The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere was a delightful read featuring a romance between a disreputable earl and the woman who challenges him at every turn.

Working for The Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls, Georgiana Harley helps expose Society's most corrupt aristocrats. After Georgiana is tasked with assisting the Duchess of Kenilworth in escaping her monster of a husband, she begins setting her plan in motion. What she hadn't counted on was the duchess's brother interfering in her plans. Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere, isn't about to trust his sister's safety to some woman he doesn't know, no matter how brilliant she may be. In order to ensure the duchess's safety, Georgiana and Benedict will have to learn to work together. But as they work side by side, the attraction between them threatens to consume them both.

Georgiana is the character I've been most intrigued by thus far in the series. She's bookish, logical, and has a love for numbers. As far as she's concerned, everything has it's place and there are rules for a reason. We didn't get as much of a backstory on her as we did some of the other ladies which was a bit disappointing as I wanted to know more about her earlier life. Benedict portrays himself as a rake and he doesn't let many people see past that to who he really is. I liked getting to see more of who he really was as the book went on. One thing we did see right away was his excellent sense of humor which paired well with Georgiana's wit.

Georgiana and Benedict's relationship starts out as an adversarial one as they both want to help his sister but they don't want the other to be involved. Eventually the pair reluctantly agree to work together after they realize they can't get around each other. I enjoyed the pair working together as their styles complemented each other. As they worked together, they slowly began to fall for each other. The chemistry between them was fantastic and I really enjoyed the banter they shared. His humor and her wit made for a great combination. Their relationship didn't turn physical until over halfway into the book but when it did, the scenes were very well done.

Overall The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere was another great installment in the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington, when it releases later this year.

Anna Bradley was a new to me historical romance author and this was a hit. I can't wait to recommend her books in future historical romance podcast episode.s

When a Duchess needs help in disappearing with her son from her husband, she finds the right place by going to the Clifford Charity School for Wayward girls and Georgiana Hartley is ready to make it happen.

Of course, Benedict, Her Grace's brother, is a devoted protector of his sister and will not stand for any thing happening to her. He doesn't think Georgiana is up to the task.

When these two butt heads, it turns into a duel or words and witty banter. That is until each begins to gets to know the other and feelings begin to change.

Another great addition to this wonderful series!

I am surprised I finished this book. I found it to be very contrived and confusing. Other times I thought it was boring.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖 📖 📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (Though they are very close together)
Humor: Yes, a bit

Should I read in order?
It would probably help, as it gives you some background on where Georgiana lives (The Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls). Also Benedict is seen a bit in prior books. There’s some page time for prior characters but nothing excessive (more just here they are! Look how happy they are!). I think it would be okay as a stand alone though, as far as continuity issues.

Basic plot:
Georgiana is tasked with assisting the Duchess of Kenilworth with finding a missing person. But the Duchess’s brother, Benedict keeps interfering with her investigation.

Give this a try if you want:
- A mystery to follow – this whole plot revolves around solving it
- A mix of enemies to lovers feel with road trip romance – they have a bit of back and forth a few times, but generally work together toward a common goal
- Lower steam – there are 2 full scenes but they are quite close together towards the end
- Class differences – hero is an Earl, heroine grew up at a school for wayward girls
- Georgian time period – this one takes place in 1795
- Oh no, one bed! (happens multiple times)

My thoughts:
I am…..so sad. But this has been my least favorite Anna Bradley book to date. I’m not sure what happened. It could totally be me, my mood. I just had a hard time with this one.

I usually adore Bradley’s writing. I am usually totally sucked in and breathless and can’t wait to see what happens next. I usually find some parts outright funny and witty, and some just make me swoon. Bradley can write a simple look across a ball room and have my heart palpitating. When she writes little touches and kisses, my heart melts. But I didn’t find any of that here. I didn’t really have any favorite parts. I am sad.

I think part of my struggle could have been the enemies to lovers feel in the beginning. Benedict seemed so taken with Georgiana for nothing more than her sharp tongue because he loved to be scolded. And it was very mystery focused, though I did expect this after having read the prior 2 in the series (and enjoying them). I think this mystery didn’t work for me as well as the prior ones and that was part of it too.

