The Brazen Bluestocking
The Duchess Society Series, Book One
by Tracy Sumner

The impoverished LadyHildie Templeton aka The Mad Matchmaker and Mr Tobias Streeter aka The Rogue King of the East End. A blue blood from the wrong side of the blanket but exceedingly rich . She is trying to make him presentable to marry the daughter of an Earl as a marriage of convenience, for them both, but fate has other plans .

Follow the dramas trials humour and fantastic characters written by this superb author.
Fantastically well written book. Not to be missed .

I will be looking forward to the next in the series.

This tale fairly hummed!

If you love that bad boy with heart of gold meets the woman who stops him in his tracks trope, as much as I do, this read is for you!
Lady Hildegard Templeton and her partner Georgiana, the Duchess of Markham are matchmakers for those who need guidance through the pitfalls of society as they move to secure a partner.
Hildy, almost destitute with a decaying mansion and an equally as crumbling “cadre of servants” to support has taken up this occupation, soiling her hands to many as one in ‘trade.’ Given the cut direct even! She’s known as the ‘Mad Matchmaker.’
Their business, the Duchess Society, has been approached by the Earl of Hastings to facilitate the marriage between his daughter and Tobias Streeter, shipping magnate amongst other things and known as the Rogue King of Limehouse Basin, in a way that’s acceptable to society. Once that’s done and dusted the Duchess Society will be employed to assist Hasting’s five other daughters thread the path of high society. The smell of success is being dangled before Hildy’s nose.
Here’s the thing the Earl’s daughter, Lady Matilda Delacour-Baynham, is mad keen to be a doctor. She already works in the slum areas learning as much as she can. Mattie wants a husband who will leave her free to pursue her passion. And here’s the other thing, Mattie’s not actually drawn to men. A marriage of convenience will suit the almost courting couple.
Tobias has a Romani background and is the illegitimate son of an Earl. An Earl who’s never acknowledged him. Toby is now very wealthy, lives in the Limestone Basin Lock area, and still keeps a hand in with his smuggling concerns, although most of his business is now legitimate. He cares for the well being of those in his area, and has a young boy and a couple of cats sharing his quarters. (But that’s not all—Tobias has fascinating depths, including a love of architecture, that Hildy will unravel them one by one.)
Hildy’s task is to bring Tobias up to scratch as a courting swain, following society’s rules. Now there’s the challenge!
The thing is when they meet the air simply becomes incandescent. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end! And when Hildy’s eyes “so… blue they hurt” meet Streeter’s “sea-green gaze”. Omph! The strength of their eye encounter is physical.
There’s so much happening in this story that gives it interest and depth. Summer’s writing is tight, descriptive and enchantingly explosive
Yes there’s lot of heavy breathing, heaps of “Oh My’s” and I loved every word!
A splendid beginning to the series, I can hardly wait for what is to follow!

A WOLF Publishing ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I read this as an ARC through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Book one in this new series The Duchess Society centers around Lady Hildegarde Templeton the Principal owner of The Duchess Society, a service engaged by young women to help negotiate their marriage settlements in order to ensure they are well provided for. Laws in the Regency era being what they were, a generous marriage settlement, with an ironclad contract, was about the only protection a girl could expect once she married.

Lady Hildegarde has never married, herself, but she inherited the only unentailed property in her family after the death of her father and brother, a large house with elderly dependents and no income to sustain it. Thus, she now works to help other young women not end up in the same position in matrimony and to keep a roof over everyone’s head who depends on her.

Her present client, Lady Matilda, is the daughter of the Earl of Hastings. She is of a very unconventional bent, like most of The Duchess Society’s clients. Matilda wants to be a doctor, though it’s not allowed, and is actively studying medicine, delivering babies and helping poor people who can otherwise not afford medical care. She is betrothed to Tobias Streeter, the Rogue King of Limehouse Basin a smuggler who has made good and now does mostly legitimate business in Limehouse. But he is the illegitimate son of a nobleman on one side and a gypsy on the other and is not what the Ton will accept. However, Matilda’s family desperately needs the money after her father gambled it away. And she has four more sisters behind her, all who will become Duchess Society clients in turn, should Hildegarde be able to make Mr. Streeter presentable enough to the Ton in the four weeks leading to the wedding.

