A Kingdom to Claim - Review

A Kingdom to Claim

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: July 2, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.

Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior.

I read Sian Ann Bessey's previous book, The Call of the Sea which features Rhiannon who's family is raided by Vikings. Yet she has a connection with one of the men who were present, and their story builds from there. When I saw A Kingdom to Claim also takes place in roughly the same period, I knew I would want to read it. At the same time, I wondered if Bessey would take a different approach. She does. What makes this even more fun for me, is that this past year, we studied about King Alfred the Great in our homeschool. So it was fun for me to see all of the same information I learned studying with my kids being included in A Kingdom to Claim.

Aisley is the daughter of a thegn who went to fight with King Alfred at one of his early battles against the Vikings. Wessex was defeated in this battle and suffered heavy losses. Her father being one. Her brother takes over as thegn in their area, and he doesn't have the same good qualities that her father had. At the same time, Aisley's mother has been training her in the healing arts of plants. She uses her skills to heal others which reconnects her with another thegn, Brecc. They've had a couple of encounters prior to this, and their connection builds as Aisley helps his friend Rheged. Unfortunately, Aisley's brother does not have her best interest at heart--only his own wealth motivates him.

Brecc is honorable. He takes his position seriously, and he worries more about the threat the Vikings pose than many others. His warnings put him in a situation to be a good counselor to King Alfred.

I don't want to say too much more about the story so that I don't spoil anything for the reader, but I enjoyed this book, and I read it in just a couple of days.

Favorite quotes:

-"When one prefers to sit and watch over participating, it becomes easier to catch things that are not spoken."

-"If it would help to talk, I am a good listener. If you need time for quiet contemplation, we can walk in silence." She waited, barely daring to breathe. And then he smiled. "I should like that very much," he said. "To which 'that' do you refer>" "Walking with you. And talking. And thinking. I believe I should like to try a little of them all."

-It was a rare thing to be led by a monarch so wlling to learn and to teach.

I enjoyed A Kingdom to Claim. I know that I'm not the only one fascinated by the Viking culture, but it's also odd to be fascinated by a culture that goes so against what is right. The raiding by the Vikings was completely opposite of civil or good. So it's an odd place to put authors trying to write love stories that are also historically acurate when it comes to facts and events. Sian Ann Bessey did a great job. A Kingdom to Claim gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Kingdom to Claim? What did you think? Let me know!

Top Ten Summer 2025 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Summer 2025 TBR List

1. The Folklore of Forever (Moonville, # 2) by Sarah Hogle - I enjoyed book 1 in this series more than I expected, but I've been putting this one off for some reason.
2. Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao - I actually forgot that I had this book for review. I need to knock it out soon.
3. Rules for Ruin (The Chrinoline Academy, # 1) by Mimi Matthews - I have loved Mimi Matthews, but this one has been one that I've struggled to get into. I'll read it eventually, but I'm struggling a little with the beginning.
4. Heart Marks the Spot by Libby Hubscher - A newly acquired book.
5. The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar - I never read Holes, but I'm familiar with the author. I thought I would check this one out.
6. A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey - Eesh, I've had this book way too long. I feel sure I'll enjoy it, but I've just not been in the mood for this yet.
7. Nothing Like the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 2) by Lynn Painter - Ok, so I didn't research enough to figure out that this was book 2 in a series and I haven't read book 1 yet.
8. Til Heist Do Us Part (Simi Chopra, # 2) by Sara Desai - Same as the previous. I knew this was the 2nd in the series for this one, but I still haven't read book 1, so I keep putting this off.
9. A Touch of Shadows (The Lost Queen, # 1) by Jessica Thorne - I need to get around to this one. I keep seeing book 2 available for review request, but I feel unsure about requesting it since I've been putting this book off as well.
10. The Notorious Virtues (The Notorious Virtues, # 1 ) by Alwyn Hamilton - I really enjoyed Alwyn Hamilton's previous series, and this one was on my radar for a long time. I need to knock this out.

Which books are on your summer TBR list? Let me know!

