An Unfamiliar Duke

Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Georgian Gentlemen #4
Release Date: May 16, 2022

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.

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

An Unfamiliar Duke is a sparkling addition to the Georgian Gentlemen series. This enjoyable blend of romance, suspense, and history is my favorite of the series. It held me captive from the first page to the last. 

Rosalind and Sebastian are adorable, and I love how their romance develops with an undignified encounter after years of separation, an unromantic proposal, an arranged marriage, and more! The story encompasses light-heartedly humorous moments and perilously serious ones that create an emotionally rich read. 

Ms. Bessey expertly captures the flavor and spirit of eighteenth-century England with its social pretension and the exciting beginnings of the British Industrial Revolution. Her clear, concise prose makes for easy reading. 

A wonderful, diverse cast of secondary characters and witty dialogue add enjoyment and realism to the story. The compelling plot moves swiftly and smoothly to a completely satisfying ending that made me smile. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series.

Note: Even though this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Amy Smelser

This was a sweet, arranged marriage of convenience story (my favorite trope) between a young couple who were betrothed by their fathers since they were young children. When Rosalind becomes twenty-one, that is when her marriage is said to take place. She is to marry Sebastian, a future duke, but she barely knows him. Her previous encounter was when she was a young girl, and he, being a young boy, naturally would not let her in his treehouse. This set off an instant distaste for him in her young mind that only grew to more loathing as her twenty-first birthday approached. Especially as she has not had one word from him for years. She felt abandoned.

Now her father and his parents have passed on, and she has requested to be let out of this arrangement. Sebastian had tried to give her her request, but there was no way out. They were to be married anyway.

What plays out is a young couple hardly knowing each other but trying their very best to manage this new marriage. We see both mature through some ups and downs, and their marriage solidifies to what they both need. I liked going on this journey with them. Seeing they did not abandon one another but continued to cherish this marriage. Treating it with the respect, it deserved, and maybe just finding out how right their fathers had been about their future happiness.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher Covenant through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Sian Ann Bessey has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance authors. Not only is her writing beautifully crafted and impeccably researched, but her settings are richly painted. She is a master at creating multi-layered, colorful, and engaging characters.

I adored getting to know the characters in this book. Rosalind Ainsworth is a plucky young lady committed to an arranged marriage with Sebastian Lumley, Duke of Kelbrook. Whom she had despised since she met him when she was eleven years old. Sebastian is a somewhat distractible hero who enjoys helping others with their inventions but gets so involved in his work that he forgets about time. I enjoyed the interaction between these two characters as they got to know one another. When Sebastian’s secretive work becomes dangerous, can they work together to protect it and themselves?

An Unfamiliar Duke is Book 4 in the Georgian Gentlemen series. It is packed with adventure, atmosphere, and intrigue, with a big dash of romance. Although it is part of a series, it is a stand-alone book.

I’m looking forward to more books from this talented author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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