I found “The Brazen Bluestocking”, the first book in the Duchess Society by Tracy Sumner to be an enjoyable read. I love when a writer takes me outside the usual ballroom and afternoon tea story. Lady Hildegard Templeton and Tobias Streeter do not care for the rules of the ton. He is entering a marriage of convenience and she has been hired to research him on behalf of the bride’s father. Matchmaking is her business after all. They each live their lives on their own terms and have a clear vision of their futures. Well laid plans have a way of changing though, especially when there is a twist, a cat and a loveable child involved.

Daughter of an earl, Lady Hildegard Templeton hasn’t conformed to what society expects from a woman of her station. Industrious and unique, she’s created an emboldened organization for women on the cusp of marriage, When I started reading I couldn't put it down. Tracy Sumner is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book

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

I had a hard time getting into this book, the second installment of the Duchess Society. The prose, imagery, and dialogue seemed enjoyable, but I could not see the chemistry between Tobias and Hildy initially. Yes, there was the attraction between two attractive people, but there did not seem to be deeper connection - between the two, or between myself as the reader, and the two protagonists. But then they both grew on me and I grew to enjoy their story more.

Hildegarde Templeton is the second member of the Duchess Society, and the daughter of an Earl, but with a spotty reputation and disregarded by the Ton for multiple issues. First being that she does not wish to marry (rejecting two proposals), engages in an enterprise - given the sobriquet the Mad Matchmaker, and is the daughter of an Earl who was ill-regarded for his lack of temper, and poor management of his estate. She also is poor, since her father left a poor estate, and her brother died, before being able to improve it, and without settling her other than with a crumbling townhouse and elderly servants whom she feels obligated to maintain. She appears to have some PTSD from her family issues too. So she, and her friend, the Duchess of Markham (from the Ice Duchess), set up the Duchess Society; an enterprise that is seen as a matchmaking service, but which they strive to be more. Namely, it sounds to be an enterprise that tries to set up good matches, and protect the interests of the vulnerable women involved.

Tobias Streeter is a man born on the wrong side of the blanket to a Rom mother and a member of the peerage who essentially abandoned them. He lost his mother as a child, and joined the Navy as a youth, fighting in India, and developing connections that helped him develop a smuggling business that he and his partner grew into a wealthy legitimate enterprise, including distillation, legitimate shipping. He hopes to develop it further to include his passion of architecture, and to work with John Nash on a project. However, he does not have the connections and the formal education, though he does have the capability and talent. He is hoping to foster the connections through a marriage of convenience to Matilda, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Hastings.

Hildy is hired by Hastings to polish Tobias up and manage the wedding of the two. Tobias is hoping that the marriage will improve his chances of having his application for an architectural design be accepted so he can work with Nash, and Matilda is hoping that the marriage will give her some freedom to pursue her passion of studying and practicing medicine. They both are entering this marriage as a practical business arrangement.

However, Hildy and Tobias end up not being able to deny their attractions, despite the conflict with their plans and her business. There is some conflict with his disdainful feelings about the Peerage, especially being raised a half-Rom bastard, despite needing some acceptance to push ahead with his ambitions. Also, he has issues himself with PTSD from his time during conflicts in India, that pop up at times. Add onto that, the fact that he has enemies that appear to want to do him harm. But despite all this, Hildy manages to uncover the fact that he does have a marshmallow-soft heart inside the crusty exterior. He is a man who protects the poor, works to try to ensure they have food, protects the kids from workhouses, and gives a pregnant cat a home - and all this just makes her tumble hard for him.

There were some things that were given short shrift I felt, in this story. I felt that more could have been touched on about Hildy and her own abuse PTSD about her father, especially with his history about violence and India. There could have been more done with that. Also the bit about an attack on Tobias and who was involved was a useful device to give Hildy and him time together, but seemed to be tossed aside and ultimately unresolved later. This was just to name two things that I felt were not resolved satisfactorily. I did enjoy some of the secondary characters, such as Mccauly, Nigel, the cat, the Duke of Leighton (whom I presume will come up again in a future edition), and the reappearance of the Duke and Duchess of Markham. Matilda initially left me a bit cold, being a bit thoughtless in some of her dialogue, but I enjoyed the fact that she was a character that was a square peg, being made to fit into a round hole, but fully aware she is a square peg and trying to deal with it as best she could while appreciating and trying to fulfill her own squareness. Also, both Tobias and Hildy seemed to appreciate her talent and uniqueness, and in their own ways, be her friend and protect her.

