It's always a pleasure to find a new author who can weave together such fabulous romance stories. Sian Bessey is definitely one of them. I really enjoyed that Rosalind and Sebastian started off as childhood enemies - as opposed to the usual childhood friends- before becoming lovers. I also appreciated that we got some chapters from their childhood, as I felt that added to my understanding of the characters and my desire to see their relationship hopefully one day flourish. A lot happens in between, but the book is definitely about Rosalind and Sebastian at its heart.

Hands down Sian Ann Bessey is my favorite author of historic novels. She writes so beautifully and each time reading her book gives me such a happy feeling.

I am just completely in love with her characters who are courageous, honorable, kind, with a lot of inner beauty that makes a reader easily to fall in love with them, admire them and to wish of knowing them in one's real life. The development of the love of the main characters is like a blossoming flower - so innocent, pure and based on the deepest feelings, admiration and growing deep love towards each other. It's been a while since I encountered such beautiful writing and style and I cannot wait to read more.

I am very grateful to NetGalley for introducing me to this author and allowing me to read her novels in exchange of an honest review.

I absolutely adore Sian's books. I especially like the Georgian series because of the history she puts into them. I've learned something new about the Georgian era in every book in this series and they are just brilliant. Sebastian and Rosalind are absolutely delightful together and individually. Arranged marriage books don't always flow great, but this one did! The fact that they both tried to get out of it and couldn't and that they were both willing to at least try is what made this story so great! Every time I read one of these stories I think to myself this is the best male character I'll ever find, but then the next book comes out and I'm now up to four of the best male characters of all time. This story is truly beautiful! Unique as it talks about the inventions of the 1700's. Truly a wonderful read!

This book has become one of my new favorites! I didn’t think anything could top the first book in this series but I loved this story every bit as much as the first one. Rosalind and Sebastian were great characters. They were both humble and kind and really tried to make this marriage of convenience work. This book is a sweet and clean historical romance. It is a book I would definitely recommend reading.

Sian Ann Bessey has a very pleasing writing style. It flows well and is easy to read, yet has interesting words that I can add to my vocabulary. I appreciated this marriage of convenience where the characters were willing to give it their best effort, see each other in the best light possible, and apologize when needed. There wasn't excessive relationship stress, although there was character growth. The characters were intelligent and unafraid to be so, and complimented each other nicely. The plot was driven by other circumstances and was compelling. I enjoyed the historical angle and learned new things about inventions and industrial progress in the late 1700s. I really enjoy Bessey's work, and this book did not disappoint!

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

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

I really enjoyed this story. This was a clean historical romance, set in the Geogian era. It starts in 1772, when a 14 year old Sebastian Lumley, future Duke of Kelbrook, decides to hide himself away in his treehouse refuge, to get away from his parents houseguests, including their annoying daughter, 10-11 year old Rosalind. He bars her from his treehouse, because she is a girl, and vows that she will not set foot into it until they are married. She vows that she will never set foot in it, as she will never marry him, only to find out that their father's have already contracted a betrothal agreement between her and Sebastian, to come to fruition after her 21st birthday.

Move ahead 10 years. Sebastian has become the Duke, and has become known for his intelligence and success in industry, fostering the development of industrial innovators. He has never really engaged in Society, considering he has no need to be part of the Marriage Mart, knowing that he is in a binding betrothal contract to the daughter of his father's friend. On knowing that, though, he has not bothered to court her, to learn more about her, or even to know what she looks like. Likewise, Rosalind, despite being out in Society, has heard nothing from Kelbrook, until a couple of weeks before her 21st birthday.