Their investigation just seemed all over to me. And it had some missed opportunities for better tension to me. For example, they share a room at brothel with ONE BED. Instead of wanting each other and the longing for each other and thinking about each other….they literally go to sleep and wake up the next morning. I was like WHAT?! And then it did make up for a bit the next morning…..except when Benedict very first wakes up he doesn’t even remember where he is or who he’s with….he is SUCH a rake he runs through a list of women before recalling it’s Georgiana. As this was well into the book, I wasn’t a fan.

I felt like I didn’t get much of Georgiana’s background and I wish I did. Like in book 1, we meet Sophia before her life with Lady Clifford. I wanted that for Georgiana too. And I do wish at this point I had more background on the Clifford school itself. Throughout the 3 books I feel like I’ve gotten the bare minimum of what it even is. And how was the swooning virgin society even formed? I don’t recall this being addressed in the earlier books but maybe it was. Anyway, I was just left feeling like I had a lot of unanswered questions and wanted more information about a few things. I could definitely just be me. Overall the characters were okay, but they never surpassed that for me.

One of the best historical reads released this year.. Great characters and a believable romance a fun witty read.

This is the Third book in The Swooning Virgins Society. This is the story of Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere and Georgiana Harley. I have not read the author in a long time though I remember liking her books. Even though I had not read the series before I loved this book so much. It was very romantic and a huge page turner and I loved how strong a character Georgiana was. Benedict was an awesome character and I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love with each other.

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 . . .

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Thanks to Netgalley for the copy!
One of the tropes that I like is here! A notorious rake and an innocent virgin! I enjoy this one also! The characters are all very very likable! Highly recommend this book to historical romance fans!

✨gritty, feminist historical romances are definitely my thing. especially those with badass women in stem solving mysteries ✨

This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.

Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. 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 . . .?

Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot

I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!

So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.

Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!

The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.

I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.

Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars | 🌶🌶/ 5 steam

Thank you Lyrical Press, NetGalley, and Anna Bradley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book came out June 1st, definitely go pick it up 🙌🏼

I see what you did there, "Cinderella" retelling somehow.
I haven't read previous books, but I wasn't lost in the story and characters, so it can be read standalone.
Heroines were witty, funny, they had their little banters and cute scenes. I loved their chemistry,
I read some of Anna's books and they are all nice, and have just the read amount of steaminess.

The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere by Bradley, Anna is the Third book in The Swooning Virgins Society. This is the story of Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere and Georgiana Harley. I have read the previous books (and LOVED THEM!) but I did feel this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Georgiana and her friends who attended Clifford School have made it their business to protect those in trouble. This leads her to meet Benedict when she goes to help the Duchess of Kenilworth. I highly recommend this book and Ms. Bradley's writing. Loved it and the series.

Anna Bradley is a fairly new to me author and i have to say that I've really enjoyed her books! As soon as I saw The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere on Netgalley I immediately requested. This series is great and I have loved each book I've read so far.

This book follows Georgiana and Benedict and it was great to see things pick up between them from book 2 of this series. where they were introduced. When they run into each other again, there's definitely some tension due to the fact that she's chasing down some girls from the school and he's a bit tipsy but has been entertaining them. I honestly loved their reintroduction and the rest of the story kept me turning the pages.

If you're looking for a great historical romance series to pick up, consider these. The characters are well developed and their stories keep me interested until the very end.

I really enjoyed Georgiana and Benedict's story! I just loved the interplay between theses two. Georgiana had a job to do and she wasn't going to let anyone get in her way of completing it, but Benedict wasn't going to let the fate of his sister come down to the hands of someone he didn't know. This of course caused lots of angst! It was a great read!

Georgiana Harley is one of the grown up girls who were found by Lady Clifford and educated at her Charity School for Wayward Girls. 2 of her friends are married, and she is busy keeping the younger girls in order. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Lady Clifford for help, the mystery she presents them with eventually has something to do with her extremely personable, charming and plain evil husband.

Georgiana is logical, organised and methodical, so the Duchess's brother, the charming and happy-go-lucky Benedict Harcourt, keeps getting in her way and interfering in her plans. Her inconvenient attraction to this lovable rogue might be a mistake, as he has a scandalous reputation, but she can't seem to resist him. Benedict is not about to trust his sister and nephew's wellbeing to a young woman, no matter how capable. When Benedict engineers a way for them to work together on the case, it starts off a little awkwardly, but as they start to fall for each other. Can they keep themselves, Jane and Freddy safe and get their HEA.