If anything, this story emphasized how difficult it can be for people who are different, and who do not fit into societal norms - such as so-called bluestockings; intelligent women who want to engage in something beyond the normal roles expected by society.

Anyways, it was an enjoyable read, with interesting characters, some satisfactory heat, and some 4 legged furry cuteness. BTW, I agree with Mccauly and his belief that orange cats are evil - I have the scar on the calf that proves it myself and amongst my group of friends who have all met the Orange Devil (aka Old Hateful) in our lives, we have a saying - Orange is the colour of Hatefulness (at least with one orange cat and his brother!) But that is just a side note :)

A solid 3.5 out of 5, and I am curious about the Duke of Leighton and the so-called Lady Hell? I presume a future project for the Duchess Society....

Oh my goodness, I believe I have found another favorite author! Tracy Sumner delivered and delivered well in this tale! Excellent writing, Strong characters; Delightful supporting cast! Heartwarming and funny and pulls at your heartstrings. Truly a great read by a new favorite author.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sparkling dialogue, empathetic storytelling and plenty of heat make this story one of the author's best. Hildy is a determined heroine and the first time she meets Tobias she is determined to find out more about him. Especially if she is to ensure he is a good prospect for his new fiance.

But during the vetting process Hildy finds she likes the tattooed and mysterious businessman, perhaps a little too much for objectivity. And he is immediately spellbound by her.

It's a lot of fun, there's plenty of humour and a little bit of angst - just the right amount I think.

I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

This book wasn't for me. I didn't find myself invested in the story or in either of the characters themselves. It felt like a disjointed hodgepodge of different regency romances, without any central, unique driving force. I recognized elements of Sarah MacLean's Brazen the Beast, Lisa Kleypas's Mine Til Midnight, and Courtney Milan's The Devil Comes Courting, but I didn't find it as charming, enticing, or vibrant as any of those. It's possible that this book is racist, but I don't have a lot of knowledge about anti-Romani racism to say so for sure, and I also wasn't wild about the portrayal/discussion of the lesbian side character.

This might be more your speed if you like matchmaker romances and self-made heroes.

Thanks to NetGalley and WOLF Publishing for the ARC.

The Brazen Bluestocking is book 1 of the Duchess society series by Tracy Sumner and follows the Ice Duchess prequel. Tobias Streeter, the Rogue King has engineered a match between himself and one of his partners that should guarantee him entrance into high society where he believes he needs to be to pursue his dearest wish. Enters Lady Hildegard Templeton, the daughter of an earl from the Duchess Society an organization for women on the cusp of marriage, that seeks to have young ladies enter the state of matrimony with their eyes wide open causing her to be named “the mad matchmaker”.

This book quickly becomes a delightful read as it becomes quite clear that sparks fly immediately for the self-chosen spinster and the handsome, sexy, self-made man. For me the book, proved to have a slow start as at its beginning chapters the author focused too much on pedantic details and needless banter between Hildy and Tobias but later picks up, hence only 4 stars. Upon reading further, the mystery that is the Rogue King becomes a challenge for Hildy, the readers also want to understand why Tobias wants so badly into this world that not only shuns bastards, but also those of the working class.

The more Hildy finds out about Tobias the man, the more she realizes that she doesn’t see how she is going to be able to not only groom him for another woman, let alone let him go. The more Tobias discovers and understands Hildy the more he questions if revenge and throwing the middle finger in his sires’ face, is truly worth his ultimate happiness. One wants to get to the juicy parts and to the end to see how it all work itself out. It ends in a swoon worthy finale that leaves one loving another amazing read by Tracy Summer which leaves one longing to read about the remaining characters of the Duchess Society. My review was given on the ARC copy received from the Publisher via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.

The Brazen Bluestocking is the first (after the prequel "The Ice Princess") in the series. After Lady Hildegard's father and brother have died she is left with a large townhouse badly in need of repair and all the older servants to care for with little funds to accomplish everything. Hildy's father was not a role model for being a loving caring man, so Hildy has no desire to ever marry unless it is for love. Needing money she has to get a job. With the help from her best friend Georgiana and newly married Duchess of Markham they start the "The Duchess Society" to help woman have some say in the marriage. Hildy is tasked with getting Tobias ready and "ton" acceptable for a bride that wants to be a doctor and also happens to be gay, also not "ton" acceptable. As Hildy goes to work she and Tobias are aware of the spark between them. How will Hildy and Tobias manage to meet their obligations. The story is entertaining and a nice change from the focus on all the balls.