Hildegard can’t afford to fail, but when she arrives on Mr. Streeter’s doorstep in the nicest and best-built warehouse in Limehouse, she realizes she has greatly underestimated the man. He’s cultured, intelligent and has collected a found family including a best friend/brother/business partner, an 11 year-old orphan boy and a pregnant cat. He’s improved the neighborhood for the people who live there, caring for workers, orphans and making sure the streets are safer. He genuinely likes and admires his bride-to-be, though both admit to not being in love with each other. It’s a business arrangement that will gain him entre into Ton society to allow him to realize his ambitions and he will allow Maddy to continue her medical pursuits without interference as he approves of them. Sadly, he’s also the most attractive man Hildegard has ever seen. And he is as attracted to her.

How they handle it, while she attempts to make him presentable for society, is the book, which I’m not going to spoil. But it’s interesting how they start off in an adversarial position and soon begin to respect and genuinely like each other, while realizing they’d both underestimated the other at first.

However, it’s the many side characters make it a lived-in and interesting world. These side characters are not just window-dressing. They appear to have interesting inner lives, themselves, even if you hear of them only peripherally. While the POV is tight on Hildy and Tobias, their friends, families, enemies and clients all make an impact and help move the plot.

I don’t want to spoil too much because the ride is fun and unexpected. There are plot elements of danger, hurt/comfort, angst, quite a bit of explicit sex and a lot of smart conversations among interesting people. I found this a very satisfying book on all levels. I think most people would.

I didn't like this one quite as much as Ice Duchess, but it was still a very enjoyable book. Hildy and Tobias are interesting characters on their own and even more interesting when they joined forces. My only complaint about the two of them as a couple is that Hildy is such a tough person when fighting for her clients, but once she's in Tobias's presence all she can think about is how good looking he is. It was good that it was made clear right from the beginning that any marriage would be between Tobias and Mattie would be 100% one of convenience because you didn't have to worry Hildy was "the other woman". I will admit that I was so sure Tobias would come to Hildy's rescue when she was kidnapped but loved when she ended up getting herself out of the situation without anyone's help (and that she stood up to Tobias when he criticized her actions). Now that Hildy and Georgie have found their partners I'm really looking forward to seeing how they help pair up other couples!

DNF 25%

I thought this would be a quick, cute, and easy-to-read book.
A period romance that you read in a day because it captivates you, but that's not what I found in this book.
The chapters are huge making reading tiring and boring.
The author's writing did not win me over either, I found it difficult to read making the story slow. The romance itself didn't win me over as well, we have a plot that I've read before a girl who is helping another woman marry our protagonist but we know that in the end they'll solve all the problems and stay together, but I liked the girl that our heroine is helping to marry with the love interest .so much that I knew that unless it had a great ending I wouldn't like the story.
And because I didn't like anything about this book besides the cover, I decided not to waste my time finishing this story.
I don't know if I recommend this story, usually with period romances, even though I don't like the first book I keep reading the series because the characters captivate me, in this story, not one character but a child and a cat that appear on a page won me over, so I think in the end I don't recommend this story!

This book continues the theme from another series of the Duchess Club, whereupon young women are taught the skills that they need to become a Duchess, that are not taught at home. The skills are added to by the Club undertaking investigations into the proposed partners, especially the husband-to-be; negotiating a satisfactory contract that enables the women involved to have an independent life is they wish; ensuring that the women are prepared for marital 'relations' and wish for them to occur; and other elements of marriage as needed.
This is the first book of the new series and is very encouraging.
It is of a good length such that the story and characters can be explored in enough depth; and the storyline can have numerous sub-plots and information about Society and Trade in the era.
Here we read about the trade of Chimney Sweep boys and the attempts to regulate it and swap young boys for mechanical devices. the way that this was argued against and the way the young boys were treated - we also find our something about the Tarring sheds for rope to be used on sheds. So quite a lot about how young children were employed in industry.
I always think that exploring these elements of the Society at the time of the storyline adds to the understanding of the background to the characters and the world that they inhabit.
Tracy always has a good style and her novels are well written.

Beautifully complex love story!

Hildy may be the daughter of an earl, but her inheritance left her with more obligations than funds. She relies on the income from the Duchess Society, a marriage-contract service she runs with her best friend, Georgie (from The Ice Duchess). Part matchmakers, part pre-nup negotiators, she's determined to make sure that the young women of Society are financially protected before they enter into advantageously-arranged marriages.

Her current client is Mattie, a young woman who wants nothing more than to live her own life, pursuing her medical career and being free to love who she wants, which will never be a man. She's arranged with Tobias, an extremely wealthy but unconnected commoner, to enter into a marriage of convenience that grants him status while securing her freedom. Theirs is a solid friendship, and Hildy is tasked with helping Tobias assimilate into Polite Society in the weeks before the wedding.

