Usually I can only read historical romances by Sarah Eden, because so many other authors miss the mark, but Sian Ann Bessey nails it. Her novels have a different flavor than Eden's, but still realistic enough for you to imagine yourself there with the characters.

I loved seeing how Rosalind and Sebastian negotiated their unwanted arranged marriage. From the awkwardness of youth where their brief encounter led to fear and resentment on both sides, to adulthood where neither wishes to fulfill the contract their fathers' contract. Unfortunately neither has a choice in the matter.

The character growth was realistic, the relationship believable, the villain was a little too predictable though still provided some good moments of suspense.

A great read.

I adored this wonderful marriage of convenience story. It began with a flashback to ten years earlier, when the main characters were fourteen and eleven and Sebastian let Rosalind know that they would be forced to marry when she turned twenty-one. Neither were happy about it and Rosalind was especially disheartened.

The main portion of the story, which is ten years after that initial conversation, finds the Duke and Rosalind realizing that their marriage agreement is solid and unbreakable. I appreciated that these two did not go moping around about it, but set a date to wed and even worked to try to get to know one another.

Something so enjoyable about this story was that these two people were very realistic. Some things worked very smoothly for them. I especially loved seeing them bond during the carriage ride after the wedding and during some other outings when the Duke specifically worked to get to know his bride. Yet, almost immediately upon arrival at their home, Sebastian unintentionally caused a lot of distress to Rosalind and made her feel very unwanted. The way he handled the situation with a heartfelt apology and worked to make things right, along with Rosalind’s willingness to forgive, made for a marriage that slowly grew from convenience to more. These two were so sweet together and I would love to see future stories that included catching up with them again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Full review coming up soon. I have read a few of the authors books and started this series. I need to finish the book soln

I have loved this whole series! They are so well written.
Sian writes a whole lot of historical bits into her books while keeping them interesting. Everything she writes is so believable too.
The characters were amazing and the plot held my interest. This series is one I would recommend to my family and friends for sure.

Sian Ann Bessey never ceases to amaze me. Her characters are so rich, her plots so intriguing, and the history in the story always both unique and accurate. This story tugs at the heartstrings and allows readers of her Georgian Gentleman series to enjoy the journey of a character previously introduced. Reading the others in this series first isn't necessary, but once you read this, you'll want to go back and read the others. As always, the writing is exceptional.

A completely stunning masterpiece! I loved this book so much. As much as I loved the rest of the series, this is my favorite. I'm absolutely a character-driven reader, so I always appreciate strong characters who exhibit growth. Rosalind and Sebastian were amazing! I loved the slow burn, I loved how they became friends first, and I loved how hard they worked at their relationship.

Sian Ann Bessey has quickly become one of my most favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what's next. Honestly, I could go for a dozen more stories in this series!

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the review copy!*

Rosalind and Sebastian have been engaged since birth. They've known about the betrothal for years, but each hoped that the betrothal would be dissolved. The last time these two saw each other, they were 14 and 11 (literally the most annoying age), and neither left a very good impression on the other. But when Rosaling reaches the age of 21, these two have no choice but to enter into a marriage of convenience. The real question is, can they overcome their own expectations and preconceived notions to find love?

This was a sweet, closed door romance. Typically, that's not my thing, but the way that Bessey wrote this book, I really didn't feel that it *needed* spice to show a connection between the MCs. It's slowburn, marriage of convenience (arranged marriage? is that the same thing?) with two super sweet main characters. Sebastian is truly a GOOD man. He cares about his tenants, he cares about his Dukedom, and he cares about his wife. Rosalind and Sebastian aren't enemies to lovers, even with an unwanted marriage. They truly start off trying to make a go of things, even if they don't love each other. Because, at the end of the day, they're married. And that's til death in Georgian era England.

There's a little suspense at the end that keeps this book from being just about the MCs relationship. I thought it was REALLY well done and fit in well with the rest of the plot!