Great book, what else can I say.

An impoverished Earl's daughter, Hildegard, who makes a living by starting a business where she helps fathers market their unmarried daughters. That's how she gets to know Tobias Street. He is a bastard child of a viscount and has built his fortune on his own. Richer than most nobility but still not accepted by the Ton. He wants to get married within the Ton in order to achieve his stated goals. He never expected to seduce Hilly as his goal.
The woman Toby had chosen only wanted to be free to practice her profession, that of a doctor. And as Toby learns more about etiquette in the Ton, a cat and mouse game ensues where Toby is progressive in what he wants and Hilly sticks to the standards she has. Slowly but surely more is at stake for both; their heart!

A beautifully written story with many moments where you have to laugh at the situations. But also accurately reflecting the time in which it takes place, the norms and values ​​that women must adhere to. The woman who should only want one thing and that is a good marriage. .
Thanks for providing an ARC by NetGalley. My review was given voluntarily

I loved this book! The heroine was so engaging and Streeter, the Rogue King had so much depth to his character, not the usual gorgeous, over the top sexy, but he had a brain! That makes heroes so much more attractive. The story was fantastic, and didn't draw out the conflict to the point of being annoying. I can't wait for the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story by a new to me author. I did find the writing style a bit florid but I was engrossed in the character and story development. There was a fantastic cast of characters: from the poor aristocratic Hildy who had to WORK – gasp! - for a living; to the rags to riches, mixed blood, Tobias, who hid a generous heart; to even Matilda the fiancé doctor; and Mac, Tobias’ best friend. There was some steam, a bit of a mystery that solved with an interesting twist and of course a HEA. Can’t wait for the next in this series!

I have loved all of Tracy Sumner’s books and this one is no exception! There are wonderful characters that you can’t help falling in love with. I really enjoyed the relationship between Hildy and Tobias and the love scenes were great! My only negative was the book seemed to drag through the middle as if it were a bit too long. 4 stars.

It has been a long time since I encountered two smart main characters who know what they want and are not afraid to go after it.
The Mad Matchmaker is actually a lady that wants a job so she can help those that have stayed with her during the worst times of her life and live a comfortable life. She does this by "working" and getting the cut direct from society. She is hired by a Lord to marry his 5 daughters to noble peers of society. But one of them, who wants to be a doctor, will marry the Rogue King.
The Rogue King is no other than the most feared and renowned man that Hildy has met, ever, in her life. He is half Romani and the bastard son of an Earl. He started in the gutters and pulled himself up to one of the most influential exporters/importers of England.

I love the fact that for Toby, it was love at first sight, even do he didn't want to knowledge the sentiment. For Hildy, it was all about getting the job done until he started to weave himself in her heart slowly. Towards the end, they were both hard-headed and were afraid. For the role of the secondary characters, I felt that they were well portrait and they didn't take the spotlight from the couple. They added a nice volume to the storyline and left it open for other possible books.

Can't wait for the upcoming books! I will be looking forward to them and also be looking at other novels by Tracy Summer.

Holy cow! This book took me by surprise and blew me away. I was hooked the moment I met Tobias Streeter in all his dark and handsome glory. I always ruin books if I delve into the plot in a review, so I will try not to get into it too deep!

Lady Hildegard Templeton (more enduringly known as Hildie) and her friend run the Duchess Society, where they help women who are different in society secure a match that is worthy of their station and what they seek in a husband.
Hildie's latest client involves rounding off the rough edges of smuggling king Tobias Streeter for his upcoming advantageous (on both sides) marriage. When Hildie and Tobias do meet though they are both aware of the charge in the air between them and the immediate pull they have to each other. The use of intellectual flirting between them builds throughout the book and brings on the slow burn that I love.

"Hildy found it hard to believe that the man standing before her would be married in four short weeks to a woman who hadn't the desire to shove him back against his desk and kiss the breath from him.
A woman who would never have the desire.
When Hildy was burning up from the inside without it."

When Tobias started called her "Hildie Girl," I was just a puddle on the floor. This man has so many depths that Hildie is privy to: his love of A Midsummer Night's Dream, his passion for architecture, his taking in of an orphan boy and cats.

I loved the tightly woven plot of this book and its love story. I have never read a Tracy Sumner historical romance and have immediately started the prequel to this book, The Ice Duchess. I loved every minute of reading this book and it is just the first of her new series, The Duchess Society, I am anxiously awaiting the second book, The Scandalous Vixen, that is slated for December 2021.