Ten Books Released in 2024 That I Didn't Get To

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Books Released in 2024 That Didn't Get To

1. Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
2. Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos, # 4) by Nisha J Tuli
3. A Drop of Venom (Venom, # 1) by Sajni Patel
4. A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey
5. The Outlaw Noble Salt by Amy Harmon
6. I Want to Trust You But I Don't by Lysa TerKuerst
7. A Touch of Shadows (The Lost Queen, # 1) by Jessica Thorne
8. Midnights With You by Clare Osongco
9. Nothing Like the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 1) by Lynn Painter
10. Til Heist Do Us Part (Simi Chopra, # 2) by Sara Desai

Which new releases of 2024 have you still not gotten around to yet? Let me know!

A Provincial Peer - Review

A Provincial Peer (Georgian Gentlemen, # 6)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: May 7, 2024 by Covenant Communications

248 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Georgian

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Lord Benning is no ordinary nobleman. The heir to an earldom, he feels more at home working on the farm at his country estate than socializing in the ballrooms of London. So when a mysterious, veiled woman mistakes him for a farmhand, he takes the assumption in stride. And though he is not offended, he is intrigued.

Following a devastating outbreak of smallpox, Caroline Granger and her young daughter, Meg, retreat to Caroline’s childhood home in the village of Leyfield in Gloucestershire. Left widowed and weakened by the ravages of the disease, Caroline wears a veil to hide her facial scars and to prevent the inevitable gasps of horror or murmurs of pity others offer in response to her altered appearance.

Caroline is mortified when she learns of her error in addressing Lord Benning—or Benedict, as she called him during their growing-up years—as a farmhand. But shared childhood memories and a precocious four-year-old inevitably draw Benedict and Caroline together, and it’s not long before Caroline realizes that Benedict accepts every part of her—including her scars. With newfound courage and a growing love for Benedict, Caroline feels the first stirrings of hope. But when the disease that took so much from Caroline finds its way to Leyfield, she stands to lose more than she can bear, and Benedict must decide exactly how much he is willing to risk for a chance at love.

I've had an up and down relationship with the Georgian Gentlemen series. Overall, my biggest complaint has been that the mysteries can take over the plot. But that wasn't the case with A Provincial Peer, and I'm so happy that the series ends with this book.

Benedict is the leading male in this story. He is the big brother to Henry who was the leading male character of the previous book, The Unassuming Curator. He is the heir to the estate and title of Lord Farwell. He likes being active on the estate with the cows and wheat. I liked that his father was an active character in the story. Often, the main male character is already the head of the estate and property, even though Benedict is very involved in the estate, his father is still the head of the house, property, and family. His father was needed for necessary estate business, but he was also a source of wisdom and advice for Benedict.

Caroline is the daughter of the local vicar. Her husband recently died of smallpox and Caroline suffered from the illness as well, but thankfully lived. Caroline and her young daughter Meg have moved back into the vicarage with her father. Caroline is still regaining her strength from her illness, but Meg is an active young girl and wanders onto the earl's property which reintroduces Caroline to Benedict. Of course, they've known each other since their youth. Caroline and Henry were close friends growing up. 

I enjoyed the slow build between Caroline and Benedict. They had history, but not enough to have any hurdles to overcome with past traumas. Caroline was the sweetest character. She wanted only to help those around her and never seemed to think of herself too highly. She couldn't consider Benedict as even in the realm of possibility because of the differences in their station as well as her scarring from the illness. Benedict has no lack of humility. And he also is working hard to help all of the tenants and villagers. 

The mystery in this book wasn't so much about some robbers or kidnappers. And the story was layered in a way that you could easily feel for all of the characters involved. That's all I'll say about that so I don't spoil anything.

Favorite quotes:

-"It has been my observation that those who find beauty and joy in their current circumstances will find it anywhere they may go; whereas those who always yen to be somewhere else will find those same feelings resurfacing no matter where they find themselves."

-"It is remarkable how God works within the confines of the most trying circumstances to help us improve ourselves. I would not wish the hardships you have experienced upon you or anyone else, but I see the strength and wisdom you have developed because of them."

-"Everyone deserves kindness. It should be at the foundation of every act and every conversation. I only wish that those who refuse to accept so simple a truth would understand that when all is said and done, thoughtless or cruel behavior ultimately causes more damage to the giver than the receiver."

-Frustration was a poor companion, and he knew full well that he would be better off without it, but that did not make relinquishing it easy.

