I have lived every book of this series, and this is no exception.
Please do not be upset if I gush over this story.
This story is about a young lady who is part of a group of ladies looking to help women protect themselves. They have set up a charitable society of titles ladies who teach the non-titled, working class how to protect themselves and the lower class women skills so they can earn more money in a higher position. They teach reading and math because a servant who can do sums, count money, read and write can get better paying jobs. But they do a lot of undercover work in trying to bring reform to the laws.
The heroine is a famous pamphlet writer who brings up the plight of the lower classes, followed up by which laws needs to be either amended or created. She was kidnapped in the last book by a highly positioned aristocrat who wanted her to write reteactions and was saved by the ladies and students of the charity.
The hero is the best friend of the heroine's brother who became involved in a scandal when he was younger. The heroine's brother forbade him to approach the heroine, but he has loved her for over 10 years. While the heroine's brother and another lady of the covert society went on their honeymoon to check out protests in the northern sections of England, the heroine used the excuse to get close to the lady to protect her. He had to get her and a reform society of working class women out of prison and the women are living with the heroine temporarily.
I enjoyed this story because the hero and heroine k ew each other and was attracted to each other for many years. This story had so many side stories and twist and turns that it was hard to put down. I read it all night until it was over. The author brings such life and character to the story participants, it is like you are in a movie or docu-series. My only complaint is that then endings are so short and there is no epilogue. It just ends. But I am still giving it 5 stars and looking up to see when the next book will come out and who the main characters will be!

Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart by Jenny Hartwell was the third book in the series called the Ladies Covert Academy. This was the first time I have read this author, so I can assure you the book was able to be read as a standalone. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat toward the end of the novel as evil elements were about.

Lydia Dashwood, as the main character, was strong and brave. She was in a precarious position as a member of the tonne, but also as the author of a “radical” pamphlet. However, with her three friends she helped run the Ladies Covert Academy (although most people think it was a Ladies Charity Association).

In the British Government (at least in the book) there were people who didn’t want women to have the same rights as men. When Lydia and her friends decide on a daring plan, they know they will get attention. Lydia had already been questioned and improperly arrested when she was asking questions.

During all this ​​Benedict Southcott, Viscount Lovell was hanging around. He escorted Lydia to be questioned about their Charity and after she was arrested, he got her out of Newgate. He was determined to keep her safe, especially when he learned the truth about what she did. Too bad her brother told Benedict, she was off limits.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. The author pulled me into the story and I was appalled at times and cheering at other times. Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart by Jenny Hartwell was a great read.

PS. I was heartbroken to read that the main protest was actually based on an incident that happened in England and many unarmed women, children and men were injured. It seems that women are still fighting for equal rights hundreds of years later. Interestingly I read this on Independence Day.

The Rake and the Reformer

Was Benedict truly a rake? The ton thought he was, so even though he was Lydia’s brother's best friend, Jack told him he could not court her. However, when Lydia got in trouble, it was Benedict that helped to save her. Would he take up her cause at the cost of his reputation? It would be an adventure. There was a man intent on arresting Lydia at any cost. Benedict and Lydia must work together to thwart him.

It would be over one-hundred years after Lydia’s time before women gained the right to vote. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

This is the third book of the series and can be easily read as a standalone. Lydia is a member of a secret organization, Ladies Covert Academy. She secretly wrote controversial political articles about women's rights and the conditions of the working class, but was kidnapped for doing so. After her rescue, she is still traumatized, and has stopped writing. But she will not give up her fight for reform. She participates in a peaceful protest, and when she is then accidentally arrested, she calls on her brother's best friend, Benedict, for help. Benedict has always held a torch for her, but because of his reputation, has been warned off her by Lydia's brother, and so he must keep his feelings hidden. But he can't resist going to her aid when she asks. In exchange for helping her, she promises to help him clean up his reputation.
The novel is well-written and the story flows smoothly with plot twists and turns that kept me glued. The chemistry between Lydia and Benedict was sizzling and I enjoyed the banter between them. The storyline was filled with political intrigue and drama, and at times kept me at the edge of my seat. The suffrage movement was a dark and scary time, and the author captured it well and did a nice job of bringing the time period to life with vivid details and descriptions. The characters were interesting and charismatic and I enjoyed following their journey. A very enjoyable story!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Though she may be an Earl's sister, Lydia Dashwood finds herself in trouble when she is arrested with a group of peaceful political reformers. Relying on her brother's best friend, Benedict Southcott, to post bail, Lydia knows he will always be there for her. What Benedict doesn't know is that Lydia has a past with trouble, and her political writings have led her to be abducted, and someone is out to get her again. But Benedict loves her, and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if she never returns his feelings.