They decide to continue with the betrothal, and Kelbrook, realizing that he has erred, pays nominal court to her before wedding her shortly after her birthday. He is not a bad man, nor even intentionally negligent or malicious. But he has been thoughtless, and focused on other concerns, as well as used to being on his own - an only child, a bachelor - and not used to being concerned for the feelings of another person. He realizes this and that he does not know his wife, and despite a few hurtful missteps, endeavours to work to get to know each other, actively involve Rosalind in his life, and make the marriage work. He discovers that Rosalind shares a love of numbers with him, and despite not having the same educational opportunities, is very intelligent and caring. They grow to care for each other, and realize the depth of their emotion when challenged by an outside threat.

This was a lovely historical love story that was beautifully written, and I loved the story of the treehouse and what it represented for the both of them, at the beginning of the story, and later on to represent his welcoming of her in his life. Also, the fact that really, his workshop became his adult treehouse, and while initially no one was allowed in it, he did trust her and allow her into it too.

4.5 stars out of 5.

This series has just gotten better with each installment. Sian knows how to make a swoony Georgian era man. Sebastian is one of them. With each book in this series, we have been given an adventure along side information that may not have been as widely known or realized. We got adoption, smuggling, and identity theft in the previous books. To get to see a side of innovation in the late 1700's was pretty special.

Rosalind is a woman that loves numbers. She loves counting and it calms her in stressful situations. She is also kind and forgiving. She is a woman that has many qualities that I would love to have said about me. I felt like Sebastian was a good communicator. There were moments where he would make a mistake and it would be hurtful, like in any marriage or relationship (because that is totally normal and real), but instead of just saying he was right or it wasn't a real problem, he recognized where it was wrong and tries to fix the problems.

Sometimes I like knowing who the antagonist is right from the beginning, and others I don't. I was able to pin it down pretty quickly in this one. Sometimes that can be a deterrent, yet it wasn't in this book. I was curious to see how it was going to play out.

Sian is a master at her craft. Reading books set in historical timelines that have such great detail, depth, and give me the ability to learn something are nothing short of spectacular. Her characters deal with problems that would have been real for that time. Getting to read about those problems helps us understand history and can help us move forward. I applaud Sian for bringing that to readers.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I loved this sweet arranged marriage romance. I loved that the main characters went into their marriage with some level of maturity even if neither of them were keen on the arrangement. They could have chosen to be nasty toward each other. I loved watching them grow to love each other. I also quite enjoyed the cook and the butler. They were great secondary characters.
I figuratively held my breath as I read, knowing that Rosalind would at some point be in danger (it is in the book description) and also realizing who the villain would likely be. She had quite the day and night in peril, both of her own choosing and because of the villain. I loved how brave she was through both situations. I also loved Sebastian's reaction to Rosalind's lists. Those lists provided sweet moments for each of them.
I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who loves sweet, clean historical romance.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some

Adored this book! Loved the pacing and character development throughout. I think maybe there could have been a bit more conflict between the two or arguments with smaller things. As well as a bit more physical romance (not as in overly descriptive erotica, but perhaps a little push or talk of expectations for after they marry. It seemed odd they didn’t even speak of it).

If I could only use one word to describe this book it would be riveting. This is without a doubt my favorite Sian Ann Bessey book to date.

If I could give it more than 5 stars I would without even hesitating. This had all of my favorite tropes and they were executed perfectly. I was deeply invested in this story!! I loved the flashback beginning that set up for some crucial information that explained so much later on in the book. I loved the romance--the tension was FANTASTIC. The characters emotions were palpable through the page and I will read anything and everything this author ever publishes because of this book alone.

Have I mentioned it was fantastic?

My favorite thing about this author's books, and especially this book, is the character development. Never have I ever read about more amazing characters than from this author. They are such good people that can still have complete character arcs throughout. I wish I knew better how to word that, but I LOVE her characters that bring so much good and light to the literature world.

Sian, I am a fan for life! Thank you for your books!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This may have been my favorite of the Georgian Gentleman series! I loved how it started and the ending was perfect! Rosalind and Sebastian were great characters. I loved there chemistry and how they naturally grew together! I’m now ready for even more of their story!

