road trip to find
Clara.
Suspension of logic. Elements that caused me to say huh?
And took me out of the story.
1) Georgie was a pick-pocket as a child and never shared
this with the H.
2) Yrs ago, did Ben investigate Jane's suitors?
3) En route to Oxfordshire, the MCs stayed overnight in
a bordello. Bad choice. He knew the madam.
4) Road trip + investigation took several days. At no time
did the MCs bathe/ change clothes/ use tooth powder!
5) The bordello madam sent along w/ the MCs a food
basket IE ham, hard boiled eggs, which would spoil.
6) No one working for the peer noted the MCs stayed in
his abandoned gamekeeper's cottage?
mystery. 2 romances. Perhaps the author needed to start
over?
Benedict, an earl, had concerns for sister Jane who wed
a duke 6 years prior. Was she happy? Why did he seldom
see her and her son?
Georgiana, taught 'maths' @ a charity school. Her friends
Cecilia & Gideon were happily married as were Sophia &
Tristan. What about her? She & her school mentor Lady
Clifford, agreed to assist Jane in finding missing Clara,
on whom they had few details. Why? Couldn't Bow St. do
this faster? more efficiently?
Ben & Georgiana met. He thought her a viper & she noted
he was bosky (on this occasion) & seldom serious? She
thought herself, tall, gangly & unattractive. Long story
short, these MCs went on a Oxfordshire road trip to find
Clara.
Suspension of logic. Elements that caused me to say huh?
And took me out of the story.
1) Georgie was a pick-pocket as a child and never shared
this with the H.
2) Yrs ago, did Ben investigate Jane's suitors?
3) En route to Oxfordshire, the MCs stayed overnight in
a bordello. Bad choice. He knew the madam.
4) Road trip + investigation took several days. At no time
did the MCs bathe/ change clothes/ use tooth powder!
5) The bordello madam sent along w/ the MCs a food
basket IE ham, hard boiled eggs, which would spoil.
6) No one working for the peer noted the MCs stayed in
his abandoned gamekeeper's cottage?
April 8, 2021
Adored Benedict and Georgiana’s story. There was enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages with the plot outside of the romance but it didn’t overpower their love story. Benedict was a typical rake at first glance yet as the story went on you got to see his layers peel back to reveal a very kind and caring man. Georgiana is hard and closed off. As she starts to see Benedict for the man he really is and her ice slowly starts to melt towards him and this scares her. She struggles with trust issues so realizing that she is starting to have feeling for the tons “darling rake” is a huge problem she has to figure out. All while they are trying to dig up buried secrets to help protect Benedict’s sister and nephew from danger. This was a really great read & I have enjoyed the previous books in this series as well. I’m so glad I discovered Anna Bradley and will be reading all of her future books released!!!
October 8, 2021
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖 📖 📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (Though they are very close together)
Humor: Yes, a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
It would probably help, as it gives you some background on where Georgiana lives (The Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls). Also Benedict is seen a bit in prior books. There’s some page time for prior characters but nothing excessive (more just here they are! Look how happy they are!). I think it would be okay as a stand alone though, as far as continuity issues.
Basic plot
Georgiana is tasked with assisting the Duchess of Kenilworth with finding a missing person. But the Duchess’s brother, Benedict keeps interfering with her investigation.
Give this a try if you want:
- A mystery to follow – this whole plot revolves around solving it
- A mix of enemies to lovers feel with road trip romance – they have a bit of back and forth a few times, but generally work together toward a common goal
- Lower steam – there are 2 full scenes but they are quite close together towards the end
- Class differences – hero is an Earl, heroine grew up at a school for wayward girls
- Georgian time period – this one takes place in 1795
- Oh no, one bed! (happens multiple times)
My thoughts:
I am…..so sad. But this has been my least favorite Anna Bradley book to date. I’m not sure what happened. It could totally be me, my mood. I just had a hard time with this one.
I usually adore Bradley’s writing. I am usually totally sucked in and breathless and can’t wait to see what happens next. I usually find some parts outright funny and witty, and some just make me swoon. Bradley can write a simple look across a ball room and have my heart palpitating. When she writes little touches and kisses, my heart melts. But I didn’t find any of that here. I didn’t really have any favorite parts. I am sad.
I think part of my struggle could have been the enemies to lovers feel in the beginning. Benedict seemed so taken with Georgiana for nothing more than her sharp tongue because he loved to be scolded. And it was very mystery focused, though I did expect this after having read the prior 2 in the series (and enjoying them). I think this mystery didn’t work for me as well as the prior ones and that was part of it too.
Their investigation just seemed all over to me. And it had some missed opportunities for better tension to me. For example, they share a room at brothel with ONE BED. Instead of wanting each other and the longing for each other and thinking about each other….they literally go to sleep and wake up the next morning. I was like WHAT?! And then it did make up for a bit the next morning…..except when Benedict very first wakes up he doesn’t even remember where he is or who he’s with….he is SUCH a rake he runs through a list of women before recalling it’s Georgiana. As this was well into the book, I wasn’t a fan.
I felt like I didn’t get much of Georgiana’s background and I wish I did. Like in book 1, we meet Sophia before her life with Lady Clifford. I wanted that for Georgiana too. And I do wish at this point I had more background on the Clifford school itself. Throughout the 3 books I feel like I’ve gotten the bare minimum of what it even is. And how was the swooning virgin society even formed? I don’t recall this being addressed in the earlier books but maybe it was. Anyway, I was just left feeling like I had a lot of unanswered questions and wanted more information about a few things. I could definitely just be me. Overall the characters were okay, but they never surpassed that for me.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖 📖 📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (Though they are very close together)
Humor: Yes, a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
It would probably help, as it gives you some background on where Georgiana lives (The Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls). Also Benedict is seen a bit in prior books. There’s some page time for prior characters but nothing excessive (more just here they are! Look how happy they are!). I think it would be okay as a stand alone though, as far as continuity issues.
Basic plot
Georgiana is tasked with assisting the Duchess of Kenilworth with finding a missing person. But the Duchess’s brother, Benedict keeps interfering with her investigation.
Give this a try if you want:
- A mystery to follow – this whole plot revolves around solving it
- A mix of enemies to lovers feel with road trip romance – they have a bit of back and forth a few times, but generally work together toward a common goal
- Lower steam – there are 2 full scenes but they are quite close together towards the end
- Class differences – hero is an Earl, heroine grew up at a school for wayward girls
- Georgian time period – this one takes place in 1795
- Oh no, one bed! (happens multiple times)
My thoughts:
I am…..so sad. But this has been my least favorite Anna Bradley book to date. I’m not sure what happened. It could totally be me, my mood. I just had a hard time with this one.
I usually adore Bradley’s writing. I am usually totally sucked in and breathless and can’t wait to see what happens next. I usually find some parts outright funny and witty, and some just make me swoon. Bradley can write a simple look across a ball room and have my heart palpitating. When she writes little touches and kisses, my heart melts. But I didn’t find any of that here. I didn’t really have any favorite parts. I am sad.
I think part of my struggle could have been the enemies to lovers feel in the beginning. Benedict seemed so taken with Georgiana for nothing more than her sharp tongue because he loved to be scolded. And it was very mystery focused, though I did expect this after having read the prior 2 in the series (and enjoying them). I think this mystery didn’t work for me as well as the prior ones and that was part of it too.
Their investigation just seemed all over to me. And it had some missed opportunities for better tension to me. For example, they share a room at brothel with ONE BED. Instead of wanting each other and the longing for each other and thinking about each other….they literally go to sleep and wake up the next morning. I was like WHAT?! And then it did make up for a bit the next morning…..except when Benedict very first wakes up he doesn’t even remember where he is or who he’s with….he is SUCH a rake he runs through a list of women before recalling it’s Georgiana. As this was well into the book, I wasn’t a fan.
I felt like I didn’t get much of Georgiana’s background and I wish I did. Like in book 1, we meet Sophia before her life with Lady Clifford. I wanted that for Georgiana too. And I do wish at this point I had more background on the Clifford school itself. Throughout the 3 books I feel like I’ve gotten the bare minimum of what it even is. And how was the swooning virgin society even formed? I don’t recall this being addressed in the earlier books but maybe it was. Anyway, I was just left feeling like I had a lot of unanswered questions and wanted more information about a few things. I could definitely just be me. Overall the characters were okay, but they never surpassed that for me.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
May 5, 2021
“The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere” (The Swooning Virgins Society, #3) is my second book read by this author. Where to start with this story…I enjoyed it very much. I so loved seeing opposites attract and enemies turning into lovers. Unfortunately for me, I am reading the third in this series where there are characters from the other two that carry over into this one.