This was the perfect ending to the series. After Pippa and Jane got married, Lydia was left alone to run the Ladies Covert Academy, and at the worst possible time. She's arrested, investigated, and there are people out there to stop her writing, and stop the Academy from running. She needs to rely on Benedict, but his reputation is one of a wastrel and rogue, and no one ever seems to take him seriously. Unfortunately the reputation is not one he deserves, but it's a struggle to even convince those he loves to believe it. I'm glad that Lydia starts to realise his worth, and he isn't left pining after her for so long. The extended cast of characters were wonderful too, and this book was definitely the culmination of the series. A lovely ending to a great romance!

Friends with secret feelings to a full love story, filled with some villains, a lot of reformists, a couple of arrests, little Timmy, old secrets, and the need for larger bribes.
Lady Lydia Dashwood is the third member of the secret organization Ladies Covert Academy, operating under the innocuous "Ladies Charitable Association" that creates booties and blankets for orphans. They encourage, and help women further their studies and talents that go against what women are allowed within society. They also inform, and participate in activities to further the rights of women and the working class.
The first two novels are about Jane and Pippi, who they are and their roles in LCA are explained in a short synopsis at the beginning of the novel. It flows naturally, and helps set up the the third and last novel within the series.
Lydia, under the pseudonym "Democratium Liberum," wrote controversial political essays about women's rights and the plight of the working class, which were published in the newspaper. Her kidnapping in the previous novel is explained, and its aftermath flows into this one. She is traumatized, has lost the ability to trust anyone outside of her small circle of friends and her brother. It has also caused her to stop writing.
Benedict Southcott, Viscount Lovell, or Benny, is practically a fixture in Lydia's home. He comes every morning under the pretense of visiting her brother, his best friend, as well as eating breakfast. However, his main motive is to spend time with her. Unfortunately, due to his reputation, her brother will not allow him to court his sister, and must hide his feelings towards her.
Through a series of crazy events, he agrees to help Lydia with her controversial plans to set up a very risky political rally, and she promises to improve his reputation and standing in society so his sister can find a suitable match in society. In the process, he finds out about the dangerous activities connected to the academy, her writings, and many other things.
The book was an enjoyable read. There are quite a few references to the previous two books in the series. It helped explain some of the book, but did not detract from the story. They made me curious enough to want to read the first two. This is definitely a stand alone novel.
As for Lydia, she is a bit naïve, and jumps into things, some of which have real consequences. She is also unintentionally not very nice with some of what she says. However, she realizes what she is doing, and does her best to correct her errors. Lydia has the best intentions, and wants to make changes in society, not for herself, but for others. She has some very important revelations throughout the novel, helping her grow as a character.
Benedict is a little more complex. He is a wonderful friend, is loyal, and will do anything to protect those he loves. In contrast, he has a very bad reputation in the ton as a worthless rake from something that happened at a house party years ago. Today, he would rather sit at home, reading the paper, and spending time with his sister and mother. He begins to realize the role and the restrictions women have in society, and he has been a part of the problem without even realizing it. So, he begins to "atone" for his ignorance and inactions.
My problem with Benedict is that he feels he should apologize on behalf of all men when he realizes all the restrictions and expectations put upon women, and he never thought anything was wrong with it. I kept wanting to scream at him to stop apologizing, or realizing "how all his thoughts/actions in the past were so wrong. While I do not have a problem with the H showing emotions in the novels, and making them complex individuals, he cries a little too much for me. Some might not see it the same way, but he went below the alpha and beta type to something I can't explain.
There is one intimate scene. It was a little disjointed, but that may have been to not focus too much on it. HOWEVER, while it was a little graphic, all the apologizing, stopping to ask for permission constantly really detracted from the intimacy. Asking permission for every action, telling her she did not have to do anything even when she was demanding "more." I get that he wanted everything to be her decision, and agree, but it was just constant. Saying, "Are you sure?" in a sexy way would make it just as consensual, but not as stilted.
They did make an adorable couple who complemented each other. They worked well together, and trusted one another...except that one time...
I would read this again. However, I would love to go read the other two since those couples and their stories sound fun. It isn't necessary since this can be a stand-alone.
Even with the issues I had with the novel, I would not hesitate to recommend reading this book. Do NOT make the same mistake as I did, and be suspicious of Agatha and the rest of the reformists mentioned by name. Enjoy those characters as well, especially Timmy. I'm suspicious of most people, and was looking for more villains than those already presented within the first chapter of the novel. I do not mean this as a spoiler, only asking you to merely enjoy them. They're a hoot, and bring so much richness to the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It is frightening to realize that power in the wrong hands can do so much damage, as we come to see in the climax of this novel. So many times men have been accredited with the positive results of reform, but without the woman who stayed the course and fought for the rights of individuals, restrictive laws would probably never have changed. Benedict never thought that indulging in his favorite breakfast would lead him into one of the fiercest battles to afflict Britain in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, but when the only lady who could win his heart gets herself into trouble, Benedict has no choice but to go after her and keep her safe. Benedict is a very loveable character and Lydia represents all the women over the ages who have stood against injustice. Although this romance is a standalone, it is part of a series and it would beneficial to read the whole set to fill in the missing pieces. I received a copy of this well-written book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The last of the three owners of the very exclusive club. She is into politics. A most shocking past time for a noble lady. Not only that she writes articles that inspire people to stand up. Not only that she is attracted to her brothers beat friend who is strictly not for her. Interesting take on family dynamics . Loved the story within the love story.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

