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Lords & Ladies of Mayfair #5

Secrets of a Bluestocking: A Regency Romance

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A secret has kept them apart, but can that secret bring them together?

Miss Anette Bolingbroke was not like most girls of the ton . She dreamed of writing a book and had no grand illusions that she would ever wed. Which was fine by her. Her heart had been irretrievably broken by a man that wanted nothing to do with her. Rather than wallowing in her own self-pity, she focuses on her own hopes and dreams, determined to make it on her own.

Lord Roswell Westlake had a secret; one that could ruin him and his family if revealed. He played the role of a carefree younger son of a marquess well, but it was just an act to maintain his cover as an agent of the Crown. When he is assigned to root out a traitor amongst the peerage, it causes him to come face-to-face with the one person he had promised to avoid- Miss Bolingbroke.

Roswell’s usual tactic of indifference towards Anette soon backfires as he finds himself enjoying her company once more. And much to her dismay, Anette starts letting Roswell back into her life. When Anette’s life is threatened, Roswell must keep secrets from her to ensure her safety. But as time goes on, he begins to question whether or not he is truly doing the right thing by keeping her at arm’s length from his heart.

As the fifth novel in the series by author Laura Beers, Secrets of a Bluestocking continues the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

The series

Book 1- Secrets of a Lady
Book 2- A Beguiling Ruse
Book 3- An Improper Courtship
Book 4- An Amiable Alliance
Book 5- Secrets of a Bluestocking
And more to come...

Other series by Laura Beers include The Beckett Files , Regency A Promise of Love , Proper Regency Matchmakers, Regency Spies & Secrets and Gentlemen of London .

320 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2023

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About the author

Laura Beers

144 books537 followers
Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

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5 stars
460 (52%)
4 stars
253 (28%)
3 stars
126 (14%)
2 stars
26 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
1,003 reviews438 followers
November 17, 2023
Anette Bolingbroke has sworn off getting married due to being kissed and then left alone. How can she marry some else when that man still holds her heart. Instead, she wants to write a book, something that her parents don’t wish for her to do. Lord Roswell Westlake is the man who kissed Anette, but then he couldn’t pursue any farther due to him being an agent for the crown, so he too will not marry anyone else. His mother is also having health troubles which don’t help matters. When Roswell and Anette are back each others company they find that they can’t help getting along and maybe they should be together after all.

This is the 5th book in the series and is another 5 star from me! I was waiting for Anette’s story, I found her character fascinating and witty in the other books so I was happy she got her own story! I loved her and Roswell together. I felt so bad for Roswell with his mother’s health situation. I’m glad Anette was there for him. I also absolutely loved Roswell’s sister Octavia. She is hilarious and I’m glad her story is next. Overall a fantastic read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lavins.
1,464 reviews85 followers
January 3, 2025
1.5 stars rounded up

Absolutely annoying, boring, ridiculous. A real challenge to finish it.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,594 reviews122 followers
January 18, 2024
"Miss Anette Bolingbroke had the terrible misfortune of being born a lady. A bluestocking, or so she had been called on an occasion or tow. It wasn't an insult to her, but rather a compliment."

I've been wanting Anette's story for awhile now and I was so excited to finally get to learn more about her. Firstly, she's considered a bluestocking which was frowned upon by most of Society. Secondly she wants to write a novel!! Women were only supposed to read certain types of books and they certainly weren't supposed to write them! Thirdly, even though her parents keep speaking of her need to marry, marriage isn't in Anette's plan because her heart was broken after a mistletoe kiss with the man she loves.

Lord Roswell Westlake has a complicated life: his mother is ill and often thinks Roswell is his older brother Fredrick who's fighting in the war; he's a secret agent for the Crown--not even his family knows since his cover is that of the carefree younger son who spends his time hanging out with friends at White's; and he's being pressured to marry, but feels he can't because of the danger of his work (the work no one knows about) and he won't put the woman he loves in harms way.

I absolutely loved Anette! I loved that she knew what she wanted and I loved her wit! I'd love a t-shirt or a mug with one of my favorite lines "I need to go lie down. My allowance for stupidity has been reached for the day."

Although I was completely invested in Anette and Roswell figuring things out and getting together, finding out who the traitor was really held my interest. Who was it, who they were working with and why. I love regency spy stories and this one had me changing my mind about one of the characters several times--was he lying? Was he who he said he was?

This book has everything--witty banter, family challenges, strong women, protective men, danger, and intrigue, plus a happily ever after. And, we get to see characters from the previous books which is like icing on the cake. What more could you ask for? I'm already looking forward to the next book, Lady Octavia's story.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,891 reviews40 followers
May 4, 2025
I always like books by this author. I found it to be very engaging as both parties try to decide if they should be honest with the other. I have enjoyed this series. I gave it 4 stars.
Profile Image for Carissa.
454 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2023
I’m so happy that Anette and Roswell got their story told! I’ve been so excited for this! Every encounter between them in previous books grew that curiosity about their past more and more.

Roswell has a secret. A secret that he intends to keep at the expense of acquiring his heart’s desire…
Anette is in love with the one man she would ever agree to marry, but he keeps her at a distance, declaring his intention to keep their friendship intact…

When Roswell and Anette find their families embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving traitors and underhanded dealings, they are thrown together and find it increasingly difficult to ignore their feelings for each other. What will happen to our two main characters? Will they enjoy a happily ever after?

