Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle, is finally ready to move on after the death of her husband. However, the man she wants, Rhys Tremayne; the man known as The Broker to low and high society is the one man she can never have a future with, especially when being with him could end with her being shunned by society. Yet, when he helps her and asks for her to sponsor his sisters into society in return, Georgiana is more than happy to help. But the more time Georgiana spends with Rhys, the more she finds herself wanting to go against her family for a chance at love and happiness. Will Georgiana and Rhys achieve their happy ever after, or will the social divide between them keep them apart?

What a superb start to this series Ms. Reid has delivered in this book where the hero was intriguing and enigmatic because of what he does in being The Broker; the heroine was resilient and courageous in standing up for what she wants when it comes to love and happiness; and the dialogue was intense due to everything Georgiana and Rhys go through on their journey to happy ever after because they're at opposite ends in society with her being a duchess and Rhys not having a title. The way this story started had me liking the hero immediately, as he'll do anything to help his family become part of society and see each of them happy. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that made this story an absolute treat to read, as there's plenty of chemistry between the hero and heroine that just made me want to read more about the pair and their growing relationship.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters backs stories; the reasons why these two should never make their relationship permanent because it could end up hurting the heroine in the long run; and everything the heroine goes through with her family, as they try to dictate what she should do instead of wanting her to be happy with a man because she didn't get that chance the first time around when she was married. Moreover, I really liked how kind and caring the heroine was and that she would do anything to pay her debts, which is proven by what the hero does for her and vice versa. I also liked how she didn't allow her mother to dictate what she should do with her life, even though she knows the woman is right in her concerns. Then again, why should Georgiana do what's right by society instead of following her heart?

While the hero, he's fantastic and I loved what he does as The Broker. Really, it sounds fascinating since over the years it has had him interacting with both people of low and high society. What secrets has he garnered over the years that have left people vulnerable enough for him to take advantage of them wanting to keep their secrets hidden? Furthermore, he's confident; ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants; and I liked how determined he was to help the heroine, especially in the moment where she could have lost the most precious person in her life. Yet, what I liked most of all is how he would do anything for family, which is proven by what he does for one of his sisters.

Overall, Ms. Reid has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; and the ending had me completely captivated by the heroine's determination to fight for her happiness instead of settling down with someone she doesn't love. However, it was the epilogue that left me with a smile on my face, because the hero and heroine have come so far in their relationship. I would recommend Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night by Stacy Reid, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Darcy Burke, Jess Michaels, Lily Maxton and Anna Campbell.

in duchess by day, mistress by night, georgiana rutherford, the duchess of hardcastle needs a lover. or at least that's what her friends and family (yes, family!) are telling her. but the only man who piques her interest is the one man who shouldn't.rhys tremayne lives on the edges of society, he's brokered information and traded secrets to attain extraordinary wealth and power but what he wants most eludes him.

here's what makes rhys so special, what he wants most isn't something selfish. he wants his sisters to find acceptance and love within society. when he first crosses paths with georgiana he sees an opportunity to trade something that might help him with his goal of helping his sisters, but what she needs from him is so easily solved that he doesn't charge her.

this is out of character for him, but he finds himself doing things out of character for the duchess. he is fascinated by her. and he can't hide it. and their chemistry sizzles on the page. these two are super hot for each other. even though it's all kinds of wrong and forbidden. there is no way society would let them live openly as a couple.

but maybe that's what trading favors are for. to make the impossible possible? lord knows they need all the leverage they can get.

This story was unique and different from your typical historical romance. Your heroine is a duchess with a pristine reputation left widowed for five years. Your hero is know as the Broker, lived in the stews and trade secrets for a living. It keeps you on your toes wondering how things will turnout. Theirs is a forbidden romance that can be nothing more than an affair because society with destroy them if it ever gets out. Great plot lines, excellent character descriptions and so much more.

Rhys Tremayne is known as 'The Broker' who made his fortune and reputation on the black market of the London underworld. His expertise and connection is most sought after by members of political and of high society.

Georgiana Rutherford, the gorgeous Duchess of Hardcastle, is well-admired by the ton. She desperately yearns for that elusive, all-consuming passion .