The story begins with a rake named Benedict Harcourt who is the Earl of Haslemere and his friends having fun with two orphaned girls who are discovered by Miss Georgianna Harley, a familiar face for these two mischiefs. Miss Harley is later employed by his sister to find a missing woman and thus the story begins between the hero and the heroine. Benedict is very protective of his family and his encounter with Miss Harley early on and subsequently uproots his life. Determined to find the missing woman, Georgianna is disrupted by Benedict at every turn until she agrees to work with him to uncover the mystery. What I liked…the heroine’s strong and independent nature of standing up to Benedict. Although labeled a rake, it was nice seeing a responsible, loving and thought gentleman evolve from this hero. What I didn’t like…it dragged a bit too long for me.
This was a well-written story with a nice plot. I thought the secondary characters were a good addition to the main characters and there was a bit of humor here and there through the story. As with most historical romances that I like, it had just the right amount of relationship building and intimacy that I look for in a good read. Kudos to Anna Bradley for an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story begins with a rake named Benedict Harcourt who is the Earl of Haslemere and his friends having fun with two orphaned girls who are discovered by Miss Georgianna Harley, a familiar face for these two mischiefs. Miss Harley is later employed by his sister to find a missing woman and thus the story begins between the hero and the heroine. Benedict is very protective of his family and his encounter with Miss Harley early on and subsequently uproots his life. Determined to find the missing woman, Georgianna is disrupted by Benedict at every turn until she agrees to work with him to uncover the mystery. What I liked…the heroine’s strong and independent nature of standing up to Benedict. Although labeled a rake, it was nice seeing a responsible, loving and thought gentleman evolve from this hero. What I didn’t like…it dragged a bit too long for me.
This was a well-written story with a nice plot. I thought the secondary characters were a good addition to the main characters and there was a bit of humor here and there through the story. As with most historical romances that I like, it had just the right amount of relationship building and intimacy that I look for in a good read. Kudos to Anna Bradley for an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2021
Fun read!
I don’t think I’ll ever look at a jar of quince or strawberry preserves in quite the same way again! Intrigued? Read on!
Georgina Hayley (one of the surprising young ladies from the Clifford Charity School) has been assigned to help the Duchess of Kenilworth and her son escape the clutches of her abusive husband.
That leads Georgina directly into the path and ire of the Duchess’ brother, Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere. Ire might be a tad strong. After all Benedict has swanned his way through life with a smile and masculine charm. In Georgina he meets his match. The smile and charm apparently fall on deaf ears. Focusing on his own pursuits, Benedict is somewhat blind to his sister’s situation. Although there have been some clues for him to notice if he’d a mind to.
Georgina and Benedict’s conflict is that of endearing moments and laugh out loud occasions. Crossing swords metaphorically is just some of the excitement. The meeting of their minds and more, raises the heat level.
Another great edition to this series as these two battle it out.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
I don’t think I’ll ever look at a jar of quince or strawberry preserves in quite the same way again! Intrigued? Read on!
Georgina Hayley (one of the surprising young ladies from the Clifford Charity School) has been assigned to help the Duchess of Kenilworth and her son escape the clutches of her abusive husband.
That leads Georgina directly into the path and ire of the Duchess’ brother, Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere. Ire might be a tad strong. After all Benedict has swanned his way through life with a smile and masculine charm. In Georgina he meets his match. The smile and charm apparently fall on deaf ears. Focusing on his own pursuits, Benedict is somewhat blind to his sister’s situation. Although there have been some clues for him to notice if he’d a mind to.
Georgina and Benedict’s conflict is that of endearing moments and laugh out loud occasions. Crossing swords metaphorically is just some of the excitement. The meeting of their minds and more, raises the heat level.
Another great edition to this series as these two battle it out.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
November 14, 2023
3.5 stars
October 23, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
Georgiana Harley has developed unusual skills as a student of the Clifford School and they’ve made her capable of helping the Duchess of Kenilworth in her search for a friend who’s been missing for the past six years. The challenge is following the duchess’ wish to keep everything from her brother, Lord Haslemere. Georgiana sees him as nothing more than an empty-headed rake and she doesn’t need him poking his nose into her investigation. She’d rather he just left her alone and yet, when she learns how sweet and caring he truly is, she begins to rethink, and it seems he may be the one to break through her cool façade.
Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere, has no intention of being warned away from his beloved sister and nephew. But as he comes to know Georgiana, he begins to fall for her intelligent, no nonsense ways and realize he doesn’t want to be without her again.
I have a few rather mixed feelings on this one. The heroine put me off right from the start and came off as incredibly judgmental. She improved as the book went on but there were still plenty of instances in which Benedict showed himself to be a good man and kept referring to him as a wicked rake anyway. Of course, she eventually came around to giving him more credit, but it was a bit late for me. Benedict turned out to be a bit of a squishy cinnamon roll hero, but this meant he didn’t get much recognition for his strengths, though he was charming. I liked his attraction to Georgiana’s intelligence and his willingness to patiently deal with her insecurities, I just wish she’d given him more of that same consideration sooner.
As for the plot, the blurb is misleading, but Benedict and Georgiana do wind up working together to free his sister from a very over the top (but in a good way) villain. While the plot did make sense, there were definite lags in its development toward the middle and end of the book that threw me off a bit. This was also a very slow burn, so that contributed to some of the loss of traction as well. It’s still not very clear what’s going on with the whole premise of the school, but I didn’t really mind, though I will say I think this book is the weakest of the series so far. After the loss of momentum in both the mystery and the romance, I expected much more from the ending and it just felt a bit anticlimactic. I also wanted more information on Clara’s and Freddy’s fates. That said, I did think Georgiana and Benedict wound up being a good fit as a couple and their steamy scenes were very well done when we finally got them, though they were few. Overall, the story felt slightly incomplete and unnecessarily angsty in places but I enjoyed it and I look forward to Emma’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Georgiana Harley has developed unusual skills as a student of the Clifford School and they’ve made her capable of helping the Duchess of Kenilworth in her search for a friend who’s been missing for the past six years. The challenge is following the duchess’ wish to keep everything from her brother, Lord Haslemere. Georgiana sees him as nothing more than an empty-headed rake and she doesn’t need him poking his nose into her investigation. She’d rather he just left her alone and yet, when she learns how sweet and caring he truly is, she begins to rethink, and it seems he may be the one to break through her cool façade.
Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere, has no intention of being warned away from his beloved sister and nephew. But as he comes to know Georgiana, he begins to fall for her intelligent, no nonsense ways and realize he doesn’t want to be without her again.
I have a few rather mixed feelings on this one. The heroine put me off right from the start and came off as incredibly judgmental. She improved as the book went on but there were still plenty of instances in which Benedict showed himself to be a good man and kept referring to him as a wicked rake anyway. Of course, she eventually came around to giving him more credit, but it was a bit late for me. Benedict turned out to be a bit of a squishy cinnamon roll hero, but this meant he didn’t get much recognition for his strengths, though he was charming. I liked his attraction to Georgiana’s intelligence and his willingness to patiently deal with her insecurities, I just wish she’d given him more of that same consideration sooner.
As for the plot, the blurb is misleading, but Benedict and Georgiana do wind up working together to free his sister from a very over the top (but in a good way) villain. While the plot did make sense, there were definite lags in its development toward the middle and end of the book that threw me off a bit. This was also a very slow burn, so that contributed to some of the loss of traction as well. It’s still not very clear what’s going on with the whole premise of the school, but I didn’t really mind, though I will say I think this book is the weakest of the series so far. After the loss of momentum in both the mystery and the romance, I expected much more from the ending and it just felt a bit anticlimactic. I also wanted more information on Clara’s and Freddy’s fates. That said, I did think Georgiana and Benedict wound up being a good fit as a couple and their steamy scenes were very well done when we finally got them, though they were few. Overall, the story felt slightly incomplete and unnecessarily angsty in places but I enjoyed it and I look forward to Emma’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 21, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this more than I expected I would.
I liked Lord Hastlemere and Georgiana which played a huge part in why I enjoyed the book. They had good chemistry, not the best, but it was there nevertheless. I liked that Hastlemere was very charming, and despite his rakish self, he actually is a gentleman, smart, kind and caring to the people he loves. Georgiana was immune to Hastlemere’s “charms” and I liked that she wasn’t easily won over by Benedict.
