The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere
Series: The Swooning Virgins Society #3
Author: Anna Bradley
Published June 1st 2021 by Lyrical Press

Goodreads Synopsis
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 . . .
Goodreads

Review
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!

Dates Read:
April 4, 2021

Rating
4 Stars