The sparks inconveniently fly between Tobias and Hildy right from the moment they meet. Her financial stability and his future career plans both depend on his marriage to Mattie taking place, so they both are troubled by their undeniable chemistry and what it's going to cost them to pursue any type of relationship.

The complex storyline includes an attempted murder, a kidnapping, and a widely-known secret about one's connection to a title before arriving at the delightful and well-earned HEA. Every part of the story was intriguing and fun to read, but the absolute best part of this book is the exquisite writing style that brilliantly brings their scintillating attraction to life. This author is an accomplished wordsmith, inventing phrases and descriptions that took my breath away. I devoured this book in one afternoon and I could not have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It held my interest and moved quickly. Hildy and Tobias are drawn to each other against their better judgment and despite the plans and expectations they have. The story was sweet, sexy and fun. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more standalone books in this series.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

The Duchess Society is back! Now it is Hildegard (Hildy)'s turn to see if romance is in her future.

The daughter of an Earl who left her in a financially precarious situation when both he and his only son died, Hildy started a business with Georgie to assist women with marriage in the Ton.

The bastard son of a Viscount and a common woman, Tobias Streeter has had to build his fortune the old fashion way, earn, steal, cheat. Now, he wants to work with a premier architect and the only way to accomplish this, in his eyes, is to become part of society.

When Hildy and Tobias' worlds collide - it is an explosion of passion and hot tempers.

What a great book - the pictures painted of the background are wonderful. Sumner really can tell a story. I look forward to the next two installments!

Totally enjoyed this book!
Great storyline, in-depth characters, and strong writing. I was hooked from the very first page.
I did read The Ice Duchess prequel to this series and really loved the sweet romance in it. This story takes it up a notch with Hildy and Tobias. I really loved the character of Tobias and thought he was really well done and presented in a good way. Being Romani and a bit of a rogue, I have witnessed other authors taking this combination and dragging them through the mud then presenting them as a hero. Tracy Sumner from the start portrays Tobias in a very respectable way given his background which made me like him even more.
As with The Ice Duchess, I found the style of grammar and "speak" that the author uses a bit confusing at times, it doesn't seem to flow well. Several times I had to go back and re-read what was said and then try to put the picture together. But this did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the book as I felt this story was so strong and the plot so good.
I would highly recommend this book and urge readers to also read the prequel book as well.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Brazen Bluestocking is a a regency romance gem. I was very much intrigued by the premise of the book and was quickly drawn into the story.

The Mad Matchmaker a.k.a Hildy, is bold, outspoken and determined to make her way in the world and will let nothing stop her. She is a breath of fresh air and so very different from the typical regency romance heroine. Tobias a.k.a The Rogue King, is all kinds of sexy goodness and the perfect match for the Matchmaker.

This story kept me glued to my kindle - it had everything - an amazing storyline, romance, and a touch of both intrigue and suspense. The Brazen Bluestocking is a great way to start this new series and has me looking forward to the rest of the books in The Duchess Society series. I’m giving Tracy Sumner’s The Brazen Bluestocking the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Lady Hildegard Templeton is not your typical society miss, despite being the daughter of an earl. She has created an organization for women on the cusp of marriage called The Duchess Society. Determined to only marry for love, if not at all, she is completely thrown when she meets Tobias Streeter. Tobias is the bastard son of a viscount and king of London’s sordid streets, who has amassed a fortune. However he turns to the Duchess Society when he decides he needs to find a suitable wife, who will make him worthy to society. Yet he too, is conflicted when he meets Hildy.
The spark between them was well told through their flirting and engaging conversations. Whilst their fought their attraction to each other, their feelings were clearly evident. This is a great start to a new series, with two headstrong and dynamic characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another delightful book by Tracy Sumner. I chose this book and the prequel on NetGalley on a whim and am very glad I did. While I didn’t like this one as much as the prequel, I still enjoyed it an absurd amount.

This book follows Hildy, a peer’s daughter who is working as a matchmaker for eligible young ladies of the ton. She’s been hired to bring Tobias up to scratch so he can marry the daughter of an Earl. Of course sparks fly between Hildy and Tobias and the two fall hard for each other.

I really liked Hildy. She is strong, independent, and doesn’t care what others think. I also liked that while she is alone in terms of biological family, she has a large caring found family that cares deeply for her. I also really enjoyed Toby. He cares deeply for HIldy and from the first time they meet he starts listening to her. Together they were electric and were just fun to read.

I will keep an eye out for the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and WOLF Publishing for the ARC.