Georgiana has a strong tongue and personality, and was capable of taking Hastlemere to task. However I do think she comes off as too strong at times when she argues with Hastlemere when he’s concerned about her safety.
The mystery got my attention for the first 3/4 of the book but it felt very dragged out so towards the last few chapters of the book, I couldn’t be bothered about it anymore.
It was a nice read to pass the time but it would have been nice if we saw more bonding between Hastlemere and Georgiana, if we saw them with more back stories/traumas/past. It would definitely make their relationship building stronger.
I enjoyed this more than I expected I would.
I liked Lord Hastlemere and Georgiana which played a huge part in why I enjoyed the book. They had good chemistry, not the best, but it was there nevertheless. I liked that Hastlemere was very charming, and despite his rakish self, he actually is a gentleman, smart, kind and caring to the people he loves. Georgiana was immune to Hastlemere’s “charms” and I liked that she wasn’t easily won over by Benedict.
Georgiana has a strong tongue and personality, and was capable of taking Hastlemere to task. However I do think she comes off as too strong at times when she argues with Hastlemere when he’s concerned about her safety.
The mystery got my attention for the first 3/4 of the book but it felt very dragged out so towards the last few chapters of the book, I couldn’t be bothered about it anymore.
It was a nice read to pass the time but it would have been nice if we saw more bonding between Hastlemere and Georgiana, if we saw them with more back stories/traumas/past. It would definitely make their relationship building stronger.
May 27, 2022
4.5 🌟
A fun fast paced suspense with romance thrown in. Well knitted plot and really sweet mcs.
Recommended : 👍
A fun fast paced suspense with romance thrown in. Well knitted plot and really sweet mcs.
Recommended : 👍
March 14, 2022
When a Duchess needs help in disappearing with her son from her husband, she finds the right place by going to the Clifford Charity School for Wayward girls and Georgiana Hartley is ready to make it happen.
Of course, Benedict, Her Grace's brother, is a devoted protector of his sister and will not stand for any thing happening to her. He doesn't think Georgiana is up to the task.
When these two butt heads, it turns into a duel or words and witty banter. That is until each begins to gets to know the other and feelings begin to change.
Another great addition to this wonderful series!
Of course, Benedict, Her Grace's brother, is a devoted protector of his sister and will not stand for any thing happening to her. He doesn't think Georgiana is up to the task.
When these two butt heads, it turns into a duel or words and witty banter. That is until each begins to gets to know the other and feelings begin to change.
Another great addition to this wonderful series!
September 26, 2022
How wild the entire plot of this book was GONE from my brain and then poof it was all there. Binging a series is so bad for the memory lmao
July 23, 2021
✨gritty, feminist historical romances are definitely my thing. especially those with badass women in stem solving mysteries ✨
This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.
Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. Yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?
Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot
I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!
So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.
Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!
The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.
I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.
Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars | 🌶🌶/ 5 steam
Thank you Lyrical Press, NetGalley, and Anna Bradley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book came out June 1st, definitely go pick it up 🙌🏼
This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.
Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. Yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?
Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot
I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!
So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.
Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!
The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.
I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.
Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars | 🌶🌶/ 5 steam
Thank you Lyrical Press, NetGalley, and Anna Bradley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book came out June 1st, definitely go pick it up 🙌🏼
June 28, 2021
I absolutely loved this!!!
5 whole stars *shakes head* and I can't believe I've had this book since April, but didn't start because of reasons I will detail in this review.
This has to be the best historical romance I've read in while, because most of the ones I've been reading recently have been either complete disappointments or 'perfectly fine till they get lost in lust', or both. AND THIS WAS AMAZING.
I will admit this, I requested this in the beginning only because I was in the phase where I would request anything even remotely fulfilling my criteria for requests, and this had an amazing synopsis, even if the cover and title were not what I would usually go for (seeing a book with the word virgin in the title usually gives you the impression that there will be lots of deflowering and loads of lust that came out of absolutely nowhere) but in a moment of weakness I requested this despite my misgivings, and if that wasn't the best decision I've made in a while.
This author knows her romance. I just flew through this, and I wanted to slap past me for leaving this book till 2 days before the expiry date because I was dreading it. And it turned out to be SOOOOO GOOOOOD.
The best thing (I have such a low bar at this point) about this was that the sex thoughts didn't start until 42% FORTY FREAKING TWO PERCENT. That is such an achievement!! And even when it happened then, it wasn't completely overriding common sense and becoming purely lust; no, it did actual romance, actual emotional connection, everything I want in a romance, and then it did perfect angst. Really, what more can a girl ask for. And then I was awarded with an and there was only bed.
*has died and gone to heaven*
And this author, she not only did an amazing romance, she goes on to do an amazingly engrossing plot and mystery, in such a way that while it doesn't completely overtake the storyline, it also isn't just there for show! There was actual mystery solving, actual interviewing and whatnot, and I was enjoying ALL OF IT.
It made me feel everything, and I was myself close to crying quite a lot of times! And while you could argue that this might be slightly insta-love in the sense that it takes iver only a few months, but God, their interactions in the beginning speak for themselves. there is no instant attraction, no insta-lust, these people develop feelings slowly (it was at this point that I realised that I hadn't shelved this as slow burn, and I will be rectifying that mistake now), and the development is just *salivating* SO GOOD.
(I think I should tell you that my expression while writing this review has been one that expresses not much on the details, but a lot of righteous fist slamming on the table, and saying the words amazing and SO GOOD over and over again.)
The only things I didn't completely love wad the way these two had sex for a lot of time on that morning when they were supposed to be looking for the woman who was actually in fear for her life, but by this point I was so sold on the romance I didn't even care.
I will for sure be checking out more books by this author, and most likely even this series. I absolutely loved it, and recommend it to anyone who likes historical romances with actual development, slow burns (though not a lot, but it is there), amazing angst to fluff, good mystery and plot, and an amazing feel good slightly enemies to lovers that will keep you engrossed till the end.
5 whole stars *shakes head* and I can't believe I've had this book since April, but didn't start because of reasons I will detail in this review.
This has to be the best historical romance I've read in while, because most of the ones I've been reading recently have been either complete disappointments or 'perfectly fine till they get lost in lust', or both. AND THIS WAS AMAZING.
I will admit this, I requested this in the beginning only because I was in the phase where I would request anything even remotely fulfilling my criteria for requests, and this had an amazing synopsis, even if the cover and title were not what I would usually go for (seeing a book with the word virgin in the title usually gives you the impression that there will be lots of deflowering and loads of lust that came out of absolutely nowhere) but in a moment of weakness I requested this despite my misgivings, and if that wasn't the best decision I've made in a while.
This author knows her romance. I just flew through this, and I wanted to slap past me for leaving this book till 2 days before the expiry date because I was dreading it. And it turned out to be SOOOOO GOOOOOD.
The best thing (I have such a low bar at this point) about this was that the sex thoughts didn't start until 42% FORTY FREAKING TWO PERCENT. That is such an achievement!! And even when it happened then, it wasn't completely overriding common sense and becoming purely lust; no, it did actual romance, actual emotional connection, everything I want in a romance, and then it did perfect angst. Really, what more can a girl ask for. And then I was awarded with an and there was only bed.
*has died and gone to heaven*
And this author, she not only did an amazing romance, she goes on to do an amazingly engrossing plot and mystery, in such a way that while it doesn't completely overtake the storyline, it also isn't just there for show! There was actual mystery solving, actual interviewing and whatnot, and I was enjoying ALL OF IT.
It made me feel everything, and I was myself close to crying quite a lot of times! And while you could argue that this might be slightly insta-love in the sense that it takes iver only a few months, but God, their interactions in the beginning speak for themselves. there is no instant attraction, no insta-lust, these people develop feelings slowly (it was at this point that I realised that I hadn't shelved this as slow burn, and I will be rectifying that mistake now), and the development is just *salivating* SO GOOD.
(I think I should tell you that my expression while writing this review has been one that expresses not much on the details, but a lot of righteous fist slamming on the table, and saying the words amazing and SO GOOD over and over again.)
The only things I didn't completely love wad the way these two had sex for a lot of time on that morning when they were supposed to be looking for the woman who was actually in fear for her life, but by this point I was so sold on the romance I didn't even care.
I will for sure be checking out more books by this author, and most likely even this series. I absolutely loved it, and recommend it to anyone who likes historical romances with actual development, slow burns (though not a lot, but it is there), amazing angst to fluff, good mystery and plot, and an amazing feel good slightly enemies to lovers that will keep you engrossed till the end.