-"But that is what it means to love completely and to live to its fullest, is it not? We willingly set aside our fears and take a step into the unknown--a leap of faith, if you will--so that we might experience true joy."

Side note, I appreciate how Meg wasn't dumbed down. Often times when an author isn't immediately around children of a specific age that they're writing, it can be easy to write a 4-year-old in a way that a 2-year-old might act. This is easy to understand the confusion, but as a parent of young children (my youngest is 3), it can be a pet peeve at the same time.

A Provincial Peer was such an encouraging story about a trying time in history. Smallpox was so deadly. Caroline and Benedict had a sweet journey. And I loved Meg and Benedict's relationship with her. The mystery was just enough for me that it didn't take over the rest of the plot, but it enhanced instead of taking away from the plot. A Provincial Peer gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Provincial Peer? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Provincial Peer

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

A Provincial Peer (Georgian Gentlemen, # 6)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Expected Publication: May 7, 2024 by Covenant Communications

248 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Georgian

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Lord Benning is no ordinary nobleman. The heir to an earldom, he feels more at home working on the farm at his country estate than socializing in the ballrooms of London. So when a mysterious, veiled woman mistakes him for a farmhand, he takes the assumption in stride. And though he is not offended, he is intrigued.

Following a devastating outbreak of smallpox, Caroline Granger and her young daughter, Meg, retreat to Caroline’s childhood home in the village of Leyfield in Gloucestershire. Left widowed and weakened by the ravages of the disease, Caroline wears a veil to hide her facial scars and to prevent the inevitable gasps of horror or murmurs of pity others offer in response to her altered appearance.

Caroline is mortified when she learns of her error in addressing Lord Benning—or Benedict, as she called him during their growing-up years—as a farmhand. But shared childhood memories and a precocious four-year-old inevitably draw Benedict and Caroline together, and it’s not long before Caroline realizes that Benedict accepts every part of her—including her scars. With newfound courage and a growing love for Benedict, Caroline feels the first stirrings of hope. But when the disease that took so much from Caroline finds its way to Leyfield, she stands to lose more than she can bear, and Benedict must decide exactly how much he is willing to risk for a chance at love.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

The Unassuming Curator - Review

The Unassuming Curator (Georgian Gentlemen, # 5)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: April 11, 2023

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Emily Norton loves nothing more than losing herself within the pages of a good book. But the solitary pastime is poor preparation for participating in the dreaded London Season. Her trepidation over formally entering Society is all-encompassing, until she stumbles upon an enigmatic gentleman digging up flowers in a hedgerow. Before she can learn his name or the reason for his unusual activity, however, she is whisked into a carriage bound for London.

Henry Buckland has a secret: he cannot discern the difference between certain colors. It’s a particularly difficult disability for the curator of natural history at the British Museum, but no more challenging than his repeated attempts to outmaneuver the machinations of the town’s most notorious matchmaker. At his parents’ dinner party, he receives assistance in outwitting the persistent busy-body from a surprising source: the intriguing young lady he met on the country lane. As Emily and Henry become formally acquainted, they discover a shared love of science and nature that makes them ideally suited. However, Henry is not alone in his admiration for the young woman. As the competition to woo Emily escalates, so, too, do tensions at the museum. When an unexpected danger threatens Henry’s livelihood―and life―it appears he may not have the chance to win Emily’s heart after all.

I have only read books 3 and 4 in this series prior to The Unassuming Curator. Each book follows a different couple so the stories aren't entirely dependent upon each other. I rated both of the previous books 4 Stars. Each one had a couple and a love story I could root for. Each one also had a mystery to be solved and a bad guy to be apprehended. I liked that the love stories took the largest portion of the previous books, but the mysteries detract from my overall enjoyment of a book. Knowing that this book would be no different and knowing that I'm not all that interested in a curator of a museum--especially one so concerned about flowers and plants--led to me feeling less enthusiastic than I might have. But I've liked the previous books so I figured I would probably enjoy this one as well. And I did.