Bookstagram post coming September 27

I was hooked from the start. Tracy Sumner’s incredibly descriptive style helps the characters to leap of the page and into your heart. I found I could not put it down and when I had to, my mind was still consumed with Hildy & Toby’s tale. Not only do you fall in love with our Hero & Heroine but her attention to detail leaves each character feeling like friends and family, from Mac to Nigel all the way down to Nick Bottom. The story gave me chills, goosebumps… feeling every feel right along with our couple.

Hildegard the Mad Matchmaker is hired to investigate Tobias for a marriage match. While investigating Tobias she discovers there is more to him then you see, and she likes him. That is where things gets interesting.
Good slow romance. like the characters,dialogue in all a great story.
Enjoyed the story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

4.5 stars - Sexy, sassy, and fun, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Brazen Bluestocking. This author is new to me, and already a favorite book can’t wait to read more from her.

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

Bold, Brazen, and Utterly Bewitched

Hildegard "Hildy" Templeton is a brazen bluestocking who has sworn off men and marriage and, as she tells the story's villain at one point, you'd best not forget it.

Yet somehow stubborn, spinsterish (and excessively beautiful) Hildy winds up in a very steamy entanglement with a very wrong man--wrong in as many ways as you can think of: Tobias "Toby" Streeter is her client, he's a rough street rogue who is essentially her opposite, he's a "lowborn" titan of illegal industry, and he's engaged to be married in three weeks. An arrangement which could not have come about without the assistance of Hildy's Duchess Society, which helps noblewomen find truly suitable husbands who will allow them their independence.

Of course, the fact that Tobias is scheduled to marry a lady who prefers women and is only marrying him so that she can pursue her own vocational endeavors means there is no uncomfortable love triangle in the story and absolutely no cheating as such (and I have a low tolerance for it).

What there is, is a lovely amount of steamy scenes, many well-written turns of phrase ("He wanted to uncover her secrets in the hazy twilight, in a bed they creatively destroyed with their passion.") and a great deal of banter between the heroine and hero, culminating in a deliciously fun story that ends on a high-note of drama with the kind of villains I like the best: the redeemable and accidentally comical.

Steam Level: Steamy

This book was one of a series, and it very lightly mentions that. The story is definitely a stand alone book, but there are some minor references to the "Duchess Society" that the hero runs with her friends. The hero is almost like a matchmaker, but more of a negotiator between one of her students and prospective grooms. She does minor investigations of the background of the students, and then let's the future grooms know her findings and whether they are acceptable or not. Her most recent class has a student who had decided to marry a man who is not an aristocrat, but actually the bastard son of one with a gypsy or Romany mother. He was raised in the slums, but speaks better English and is educated. He has built up a huge shipping business and is one of the richest men in London. The heroine's student wants to marry him for strange reasons, one being she wants to be able to use her doctorng skills to help the poor.and he doesn't have a problem with that. He is even willing to be the money behind her practise. One thing, though. Someone is trying to kill the hero. He is a marked man where ever he goes and the heroine sees him shot almost in front of her.
This story needs to be read word for word and while it is well written, I felt I had to give it a concentrated effort. The book is almost over filled with descriptive commentary on, the settings, the sounds, the clothes, the people around them, the buildings, the rooms. It is just very descriptive in setting the mood of the scene. And the heroine seems a little abrupt for me. I would think someone. In her position would be a little more agreeable since she is a negotiator. I still gave it 5 stars and recommend d reading. It was enjoyable and took me away.

This is Hildy and Tobias’ story. He is a nobleman’s bastard. Her father was an earl. When her father and brother died she was left with a townhouse and servants to pay for. She opens a matchmaking service with her friend to earn money. She will bring any bachelor up to scratch. She tries to make Tobias into a gentleman for a nobleman’s daughter. Hildy and Tobias fall in love. He is rich and takes care of many people. It takes a lot work for them to be together. There are a few surprises. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Tobias Streeter was born as they say on the wrong side of the blanket. His blue blooded father never gave a thought of him, which is why he has made his fortune in his various enterprises. Now his only dream is to work as a architect for Mr. Nash, but he needs to have the Ton support. Making a deal to marry Lady Mathilda who wants only freedom to pursue her own dreams will hopefully get her father’s support and entry into the Ton, The Earl of Hastings hires Hildegard Templeton of the Duchess Society to oversee the engagement, which means turning Tobias, the Rogue King of Limehouse Basin into a gentleman. Where there is nothing between Tobias and Mattie, the sparks fly between Hildy and Tobias, but it’s business and nothing can happen between them or can it?
This is the first book of the Duchess Society, was a slow builder but stick with it. Well worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.