March 24, 2022
The 3rd saga in this series of HR and Mystery. The h is one of Lady Clifford’s young ladies rescued from the streets, Georgiana Harley. The H is the best friend of Lord Darlington, (Cecilia’s husband) the Earl of Haslemere, named Benedict Gabriel Alexander Harcourt.
Meet Cute: Lord H Benedict and a couple of his friends were racing with young girls on their backs for money, each placing a wager. They offered the young girls a couple of Guineas. The two girls were from Lady Clifford’s School and were supposed to be home. Georgiana found out from the other school girls where they were and went to retrieve them. Some dialogue between Georgiana and Benedict: “That left the hottest of her rage for the miscreant in front of her. “I’m well aware you were led astray by this, this…gentleman.” She fixed him with a glare. “I assume you do style yourself a gentleman, sir, despite your shameful antics this evening?” “there was an infuriating twinkle in his dark eyes as he swept his hat from his head and offered her a mocking bow. “Haslemere, madam. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance.”“Tell me, Lord Haslemere. Do you make a habit of entertaining yourself at the expense of the safety of young children?”
“They were never in any danger, I assure you. They found it all great fun. Ask them yourself.” The smirking lips curved into a crooked grin that no doubt charmed most ladies out of their bodices and into his bed.
But Georgiana wasn’t most ladies. “They found it great fun, did they? Perhaps you’d care to explain why I heard Sarah screaming from four blocks away, then.”
“This is absurd, Miss Harley. Give the girls back their coins.”
Georgiana’s eyes narrowed. “Are you arguing with me, Lord Haslemere?”
“Cor,” Sarah breathed. “He’s done it now.”
“I don’t see what harm there is in letting the girls keep their reward, that’s all.” Lord Haslemere gave a careless shrug.
“That doesn’t surprise me. I imagine you’re not much in the habit of considering consequences.” Why should he be? There were no consequences for gentlemen like him. “Allow me to explain it to you. Sarah and Susannah are meant to be tucked into their beds. Instead they sneaked out to Covent Garden. “at night, disobeying the rules and putting themselves at risk, and you’re proposing I reward them for it?”
Lord Haslemere scratched his temple, grimacing. “Now you put it that way, it doesn’t seem quite the thing. I didn’t think—”
“No, you didn’t. Not an unusual occurrence, I’d wager.” With a flick of her fingers, Georgiana dropped the guineas into the pocket of his cloak. “I daresay you’re not required to think much at all. Good night, my lord. I wish you a pleasant evening.”
“Given how few ladies bothered to scold him these days, there was a certain novelty to it, and this Miss Harley was magnificent at it. “He slipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved the coins as they darted toward him. He knelt on the cobbles, held out his gloved hand, and took each of theirs in turn. With a solemn nod he shook them, pressing the guineas back into their palms as he did. “Miss Sarah, you’re a capital jockey, and Miss Susannah, a fierce competitor.”
The girls’ eyes widened when they felt the coins, but he gave them a subtle shake of his head, then released them with a wink.”
First Kiss
“That was as far as she got, because Benedict seized her wrists, tugged her against his chest, and took her mouth with his.
For the first few seconds, the kiss wasn’t so much an expression of desire as a battle of wills, with Georgiana determined to have her say, and Benedict just as determined to silence her.
But then…then, somehow, her mouth softened under his, and his tongue found its way between those irresistible pink lips, and the kiss became something else entirely.
Wild, passionate, a tiny spark busting into flames. He’d had a taste of it “ earlier, when he’d pressed his lips to the soft skin of her wrist and felt the wild flutter of “ her pulse under his tongue, but this…nothing could have prepared him for this.
The seductive heat of her mouth, her plump lower lip caught between his teeth, and her breathy little moan as he sucked and nibbled her there. Her hands on his cheeks burned his skin, the scent of her hair dizzied him, the sensual stroke of her lips against his maddened him.
In an instant he was hard for her, every inch of him aching to get closer, to have more of her. Her mouth was eager but hesitant, her tongue stroking his before darting shyly away again, and the tease only served to arouse him further. “Georgiana,” he whispered through strangled breaths, sinking his hands into her hair to still her for his mouth. “Let me…give me your mouth.”“He’d felt the tug of desire in his belly before, had kissed dozens of women before her, had taken them to his bed, but no woman had ever affected him as she did. He couldn’t get close enough to her, couldn’t take her mouth deeply enough, and passion made him desperate.
“Come here, princess.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her into his lap, a strangled groan escaping his lips when she sank against him without a moment’s hesitation. She was trembling in his arms, but not from fear.
For him. She was trembling for him.
“Put your arms around my neck, he whispered. “against her lips. “Yes, like that. Dear God, Georgiana, you feel so…
“Perfect.
The slender curves of her hips in his hands, the soft swell of her breasts against his chest, her hair spilling from its pins, the wayward strands teasing the narrow strip of bare flesh between his gloves and his coat sleeves—such a tiny, fleeting caress—but enough to drag a helpless moan from him.
Dear God, if another part of their bare bodies ever touched, it might kill him.”
Love ❤️
“He was in love with her—had been in love with her for months now—and it didn’t make a damn bit of difference.”
“regret—”
“No. My only regret will be not giving myself to the man I love.” She slid her hands from the back of his neck to his face, cupping his cheeks in her palms. She could only give the gift of her innocence to one man, and she would give it to the man who already held her heart. “If it isn’t you, Benedict, it won’t be anyone.”
Make Love 💕
“Will you let me touch you?”
Georgiana, who’d nearly started weeping when he stopped touching her, gave him a dazed nod. “Yes. Please, Benedict.”
He brushed his lips over hers, then kissed his way down her neck, pausing to taste the hollow of her throat before he moved lower, his lips grazing her breasts. He sucked a tender peak into his mouth as he trailed his fingertips up her leg, dragging her skirts up as he went.
Georgiana gasped when he touched the soft tuft of hair between her thighs. For long moments he simply stroked her there, letting his fingers drift through her curls until “she grew restless for more of his touch, her legs parting as she squirmed against him. She caught “her breath when he slipped a finger between her damp folds, delving gently, rolling his fingertip over the swollen nub and making her cry out.
“So wet. So hungry for me, Georgiana. You feel like warm silk.” A harsh moan fell from Benedict’s lips as he rubbed and circled and teased until she was slick from his wicked caresses. “Open your legs for me.”
In that moment, Georgiana couldn’t have refused him anything. She let her knees slide apart, arching her neck when he eased a long finger gently inside her as he continued to stroke her throbbing center. “Here, princess? Is this where you a…“ ache for me?”
“Yes.” Georgiana gripped his wrist, desperate to keep his teasing fingers where they were, the word”“nearly lost in her gasping breaths. “I…oh, please, Benedict.”
“Shhh. I’m going to take care of you, Georgiana,” he rasped before leaning down again to torment her breasts with slow, wicked strokes of his tongue. Her taut nipples strained for his lips and the pleasure swelled until it all blurred together into a throbbing ache inside her. Benedict was merciless, pinning her hips to the bed and stroking her, his fingers quickening until the pleasure built to a sharp edge, pushing her higher and higher until at last the tight heat unfurled in long pulses of bliss. They seemed to go on and on … “until at last she collapsed against the sheets, damp and trembling and breathless.” “He caught her hand and brought it to his mouth, his lips grazing her knuckles. “I’ve never seen anything more breathtaking than you taking your pleasure, Georgiana. Nothing is more beautiful to me than you.”““I know what you want, sweetheart.” Benedict buried his face in the curve of her neck, nuzzling her there as he eased her legs open and settled himself between them.” “Sshh. I’ve got you, princess,” he whispered, shifting his hips so the tip of his cock nudged against her throbbing center. He didn’t thrust inside her, but remained still, caressing her damp folds and suckling inside her. “Benedict gazed down at her, his lips parting. “Does that feel good, sweetheart?”
Georgiana’s reply was lost in a strangled moan as he shifted his hips again, dragging the head of his cock over her center at the same time as he stroked his finger inside her, taking up an easy rhythm, his glittering dark eyes on her face. He kept up the slow,” “he was pressing into her, at once impossibly large and hard inside her and somehow necessary at the same time.
Then he gave a quick, hard thrust and a sharp pain exploded inside Georgiana. She sucked in a breath, stunned, but Benedict was there, stroking her damp hair back from her face and murmuring to her, tender words of praise mixed with regret at having hurt her, until at last the burning pain receded, and her body relaxed around his.