Emily is the sister of Adam, the leading male character from An Alleged Rogue. She is finally ready for a Season in the London marriage mart. Emily, Adam, and Phoebe have traveled to London to Phoebe's aunt's house to visit. Phoebe's Aunt Millward agrees to introduce her to her friends and contacts in the city. One of those such contacts is Aunt Millward's nephew, Henry. Emily is different from most women in London. She has a hunger for learning. She truly seems eager to devour any and all knowledge she can collect.

Henry is as the description and title state, a museum curator. While I don't find that job all that fascinating from my own personal interests, I was interested in the history of the museum itself and how Sian Ann Bessey chose to make this hero colorblind. This wasn't a condition much known about during this time period. As a matter of fact, no one really understood it yet. Henry has kept this knowledge a secret, but he finds it easy to confide in Emily as her hunger for knowledge is attractive to him, especially since she's just as interested in his work as he is.

Of course as I stated, there has to be a mystery, and I won't ruin any of that for you. I never find this aspect of the story to be my favorite, but I don't generally read mysteries at all for that reason. Sian Ann Bessey does a great job of including them and having them be a true part of the story without having the mystery take over or feel forced where it doesn't fit.

Favorite quote:

-The recent change in his colleague's attitude toward him made sense now, but understanding the reason did little to lessen the loss.

I liked this quote so much because it's so true. We can often understand people's action and even their motivations. But understanding doesn't change the fact that sometimes we are hurt by others. Sometimes things hurt us, even though we understand why they happened. It doesn't lessen our pain or our experiences.

The Unassuming Curator was exactly what I've come to expect from Sian Ann Bessey. I enjoyed it. I read it quickly. I found the inclusion of Henry's colorblindness interesting and unique. And I also enjoyed the information about the museum. I didn't enjoy the mystery as much as the rest of the book, but I never do. That's just a personal reading preference of mine. I will continue to seek out the rest of this series and Sian Ann Bessey's other work. The Unassuming Curator gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Unassuming Curator? What did you think? Let me know!

The Call of the Sea - Review

The Call of the Sea

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: November 1, 2022

272 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A Viking Historical Romance

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter―Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

I've read a few books by Sian Ann Bessey. She's not quite an auto-read author for me (yet), but I've enjoyed her books. I've not read any romance books featuring Vikings, so I was intrigued and decided to check out The Call of the Sea.

The Call of the Sea was a slow start for me. Rhiannon is unlikely to forgive or trust easily after her father is murdered in front of her. Even though Leif wasn't the one who did it, he was present and a part of the group who raided her home. He was standing right there when her father was killed. He offered her words that didn't mean much to her at the time. She wouldn't lightly turn her heart toward him. So much of The Call of the Sea was story-driven, not relationship-driven. Leif and Rhiannon were at the heart of everything that happened, but there was so much time with them being apart.

The mystery/plot was interesting, and I was trying to figure out who was behind everything. Actually, that's not entirely true. I had a guess on the who, but the why was what I was trying to figure out. On one hand, I didn't really mind this part of the story, but when I look back I feel like the story dragged a little for me due to the focus on the mystery.

Favorte quote:

-"I should like to postpone being brave until the morrow"...

The Call of the Sea was a good read, but it didn't blow me away. I liked Rhiannon and Leif. I liked their individual stories and their path toward each other. Much of the feelings felt rushed to me due to the large portion of the book the characters spent apart. Thankfully, the book did allow for this by saying they wanted to know each other better. The plot and mystery drove the story forward, and I enjoyed it while also felt like it slowed me down. Ultimately, The Call of the Sea gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Call of the Sea? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Call of the Sea

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

The Call of the Sea

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Expected Publication: November 1, 2022

pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A Viking Historical Romance

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter―Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

An Unfamiliar Duke - Review

An Unfamiliar Duke (Georgian Gentlemen, # 4)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: May 16th 2022 by Covenant Communications

290 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

I can't think of a single book where I've disliked the story that focused on a marriage of convenience where the couple ultimately fell in love. I mean I guess I'm just a sucker for this trope. An Unfamiliar Duke was no different. 

Rosalind and Sebastian have been betrothed since infancy. Their fathers were friends and hoped to spare their children the difficulties of finding a good match. Sebastian and Rosalind seemed to have only really met once in their past when they were children. Sebastian was fifteen I believe, and Rosalind was eleven. They didn't have the best initial reaction to the other. Rosalind talked a lot for a boy that was used to being mostly alone. And Sebastian cut her out in a way that made Rosalind feel unwanted. The two grow up knowing from this point that they're betrothed, but both are hoping to find a loophole to escape the contract. 