When Georgiana and Rhys met, their mutual attraction was palpable but with their immense difference in social status, their romance will be doomed, they could only engage in a clandestine affair.

This is exceedingly sensual. The main characters are engaging, the hero is a diamond in the rough, the heroine is endearing and follows her heart. This is also harrowing in places with kidnapping, murder and mayhem thrown in the mix.

This is the first book I've read by Stacy Reid. Set in London 1821, I would recommend this. What a flying start to the series.

I voluntarily read an eGalley arc from the publisher. This is my impartial review.

I absolutely LOVED this story and couldn't put it down!

Georgiana was not your typical member of the ton and I loved her all the more for it. After living such a rigid life for many years, she was ready to break out of her shell live the life that she wanted.

I really liked Rhys too. He is your typical bad boy on the outside, but when we get to know him we see that he has a heart of gold!

Run out and buy this NOW!! You won't be disappointed. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

As always Stacy Reid rocked it!

Georgiana Rutherford the Duchess of Hardcastle is young, rich, darling of the ton and a widow, a very lonely widow.
She’s always done what’s expected of her until she meets Rhys Tremayne “The Broker” a man who’s ruthless and feared by all possibly even the Prince Regent himself. Once in his debts he always collects. And for Georgiana the price is her heart!

Rhys Tremayne has fought tooth and nail to become who he is, feared for the secrets he keeps he’ll do anything for his sisters to escape the underworld he deals in. Even if it means he might loose the heart he thought never existed.

An explosive start to a new series by Stacy Reid. Well written and flows perfectly the steam level is super HOT! You’ll fall in love with Rhys and Georgiana. Rhys is strong and super sexy he oozes sexuality and power but has a soft and vulnerable side for the people he loves. Georgiana is cool and collected but underneath is a fiery sensual woman that Rhys introduced her to. She’s a wonderful mother to her young son and will do anything to protect him.
Even if it means loosing the only man she’s ever loved! Rhys being the man he is doesn’t give up without a fight after all what good are the secrets at his disposal if he can’t use them to win! A man in love will do anything to get the woman he loves. Stacy Reid is the BOMB!! Once you start her books you won’t want to let go until every single page is devoured!

I received a complimentary eARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley this is my honest unbiased opinion.

This author is a hit or miss for me and I'm pleasantly surprised I enjoyed this one. Although this was more smut than actual story, it was still interesting to read.

Georgina is in need of an investigator, she tries to find her nursemaid that has vanished into nowhere, she has tried other investigators and no one can find anything until her brother suggests Rhys, The Broker of information.They meet and their chemistry is instantaneous. He ferrets out the her maid's whereabouts and goes on his way.

At this point I did wonder what direction the book was going to take, seeing as he there was no other need for his services but she needed him again when her son gets kidnapped. Again he is able to find her son even after the bow street runners could find nothing and he did it in such a way that there should have been some consequences.

As much as I enjoyed this book I think more should have been done, especially with Rhy's character, I didn't really buy that he could do whatever it is he wanted and that he had that many connections and yet still had to wait for Georgina to set all his plans in motion but yet was able to get a (view spoiler) in the span of a week.

I enjoyed the secondary characters and I do hope they get their story.

Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night by Stacy Reid is the First book in the New Series called, "Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night". This is the story of Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle and Mr. Rhys Tremayne 'Broker'.
Georgiana married Hardcastle when she was just 16 years old and he was 42. They had a son named Nicholas but then Hardcastle died about 5 years ago leaving Georgiana a widow. But Georgiana was popular with the town but lacked passion in her life. Now Georgiana young son Nurse Maid, Jane Walker has disappeared and since the Bow Street Runners hasn't found anything out nor is her brother Simon taking it seriously, Georgiana thinks to see if the 'Broker' can help. Rhys is called the Broker and works hard for him and his family to get ahead since they didn't have the 'Towns' life as a genteel family. Their life style also effected his sister Lydia by having her come down with a fever that left her deaf. Rhys greatest wish is for his sister's to be settled within the town to good husbands. But that hasn't been a possibility so far but now that the Duchess is asking for his help maybe he can strike a bargain to have Georgiana bring his sister out to the Town. But Rhys doesn't expect Georgiana to be so young and attractive, nor does Georgiana except to be so attracted to Rhys.
I must say that I am a big Fan of Ms. Reid's writing and I try to grab her books up as soon as I see one. This newest story from Ms. Reid did not disappoint at all! Loved it!!
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Publisher's Description:

Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle, seemingly has it all—wealth, pedigree, and the admiration of the ton, except her heart hungers for a passionate affair. She meets the enigmatic and ruthless Mr. Rhys Tremayne, a man known to low and high society as the Broker. The attraction between them is impossible to deny, but she cannot be feeling it for this man.



Rhys Tremayne has built his wealth and empire by dealing secrets on the black market of the London underworld. He is determined to take his sisters away from the depraved world they’ve known their entire lives, and the duchess is the perfect woman to help sponsor his sisters into society. The only problem is that he wants more from Georgiana, even if the social divide between them ensures she can only ever be his lover in secret.

My Thoughts:

We have another winner from an author who has quickly become one of my favorites.
Oh what a tangled web.... Georgiana is a young, widowed Duchess who has a young son, the current Duke. When his nursemaid disappears she looks for help from the authorities but finds none there. Her brother engages the help of Rhys Tremayne, known for his ability to come up with answers when no one else can. Rhys quickly solves the issue of the missing nursemaid not realizing that it will lead to something more sinister in the long run.
This tangle of mystery leads to an affair between Georgiana and Rhys, but will it become more?
I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting.
I gave it 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a high sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames.
The intimacy between hero and heroine is scorching.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night by Stacy Reid
Rebellious Desires #1

Rebellious indeed – I would be, too, if I were Georgiana Elizabeth Rutherford, Dower Duchess of Hardcastle! I mean, being groomed from childhood to be married to a person with position and pedigree to further family prestige whether or not love is involved and then knowing so early who your ancient husband will be and studying hard to be a good duchess could not have been easy. That said - Georgiana was impeccable in person with purpose aplenty. Widowed young with a son who will one day be Duke she is focused on her duty as mother and more BUT she is missing something…and…that something just may be a lover – or so say her family and friends.

When a woman working in Georgiana’s employ goes missing she is advised to bring in The Broker, Rhys Tremayne, to find the woman. Little does she realize that meeting this man will change her life forever. Rhys deals in secrets, brokers deals, barters one secret for another and does most of this to help elevate his mother and three sisters from a past that none of them deserved. His service to Georgiana might provide a toehold toward his goals for his family’s elevation in status, or perhaps not, whatever happens in the future his life will be changed forever, too.

I really liked Rhys and his love of family. He is an honorable man with tentacles throughout all levels of society. He is a mongrel and considered common but he is also oh so caring, he is able to mingle with the ton or hold his own with louts, he is a man women eye, he is a man that men admire and also sometimes fear. He is a man well worth knowing and Georgiana ends up knowing him very well indeed.

When another situation arises that requires The Broker’s assistance Georgiana finds herself feeling indebted but also afire with desires she decides to quench and thus ensues a torrid time for the two of them. Yes, she has to deal with the matter of station and he does, too, but ultimately can they overcome the levels in society they are positioned in to become more than just passing souls enjoying an affair for a time…or not…

This is my first book by this author and I am intrigued. I am eager to find out who will star next in this series. Will it by Rhys’s sister Lydia? Will it be Rhys’s friend Riordan O’Malley? Will it be Simon – the brother of Georgiana? Just who will it be? I am eager to find out – that is for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

What does a woman who has it all need? A passionate man who can warm her heart. Such is Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle, who is held in high esteem by the ton and is lacking nothing monetarily. In walks Rhys Tremayne (don't you just love that name?), a most handsome man who does not have a pedigree, but has worked hard to build his wealth and station. Determined to take care of his sisters and have them become accepted in society, he finds Georgiana to be the perfect solution to his dilemma. She could sponsor them and help them make a good match with her connections. The explosion of feelings between the two cannot be denied, but she resists as hard as she can. The author brings the characters to life with vivid descriptions and great dialogue. The story is intriguing and emotional at times but very exciting making me turn the pages to see what will happen next. This is a wonderful journey from beginning to end and you will be glad to took the time to read. I know I will be reading every book by this author!

