I thought Sian Ann Bessey fourth installment to the Georgian Gentlemen series, An Unfamiliar Duke, was an okay read. Three stars.

I loved reading about Sebastian and Rosalind as they have to overcome childhood perceptions and begin to respect and cherish each other. It was also fun to see some of the inventions of the Georgian Era. This is a well written story of love and heartache. Sian Ann
Bessey is truly a master story teller.

What a great book! I've loved each and every book in this series and this one did not disappoint. Rosalind and Sebastian were both fabulous characters, endearing and humble enough to get to know each better after a rough start to their relationship. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and would definitely recommend this book and this series.

"An Unfamiliar Duke" Georgian Gentlemen Book #4 by Sian Ann Bessey
A Gentle Joining – against the odds?
I am glad I requested the opportunity to receive an ARC of this story from the publisher. I had the impression from at least one reviewer that I would not like this story. But they were wrong. I think the story grew and flowed beautifully. And, as I said I am ever so glad to have spent my time with Sebastian and Rosalind as they grew in their marriage and their world. I feel that I have told a secret; but I don't think I have said any more than you could have gleaned from reading the description. If you like clean and sweet romance with a bit of excitement, suspense, and villainy. I expect you will enjoy your time within this story, too. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley
This review expresses my honest opinion

I have enjoyed the books that I've read by Sian Ann Bessey, so I was excited to read An Unfamiliar Duke. It features an arranged marriage, where both characters actually work hard to make the marriage successful.

This book was such a sweet love story! I actually enjoyed Sebastian's character more than Rosalind's, which is unusual for me in a book! Rosalind has an obsession with mathematics and counting things, which was sometimes a distraction from the story. Sebastian's obsession with his work and inventing was a bit more realistic. I did enjoy his perspective as he tried his hardest to make the arranged marriage work.

This is a wonderful clean romance, with a little bit of action thrown in! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or sweet romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Covenant Communications, and Sian Ann Bessey for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

Sian Ann Bessey is such a wonderful author! I absolutely love her other books and this one is no exception! Her writing is easy to read and easy to enjoy. Which makes her stories easy to fall in love with.

From a young age, Rosalind Ainsworth knew she was betrothed to the future Duke of Kelbrook. While she detested the idea of an arranged marriage, there was no way out of the marriage contract signed by her father. She had resigned herself to a loveless marriage to a man she did not know, one who, when she lost saw him years ago, denied her access to his treehouse simply because she was a girl.

Sebastian, now the Duke of Kelbrook, attempted to find a way out of the marriage contract signed by his father, but the contract was iron clad. Sebastian must marry Miss Ainsworth, an idea that distressed him so much so that he avoided her and her family until the last possible moment. Sebastian loves his work with inventors and uses it as an excuse to avoid his pending marriage until he is forced to acknowledge it. However, nothing prepares him for the woman is discovers in Rosalind nor the feelings he would develop for is bride to be.

Wow! What an enjoyable read! This book felt like the equivalent of a warm blanket and hot cup of cocoa on a snowy day.

Sebastian and Rosalind's marriage has been arranged since they were children. Sebastian has largely been absent from the social scene in London for the entirety of Rosalind's adult life so, when they marry the day after her 21st birthday, they are little more than strangers.

Often, arranged marriage books read like teenage dramas. They are fraught with bad communication, petty disputes, and stubborn characters. What Sian Ann Bessey did with this story was incredibly refreshing and so pleasant to read. Both Sebastian and Rosalind act maturely, communicate well, and make efforts with each other. It was so fun to watch their relationship bloom, and I honestly would not change a thing about this book.

If you're looking for a book filled with mystery and action, this is not for you. If you are looking for a clean love story with mature and likeable characters, then this should be first on your "to be read" list!

5 stars

Unusual story.

Rosalind has been under contract to marry Sebastian since they were childen. This was arranged by their father's. It mean that Sebastian wasn't chased by debutante and Rosalind would be cared for and not be dictated by her father's heir. Rosalind had met Sebastian as a child when he refused to let her join he and her brother in a tree house so she resents him for that.. Rosalind is kindly and extrovert, Sebastian is more introvery both like Maths.

There is a villain who tries to make off first with Rosalind and then with important Documents. Only kisses, even in a marriage context. I'd have liked more passion but it was a fun read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

AN UNFAMILIAR DUKE by SIAN ANN BESSEY is a delightful historical romance novel set in eighteenth century Britain, with some suspense, some humour, and wonderful characters. There is also a villain to make things more exciting! The author has done well in taking us through Rosalind and Sebastian’s emotions as they face a marriage arranged for them as children by their fathers.
Rosalind is fascinated by numbers and arithmetic and Sebastian is an engineer and inventor. The vivacious Rosalind has heard that thr duke is anti-social, but soon finds that he is hard working and has a good relationship with his staff. Also they have similar views on the hypocrisy found amongst the social set.
When trouble comes, we see Rosalind’s incredible courage and loyalty towards her new husband.
I highly recommend An Unfamiliar Duke to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance. I found the novel exciting, amusing and inspirational.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Sian Ann Bessey delivers the fourth in her Georgian Gentlemen Series. This can easily be read as a stand alone as I don’t believe characters overlap. (I’ve read the previous book in the series.) Rosalind and Sebastian, the Duke of Kelbrook, were contracted in marriage by their fathers when they were children. As Rosalind turns 21 Sebastian calls upon her in London to arrange the wedding and take her to their country home. I love arranged marriage tropes and in this one the two only met once ten years prior. The Duke is known as being reclusive and dabbles in engineering and new inventions. Rosalind, now a young Duchess must take on her role in her new home unsure of the feelings of her husband. She sweetly keeps a list of the Good and Bad she sees in her husband and I love her surprise as the good list grows.

This is a “proper" Georgian romance meaning that is clean for content as are all books from this publisher. The author does a great job of making a predictable trope feel fresh. The two are very sweet together. Sebastian makes a few mistakes but apologizes and learns from them. I also love the inclusion of inventions of the time period and the notes from the author at the end. I forgot how much I enjoyed reading this author and I need to read the first two books in the series. I’m looking forward to her next romance or her continuation of her Falcon Point series which I’m also reading. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this book. I loved the fun and witty banter between Rosalind and Sebastian. I loved the bit of mystery and suspense and I loved that I was so captured by the book that I couldn’t put it down.

I was so excited for another book in this series, and it exceeded all expectations. I love these characters and always wish the story would continue! They pull me right in and don't last long enough. Rosalind and Sebastian may have been matched at birth, but they end up being a perfect fit in my book. I hope there will be more!

The fourth installment of Sian Ann Bessey's Georgian Gentlemen series, "An Unfamiliar Duke" recounts the journey of a couple who reluctantly embark on an arranged marriage. Betrothed from the cradle, Sebastian Lumley, the Duke of Kelbrook marries Rosalind Ainsworth, sister of protagonist Jonas from "The Noble Smuggler". This story takes place two years prior to that first book; actions do not overlap.

I have a love-hate relationship with the arranged marriage or marriage of convenience tropes. Frequently there is too much drama in the marriage itself, the "hero" is a jerk, or the "heroine" is a timid crybaby. Thankfully, that is not the case here. Indeed, these two virtual strangers are both honorable people who work hard to make their marriage a success. Their mutual love of numbers and care for others see them through. There's a villain, who is determined to achieve success.

This book also details some interesting scientific achievements, from the Montgolfier brothers' early work, to Andrew Meikle, and more. Sian Ann Bessey's prose is lovely and descriptive. Her characters are well-developed, secondary players included. While this the fourth in a series, it is a stand-alone tale.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of the engaging novel.

I loved how the romance developed in this book. There were many mistakes along the way but I loved how the two asked for forgiveness and tried again. I thought this book was very well written. I loved the dual point of views. I felt the emotions of the main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

I knew the basics of this book, but I purposely didn’t read the synopsis so I could see the story unfold without prior knowledge of the plot. I’ve done this a few times, and most of the time I love reading like this. And I can say I loved this book from page one! Instantly you know what to expect and I personally fell in love with both Rosalind and Sebastian in the first few pages. Who could resist an arranged marriage story with a brilliant and strong heroine and a sweet, hardworking genius hero who is also a Duke? I know I can’t resist as story like that. Rosalind and Sebastian are perfect for each other and it was a joy to see them discover that as they come to know one another better.
Sian Bessey’s books are an absolute pleasure to read and are filled with beautiful settings, an engaging plot, and lovable characters.
An Unfamiliar Duke is full of fascinating facts about the beginnings of the industrial revolution in England. These facts were woven throughout a heartwarming and sweet romance story that also included a bit of suspense and discovery. It was the perfect combination of an informative historical novel and an endearing love story.
This is the perfect addition to the Georgian Gentlemen Series, which is becoming one of my favorite series of all time. An Unfamiliar Duke is a great book for anyone looking for a clean historical romance that leaves the reader perfectly content after the last page.

Review posted via. Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4668648449
This book is Sian Ann Bessey's forth book in her Georgian Gentlemen series.
Rosalind Ainsworth and Sabastian Lumley were childhood friends. At the young age of eleven, Rosalind learns of her and Sabastian's fathers' agreement. At her twenty-first birthday, she is to wed Sabastian and become a duchess. With the time quickly approaching, the two are brought back together after not speaking in years to make appearances before they are married. after a swift marriage, the couple returns to the Duke's childhood home. Thrown into the fold of managing a household and her unreadable husband, can Rosalind be content and possibly even find love with her husband?


This was a fun read. Even though it is a part of a series, I was able to read it as a standalone. I enjoyed the banter between Rosalind and Sabastian. This book had me until the last page.

I loved this book! Rosalind and Sebastian are wonderful characters with depth. I loved their kindness to others and to each other. I loved how they decided to be patient with one another while they were coming to know one another. Their love is so beautiful. I would highly recommend this book.

This is the last book in the series and it does not disappoint. What a wonderful way to end a series! We are introduced to Rosalind in the first book A Noble Smuggler (Jonas's older sister). The pairing of Sebastian and Rosalind was perfection. They are everything you would want a duke and duchess to be and more! if you seek mystery and romance I highly recommend this one. Definitely five star worthy!!

An arranged marriage and secrecy in the race for innovation begin this story. Though they start on shaky footing, Rosaline and Sebastian's relationship grows as they begin to let go of who they believed the other to be based on their childhood, learning to accept the other for who they are. There's suspense as closely guarded inventions are eagerly desired by some for the finances it will bring.

This is my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!

I have a soft spot for arranged marriage to true love tropes, and this novel did not disappoint! The Unfamiliar Duke is the fourth book in the Georgian Gentleman series by Sian Ann Bessey. While this read alone beautifully, I will definitely be picking up the previous novels on my next trip to the library.

Our heroine, Rosalind Ainsworth, learns that she is betrothed to our hero, Sebastian Lumley (the future Duke of Kelbrook), when she is denied entry into his treehouse while the families are visiting the Duke’s country estate. For the next ten years, both Rosalind and Sebastian dread the thought of their arranged marriage.

However, when these two meet again, they slowly realize that marriage to each other might not be undesirable. As their love story blooms, they are brought together by their mutual passion for counting and threatened by a scorned suitor. You will not be able to put this book down!