Thank you to Netgalley and WOLF Publishing for an ARC copy of this book. All of the above opinions are of my own. Any quotes taken from this ARC are subject to change.

What an a great HEA. Hildy and Tobias love story is one filled with angst and commitment. Hildy a lady that is living life on her terms meets a rogue that wants to take on life on his terms. Their love story was one of growth, understanding, and passion. At the end, they work together to find their way to love each other.
I was so engrossed in this book that I could not put it down, that hasn’t happened to me in a while.

Daughter of an earl, Lady Hildegard Templeton will not conform to what society expects from her. Industrious and unique, Hildegard along with her friend Georgiana the Duchess of Markham have created an organisation for women who need help navigating the marriage mart. The Duchess Society makes sure that women have some say in who they marry and what to expect when they are married. Hildegard vows to marry for love. Although the emotion has never shown itself to her. Until she meets him.

Bastard son of a viscount and king of London’s sordid streets, Tobias Streeter has spent a lifetime building his empire. But what he wants more than anything is to become an architect and to do that he needs the Duchess Society to find him a suitable wife. A wife to elevate his worth in society’s eyes. He doesn’t have time for love and is he’ll bent on proving his worth to his father. Until he meets her.

Soon, Tobias and Hildy’s plans are in turmoil as they choose between expectation, passion, and love.

Another great story by Tracy Sumner. I loved every thing about this book. A strong female character who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. A strong male character with a softer side that isn’t afraid to show it. There was plenty of romance and banter in this book that kept you turning the pages. The story itself was well written and original. A fantastic start to the series can’t wait for book two.

I received "The Brazen Bluestocking" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tracy Sumner is a wonderful author, and she never fails to amaze me with her beautiful stories. This is the first book in her new The Duchess Society series. Hildegard Templeton, aka Hildy, The Mad Matchmaker, is investigating Tobias Streeter, as a potential son in law for an Earl's daughter, Maddie, who only wants to be wed so she can pursue her medical interests. Problems arise when Toby and Hildy have an almost instantaneous but inconvenient attraction. Hildy's job is to investigate Toby, not be attracted to him to distraction. Toby wants to marry into the upper echelons of society so his architectural designs are reviewed and recognized. An absolutely riveting story full of wit, magnetism and major hotness. A lovely romantic story.

The Brazen Bluestocking by Tracy Sumner
The Duchess Society #1

Delightful from beginning to end!

What I liked:
* Hildegard “Hildy” Templeton: “on the shelf”, spinster, runs a matchmaking business with her friend, softhearted, alone, responsible for moldering home and aging employees, feisty, outspoken, good friend, I really liked her.
* Tobias “Toby” Streeter: self-made man, war hero, whisky maker, architect, takes care of many, born out of wedlock, wealthy, giving, intriguing, I really liked him.
* Getting to see Dex and Georgie from the prequel
* Learning about the rough work done by youth who tarred ropes – Nigel was a sweetheart and I am so glad Tobias took him in.
* The cat…what a fun part of the story.
* Xander Macauley: lifelong friend and partner to Tobias, good man, would love to see him in a book of his own.
* Matilda Delacour-Baynham “Mattie”: a woman that didn’t fit into the social role she was expected to, focused on her dream of being a doctor, landed well when she befriended Tobias.
* The excellent writing and how it drew me in, kept my attention, made me care and eager to keep reading.
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The painful parts of both Tobias’s and Hildy’s backstories – their fathers were both despicable
* Everything I was meant not to like
* Having to say goodbye to the people I felt I had become friends with.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley, Book Sirens, and Wolf Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

The premise of this story is great. I really liked the whole a matchmaker helping make a rogue respectable for a lady, only for them to fall in love. I liked the personalities of the two main characters. The issue I had while reading this was that at the beginning I did not know what was actually happening. There would be long descriptive paragraphs about clothes, rooms, and food. It was a little distracting. At times, I didn't know who was talking. I would have to backtrack and really focus on the quotation marks which can take me out of the story. I think the story is good, it just needed additional editing or just less descriptions and more story. I will say the story did pick up more about midway through, but I really didn't enjoy the side stories. I just wanted the romance parts, which could just be me, I just didn't connect with those side stories/mysteries enough.

I thought I loved the prequel to this series but it had nothing on this book. If you love banter, this is the book for you. I absolutely loved Hildy and her relationship with Tobias. Her cunning and ability to think her way through problems were great. But their love story was just magic. I love that we got to see more of Georgie and her duke too.