"This man was playing with her, and she didn't like participating in games she wasn't sure she could win."

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't really vibe with this. Don't get me wrong, it was well-written - you can definitely tell that Sumner is a practiced author. The problem for me was in the relationship between our MCs.

Independently, I actually enjoyed both Hildy and Tobias. They were pretty unique characters for a regency romance which, as a genre, can be repetitive. What I dislike is their relationship.

Technically, this isn't insta-love. Did you catch the operative word in there? I say "technically," because the insta-connection and insta-attraction between the two characters were so intense that it was virtually inseparable from insta-love and it killed the story for me. There just wasn't enough build-up for the pay-off to be satisfying.

I'm aware that my issue is largely personal preference, and there will definitely be readers who love this book. I think it could've been stronger though.

The Brazen Bluestocking is the first in a new series, The Duchess Society, by Tracy Sumner. I loved the banter between Hildy, aka The Mad Matchmaker, and Tobias, aka The Rogue King. Hildy's job is to help make Society matches fairer and more transparent through the detective work of the Duchess Society. She is hired to investigate The Rogue King by his betrothed's father,. The banter between these two while heading toward their happily ever after was the best part of the book.

There are a few mysteries that present themselves that I was disappointed did not have more time on the pages, but this was a fun and easy read.

Will they be able to see beyond their own restraints …

So far, except for a Christmas time novella, I have only read the author’s paranormal stories. So I wondered how she would deal with her usual complex narrative without the supernatural side.
And I am pleased to say, she is still as much talented at telling a classic journey to a more out of this earth one. And there is still some magic left in.
So be prepared to be like Hildie swept from your feet by Tobias’ awesomeness and gentleness.

Tobias and Hildegard are absolutely not common persons, they both pushed away the strictures of their environment as much as they could.
Thus they are kept at arm-length all the while in some way being envied.
Hildie refused to abide to the ton’s rules, nor marry for wealth and maybe an only supposed security. Worth, she now dabs her hands into the trade world, offering her service like any commoner. But the cards she was dealt by life did not leave her any other choice. It is thus or she will loose even what she has not.
Tobias is born from the wrong side of the blanket and worse, from someone with the wrong skin color. Yet it did not impede him once he has set his sight on his goal to become someone to be feared, envied, and sought after but only from the fringes of society. So to put a step into the Beau Monde, he must marry into it.
Why they had to meet, both are a tool in the other’s scheme. Except they never expected the scorching chemistry that ignited from seconds into their first encounter. The Mad Matchmaker and the Rogue King should never be.
And while they fight tooth and claws their attraction, some battles are lost from the beginning.
Yet their bigger struggle is not their insane pull, but their stubborn blindness to what is in front of them. They deny themselves their happiness by fear of what could go wrong instead of what they might miss out on.

But it is no sad angry tale, even if they each vent their ire at time and hurt the other, it is one filled with wits, quips, barbs and love. Love for an urchin, a cat, one’s friends and especially for the person whose mere thought makes the heart beat faster or the mind feel lighter.
Mrs Sumner gifts us with a wondrous and detailed journey from loneliness to love.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Happily grinning and writing this review. That's what this book did to me.

Not a big fan of romances where either of the protagonist is engaged to another person, so I was a bit reluctant initially. But this was different and there was no cheating or other woman/ man drama - happy about that. The story and the characters grew on me as I read.

Hildy girl and Toby - loved both of them as well as the other secondary characters.
Eagerly waiting to meet them all in the forthcoming books in the series.

Tracy Sumner does not disappoint. Till now, I've read only novellas from her, and I have to say that this full-length novel hits all the marks. Hildy and Tobias are so lovely together. One particular thing about the romance that Tracy writes, is that (I've said it before and I'm saying it again) it reads like a slow dance of seduction. I loved the secondary characters and look forward to their stories!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.

Such a wonderful romance with a lovely couple. Tobias and Hildy are both unexpectedly lovely and together they are even more so. I loved how they both have their worlds flipped around. I just cannot wait to read more from this new to me author.

Lady Hildegard Templeton, an impoverished Earl’s daughter who's been forced to work to support herself and her aging staff, is co-owner of the Duchess Society. She negotiates marriage contracts that favor women, but when her newest client wants her to reform a rogue into a darling of the ton, she has her work cut out for her. Tobias Streeter, known as the Rogue King, is wealthier than most of the peers of the realm, but what he really wants is to be accepted by them so he can work with a famed architect. When Lady Hildegard approaches him to reform him into an acceptable bridegroom, neither of them expect to have sparks fly between them. Can Hildy keep her professionalism intact while trying to keep her growing passion for Tobias under wraps.

From the first page when Hildy meets Tobias, Ms. Sumner reels the reader in. The interactions between these two are intriguing while each tries to fight their growing attraction to one another. I loved the banter whenever they meet. Tobias was such a noble character under his harsh exterior--a savoir of orphans and stray cats made my heart melt. Both Hildy and Tobias fight their love for each other and I just wanted to shake them both and have them admit they couldn't live without the other. There was a couple of mysteries in the book as well. One was explained well, but I thought the other one involving Tobias was just glossed over. It was a big deal in the story, but pushed to the side with a few sentences at the end. I look forward to reading more stories in the Duchess Society.