Unfortunately, the contract their fathers created is pretty airtight legally speaking. When the upcoming marriage can no longer be ignored, the two meet, and Sebastian at least asks Rosalind what she wants to do.  Luckily, these two ended up having some common areas of interest that laid the work for a friendship to form. From there things built rather slowly. Through shared experiences and teamwork, these two begin to develop a relationship that is not quickly broken. 

The relationship drove the story for me in An Unfamiliar Duke which is always my preference. Although there was a mystery or an added layer to the story that created some suspense and action mostly at the end. None of that was unpredictable. Yet I didn't mind because, again, it wasn't the driving force of the story. 

Favorite quotes:

-"You possess all the qualities necessary to be a marvelous wife."

-And if she truly wished to keep her list balanced, she must include the good no matter her current feelings.

-"...do not wish to compete with anything higher than this level of passable."

An Unfamiliar Duke was just what I was hoping it would be. Rosalind and Sebastian essentially have a marriage that they didn't pick yet can't get out of. They find a way to build a friendship that develops into more. All the while there are forces trying to work against them. I enjoyed every part of this book. An Unfamiliar Duke gets 4 Stars. Have you read An Unfamiliar Duke? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for An Unfamiliar Duke

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

An Unfamiliar Duke (Georgian Gentlemen, # 4)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Expected Publication: May 16th 2022 by Covenant Communications

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2021

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2021.

1. Mary Kingswood
2. Sally Britton
3. Tiffany Odekirk
4. Virginia Heath
5. Dana K White
6. Lacie Waldon
7. Lillie Vale
8. Sian Ann Bessey
9. Jentry Flint
10. Karen Thornell

Which authors did you read in 2021 for the first time? Let me know!

An Alleged Rogue - Review

An Alleged Rogue (Georgian Gentlemen, # 3)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: November 8th 2021 by Covenant Communications

332 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained. New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.

I'm just not a huge fan of mysteries, but I have found a love for historical romance. And I always feel like there's a surprising lack of the particular genre releasing that I seem to get hooked on at any one time. So I found myself branching out from historical romance to historical romance/mystery.

Whether I end up enjoying these books as much as I would like or not largely depends on whether the mystery takes over the story and is the focus or if the relationship is. I found that An Alleged Rogue was a good mix of both. I almost didn't make it past the very beginning since the villain narrates, and this tends to be a pet peeve of mine. But his narrations were usually short and the author moved on to the main characters very quickly each time. So I was able to get back into the flow without feeling too jarred.

Another pet peeve of mine is dialect. I do not like to get pulled out of the story over trying to read in a specific dialect. In this case, I suppose I am familiar enough with the dialect used that I didn't slow down because of its use. However, as a general rule, I prefer to avoid these.

Adam was easy to root for. He is working as hard as possible to save his family from financial ruin. He isn't afraid of doing manual labor. And he loves his sister quite fiercely. After being thrust into his responsibilities when his father died, he has neglected Emily's social needs basically because he was in survival mode. Emily didn't seem to mind. But now she is of the age where she needs to embark upon society if she is ever going to have a London season. So he sets about that course of action and kind of stumbles his way through.

Phoebe is all goodness. She cannot but help to assist Emily in her social needs. She befriends her as well as helps guide her through her needs for society such as learning a new dance and having some newer, more modern dresses designed for her. Phoebe's friendship with Emily opens her eyes to the unfair gossip about Adam and she begins to learn of his true character.

Of course, there is the "mystery" or I guess maybe it's not even that. Maybe it's suspense. I'm not sure. But I was on pins and needles during the height of this aspect of the story. I never doubted that the book would have a happy ending, but my goodness, this author had me feeling for Adam so much I could have cried. (I didn't.)

Even though I prefer to stick to stories that don't have this aspect of mystery/suspense to them, I find that An Alleged Rogue was a good mix for me. The relationship-building between Adam and Phoebe is still what drove the rest of the story for me. An Alleged Rogue gets 4 Stars. Have you read An Alleged Rogue? What did you think? Let me know!