He began to move then, slow, gentle strokes at first, crooning to her as he kissed her lips and neck and teased his tongue into the hollow of her throat “ and she was so lost in his kisses, so lost in him she wasn’t aware she’d wrapped her legs around his waist and was “urging him on, her body and her words begging him for more.
“Benedict, please, please…”
He threw his head back with a groan when she sank her nails into the sweat-slick muscles of his back, the cords of his neck straining as he worked his hips to give her what she needed. “Come for me, princess. I need to feel you come…”
Georgiana didn’t understand what he meant, but her body cooperated instinctively, pulling tighter with each snap of his hips, pushing her closer and closer to the edge of the peak, then holding her there for a breathless instant until the tension inside her began to “unravel in warm waves of bliss, and she clutched at Benedict, lost in pleasure as she cried out his name.”
The Mystery
“ “The Christmas ball Lady Wylde mentioned, the one that ended the house party Jane attended. That’s the same ball Clara Beauchamp attended on the night she disappeared.”
“With the murderous Duke of Kenilworth? With Clara Beauchamp and Lord Draven, and the love story that had risen from the ashes of a tragedy six years ago? With the newly widowed Duchess of Kenilworth, who’d gained her freedom on the same day her son had lost his title and inheritance?”
Meet Cute: Lord H Benedict and a couple of his friends were racing with young girls on their backs for money, each placing a wager. They offered the young girls a couple of Guineas. The two girls were from Lady Clifford’s School and were supposed to be home. Georgiana found out from the other school girls where they were and went to retrieve them. Some dialogue between Georgiana and Benedict: “That left the hottest of her rage for the miscreant in front of her. “I’m well aware you were led astray by this, this…gentleman.” She fixed him with a glare. “I assume you do style yourself a gentleman, sir, despite your shameful antics this evening?” “there was an infuriating twinkle in his dark eyes as he swept his hat from his head and offered her a mocking bow. “Haslemere, madam. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance.”“Tell me, Lord Haslemere. Do you make a habit of entertaining yourself at the expense of the safety of young children?”
“They were never in any danger, I assure you. They found it all great fun. Ask them yourself.” The smirking lips curved into a crooked grin that no doubt charmed most ladies out of their bodices and into his bed.
But Georgiana wasn’t most ladies. “They found it great fun, did they? Perhaps you’d care to explain why I heard Sarah screaming from four blocks away, then.”
“This is absurd, Miss Harley. Give the girls back their coins.”
Georgiana’s eyes narrowed. “Are you arguing with me, Lord Haslemere?”
“Cor,” Sarah breathed. “He’s done it now.”
“I don’t see what harm there is in letting the girls keep their reward, that’s all.” Lord Haslemere gave a careless shrug.
“That doesn’t surprise me. I imagine you’re not much in the habit of considering consequences.” Why should he be? There were no consequences for gentlemen like him. “Allow me to explain it to you. Sarah and Susannah are meant to be tucked into their beds. Instead they sneaked out to Covent Garden. “at night, disobeying the rules and putting themselves at risk, and you’re proposing I reward them for it?”
Lord Haslemere scratched his temple, grimacing. “Now you put it that way, it doesn’t seem quite the thing. I didn’t think—”
“No, you didn’t. Not an unusual occurrence, I’d wager.” With a flick of her fingers, Georgiana dropped the guineas into the pocket of his cloak. “I daresay you’re not required to think much at all. Good night, my lord. I wish you a pleasant evening.”
“Given how few ladies bothered to scold him these days, there was a certain novelty to it, and this Miss Harley was magnificent at it. “He slipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved the coins as they darted toward him. He knelt on the cobbles, held out his gloved hand, and took each of theirs in turn. With a solemn nod he shook them, pressing the guineas back into their palms as he did. “Miss Sarah, you’re a capital jockey, and Miss Susannah, a fierce competitor.”
The girls’ eyes widened when they felt the coins, but he gave them a subtle shake of his head, then released them with a wink.”
First Kiss
“That was as far as she got, because Benedict seized her wrists, tugged her against his chest, and took her mouth with his.
For the first few seconds, the kiss wasn’t so much an expression of desire as a battle of wills, with Georgiana determined to have her say, and Benedict just as determined to silence her.
But then…then, somehow, her mouth softened under his, and his tongue found its way between those irresistible pink lips, and the kiss became something else entirely.
Wild, passionate, a tiny spark busting into flames. He’d had a taste of it “ earlier, when he’d pressed his lips to the soft skin of her wrist and felt the wild flutter of “ her pulse under his tongue, but this…nothing could have prepared him for this.
The seductive heat of her mouth, her plump lower lip caught between his teeth, and her breathy little moan as he sucked and nibbled her there. Her hands on his cheeks burned his skin, the scent of her hair dizzied him, the sensual stroke of her lips against his maddened him.
In an instant he was hard for her, every inch of him aching to get closer, to have more of her. Her mouth was eager but hesitant, her tongue stroking his before darting shyly away again, and the tease only served to arouse him further. “Georgiana,” he whispered through strangled breaths, sinking his hands into her hair to still her for his mouth. “Let me…give me your mouth.”“He’d felt the tug of desire in his belly before, had kissed dozens of women before her, had taken them to his bed, but no woman had ever affected him as she did. He couldn’t get close enough to her, couldn’t take her mouth deeply enough, and passion made him desperate.
“Come here, princess.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her into his lap, a strangled groan escaping his lips when she sank against him without a moment’s hesitation. She was trembling in his arms, but not from fear.
For him. She was trembling for him.
“Put your arms around my neck, he whispered. “against her lips. “Yes, like that. Dear God, Georgiana, you feel so…
“Perfect.
The slender curves of her hips in his hands, the soft swell of her breasts against his chest, her hair spilling from its pins, the wayward strands teasing the narrow strip of bare flesh between his gloves and his coat sleeves—such a tiny, fleeting caress—but enough to drag a helpless moan from him.
Dear God, if another part of their bare bodies ever touched, it might kill him.”
Love ❤️
“He was in love with her—had been in love with her for months now—and it didn’t make a damn bit of difference.”
“regret—”
“No. My only regret will be not giving myself to the man I love.” She slid her hands from the back of his neck to his face, cupping his cheeks in her palms. She could only give the gift of her innocence to one man, and she would give it to the man who already held her heart. “If it isn’t you, Benedict, it won’t be anyone.”
Make Love 💕
“Will you let me touch you?”
Georgiana, who’d nearly started weeping when he stopped touching her, gave him a dazed nod. “Yes. Please, Benedict.”
He brushed his lips over hers, then kissed his way down her neck, pausing to taste the hollow of her throat before he moved lower, his lips grazing her breasts. He sucked a tender peak into his mouth as he trailed his fingertips up her leg, dragging her skirts up as he went.
Georgiana gasped when he touched the soft tuft of hair between her thighs. For long moments he simply stroked her there, letting his fingers drift through her curls until “she grew restless for more of his touch, her legs parting as she squirmed against him. She caught “her breath when he slipped a finger between her damp folds, delving gently, rolling his fingertip over the swollen nub and making her cry out.
“So wet. So hungry for me, Georgiana. You feel like warm silk.” A harsh moan fell from Benedict’s lips as he rubbed and circled and teased until she was slick from his wicked caresses. “Open your legs for me.”
In that moment, Georgiana couldn’t have refused him anything. She let her knees slide apart, arching her neck when he eased a long finger gently inside her as he continued to stroke her throbbing center. “Here, princess? Is this where you a…“ ache for me?”
“Yes.” Georgiana gripped his wrist, desperate to keep his teasing fingers where they were, the word”“nearly lost in her gasping breaths. “I…oh, please, Benedict.”
“Shhh. I’m going to take care of you, Georgiana,” he rasped before leaning down again to torment her breasts with slow, wicked strokes of his tongue. Her taut nipples strained for his lips and the pleasure swelled until it all blurred together into a throbbing ache inside her. Benedict was merciless, pinning her hips to the bed and stroking her, his fingers quickening until the pleasure built to a sharp edge, pushing her higher and higher until at last the tight heat unfurled in long pulses of bliss. They seemed to go on and on … “until at last she collapsed against the sheets, damp and trembling and breathless.” “He caught her hand and brought it to his mouth, his lips grazing her knuckles. “I’ve never seen anything more breathtaking than you taking your pleasure, Georgiana. Nothing is more beautiful to me than you.”““I know what you want, sweetheart.” Benedict buried his face in the curve of her neck, nuzzling her there as he eased her legs open and settled himself between them.” “Sshh. I’ve got you, princess,” he whispered, shifting his hips so the tip of his cock nudged against her throbbing center. He didn’t thrust inside her, but remained still, caressing her damp folds and suckling inside her. “Benedict gazed down at her, his lips parting. “Does that feel good, sweetheart?”