This was a lovely read, with some great side characters in the young girls from the school, and some of Benedict's cronies.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

This is one Fantastic story I was not expecting at all! Gripping and Suspenseful! I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Heslemere. With a visit from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from the first two novels was enjoyable.

It's a action-packed rollercoaster ride as Georgiana and Benedict are both caught up in a perplexing mystery. As they realize a web of a devious mind spins a multi-layered web but will find that it will not prevail over its prey. As they try to figure out what is truth and what is lies they find themselves falling in love with each other.

Anna Bradley weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, violent ruffins, and danger. It's a well-written romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, titillating sensual passion, clever and witty banter and with one fantastic plot that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

Well this was sweet, refreshing and had me enjoying every page. This sexy reformed rake and innocent but not oblivious virgin we’re just a great couple from the beginning. Truly enjoyed the characters and storyline and the slight intrigue that was thrown in.

This was my first time reading Anna Bradley's work and it was a pleasure and the slow burn catnip I love.

I do not feel that you need to have read the first two installments in this series to understand this book. Some of the female main character's friends in the story are in the first two book installments, but the story does not revolve around them. I think reading the series in order might shed some more light on the school that Georgiana works at and its background.

I was surprised by the underlying mystery in the plot and found the story behind it to be well thought out and original. It was a driving force that kept the pace in the book, along with the smoldering heat between Georgiana Harley and Lord Benedict Hasselmore.

Here are some things that bothered me for some reason about the novel, thus the four stars:

·At some point in the novel, I wish that it touched back on Georgiana Harley's past that was presented in the prologue. This might be touched upon more in the first two installments of this series, but I do wish it had been something that was discussed and dissected more between Benedict and Georgiana. I felt the perfect opportunity was presented in the faro rooms.

·I audibly cringed every time Benedict referred to Georgiana as "princess" and "sweetheart." I just feel that these sort of patronizing terms of endearment are so outdated and hollow. They made Benedict's compliments sound completely flat at times.

·When Georgiana is getting ready to attend a ball with Benedict, she talks extensively about how the dress she's borrowed is far too big on her (especially in the bust) and is not flattering. This is never brought up again, even though she is in the dress for something like three days. I thought at one point she would have a dress given to her by someone at the places they stay along the way but it's never mentioned. She never attends to her toilette and I find this hard to believe considering Benedict's various descriptions of how tempting she is to him.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions in the above review are of my own.

Ahhhh the story of Georgiana and Benedict... Our heroine is approached to help a damsel in distress.. Yes, folks, She will help a `sister` find a missing person. She has no idea the full scope of the problem, but WE know we are not getting the full story here. Sworn to secrecy... of course, she becomes tangled up with/at the mercy of... the delicious hero (dashing and yummy brother of our damsel in distress), who is not supposed to know anything about this but somehow.. well... he inserts himself into the story line. What follows is a love story woven around a cold case. What's not to love? I cannot recommend more highly Do NOT miss this book! #MysteryLovesRomanceAndSheMightLoveHimBack

Fun read!

I don’t think I’ll ever look at a jar of quince or strawberry preserves in quite the same way again! Intrigued? Read on!
Georgina Hayley (one of the surprising young ladies from the Clifford Charity School) has been assigned to help the Duchess of Kenilworth and her son escape the clutches of her abusive husband.
That leads Georgina directly into the path and ire of the Duchess’ brother, Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere. Ire might be a tad strong. After all Benedict has swanned his way through life with a smile and masculine charm. In Georgina he meets his match. The smile and charm apparently fall on deaf ears. Focusing on his own pursuits, Benedict is somewhat blind to his sister’s situation. Although there have been some clues for him to notice if he’d a mind to.
Georgina and Benedict’s conflict is that of endearing moments and laugh out loud occasions. Crossing swords metaphorically is just some of the excitement. The meeting of their minds and more, raises the heat level.
Another great edition to this series as these two battle it out.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley

A story that starts a little slow but picks up pace very quickly as it moves forward. I loved Benedict and Georgiana and their slow burn romance. The mystery element in the story was a delightful surprise and kept me at the edge of my seat wondering about the end. It was well written and beautifully incorporated into the story even while keeping the focus on Benedict and Georgiana. This is book three in the The Swooning Virgins Society series but it could be read as a stand alone. I liked the entire series so if you want to see the adventures of the rest of Georgiana’s friends, you should definitely read the series.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*