Lady Hildegard Templeton has no plans to marry. A bluestocking, she supports herself by putting her organizational talents to use for the Duchess Society. She is known as the Mad Matchmaker helping arrange marriages for over looked members of the ton. Her latest task is to civilize Tobias Street to marry the daughter of an earl His mother was Romni and he is the illegitimate son of a viscount. His intended wants her independence to learn to practice medicine. He has plenty of money but wants the respectability the marriage would bring. Only one problem. Sparks, heat and attraction flare every time Hildy and Toby are together.

This is a fun historical romance with a modern feel. Hildy is self supporting but because of her title seems to be accepted in society (which realistically might not happen). I like that she rescues herself and owns her feelings in a positive way. Toby is a sweetheart in spite of his outward appearances. I am new to the author, Tracy Sumner and this is the first in a new series. After finishing this book I learned there is a prequel, The Ice Duchess. It only took me minutes to download it and add it to my reading pile. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, Wolf Publishing and BookBuzz for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

Hildy and Toby were a phenomenal couple. I am usually not a fan of a story where one MC is already engaged to someone else but this was resolved relatively early in the book. I loved how Hildy reinvented herself and didn't let society dictate her future. Toby is the kind of hero we love to root for; born into poverty and illegitimate he worked his way to an empire. I loved the way they connected and it was a very satisfying read.

Hildy and Toby's story is sweet, heartbreaking, steamy, and did I mention steamy? They are two people fighting to make their dreams come true. While reaching for their dreams they meet and have to work together, which leads to fireworks... I'm talking New Years Eve in NY fireworks. It is impossible not to fall in love with the characters, even the supporting characters. I loved the hint about the next book in the series and can't wait for Leighton's story. You won't regret reading this book!!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Wolf Publishing for this advanced readers copy of The Brazen Bluestocking by Tracy Sumner.

Lady Hildegard Tempelton and her Duchess Society are trying to marry woman to husbands that will marry for love or even convenience, as long as both parties are ok with the arrangement.

What Hildy doesn’t expect though, is to be attracted to the next “husband-in-training” for another Lady.

Tobias Streeter is of noble blood, but not respected by the ton. He’s a smuggler and has more money by importing goods from all over the world. But he wants a connection to society, so he must marry for convenience. Lady Mattie wants to become a doctor and prefers the other s3x, so marrying for love is out of the question.

But when Hildy meets Streeter, sparks fly, bad guys come out hiding and Dukes want to fight.

Loved it! Can’t wait for book 2!!

Tobias and Hildy are a couple not to be messed with.
A willful bluestocking matches wits with a devilish scoundrel, that she never expected to desire with every beat of her heart.
A defiant society outcast.
A forbidding rogue who doesn’t believe in love, and a passionate wager.
Bastard son of a viscount and king of London’s sordid streets, Tobias Streeter has spent a lifetime building his empire.
Daughter of an earl, Lady Hildegard Templeton hasn’t conformed to what society expects from a woman of her station. Together they make for a witty and complimentary couple. Soon, Tobias and Hildy’s plans are in turmoil as they choose between expectation, passion, and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

The first book after the prequel, THE ICE PRINCESS.
Lady Hildegard Templeton takes her job working for the Duchess Society seriously. No clients, no money. Known as the Mad Matchmaker, her current job is to "mold a man into more manageable clay." to be accepted into society. Tobias Streeter is the Rogue King of Limehouse. The illegitimate son of a Viscount and a Romani mother, he wants credibility by marrying the Earl of Hastings' oldest daughter, Lady Matilda, Matty wants her freedom to pursue medicine. Hildy wants to know why he wants credibility. Tobis is already rich and controls part of London. From the first time Hildy meets Tobias, the pull of their attraction is breathless and cannot be ignored. Tobias has to be the one to make changes to make him happy. To be happy he needs Hildy in his life. Tobias is a strong, soft hearted hero, much more than what he shows on the surface. Excellent read, excellent series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is my second book of this Series, the first being the Prequel. I loved the Prequel, and I loved this book, as it has two very strong, determined and damaged main characters who have chemistry off the charts, and are both determined not to find love. I can't wait to read the other books in the Series. 4-1/2 hot stars.

Thank you Wolf Publishing and NetGalley for allowing .e to read and review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my second book by Tracy Sumner (with my first being the prequel novella ARC that I reviewed). I am always excited when a historical romance leaves the ballroom and mostly takes place in a rookery. Something about a Peaky Blinder-esque hero makes me swoon immediately.

Lady Hildy is one of the cofounders of The Duchess Society; matchmakers for the ton. Hildy is a bit on the shelf and known as the "mad matchmaker" for her fearlessness when it comes to making matches. She is hired to finalize a marriage of convenience between an aspiring female doctor, Matilda, and the illegitimate son of an earl and king of the rookery, Tobias. When Hildy and Tobias meet for the first time there is an instant connection. They must decide if they are going to give in to the attraction or use the marriage of convenience to propel Tobias, Hildy, and Matilda's lives toward their dreams and goals.

If you are like me, you like your hero's totally enamored with the heroine from the start. I loved the chemistry between them. Both Hildy and Matilda are such strong feminist females and I'm here for it. The supporting characters were so encouraging of the relationship and that was refreshing. Not many books become a reread for me, but I can absolutely see myself reading this book again. I look forward to the other books coming in this series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Wolf Publishing, and Tracy Sumner for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

A fun romp between an eccentric matchmaker and a self-made man who have an undeniable attraction despite his being betrothed to another woman. After a twisty plot with plenty of steam, a HEA! Ahhh.