Georgiana’s reply was lost in a strangled moan as he shifted his hips again, dragging the head of his cock over her center at the same time as he stroked his finger inside her, taking up an easy rhythm, his glittering dark eyes on her face. He kept up the slow,” “he was pressing into her, at once impossibly large and hard inside her and somehow necessary at the same time.
Then he gave a quick, hard thrust and a sharp pain exploded inside Georgiana. She sucked in a breath, stunned, but Benedict was there, stroking her damp hair back from her face and murmuring to her, tender words of praise mixed with regret at having hurt her, until at last the burning pain receded, and her body relaxed around his.
He began to move then, slow, gentle strokes at first, crooning to her as he kissed her lips and neck and teased his tongue into the hollow of her throat “ and she was so lost in his kisses, so lost in him she wasn’t aware she’d wrapped her legs around his waist and was “urging him on, her body and her words begging him for more.
“Benedict, please, please…”
He threw his head back with a groan when she sank her nails into the sweat-slick muscles of his back, the cords of his neck straining as he worked his hips to give her what she needed. “Come for me, princess. I need to feel you come…”
Georgiana didn’t understand what he meant, but her body cooperated instinctively, pulling tighter with each snap of his hips, pushing her closer and closer to the edge of the peak, then holding her there for a breathless instant until the tension inside her began to “unravel in warm waves of bliss, and she clutched at Benedict, lost in pleasure as she cried out his name.”
The Mystery
“ “The Christmas ball Lady Wylde mentioned, the one that ended the house party Jane attended. That’s the same ball Clara Beauchamp attended on the night she disappeared.”
“With the murderous Duke of Kenilworth? With Clara Beauchamp and Lord Draven, and the love story that had risen from the ashes of a tragedy six years ago? With the newly widowed Duchess of Kenilworth, who’d gained her freedom on the same day her son had lost his title and inheritance?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
Anna Bradley has such a good eye for details, from conversation and dresses, to steamy scenes and mystery. This was my first book from this series, and now I think I'll go back and read the first two. I appreciated Bradley's ability to visualize the important parts of the time period. That helps, especially in a historical novel.
Here are some of the things I liked (and a couple of those I didn't) about the novel:
-I really liked Benedict. When we first meet him in the beginning of the novel, he seems absolutely vain and ridiculous. I liked discovering his true nature, and his love for his family was absolutely breathtaking.
-I liked the mystery in the story. While it was far-fetched, it was definitely the type to keep me interested. I'm a sucker for a H and a h who solve a mystery together. It brings them closer.
-One bed! Need I say more?
A few things I wasn't a fan of:
-The heroine, Georgiana, wasn't much of a fully-developed character. She didn't seem to have much personality except for a "sharp tongue." There just wasn't anything special that stood out to me about her.
-While this can technically be read as a stand-alone, I don't recommend it. This was my first book in the series, and I was pretty confused for the first hundred pages or so. We're told that Georgiana works at a girl's school, but that's pretty much all we get. This school becomes a weird backdrop for the story, even though practically nothing is said about it. And is Georgiana some sort of spy? She seems so. I would know, of course, if I had been given background info in this book. Because of this, it's vague and difficult to piece together.
I really did enjoy the mystery and Benedict's antics, but having not read the previous books, this one felt vague and choppy. Georgiana, while a good person, is left so blank. She could've been any number of romance novel heroines. There was nothing distinctive about her. The majority of these criticisms are mostly my own quirks; I'm sure if you've read the first two books in the series, it makes more sense.
*Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC and an honest review in return.
Here are some of the things I liked (and a couple of those I didn't) about the novel:
-I really liked Benedict. When we first meet him in the beginning of the novel, he seems absolutely vain and ridiculous. I liked discovering his true nature, and his love for his family was absolutely breathtaking.
-I liked the mystery in the story. While it was far-fetched, it was definitely the type to keep me interested. I'm a sucker for a H and a h who solve a mystery together. It brings them closer.
-One bed! Need I say more?
A few things I wasn't a fan of:
-The heroine, Georgiana, wasn't much of a fully-developed character. She didn't seem to have much personality except for a "sharp tongue." There just wasn't anything special that stood out to me about her.
-While this can technically be read as a stand-alone, I don't recommend it. This was my first book in the series, and I was pretty confused for the first hundred pages or so. We're told that Georgiana works at a girl's school, but that's pretty much all we get. This school becomes a weird backdrop for the story, even though practically nothing is said about it. And is Georgiana some sort of spy? She seems so. I would know, of course, if I had been given background info in this book. Because of this, it's vague and difficult to piece together.
I really did enjoy the mystery and Benedict's antics, but having not read the previous books, this one felt vague and choppy. Georgiana, while a good person, is left so blank. She could've been any number of romance novel heroines. There was nothing distinctive about her. The majority of these criticisms are mostly my own quirks; I'm sure if you've read the first two books in the series, it makes more sense.
*Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC and an honest review in return.
April 10, 2021
I enjoyed this romantic story because of the ever charming Benedict pursuit of the illustrious Georgina. Clearly he was head over hills for her. The writer did a great job with adding mystery to the drama that surrounds the characters. This made the entertainment in the book very intriguing. I found the book to be a fast read, but I was able to follow the story with great interest. I loved the girls from the school. They helped make the book a joy to read. I also loved that Benedict focused his attention only on Georgiana. Cleaned was smitten with her from the beginning. He was destined to have her and he wasn’t giving up, no matter how much Georgiana tried to hide from it.
September 4, 2021
This is Georgina Hartley and Benedict the Earl of Haslemere Story.
The storyline did not connect for me. We start out with 2 littles girls who have run off from the Clifford school. I guess this was the introduction of Lord Haslemere. The next thing is the Duchess of Kenilworth, Haslemere's Sister looking for a long lost friend Clara Beauchamp. Then we are on to the Duchess being gossiped about having an affair with the Earl of Draven.
The story is slow and boring nothing seems to connect. I just couldn't get into this story!
The storyline did not connect for me. We start out with 2 littles girls who have run off from the Clifford school. I guess this was the introduction of Lord Haslemere. The next thing is the Duchess of Kenilworth, Haslemere's Sister looking for a long lost friend Clara Beauchamp. Then we are on to the Duchess being gossiped about having an affair with the Earl of Draven.
The story is slow and boring nothing seems to connect. I just couldn't get into this story!
November 1, 2021
Like the rest of this series, I really enjoyed this book. I love the school and the mysteries they're asked to solve. I'm going to miss it all now that it's over (again, I accidentally read book 4 first). Georgiana was unapologetically herself and I loved it. I wish we got more of her backstory, though. The beginning told how she was found but later there's mention of her mother and trust. But that's it. Left me more than a little curious, really.
May 30, 2021
4,5 Stars
The only thing Georgiana Harley despises more than chaos is bad behaviour. So when the Duchess of Kenilworth pleads for her to investigate what happened to her friend Clara Beauchamp who disappeared six years ago & who Jane thinks she saw recently she’s come to the right place. Calm and logical, with nerves of steel, Georgiana is uniquely qualified to help the duchess. Georgiana's greatest challenge is Her Grace’s brother, Lord Haslemere. An arrogant scoundrel, he keeps interfering with Georgiana’s methodical plans. Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere isn’t about to trust his precious sister and beloved nephew to some delicate chit who looks as if a stiff wind could send her sprawling—no matter how brilliant Georgiana is. Or beautiful. Or brave. Or lovable. Or irresistible. But does even he have the courage to fall for a young woman with the starry eyes of an innocent—and the unstoppable fierceness of a lioness? Only time, and taking a risk, will tell .
