The Bluestocking Duchess

I loved watching Jocelyn and Alex muddling through their relationship as their circumstances changed. The connection between them was strong, from friendship to more. Jocelyn's penchant for speaking honestly most of the time made me smile every time, and I enjoyed her love of languages and translating, making her quite the bluestocking. Alex was a master at running an estate which boded well for his surprising change in situation. I also loved the secondary characters as they supported and teased their friends. I recommend this story. I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Sweet friends-to-lovers romance Alex is the estate manager while Jocelyn is the daughter of the estate's librarian. They've known each other for quite a few years, but his position forbids him to marry and she's enough younger that she doesn't think he'd even consider her anyway. They both go through several challenging changes in their respective future plans, supporting each other as friends but each believing that anything more is impossible. While it lacks consistency with the use of titles and forms of address, the overall story worked well within its parameters, effectively showcasing the challenges Alex and Jocelyn each faced as they balanced their own personal desires with the expectations of society. Each character was well developed and likable, and I really respected Alex's determination to stand up for himself towards the end. This was a delightful story to read, with a solid HEA and an engaging cast of characters. I hope to read more as this series progresses. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This gentle Regency romance draws the reader into the lives of the characters as they battle against the attraction that has been building for years, especially since they have come to know each other well. With the Duke of Farisdeen holding the purse strings, both Alex Cheverton and Jocelyn's father are dependent on him for their livelihood. However, when the heir to the Farisdeen dukedom dies, the mantle falls on Alex and suddenly nothing is clear-cut any longer. I enjoyed this novel, the easy banter between the main characters, and the fact that they saw one another without blinkers. Alex is protective and caring of Jocelyn, but respects her abilities and does not try to confine her to accepted feminine roles. When the truth about her silent activities surfaces, he is the first to stand in line and support her. The Duke of Farisdeen is appalled to see the development of the connection between Alex and Jocelyn and gives Jocelyn an ultimatum. She, however, has the strength of character and belief in herself to let him know where she stands. The novel is well written with wit and humour, and comes to a very happy conclusion, in spite of the obstacles thrown in their paths. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.