#anunfamiliarduke #netgalley

This was a great story to read. I loved the storyline and the characters, definitely recommend this book!

I came into this series, not knowing it was a series. I would say confidently that each book can be read independently. This was a fun arranged marriage story. There was history there when Sebastian and Rosalind were children, not all of it good. I loved the unconventional interests displayed for this time period. Sebastian has an interest in inventions and innovations. He helps inventors with their plans and is interested in progress. Rosalind supports his interests and is interested in mathematics. I loved the way their relationship grew through small moments, day by day. There was intrigue, and a genuine feeling romance. Well done, Sian Ann Bessey!

I don’t know how she does it but Ms Bessey has written another amazing favorite! I couldn’t put it down! Our hero and heroine have some walls to break down about each other and the process is a slow and sweet realization. I really love this series.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is a sweet book. I loved Rosalind and her lists! I like that she was educated and an intellectual match for Sebastian. You can't help rooting for them to get together!

I am always looking for new authors in the historical romance genre and I have definitely found one to add to my list. This is the first time for me reading one of Ms. Bessey's books and it certainly won't be my last. Ms. Bessey does a really nice job of bringing the story to life and pulling you in so that you feel as if you are right there. The characters were well-developed and the storyline flowed smoothly.
This is a sweet and charming story involving an arranged marriage. Rosalind and Sebastian's fathers arranged their marriage at birth, so they knew growing up they were destined for each other. They didn't necessarily get along as children, and when Rosalind meets Sebastian again after ten years without having contact with him, her opinion has not changed. They honor the contract and wed, and that is when they truly get to know each other. As they spend more time with each other, their friendship begins to deepen and grow into more. I enjoyed the interactions they had and seeing them grow closer and realize their feelings for each other. This is a beautifully written story that captured my attention from the start and had me captivated till the end and I could not put it down. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more of Ms. Bessey's books. I wholeheartedly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Oh. My. Goodness!!! I love this book! I've enjoyed all the Georgian Gentleman books but this is my favorite!!! I loved Rosalind and Sebastian's story. Their families arranged their marriage while they were children and while Rosalind and Sebastian have known about it for years, each was hoping that their families would cancel the contract. This did not happen, and thus the marriage will take place shortly after Rosalind's 21st birthday, which is in a few months. The problem, besides the fact that neither party really wants to go through with it, is that Sebastian hasn't had any contact with Rosalind until now! He still thinks of her as an 11 year old chatterbox asking a million questions and she thinks of him as a ill-mannered 14 year old who wouldn't let her in his tree house. Will these two be able to see that the other has grown in the decade that's passed which will enable them to make a go of it?

I loved so many things in this book. I loved Rosalind and Sebastian's first meeting--both of them. The one where they didn't know who each other was and the one that followed shortly thereafter--I could just imagine their faces when they saw each other!! I loved that Rosalind loved numbers and knew that would end up helping Sebastian. I absolutely loved Rosalind's list--oh my heavens! As her list of "Good Things" grew and she scratched off the "Bad Things" I knew she was falling in love with Sebastian.

About Sebastian--he was such a good man. A little clueless but a good man and I thought he was a quick learner. Whenever he realized he'd made a muddle of things with Rosalind he put "safety measures" in place to help it not happen again. I loved his letter to Rosalind apologizing for their missed dinner--you could tell how sincere he was. I liked that he was one of those Duke's that cared about his tennants and helped them.