This is the third book in the series & my favourite so far. It could be read on its own but I personally love that previous characters do make appearances. A very well written book with wonderful verbal banter between Benedict & Georgiana. I loved both Benedict & Georgiana, He's the rake & rogue but really is an adoring brother & uncle, she it how it is. They find that they are thrown together but the more they investigate the more their attraction grows & the more in danger they find themselves. I love romance & I love a mystery so when both are combined I’m one happy reader & here they are combined very well. There were secrets, twists & turns plus revelations that will surprise plus a burgeoning romance – I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The only thing Georgiana Harley despises more than chaos is bad behaviour. So when the Duchess of Kenilworth pleads for her to investigate what happened to her friend Clara Beauchamp who disappeared six years ago & who Jane thinks she saw recently she’s come to the right place. Calm and logical, with nerves of steel, Georgiana is uniquely qualified to help the duchess. Georgiana's greatest challenge is Her Grace’s brother, Lord Haslemere. An arrogant scoundrel, he keeps interfering with Georgiana’s methodical plans. Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere isn’t about to trust his precious sister and beloved nephew to some delicate chit who looks as if a stiff wind could send her sprawling—no matter how brilliant Georgiana is. Or beautiful. Or brave. Or lovable. Or irresistible. But does even he have the courage to fall for a young woman with the starry eyes of an innocent—and the unstoppable fierceness of a lioness? Only time, and taking a risk, will tell .
This is the third book in the series & my favourite so far. It could be read on its own but I personally love that previous characters do make appearances. A very well written book with wonderful verbal banter between Benedict & Georgiana. I loved both Benedict & Georgiana, He's the rake & rogue but really is an adoring brother & uncle, she it how it is. They find that they are thrown together but the more they investigate the more their attraction grows & the more in danger they find themselves. I love romance & I love a mystery so when both are combined I’m one happy reader & here they are combined very well. There were secrets, twists & turns plus revelations that will surprise plus a burgeoning romance – I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 13, 2022
georgina and benedict's story intrigued me ever since i read the previous book, so instead of reading book one, i jumped to the third one. i loved the clashes in personalities and attitudes. georgina's more stoic, quiet and practical while benedict, as a rake, is flirty and charming. when he finds out that georgina is investigating someone related to his sister, it became a way for benedict to know georgina better as well as discovering the secrets surrounding jane.
it was entertaining and fun while georgina and benedict worked together to unravel the past. their banters are filled with sharp-tongued comments and sassy comebacks. through their various interactions, georgina realised that benedict isn't as bad as she thought he is while benedict is shown the more vulnerable and insecure side of her, especially when it comes to her attractiveness.
i read this quickly so i definitely enjoyed it immensely. can't wait for the next!
books in the series:
1. the virgin who ruined lord gray
2. the virgin who vindicated lord darlington: ✰✰✰✰
3. the virgin who humbled lord haslemere: ✰✰✰✰
4. the virgin who bewitched lord lymington
it was entertaining and fun while georgina and benedict worked together to unravel the past. their banters are filled with sharp-tongued comments and sassy comebacks. through their various interactions, georgina realised that benedict isn't as bad as she thought he is while benedict is shown the more vulnerable and insecure side of her, especially when it comes to her attractiveness.
i read this quickly so i definitely enjoyed it immensely. can't wait for the next!
books in the series:
1. the virgin who ruined lord gray
2. the virgin who vindicated lord darlington: ✰✰✰✰
3. the virgin who humbled lord haslemere: ✰✰✰✰
4. the virgin who bewitched lord lymington
March 27, 2021
I received an ARC from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I love Anna Bradley's writing, her characters, and her stories. This one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. I didn't want to stop. The story was exciting with all the twists and turns that kept you guessing. The chemistry between Benedict and Georgiana was palpable. I adore heroines that are so witty, especially when they are castigating the hero, and man did Georgiana really give it to Benedict. it was really fantastic to have that witty banter between her sharp tongue and Benedict's carefree constant flirting. So entertaining.
I literally have nothing negative to say at all. It is my favorite Anna Bradley book that I've read, and I think if you've never read her then you're missing out on a special voice in historical romance. P!ease do yourself a favor and read this book.
I love Anna Bradley's writing, her characters, and her stories. This one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. I didn't want to stop. The story was exciting with all the twists and turns that kept you guessing. The chemistry between Benedict and Georgiana was palpable. I adore heroines that are so witty, especially when they are castigating the hero, and man did Georgiana really give it to Benedict. it was really fantastic to have that witty banter between her sharp tongue and Benedict's carefree constant flirting. So entertaining.
I literally have nothing negative to say at all. It is my favorite Anna Bradley book that I've read, and I think if you've never read her then you're missing out on a special voice in historical romance. P!ease do yourself a favor and read this book.
June 2, 2021
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The virgin who humbled Lord Haslemere is the third volume in The Swooning virgins’ society. I loved the previous volumes: 1 – The virgin who ruined Lord Gray (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and 2 – The virgin who vindicated Lord Darlington (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ). This novel features Benedict Harcourt, count of Haslemere and Lady Clifford’s third protégée Georgiana Harley.
Of course, we’ve known her since the beginning of the series. And we have met Lord Haslemere in the previous volume. He’s the best friend of the marquis of Darlington, hero in the latter.
It’s a character I really liked in the book, so I was looking forward to know what the author would tell about him. What’s more, we knew that Benedict and Georgiana had already met before the previous story, especially through some comments from Lord Haslemere, and that he was very intrigued by her. In TVWHLH, we see their very first meeting in the first two chapters, before them meeting again at present time.
As usual with this series, our heroine has been chosen for an investigation. So she must find a young woman who disappeared six years ago and it’s Lord Haslemere’s sister who asks Lady Clifford’s help. Her only request: that nobody learn about it, especially her brother. To begin her investigation, Georgiana must attend a masked ball, also attended incognito by our hero. He unmasks her immediately and one thing leading to another, he understands she’s working for his sister. Our heroes are going to ally to discover the truth.
I must say the suspense side is very, very well done. We only learn all the whys and the wherefores at the end of the book, even if we have some suspicions all along. I especially appreciated the trust that takes place quickly between Benedict and Georgiana.
Concerning the main characters, Benedict seems a frivolous, egoist and rake person. We quickly learn he plays his card close to his chest and can show a keen intelligence and a flawless determination as long as it’s about his sister and his nephew. The title of the book takes all its sense when he’s going to realize his decisions he thought legitimate can lead to disastrous consequences for other people. We can say he’s the character who evolves the most in the book, but he doesn’t really have a bad heart, so he’s more likeable right away.
I really liked Georgiana, who’s a very kind, loyal and determined person. She has a complicated past so she doesn’t trust easily, she also has dreams for Lady Clifford’s school and she adapts quickly to the situations.
The love story between Benedict and Georgiana evolves all through the book. We feel their attraction in the previous volume, but the heroine distrusts him too much to be convinced and give him a chance. In spite of that, Benedict doesn’t give up easily and I really liked this aspect of their relationship. There are not many love scenes in the book but a lot of sensuality.
TVWHLH is supposed to be the second-to-last volume in the series. The only left is Emma Downing who’s in a secret mission elsewhere and we suspect we’ll know more about it in the book about her that will be titled The virgin who bewitched Lord Lymington, expected for November 2021.
In any case, TVWHLH is a volume as good as the other two and I can’t wait to read the next.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The virgin who humbled Lord Haslemere is the third volume in The Swooning virgins’ society. I loved the previous volumes: 1 – The virgin who ruined Lord Gray (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and 2 – The virgin who vindicated Lord Darlington (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ). This novel features Benedict Harcourt, count of Haslemere and Lady Clifford’s third protégée Georgiana Harley.
Of course, we’ve known her since the beginning of the series. And we have met Lord Haslemere in the previous volume. He’s the best friend of the marquis of Darlington, hero in the latter.
It’s a character I really liked in the book, so I was looking forward to know what the author would tell about him. What’s more, we knew that Benedict and Georgiana had already met before the previous story, especially through some comments from Lord Haslemere, and that he was very intrigued by her. In TVWHLH, we see their very first meeting in the first two chapters, before them meeting again at present time.
As usual with this series, our heroine has been chosen for an investigation. So she must find a young woman who disappeared six years ago and it’s Lord Haslemere’s sister who asks Lady Clifford’s help. Her only request: that nobody learn about it, especially her brother. To begin her investigation, Georgiana must attend a masked ball, also attended incognito by our hero. He unmasks her immediately and one thing leading to another, he understands she’s working for his sister. Our heroes are going to ally to discover the truth.
I must say the suspense side is very, very well done. We only learn all the whys and the wherefores at the end of the book, even if we have some suspicions all along. I especially appreciated the trust that takes place quickly between Benedict and Georgiana.
Concerning the main characters, Benedict seems a frivolous, egoist and rake person. We quickly learn he plays his card close to his chest and can show a keen intelligence and a flawless determination as long as it’s about his sister and his nephew. The title of the book takes all its sense when he’s going to realize his decisions he thought legitimate can lead to disastrous consequences for other people. We can say he’s the character who evolves the most in the book, but he doesn’t really have a bad heart, so he’s more likeable right away.