I simply adore the Ladies Covert Academy! This group of women for change, refuse to be put in a box. Refuse to conform to the strictures of their backward society. They stand for a woman’s right to be whatever she chooses to be, and along the way are blessed to find men that not only agree, but encourage them to soar. Lydia has had her wings clipped by fear, but her story is one of healing. Healing from her trauma, and also healing for Benedict from his wicked reputation. The angst of pining in this story is a stinging delight, my heart ached for poor Benedict. The pain of loving from the shadows, was palpable. I think I spent the entire latter half of the book on pins & needles awaiting Jack’s return and his reaction to Benedict & Lydia’s romance. The camaraderie of the woman’s reform group breathed a strong sense of purpose that you couldn’t help but be moved by. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. A certain realism in the events reform and rallies that brought the tension to wonderful heights. A truly memorable story that hit all the emotions!

Lydia Dashwood has a secret identity as a writer of political reformation. Kidnapped to retract her writing, weeks later after her rescue, she is still afraid to write about political reform. After an appointment at Westminster, she finds herself included with the ladies and their children of The Stafford Female Reform Society and thrown into Newgate. Benedict Southcott, Viscount Lovell, has been friends with Lydia and her brother, Jack, for many years. Whispers of events in his past makes him frowned upon in the Polite Society. In love with the lady, he is swept up in Lydia and the reformer's protests. Events unfold that lead to a rally for reform that goes wrong. Benedict is the unexpected hero. Moves at a nice pace with an absolutely charming, sweet viscount. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

A gentle introduction to the early days of the Suffragettes movement. This is book 3 in a series and although you can read it as a standalone I truly believe you will like reading the first 2 books... Jenny is a new author to me and I feel that I will start to collect her books for I like the "Newgate" scenes and how Jenny connected the politics of those days and gives a true inside in the lives of all characters in this series

.Unable to find book with ISBN "06212023WHCLH" on Goodreads But I have placed a review on goodreads

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion. I haven’t read any other the other stories in this series but it was not hard for me to follow it works well as a stand alone. There is a little bit of intimacy in this book which I thought was good. I like when there is several kissing scenes in a book to really add to the romance building, and this book had it. I liked Benedict quite a bit. I love when a man only sees the MFC. Lydia, I liked her appreciated her causes but I wish there was more wistfulness from her towards Benedict, I think that is the only thing I would change.

Lydia Dashwood is used to skirting scandal, after all, she was once kidnapped for writing infamous political articles at a secret academy for ladies. But when she’s accidentally arrested with a group of peaceful reformers, the clever writer is forced to ask for help from her brother’s far-too-charming friend who has the skills to assist. Benedict Southcott, Viscount Lovell has long abided his friend’s warning to stay away from Lydia. The disreputable viscount is used to hiding away his yearning for her and playing the carefree rake. But when Lydia needs him, he can’t say no to her offer. In exchange for helping her and the reformers, she’ll give him a reputation makeover.
The third book in the series & it can easily be read on its own, an enjoyable read with strong characters & a well paced story. I really liked both Benedict & Lydia, their chemistry sizzled & I loved their road to a HEA, I always enjoy a brother’s best friend trope. There was some poetic licence & some lack of attention to detail & knowledge about England but it’s fiction not fact so these probably wouldn’t grate on most readers. An enjoyable often witty read
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

In Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart, the third installment of The Ladies Covert Academy series, Jenny Hartwell introduces readers to Lady Lydia Dashwood, a strong-willed and unconventional woman in Regency-era England. As Lady Lydia oversees the covert activities of the Ladies Charitable Association (LCA), a secret organization that empowers women with unconventional skills, her world is turned upside down when news of an investigation by Mr. Staines, a Westminster official, reaches her. Determined to protect the LCA and her own identity as a political writer, Lady Lydia finds an unexpected ally in Benedict, Viscount Lovell. As they navigate the treacherous waters of society and their growing attraction, they must decide whether to follow their hearts or succumb to the pressures of reputation and social status.

Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart is a delightful and captivating historical romance that combines elements of intrigue, empowerment, and forbidden love. Hartwell’s vivid storytelling transports readers to the Regency era, immersing them in a world of secret societies, societal expectations, and the fight for women’s rights. Lady Lydia Dashwood is a compelling protagonist who defies conventions and embraces her role as a leader within the LCA. Her determination to protect her fellow members and fight for her beliefs adds depth and substance to the narrative.

The chemistry between Lady Lydia and Benedict sizzles on the pages, creating palpable tension that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. The internal conflict faced by both characters as they grapple with their desires and the societal pressures they face is skillfully portrayed, making the question of romance even more compelling.

Jenny Hartwell’s writing style is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the Regency era with authenticity and grace. The plot is well-paced, balancing the romance and suspense elements effectively. While the story is part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. However, readers may find themselves intrigued by the other books in the Ladies Covert Academy installment.

Overall, Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart is a captivating and enchanting historical romance that will transport readers to a world of love, daring exploits, and the resilience of the human spirit. Fans of Regency romance will not want to miss this delightful tale of love and empowerment.

Winning the Covert Lady's Heart by Jenny Hartwell

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a great story and overall wonderful read!

On the one hand this is a lighthearted romance with two people who have known each other for the past decade and on the other, it is a look at the injustices of that time against the common people, particularly women. The inspiration is Lady Lydia’s political writings, which have landed her in trouble in the past but now they inspire a reform movement, encourage her to get involved and at the end of the day moves a powerful man to take action. Found it an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed this series, and this book is no exception. I do note that you don't have to have read the other entries in the series to fully enjoy this book, but I do think it helps sort out what exactly is happening and why.