I have now read a couple of her books and this one is the best so far. Georgiana Elizabeth Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle is a woman who has followed the rules of the ton, until she meets Rhys Tremayne. He is considered a mongrel, but he is a Broker of information and is extremely wealthy, but he does not have a title.
From almost the moment I picked up this book, I could not put it down. It is truly amazing. The descriptions bring you into the book. The realistic and full of life characters keep you reading. The dialogue fits the action and the pacing is even and exciting. The plot while complex, has been woven by the author, into a wonderful and intriguing story. I loved her maternal instinct, which came to the fore when she showed him, Nicolas her son, the love and joy she felt with him. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I have.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

I enjoy all of her books. This one though might be my favorite. The main characters meshed so well together. Without giving a spoiler....I enjoyed the plot twist near the beginning. Did not see that coming. Can't wait for the next book!

Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night truly embodies the control upper English society had on its citizens.
Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle, was raised and groomed to be The Duchess by her family and her husband. Even after being a widow for several years, her mother and brother still held her to accountability in all ways. Her brother even encouraged her to take a lover, but tried to influence her choice of lovers. The sad part of Georgina’s young life includes being married to a duke three times her age, which was not all that uncommon at the time.

Rhys Tremayne, although the son of a Viscount and nephew of a Viscount, was raised in the gutters trying to care for and protect his mother and sisters. They left an abusive father when Rhys was only twelve. His their mother had basically been sold by her family for the wealth he gave them to marry her. Rhys learned young how to deal in information and gain wealth and property from that secret information. But now, what he wants most is for his sisters to be able to live within the ton and marry into ton families. They are the grand-daughters of a Viscount.

While searching for a missing employee, the nursemaid to her son, she is introduced to Rhys by her brother. Her brother is very concerned about introducing the two, but knows that due to the depth of secret information and connections, Rhys is the only person who can help her find the nursemaid. Georgina has tried numerous other ways to find her and make sure she is safe, but none of the avenues she tried could find her. Georgina just wanted to know the nurse was alive and safe. Following that incident, her son goes missing, too. Rhys helps her with both situations. Georgina realizes quickly that Rhys is not like any man she has ever met.
As you can imagine, Rhys is the lover Georgina picks. They relationship is extremely sensual and even somewhat demanding. The difficulty is that their connection is so strong and they are from such different backgrounds. They can never acknowledge each other in public.

This is a beautiful story of lovers and friends trying to find a way to be together and still protect those they love, especially Georgina’s son, the Duke of Hardcastle, and Rhys’s sisters, who need to make good marriages. There are dark and sad moments, but the HEA is beautiful once they get there.

I always love Stacy's books. This was great reading. Hard to put down. Loved the chemistry between the hero and heroine.

Georgiana Rutherford, Duchess of Hardcastle who turns to “The Broker” to find her son’s missing nursemaid. Mr. Rhys Tremayne, a man known to low and high society as the Broker. The attraction between them is impossible to deny. Georgianna on the surface appears to have it all beauty, wealth, pedigree and the admiration of the ton. Rhys is living on the outside of society, but he sees in Georgianna a lonely duchess and offers her a proposition to have a discreet affair with no strings attached. Rhys may not have a pedigree but he is filled with honor and strength when it came to those he loved. He straddles the world between the lower and upper-class. He’s been working to find a way to elevate his sisters into the world of the ton so they can make proper marriages to men worthy of them. He’s fiercely protective of those closest to him and he quickly is very protective of Georgianna and her reputation. I loved these two together, the passion was intense, and their chemistry and interaction with her son was wonderful. This is my first book by Stacy Reid and I can’t wait to read the next one!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

What a hot and spicy novel! Really, Stacy Reid loves to build up hot scenes.
The beginning of the novel is pretty funny I think - a very unique scene. Read within an afternoon!