I really liked Georgiana, who’s a very kind, loyal and determined person. She has a complicated past so she doesn’t trust easily, she also has dreams for Lady Clifford’s school and she adapts quickly to the situations.
The love story between Benedict and Georgiana evolves all through the book. We feel their attraction in the previous volume, but the heroine distrusts him too much to be convinced and give him a chance. In spite of that, Benedict doesn’t give up easily and I really liked this aspect of their relationship. There are not many love scenes in the book but a lot of sensuality.
TVWHLH is supposed to be the second-to-last volume in the series. The only left is Emma Downing who’s in a secret mission elsewhere and we suspect we’ll know more about it in the book about her that will be titled The virgin who bewitched Lord Lymington, expected for November 2021.
In any case, TVWHLH is a volume as good as the other two and I can’t wait to read the next.
April 5, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
If a duchess comes calling and asks for help, what else can Georgiana Harley do but help her? The Duchess of Kenilworth wants to find a friend who has been missing over 6 years, and doesn't want anyone to know, least of all her brother, Benedict, the Earl of Haslemere. Georgiana is more than happy to keep it from Benedict, as she thinks he's an arrogant scoundrel, and wants nothing to do with him. But, when it seems as if more than just a missing persons case is at hand, and all those involved, including Benedict and Georgiana are at risk, they need to work together to save themselves, and each other.
I think this one might just be my favourite of the series so far. I started it straight after finished book 2, so I knew it would be about Benedict and Georgiana, who's banter and chemistry in The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington was phenomenal. Where we had seen them as friends of the main characters in the past, now we learn about their history and just how they first met. Their first meeting was not a good one, with Georgiana angry and worried about two of the students of the Clifford School who had gone missing, and Benedict being drunk and flirting with her. Since then, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about her, and being Darlington's best friend, they're around each other more often than not. But once he hears the gossip floating around about his sister and Lord Draven, and that Georgiana is looking into it, he can't help but worm his way into the investigations. Benedict would do anything for his sister and young nephew, even if it means going against his brother in law. Georgiana wants to help people, but more than anything she wants to find a larger building for the school, to give the girls more space, and Benedict is offering his empty property in return for her help to stop the rumours about Jane. Now, enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and though this wasn't a true 'enemies' story, I loved seeing how Benedict and Georgiana put aside their dislikes for each other, and became friends first, before the romance really took hold. Honestly, Anna writes amazing couples, and this was no different. The romance was a large part of it, but the plot line was lovely too - even if I had guessed at a few of the twists earlier on. All in all, this was another amazing addition to the series, and I can't wait for Emma's story, in book 4!
If a duchess comes calling and asks for help, what else can Georgiana Harley do but help her? The Duchess of Kenilworth wants to find a friend who has been missing over 6 years, and doesn't want anyone to know, least of all her brother, Benedict, the Earl of Haslemere. Georgiana is more than happy to keep it from Benedict, as she thinks he's an arrogant scoundrel, and wants nothing to do with him. But, when it seems as if more than just a missing persons case is at hand, and all those involved, including Benedict and Georgiana are at risk, they need to work together to save themselves, and each other.
I think this one might just be my favourite of the series so far. I started it straight after finished book 2, so I knew it would be about Benedict and Georgiana, who's banter and chemistry in The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington was phenomenal. Where we had seen them as friends of the main characters in the past, now we learn about their history and just how they first met. Their first meeting was not a good one, with Georgiana angry and worried about two of the students of the Clifford School who had gone missing, and Benedict being drunk and flirting with her. Since then, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about her, and being Darlington's best friend, they're around each other more often than not. But once he hears the gossip floating around about his sister and Lord Draven, and that Georgiana is looking into it, he can't help but worm his way into the investigations. Benedict would do anything for his sister and young nephew, even if it means going against his brother in law. Georgiana wants to help people, but more than anything she wants to find a larger building for the school, to give the girls more space, and Benedict is offering his empty property in return for her help to stop the rumours about Jane. Now, enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and though this wasn't a true 'enemies' story, I loved seeing how Benedict and Georgiana put aside their dislikes for each other, and became friends first, before the romance really took hold. Honestly, Anna writes amazing couples, and this was no different. The romance was a large part of it, but the plot line was lovely too - even if I had guessed at a few of the twists earlier on. All in all, this was another amazing addition to the series, and I can't wait for Emma's story, in book 4!
January 19, 2023
Après Sophia et Cecilia, c'est au tour de Georgiana (que de rimes en -a !), une autre des protégées de Lady Clifford, d'enquêter sur une sombre affaire, qui lui permettra néanmoins de trouver l'amour.
Ce 3ème tome conjugue donc de nouveau enquête et romance, sur fonds de joutes verbales toutes plus délicieuses à lire les unes que les autres ! J'ai adoré ce dynamique ping-pong verbal entre les protagonistes, c'est vraiment le point fort du livre. En revanche, je n'ai pas été vraiment séduite par l'enquête, qui m'a semblée farfelue, un peu trop mélodramatique et excessive, du moins en ce qui concerne les motivations d'un des personnages secondaires.
Le duo Benedict/Georgiana fonctionne très bien, comme je le disais, leurs joutes sont un vrai régal à lire, et l'évolution de leur relation se fait de façon progressive au fur et à mesure qu'ils apprennent à se connaître et travaillent ensemble dans le but de démêler la vérité. Georgiana est une femme forte, j'ai aimé sa ténacité, son sens de la justice et de l'engagement. Benedict, lui, cache bien son jeu, car derrière son image de coureur de jupons désinvolte, c'est un homme très soucieux de la sécurité et du bien-être de ceux qu'il aime. Tous deux forment un couple complémentaire, et chacun est l'égal de l'autre, chose que j'ai fortement apprécié.
Anna Bradley offre encore à ses lecteurs une histoire de qualité, bien écrite, avec une belle romance et des dialogues très réussis !
Ce 3ème tome conjugue donc de nouveau enquête et romance, sur fonds de joutes verbales toutes plus délicieuses à lire les unes que les autres ! J'ai adoré ce dynamique ping-pong verbal entre les protagonistes, c'est vraiment le point fort du livre. En revanche, je n'ai pas été vraiment séduite par l'enquête, qui m'a semblée farfelue, un peu trop mélodramatique et excessive, du moins en ce qui concerne les motivations d'un des personnages secondaires.
Le duo Benedict/Georgiana fonctionne très bien, comme je le disais, leurs joutes sont un vrai régal à lire, et l'évolution de leur relation se fait de façon progressive au fur et à mesure qu'ils apprennent à se connaître et travaillent ensemble dans le but de démêler la vérité. Georgiana est une femme forte, j'ai aimé sa ténacité, son sens de la justice et de l'engagement. Benedict, lui, cache bien son jeu, car derrière son image de coureur de jupons désinvolte, c'est un homme très soucieux de la sécurité et du bien-être de ceux qu'il aime. Tous deux forment un couple complémentaire, et chacun est l'égal de l'autre, chose que j'ai fortement apprécié.
Anna Bradley offre encore à ses lecteurs une histoire de qualité, bien écrite, avec une belle romance et des dialogues très réussis !
April 2, 2021
Loved this book, along with the others in this series. (Can be read as a standalone) Georgiana Harley was taken off the streets and is now a teacher at the Clifford School. She is a wonderfully strong, intelligent character with a sharp tongue. Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere, has a reputation for being a rogue, but proves to be much more under the surface. Loved the story for its originality and well paced attraction of Georgiana and Benedict. Can't recommend enough.
June 25, 2021
Amazing
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.. I loved the Cinderella type theme. I loved the first book in this series I hopefully get a chance to read book two and the final book.. This story can definitely be read as a standalone.. It's so good that you don't want to miss out on it.. I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads thank you Anna Bradley for the gift
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.. I loved the Cinderella type theme. I loved the first book in this series I hopefully get a chance to read book two and the final book.. This story can definitely be read as a standalone.. It's so good that you don't want to miss out on it.. I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads thank you Anna Bradley for the gift
March 28, 2021
4.5⭐️
Banter was great. Benedict was humorous and loved how he teased Georgiana.
More review to come.
Banter was great. Benedict was humorous and loved how he teased Georgiana.
More review to come.
May 15, 2021
I loved this one and their love story. The suspense was great. Definitely a must read. Can't wait for the last Virgin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews