A wonderfully written story that's quickly become one of my favorite reads so far! I loved reading about Hildy and Tobias and their obstacles to achieve their own goals.

I will definitely have to check this authors other books out!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, opinions are my own.

Just loved the book

Hildy is an independent woman who knows what she wants and has a matchmaker’s business. Tobias is a successful man who came from nothing. She is noble, and he is an illegitimate earl’s son. Hildy is hired to assist Tobias with his marriage to the daughter of a nobleman. They both have a strong sense of passion for life and their businesses. Although there is an obvious attraction between them at first glance, Tobias is Hildy's client, and she doesn’t want to go any further. Their sentimental bond eventually deepens, and the author does a great job of capturing the increasing chemistry between the two. She provides us with a lighthearted reading that is not dramatic.

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

I am so glad to say I finally got around to reading this beautiful book! It's been on my TBR for forever and I wish I'd read it long ago. From what I can tell, the reviews only go up from here, so I can easily see Tracy Sumner becoming a new favorite author for me. I absolutely loved her writing style.

There were so many beautifully written passages in this book. When I tell you I was a highlighting fool, I mean that. In this book we follow Tobias Streeter, a self-made, bespectacled, nerdy hero. He is made up entirely of book boyfriend material. You will fall in love with his charm immediately. Did I mention he’s part-Romani? He’s part-Romani. We also have our beautiful, spinster, bluestocking heroine, Lady Hildegard “Hildy” Templeton. Hildy works as kind of a matchmaker of sorts and is tasked with helping Tobias straighten up his reputation and court his betrothed. However, the immediate chemistry between these two is off the charts and soon, Tobias seems to be unwittingly courting the wrong woman.

I loved how every bit of this story played out. It felt like there were actual stakes and I didn’t know how these two would end up getting their HEA, but the author didn’t disappoint. I loved Hildy as a heroine. She was so headstrong and knew what she wanted in life and went after it. I also loved that Tobias showed the world one side of himself, but we, the reader, and Hildy got to know the real him and his heart of gold.

I absolutely cannot wait to continue in this series!

The first half of this book is a nicely tensioned slow-burn romance with two characters that you can believe the chemistry between. However the simple storyline and overall coziness of the feel of this book drops off a cliff at about 60% of the way through the book. Miscommunication, extra storylines, additional angst and unnecessary complications piled in at the 70% mark. I managed to push to 80% mark and ran face first into the second reinforcement of the "third act breakup", "tragic inability to be together" and "we must separate for our own good".
At that point I DNFed.

TLDR
First half of the book was a 4.5* but after the abrupt change in tone it's a 3*.

I was offered a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on NetGalley.

3.5 stars
Hildy is a matchmaker who is in the game to help the women not the men and her newest client is Toby, the Rogue King of Limestone(I think), a man her client the Earl asks that she civilize for his daughter(Maddie) who wants to be a doctor. Toby and Maddie have an understanding, he's using her to gain entrance to the Ton and she's using him to continue her studies as a doctor and with the knowledge that she prefers women. The minute Hildy and Toby meet though sparks start to fly and things get complicated.
I liked how self sufficient and independent Hildy was and that Toby was enthralled by that as much as her beauty. Toby was less interesting when compared to Hildy but he's a cinnamon roll and they work well together when they get out of their own way. The last half of this was better than the first as the beginning felt info dumpy but the last half was well paced and entertaining.

This author is more new to me and I absolutely fell in love with this book and the characters! Definitely worth a read and now I have seen that there are more books I’m this series I can’t wait to read them too!

I just adored this story! My first book from Tracy Sumner, and I quickly picked up the rest of this series! I'm excited to get into more characters from the series.

Hildy and Toby are just such a fun couple - I love their banter and whooooa that romance! Steamy! A fun, lively storyline and characters I just love getting to know. Easy, quick Regency read that was enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

"When faced with remarkability, she wasn't sure she trusted it."
I had a hard time getting into this book because the opening is a bit choppy at first; the dialogue didn't flow or feel organic, and the introduction to these characters felt forced. Summer's writing differs from other historical romances I've read, so adapting to that took some time. But once I found that rhythm, A Blazen Bluestocking hit *most* the beats. The book has MANY snarky one liners that are so poetic and well timed, I pushed through for that fresh breath of romance-- not only between the characters, but to that old regency feel.

The dialogue improves dramatically over the course of the book, but there were a few moments that I had to give the writing pause... There's a scene that's been bothering me that I wanted to take note on; the chapter starts with a ball, one that started off regal and exciting. We get this insight into Tobias's head, feel the flutter of rising tensions and pining. Loved that. Then Hildy had a panic attack, one that she is quickly whisked away from. Gently, we're brought to a safe place...

Tobias's house? I was willing to allow it, especially as Tobias quickly had to fumble a reason for his actions. Oh yes, meet my cat... no other reason. Until this line: "When Tobias left the room, she rushed to pick up his [discarded] tailcoat from the floor and burrying her nose in the wool and drawing a MINUTE LONG BREATH."
That is simply not something a normal person does. She rushed? Hurried? It wasn't subtle? Leaned into a coat rack? No, she hurried and took her time with it.

Stars, the second hand embarrassment... Regardless, this book does it's job. It checks all the boxes, and I can't fault it for that. But there were also many moments that felt choppy and awkward and forced. Romances have to flow, and I felt like I had to force myself through this.

2.5 Stars

EDIT AFTER NOTE: Books like this usually lean a bit to close to "historic values" like perceived virtue. Additionally, there is a queer character in this book. I felt like Sumner's had an opportunity to converse about these topics, give the characters some insight on how they feel regardless of the historical context. There is always room, in fiction, to address these feelings and I felt these topics were characteristically swept under the rug. I wanted to be pleasantly surprised, but instead it was ignored. Why have characters like this at all? Even the biracial was questionably handled...

Lady Hildegard “Hilde” Templeton has been tasked with bringing Lady Matilda Delacour-Baynham’s fiance up to snuff and if she does, she is sure that Lady Matilida’s father, the Earl of Hastings will hire The Duchess Society to advise his four other daughters on their journey to wedded bliss – a commission she sorely needs, as she has a lot of responsibilities and not a lot of money. She is sure she can get Tobias Streeter; a shipping magnate who is of Romani blood, and if gossip is to be believed, all-around bounder ready for the ton. But meeting him in person shocks her to her core – she has never had such an instant attraction to a man, granted Tobias is the most attractive man she has ever seen, but this is more than that. She reminds herself that she needs to focus on the prize and ignore whatever it is simmering between them. Easier said than done, especially when she learns the “Rogue King of Limehouse Basin” is a very nice man who among other things rescues orphans and cats.

Tobias Streeter is the illegitimate son of a Romani woman and a Viscount, life has not been easy but Tobias has made a fortune and is ready to follow his dream of working with famed Architect John Nash, but for that, he needs more than money, he needs connections to the ton and has found the perfect woman in Lady Matilda, as theirs will be a white marriage and he won’t have to change his lifestyle or worry about love. But that was before he met Lady Hildegard Templeton and she turned his world upside down and to make matters worse, as if his inconvenient attraction to her wasn’t bad enough, it appears that someone is trying to kill him. Soon he has choices to make, but a lifetime of fearing love makes it hard to accept that is what he is feeling or what he deserves. It isn’t until the real possibility that he could lose Hilde forever comes up that he finally knows what he has to do, but is it too late?

This was a very interesting story with very well-drawn characters and a somewhat unusual storyline. I really liked Hilde and Tobias, but their fears and seemingly contrived misunderstandings/misinterpretations dragged on a bit too long for my liking. There is also the fact that he was engaged to someone when the story opens, so there is also a bit of a cheating vibe – yes, his engagement was a business deal and his fiancee didn’t care if he had other women, but to me – cheating is cheating AND his fiancee was her client – so no, just no. That said, they never really crossed a line that made me want to stop reading and in the end, everything is as it should be. So if you are looking for a fresh story with great characters, true love, lots of interesting secondary characters, a soulmate type love, orphans, misgendered cats, steamy love scenes, abductions, grand gestures imagined but don’t happen, surprising twists and finally a HEA that began to seem impossible, then this is the book for you! This is the first book in the series, but there is a prequel novella that features her business partner, so you might want to read that first, but it isn’t strictly necessary to enjoy this story. So after some bumps in my reading journey, I ended up loving this book and can’t wait to read the next one!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for a review of my thoughts. I liked it. It gave what I wanted it to give. This book has great chemistry between the main characters. The HEA ( happily ever afer) happened and I was thrilled. Would I read it again? No, so for that reason I would give it a 3.8 stars. Still a great book, just not incredibly memorable.

"The Brazen Bluestocking" is the 1st book in Tracy Sumner's "The Duchess Society" series. Having read and enjoyed a previous book by Sumner, I was excited to receive this one! This book centers around Hildy, who is determined not to conform to what society expects of her. Along the way, she meets acclaimed rake Tobias, who most people refuse to give a second look. However, Hildy discovers there's more to Tobias than meets the eye. While they often butt heads, there's sparks between the two of them as well.

I preferred Sumner's previous book to this one. I didn't really believe the chemistry between Hildy and Tobias. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Loved the story. It is well written with two great characters and full of unexpected emotions. The attraction between Tobias and Hildy is instant but he is to marry someone else and these unexpected feelings are beginning to complicate things. There is an element of danger in this story aimed at Tobias and later Hildy. There is a HEA but a lot happens first which makes their attraction to each other stronger. It is a beautiful love story that is well worth reading and one I would highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a really fun Regency romp, through a modern lens. I'm really enjoying this trend for more assertive women, more feminist gaze but still the romance we love! This book does it very well. I can't comment on the Romani references though. I don't have that background.

A wonderful story full of great characters, lots of romance, and a happily ever after!
Recommended.

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are usually cross-posted to social media, goodreads, Bookbub, and blog. 🦄

A quick and easy insta-love romance, although the writing doesn't flow especially well, and there was not much build-up, or justification for the insta-attraction. Because the writing is all over the place, the story line jumped around leaving me feeling like I had missed something. Despite ticking all the right boxes for a promising read, I can't say I was over-enamoured with the result, but thanks NetGallery and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to get a copy of the book

I adore this book so much, and indeed have loved the entire series. Impoverished daughter of an earl Hildegard Templeton works with her bestie, Georgie, recently the Duchess of Markham, to ensure that young women of the ton marry men of good character and retain some control of their own money in the marriage contracts. The Society has been tasked with investigating Tobias Streeter, bastard son of a viscount and business mogul, who is intending to enter a marriage of convenience to allow him access to the ton.

Hildy and Tobias are immediately and in their minds, annoyingly, attracted to one another. They acknowledge the attraction, but given their respective positions, are not sure if or how to move forward with anything. The more time they spend together, however, the more they fall.

I loved both Tobias and Hildy. Tobias is a man not threatened by strong women. Hildy is an ambitious woman who does not need a man to save her in any way. Their chemistry is undeniable, the banter between them is sharp, and their eventual love is deeply felt. I also liked the friendships portrayed in this book. Hildy and Georgie, Tobias and Xander. All illustrating that chosen family is as important, if not more so in certain circumstances, than blood family.

The right of amount of steam and a touch of danger/suspense. 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Hildy the daughter of a now deceased impoverished Earl is a member of the Duchess society, they find matches for girls in the higher echelons of society that have difficulty in attracting the right men. The society ensures that whilst not a love match it will bring benefits to both parties.
She goes to the warehouse in a pretty unsafe part of London owned by Tobias Streeter to check he is the right man for his intended match. He himself although extremely rich is the illegitimate son of a viscount and Romany mother so not accepted into the Ton, he hopes to change this by marrying into high society
On their first meeting both are extremely attracted to each other, Hildy by his good looks and obvious intelligence and caring manner, he by her beauty and ability to hold her own with him, showing no fear and standing up for herself and her matchmaking role.
Their developing relationship is a joy, both have had troubled childhoods. People are out to stop Tobias’s plans and Hildy could be put in danger.
This is a lovely story , both are wonderful well rounded characters , exciting and page turning with some love scenes that are passionate and well described.
A great satisfying read and part of a most enjoyable series.
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Loved this book!! It was fast paced and developed beautifully. Hildy and Tobias are feisty, independent and thoroughly loveable. Highly highly recommend!

In dire financial straits, Hildy needs her job with the Duchess Society which tries to find love matches for the unpopular girls in society. When she has to negotiate a match with a client and Tobias, a rogue and a street tough, she is intrigued to find he is smart, loyal and kind. Though they come from different classes, sparks fly between them. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for my honest review.

Lady Hildegard Templeton is London's most headstrong, determined, stubborn and beautiful self-proclaimed spinster. She’s also the other half of the Duchess Society. An organisation dedicated to helping and educating young ladies of the ton before they enter marriage.
Driven by her past she herself refuses to settle for anything but true love.
Her current client’s intended intrigues her to no end. Not only is he the most beautiful man she’s ever met, he’s also the most vexing, intriguing and with boundless hidden depths. But he’s forbidden fruit…

A viscount’s by-blow, business titan and smuggler on the side. Tobias Streeter made himself to be the king of the city’s Limehouse district and now he wants to enter the ranks of the ton to realise his dream.
Only one option: he needs to marry into it. And he found just the perfect candidate. If only he didn’t have to deal with that Duchess Society.
Chemistry is instant. Too bad it’s with the wrong Lady…

📚 This was just one of those books I couldn’t put down. Two strong main characters with each their vulnerable side and so much heart. So much excellent banter, heads banging, sparks flying and some drama. Excellent introduction to the main characters of the next books in the series. Well-written, entertaining, fun and captivating story!
📚 childhood trauma, comical kidnapping, steamy, open door, enemies to lovers, class difference

Thank you to Tracy Sumner, NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.