Widowed, Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle, has the ton in her hands and has dedicated her life to the role she was destined for. When a sinister plot against her son arises she throws herself at the one man she knows has the power to rescue him. Mr. Rhys Tremayne, known as the Broker because of the high society secrets he deals in, is immediately drawn to Georgiana. While he doesn’t seek out payment of having her as his mistress, the attraction they share can not be contained.

While Georgiana May help launch his sister into society, as a partial payment, that same society will never allow Rhys in. Can Georgiana take such a risk and ruin her rank to love such a man openly or will a secret affair be all they are meant for?

With hit after hit, I can now say Stacy Reid is on the top of my favorite historical romance authors chart. She just knows how to write a steamy love story with such depth in her characters. You are easily pulled into their angst and root for a hard fought happy ending. Another winner!

4.5stars
Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle, is rich and has the admiration of the ton, but she’s lonely & her heart hungers for a passionate affair. She meets the enigmatic and ruthless Mr. Rhys Tremayne, known to low and high society as the Broker. Their attraction sizzles. Rhys Tremayne has built his wealth and empire by dealing secrets on the black market of the London underworld. He is determined that his sisters prosper, and the duchess is the perfect woman to help sponsor his sisters into society.
A well written page turning novel exactly what I’ve come to expect from the author who’s fast becoming one of my must read authors. The characters are well developed & well portrayed Georgiana was brought up to be a duchess from when she was thirteen, hers was an arranged marriage to a much older man, she’s also been led to believe that duty & not creating a sandal were all important. Rhys is a self made man who resolved to care for his family from an early age & found finding out secrets was more productive than just earning money. Their affair begins in secret but neither thought that their feelings would become so involved. The plot is well paced & kept me turning the pages, there are some twists & turns along the way & the road to their HEA isn’t smooth. I hope Rhys’ sisters, Simon all have their stories

After finishing the book and mulling it over, I upped my rating to a 4.5, rounded up.

I really enjoyed this book, Georgiana and Rhys are both extremely likable characters.

Georgiana is the widowed Duchess of Hardcastle, she is admired by the ton, a patron of the arts, a loving and devoted mother to her young son and she is restless. She is being pressured by her family to remarry, but what she longs for is passion. When a nursemaid in her employ disappears without a trace and all her efforts to find the woman fail, Georgiana is introduced to Rhys Tremayne, "The Broker". Georgiana is immediately attracted to Rhys, but an affair with him would mean social ruin for not only her, but her family and her young son.

Rhys is a self made man, he has clawed his way up from the gutters and collects secrets which he uses to barter for favors - he is sort of the regency era "Godfather". He has used his talent to build a fortune and owns several profitable businesses. He has the wealth and the power to topple governments, but he doesn't have what he wants the most - the ability to introduce his sisters to the ton. When he meets Georgiana for the first time, he is stunned by his reaction to her, he wants her more than anything he has ever wanted in his life, but she is so far out of his social realm that he knows that there could never be anything between them. He helps her find her missing nursemaid and asks for nothing in return.

Weeks later Georgiana is in need of Rhys' help again, but this time he does ask for a favor. He asks Georgiana to sponsor his sister and she readily agrees. They finally give into the barely contained attraction between them and begin a scorching HOT love affair. They are extremely discreet, but when there is a caricature in the papers implying Georgiana and Rhys are involved, she backs away from him - but she can't seem to let him go.

When Rhys confronts her and learns a secret about her, he asks her to marry him, shocking both of them. Georgiana turns him down, afraid of what society will do to both of them and their families and they end their affair.

Weeks pass and Georgiana decides that she is willing to face the censure of the ton, if it means she can be with Rhys - but it appears that Rhys has moved on. Can these two have a HEA? You will have to read the book to find out.

I thought this was one of the best books I have read by this author, it is well written, flows perfectly, has super HOT love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, believable obstacles keeping our lovers apart and finally a sigh worthy ending. Ms. Reid has come a long way in her accuracy of titles and formal address, but there were still a few mistakes in the book and I didn't 100% buy that the ton would so willingly accept his sister - so that is why I knocked off 1/2 a star. But I would happily recommend this book to anyone who likes a HOT historical romance.