Here Lydia is a secretly what would likely be viewed as a radical feminist in her time, though she has stopped many of her activities following an off page (for this book) kidnapping. Benedict is her brother's bestie with a scandalous reputation. Even though they are besties, Lydia's brother has warned John off of Lydia, even as his friend falls deeply for her.

With her brother off on his honeymoon, Benedict steps in to help / supervise Lydia. She manages to get herself into any number of scrapes that require his help - and lead her to return his long-fought feelings.

This book is entertaining - the secondary characters are enjoyable. The pace is good and the happenings interesting, even if fairly unrealistic. You can see how Benedict care for Lydia and feel his anguish over potentially losing her for something he (of course) did not actually do.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and DragonBlade for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Fun, Action Packed Read

A wonderful witty, tender love story with lots of action! Loved both the characters of Benedict and Lydia and how he had been mooning over Lydia for years.

Lydia her own independent person had her own demons and had know Benedict for years, when he helped her out of a situation, slowly her feeling were starting to change towards him but could she trust him with her most guarded secret?

An enjoyable read with great characters and some witty moments!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oozes camaraderie, sharp wit & joyful slow burn romance!
One of my favourite, each book is an uniquely original winner, series that hasn't failed to put a smile on my face or emotionally connect me to it's fascinating characters to the point of tears. And WINNING THE COVERT LADY'S HEART did that in spades.
It had such a sharp wit, keen intellect and heartwarming humour threaded throughout that pulled me into the drama, intrigue, camaraderie and romance, so deeply, I could almost smell the strawberry jam!
Lydia has stood out as a strong, courageous presence ever since being kidnapped in book 1. With her quick mind, teasing humour and secret life as a political writer. Whereas Benedict, oozes charisma and this carefree air, which hides a deeply compassionate, instinctively protective core wrapped with an intensely deep, of long standing, unrequited love for Lydia and a whole heartache of vulnerability about not being good enough. Which all delightfully flips as the tide changes, with her brother being away, to allow a new closeness to form as the real Benedict seeps through, and begins to slowly open her eyes and heart to enticing possibilities.
The sting of unrequited love is almost as palpable as his feeling of not being good enough that seed from the stigma of rumour and the stain of a bad reputation as a joyful thrill of attraction and subtle dependence upon each other builds between them to a thrumming tension fueled degree that draws you in and just keeps giving.
Furthermore, I was completely sucked into the political intrigue... never a dull moment with Lydia at the helm. As this brother's bestfriend to lovers tale, interweaves a slow burn, life altering, desire to impress into a scintillating romance and entangles them up with the injustices and caged limitations put on women by the whims of men. Highlighting the inequalities they suffered, how downtrodden and underestimated they were at the time and mingled it within a risky fight for suffrage, reform and better rights for the working classes too.
To create a fun, group effort scheme to
outmaneveour the head of the Office of Public Order, Staines -a narrow minded, aptly named stain on mankind- alongside the bold, daring, downright lovely ladies and children of the Stafford Female Reform Society. Who so effortlessly recruit you in with their plight and steadfast determination as you ache to see them succeed as much as you want romance to bloom and sparkle between Lydia and Benedict.
Ultimately, this book and its entire addictive series has been topnotch captivating. I'm going to really miss the colourful characters, their determination to do what they love, fight for what's right and find heartstopping passion on equal footing with the compassionate, infatuated gentlemen they become entangled with as perfect partners in love, escapade and daring. A highly recommended book and series to immerse yourself in!

This novel is well paced with witty banter between the main character's who have some heat and attraction between them It does contain historical detail about things like gossip and how a woman's reputations are vital and covert activities too. However it isn't as well researched as it could have been when it comes to geography and modern terms which should have been spotted. Also some poetic licence has perhaps been used in shifting the suffrage movement to a different era? It is still entertaining if you can ignore these things more so if you are not from the UK. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.