I love that the author writes in dual point of view so the reader knows what each of the main characters is thinking. I really liked that although Rosalind and Sebastian don't love each at the beginning of their marriage, they're cordial and friendly, there was no animosity between them. Being a lover of suspense, I really liked the suspense towards the end of the book and thought it fit well in the overall story in the book. Rosalind and Sebastian are now one of my favorite fictional couples and I onlywish there would be more books with them in it--like a series!!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Covenant Communications via NetGalley, and I also bought a copy for my personal library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

"An Unfamiliar Duke" was a sweet book.
The summary sounded interesting but I didn't have high expectations for this book, perhaps because the cover didn't really appeal to me. I wasn't too fond of the beginning of the book, but it got better and better! We get attached to the two characters, Rosalind and Sebastian, as they grow as individuals and as a couple. Add to this a rather original aspect of the book - the heroine and hero's passion for mathematics and inventions, and it ends up being an enjoyable read! I was glad to read a book that takes places during the Georgian era, as opposed to the more common romances being in the Regency era. It's interesting to spot the few differences between these two periods!

I loved this gentle romance! Rosalind and Sebastian are both entering the marriage with few memories of each other, but their maturity helps them navigate their new relationship and I appreciated that their struggles and progress were natural and I loved the small and significant moments that helped them grow closer together. The danger doesn't play a large role until the climax of the book, but the foreshadowing held me in anticipation while I read. The focus on their relationship made this book a pleasure to read, and I loved the way they connected over numbers and Rosalind's genuine interest in Sebastian's work of improvement and innovation. The historical details woven in were fascinating and made the era come alive. All the books in this series are excellent, and this is definitely one of my favorites of them!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Arranged marriages were not uncommon during the Georgian Era, in fact they were the norm. Not all arranged marriages were unhappy, and many were very successful. But there aren't many stories about those. I loved the mature and natural way Sian Ann Bessey presented it. It felt real for the time period, and was also infused with goodness and hope. Her plot felt both genuine and historically accurate.
I've mentioned before how much I love her ability to write tension. Both in the suspense and in the romance. This book had both of those. The romance was built slowly, but beautifully. And the mystery gives us little mentions that leave delicious breadcrumbs without ruining the suspense.
Her characters have quirks that are endearing and back stories that create depth. I immediately connected with both main characters and loved every moment of their adventure together.

The banter makes me smile, fun to read

I have enjoyed each of the books in this series, but this is my favorite so far. Rosalind Ainsworth and Sebastian Lumley, the Duke of Kelbrook, are to marry when she turns 21 due to a legal agreement their fathers made when she was an infant; but neither of them is happy with the arrangement.

The book starts in 1772 when she’s 11 and he’s 14. Sebastian won’t let her enter his tree house because she’s a girl. It may not seem like a big deal, but Rosalind always remembers the way he excluded her. Then it jumps to 1782 shortly before they are to marry. They have had almost no interaction with each other and are basically strangers.

I thought it was sweet they got to know each other better through letters and discovered a shared interest in math. Their banter makes me smile. The story pulled me right in and I loved watching their relationship evolve. Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for a temporary digital copy to use for my review.

This book is an easy five stars for me. This might be my favorite of the series and that is saying something because I've loved every book! There is just something about these characters that feels so comfortable and real.

Both Rosalind and Sebastian have known about their arranged marriage although not necessarily wanted it. They come into their marriage hesitant but their growing friendship and affections felt real and natural. I loved that they were both open and willing to knowing and understanding each other. There wasn't angst or meanness, just a growing trust that allowed me to love and trust them too. It all felt so good.

I loved the bit of danger and suspense there at the end! It made everything feel intense and alive and gave the plot that extra "umph" that put it over the top. Nothing like a bit of excitement to charge up the ending. I loved it!

Content: kissing, mild peril, mild violence

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own

I loved this book by Sian Ann Bessey! I have loved the other books in the series as well but I loved the characters in this one a lot. I loved how this was an arranged marriage story and how both Sebastian and Rosalind both had their misgivings about the marriage but as they got to know each other they saw how perfect they were for each other. I liked that they had similar interested and that they worked well as a team. I also liked learning a little bit more about the Industrial Revolution in Britain.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This has to be my favorite of the series, and I think I say that after each book! Marriage of convenience is definitely my favorite trope, and it was handle fantastically in the author’s talented hands. Seeing Rosalind and Sebastian give each other time to figure the other out was delightful.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.