Sophie Reads YA: Jenny Hartwell

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart (Ladies Covert Academy #3) by Jenny Hartwell

12:00

Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #3
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published July 4th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Her brother’s friend can post bail, but can he keep the lady reformer’s secrets?

When she’s in trouble…

Lydia Dashwood is used to skirting scandal—after all, she was once kidnapped for writing infamous political articles at a secret academy for ladies. But when she’s accidentally arrested with a group of peaceful reformers, the clever writer is forced to ask for help from her brother’s far-too-charming friend who has the skills to assist…if she can ignore the way he makes her heart flutter.

He comes running…

Benedict Southcott has long abided his friend’s warning to stay away from Lydia— my sister isn’t for the likes of you. The disreputable viscount is used to hiding away his yearning for her and playing the carefree rake. But when Lydia needs him, he can’t say no to her offer. In exchange for helping her and the reformers, she’ll give him a reputation makeover. Respectability would mean he can finally court her…if he can resist her scandalous kisses.

To risk scandal for love…

When Lydia and the reformers undertake a daring political project, Benedict is forced to choose between his newfound respectability or joining Lydia in her cause.

How much will he risk for a chance to win her heart?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Though she may be an Earl's sister, Lydia Dashwood finds herself in trouble when she is arrested with a group of peaceful political reformers. Relying on her brother's best friend, Benedict Southcott, to post bail, Lydia knows he will always be there for her. What Benedict doesn't know is that Lydia has a past with trouble, and her political writings have led her to be abducted, and someone is out to get her again. But Benedict loves her, and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if she never returns his feelings.

This was the perfect ending to the series. After Pippa and Jane got married, Lydia was left alone to run the Ladies Covert Academy, and at the worst possible time. She's arrested, investigated, and there are people out there to stop her writing, and stop the Academy from running. She needs to rely on Benedict, but his reputation is one of a wastrel and rogue, and no one ever seems to take him seriously. Unfortunately the reputation is not one he deserves, but it's a struggle to even convince those he loves to believe it. I'm glad that Lydia starts to realise his worth, and he isn't left pining after her for so long. The extended cast of characters were wonderful too, and this book was definitely the culmination of the series. A lovely ending to a great romance!

Dates Read:
July 16-17, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Secrets of a Covert Lord (Ladies Covert Academy #2) by Jenny Hartwell

11:00

Secrets of a Covert Lord
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #2
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published April 4th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
For passion to bloom, the lady botanist must uproot his secrets.

She’s cultivating a secret life…

Jane Brickley is stifled by overprotective parents…until she joins a secret academy for ladies to study botany. But when a suspicious burglary closes the school, she’s determined to uncover the mystery and get her beloved academy reopened. Jane recruits an insider’s help, and although the charming servant Dev is completely unsuitable, his smiles still plant seeds of longing in the fertile ground of Jane’s heart.

He’s disguising his quest for his birthright…

Dev Holford, the rightful Marquess of Rowling, poses as a servant at the academy while he secretly hunts for proof of his legitimacy. Things grow complicated when the evidence vanishes, a distant relative may be trying to kill him, and a clever botanist pressures him to help solve the mystery of the academy burglary. But when Jane’s investigation intersects with his own, it’s only logical to share clues…and perhaps stolen kisses.

Their love grows…

As Dev and Jane work together to unravel the mystery, the covert lord who never belonged will fight for a home where he can put down roots at last… in the arms of his true love.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Jane Brickley's life has been filled with her overbearing parents, and her only freedom is spending time at the Ladies Covert Academy, with her plants and friends, and hopefully getting to see Dev Holford. She's always been attracted to him, and hopes he feels the same way, but Dev is hiding the fact that he is the rightful Marquess of Rowling, and someone is out to kill him to stop him claiming his inheritance. When the Academy is burgled, and it looks as if Dev's proof has been stolen, he needs to rely on Jane, and hope she is trustworthy.

A wonderful regency romance, with a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Dev is the rightful heir to the late Marquess of Rowling, but only a handful of people know the truth. While growing up in India, there were multiple attempts made on his life, so he was brought to London, disguised as a servant in his stepmother's household. He's always cared for Jane though, but until he can take his title, he feels as if he isn't good enough, but Jane has never cared about that. Being able to work with him, and finally be taken into his confidence, was a dream for her, and I loved how he never doubted her brilliance, and was always encouraging Jane, no matter what. We got to see Jack and Pippa again, now married, and the sparks are flying between Lydia and Benedict! Another great book in the series.

Dates Read:
July 15-16, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: How to Court a Covert Lady (Ladies Covert Academy #1) by Jenny Hartwell

10:00

How to Court a Covert Lady
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #1
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published January 31st 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
The lady fencer takes a stab at adventure…and love.

She’s keeping a secret…

For years, Miss Pippa Chester hid away in fear...until a covert academy for ladies posing as a charity group taught her to fence. Blade hidden, Pippa confidently reenters London society, but her new life is threatened when a handsome, flinty-eyed lord blackmails her. Pippa must help find his missing sister or he’ll expose the secrets of the academy Pippa would do anything to protect.

He’s looking for the truth…

Jack Dashwood, Earl of Hartwick is frantic to find his sister, and when her supposed charity group fails to assist, he takes matters into his own hands. The lovely Pippa is as good at finding clues as she is with a sword, and soon they’re chasing leads together. But the double-edged danger of his fascination with the mysterious Pippa combined with the passion that sparks with each kiss threatens to sidetrack their investigation… and overwhelm the control that Jack so desperately needs.

They’ll uncover something new…

As Pippa and Jack battle thieves, a duel, and shadowy powers in parliament, they must trust in the most powerful weapon of all…their hearts.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Pippa Chester has always stayed in the background following events in her past which left her scarred. Her only saving grace was joining the Ladies Covert Academy, taking lessons in fencing and self defence. When one of her friends goes missing, Pippa knows she needs to help find her, and not just because Lydia's handsome brother, Jack, is blackmailing her.

A new series and author for me, but it was such fun! Jack may be Earl of Hartwick, but family will always come first. After Lydia, his younger sister, doesn't come home from her charity meeting, Jack goes to find her, and rather than finding ladies doing charity work, he sees Pippa practising with her epee in the garden, and soon realises that there's more to the group than meets the eye. Blackmailing Pippa for help, he knows it's wrong, but he'll do whatever it takes to get his sister back. I loved that Jack soon realised that Pippa was strong, and didn't need protecting all of the time, and that she can help him like he never expected. Their chemistry and attraction didn't hurt though, but they fought in vain to deny it. I loved the mystery of the plot line too, and it's clear that it's setting up for the whole series, which I can't wait to read! A lovely start to a new series.

Dates Read:
July 14-15, 2023

Rating
3 Stars