As children, Rosalind and Sebastian didn't quite click. In fact, Sebastian took to avoiding Rosalind and forbidding her from being with him. Unfortunately, their father had already arranged their marriage...

I think this might be favorite in the series so far! Of course, Rosalind and Sebastian both have a lot of angst regarding the arrangement by their fathers. So naturally, Sebastian avoids Rosalind for the next 10 years until avoidance is no longer possible. Rosalind is still stinging from that rejection 10 years before as children. That means the beginning is rocky and bumpy and even more rocky! What I love about this story is you get to see them progress in their relationship. They both choose to make an effort and to have patience and to forgive. It's a beautiful story with, as another reviewer stated, "slow burn" romance.

Then there are the adventures! They come later in the story but it was intense! I couldn't put the book down and go to bed and leave them in such situations!

I loved this book! The arranged marriage trope is one of my favorites and this was done really well. I loved the characters and the progression of their relationship. I also the thought the parts about the inventions was interesting! I would highly recommend for fans of clean historical romance!

I really enjoyed this book so much. It will go on my keeper shelf. I couldn’t read this book fast enough.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, hopefully there will be a next one! A wonderful clean book.

I am a sucker for the marriage of convenience/arranged marriage trope, and this book truly delivered. Rosalind and Sebastian's friendship-to-romance was sweet, engaging, and heart-warming. I appreciated how they were able to bond over their love of math -- a unique spin I haven't seen before.

This is the 4th book in the Georgian Settlement Series even though it can be read as a standalone. I will try to finish other books in the series only if time allows me. I started this book at night and finished it in 2-3 hours. So it was a short and enjoyable read for me. There were many factors due to which it became my favorite read.

The story presents the 18th century Britain. This era is also known as British industrial revolutionary era. You’ll find many scientific and mathematical calculations.Why? Because the duke in the cover photo is an engineer😅. From Hot Air Balloon to construction of bridges this contain many scientifically compelling things. I also like the author’s notes at the novel as it was very helpful.

The relationship between the duke Sebastian and Rosalind was fascinating or I must say adorable. As you can see in the synopsis it was an arrange marriage plot. There wasn’t any unnecessary details about their relationship. That’s why the story seemed to me intriguing and precise. Their affinity seemed interesting from the beginning. Sebastian made many mistakes (not kind of huge one) but I liked he at least apologized to her in the end. Author actually meshed historical details with the Sebastian and Rosalind story.

The risk taking element in the novel. It kept me thrilled to end. The diverse cast of the supporting characters kept the story entertaining. The people at the Finley Park were really amazing especially Mrs. Frost😂.

If you are a lover of 18 century Britain along with trill and romance then you should give it a try. It will come out in the mid of May so put it on your TBR.

I really enjoyed this book. Maybe it was the fact that Rosalind loves numbers, maybe that Sebastian loves inventions. A marriage that has been arranged was not what they wanted, but good things can happen.
This book has engineering, inventions, math, a scheming lowlife, danger and a future.
Another win for Sian!

I got an arc of this from netgalley. I was so excited to get this one, ive loved the series so far. I enjoyed going back and seeing the story of characters we had already met and learning more about them.

I started this book at night thinking I would just read a chapter or two. All of the sudden it is way too late and I am half way through this book. This book just drew me in and I couldn't put it down. The story telling was so well done. I also really enjoyed the characters; they were all very well developed.
Sebastian and Rosalind are required to marry as soon as she turns 21. Both are not happy about this arrangement, but there is nothing they can do but uphold the agreement their fathers signed. Wrapped into this arranged marriage trope is a twist of intrigue that was beautifully forewhadowed.
Definitely a 5/5 for me!
#netgalley #anunfamiliarduke

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 an adorable couple, and I love the way their romance develops with an undignified encounter after years of separation, an unromantic proposal, an arranged marriage, and more! The story encompasses both light-heartedly humorous moments and perilously serious ones which 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 that 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.