Secrets of a Bluestocking takes you on an adventure around London and gives you a sweet love story in the process. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this series!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lori.
83 reviews
December 8, 2023
The life of a bluestocking is not easy especially when you dream of writing a book. Miss Annette Bolingbroke is determined to never marry and hopes to write a book one day. She is constantly hounded by her parents about settling down with a good gentleman. She is constantly thrown together with her once close friend, Lord Roswell Westlake. Unfortunately, a kiss under the mistletoe with him has driven him further away breaking her heart. Rather than marry someone she does not love, she is determined to remain single.

Roswell loves Annette and the kiss they shared haunts him. He wishes he could pursue her, but he promised to not get involved with her. His duty is to his country and his life is in constant danger. He can not tell Annette the truth. He must let her find her own happiness. The only problem is her mother keeps throwing them together.

When Annette's life is threatened, the bluestocking may need to have a spy who loves her save her after all. I liked this story of the battle to fight what they both think is unrequited love. This story has a mystery to be solved and a chance of love finding it's way. I have read the previous books and have been looking forward to finding out why Annette and Roswell are uncomfortable around each other. I have enjoyed reading this sweet, clean, regency romance.

I received arc to review. The opinion in this is mine and mine alone.
1,090 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2023
clean romance

This story is packed with intrigue, threats, traitors and heroes.

This fifth book in the series “continues “ the story with characters that are introduced in previous books. Having read them in order makes them all the better in my opinion.

The characters, plot and narrative kept me entertained and trying to solve the mystery was fun.

The tension between the hero and heroine is a struggle for both as they try to be “friends” but each wanting more.

I did have a small struggle with the hero’s careless moments even though he was distracted by the heroine… it seems a bit too careless but it did add to the drama and conflict in the story.

Can’t wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
842 reviews22 followers
November 4, 2023
A blend of undeclared love, conflicting allegiances, and danger
This book is a wonderful tale of conflicting desires, unspoken love, facing family challenges, and danger while struggling to remain to your values. Annette has been in love with Roswell her brother Caleb’s friend, for a very long time and he seemed to be interested in her until suddenly his attentions stopped. Unknown to Annette, Roswell and Caleb have begun working as spies to help protect England. In an effort to keep Annette safe, Roswell has promised, Caleb, to not court her but they seem to be forever being thrown together. But now there is a traitor, in the midst of the spy organization, someone is selling secrets that put the troops in danger, and an unknown Frenchman suddenly appears claiming to be a friend to Roswell’s older brother. All this while, Roswell’s mother is extremely ill and Caleb’s father is acting strangely. A wonderful book that will keep you involved to the very end. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
1,563 reviews19 followers
November 30, 2023
This story has everything you want in a great story. Historical Regency timeframe with intriguing suspense, a bit of mystery, spies for the Crown and women that are not afraid to defend themselves. Caleb and Roswell are trying to find traitors of the Crown. Unfortunately, this means a marriage for love is not in the works even though Roswell has loved Annette for sometime. Annette has also had feelings for Roswell, but cannot understand why he cannot love her back. This was highly entertaining and delightful read. Wonderful characters, clean wholesome romance, adventure, and touching scenes showing love for a dying mother (dementia). This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. Looking forward to Octavia’s story.
Profile Image for Denise.
440 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2024
They were many times that I wanted to just stop reading this book. I persevered and it got better and then it would disappoint again and then get good again. That seemed the constant about this book.

And, as spies, the hero, Roswell, and his best friend, Caleb, really sucked. Mediocrity on display.

Plus I couldn’t decide if I liked any of characters. They just felt one dimensional.

I think I just persevered at the book because, one, I like to finish books , but, two, I wanted to see if I was right as to who the traitor was. I was right.
Profile Image for Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi.
538 reviews30 followers
June 22, 2025
“I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.” “I am sure you would get along just fine without me.” “You are wrong. Without you, I have nothing; I am nothing.”

A regency spy story? Yes, please! This one has it all: witty banter, danger, intrigue, changing suspicions, family, and love.

Anette is witty, knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I loved her relationships with Caleb and Octavia. She definitely struggled with her feelings for Roswell and his apparent lack of feelings for her. Roswell is kind and protective. It was heartbreaking to see how his mother’s illness affected him. I loved his and Octavia’s discussions. He has a big secret for sure! I enjoyed his investigation and the way he and Caleb worked together. I enjoyed Anette and Roswell’s tender moments. I loved when all the secrets were revealed and they were finally able to be honest with each other. 😍

A few more quotes:
He had danced with the one person that could affect him deeply; the one person that had captivated his heart and soul.

“I need to go lie down. My allowance for stupidity has been reached for the day.”

“In my humble opinion, the most beautiful people, truly beautiful inside and out, are the ones who are completely unaware of their effect on others.” “I have a mirror—” “Then it must be broken for you to not know how captivating you are.”
717 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2023
Her heart was broken when the man she grew up with and fell in love with gave her one kiss under mistletoe and then rejected her. Now Miss Anette Bolingbroke is having her first Season and her parents want her to find a husband but she has decided she doesn't want to get married. She still has feelings for Lord Roswell Westlake so when her mother wants to try to match them, she is determined to guard her heart.

Lord Roswell Westlake is in love with Anette but he made a promise to her brother Caleb not to pursue her. Roswell and Caleb both work undercover as spies for the crown and being around him could be dangerous. They are involved in an investigating a traitor who is giving secrets to the French. As their investigation deepens people are being killed and threats are made against Roswell's family and the woman he loves, Anette.

This is a wonderful story with lots of intrigue, strong women and protective gentlemen. Characters from previous books will show up in this story so best if read in order.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Caitlin Coska.
1,048 reviews31 followers
April 28, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 0/5 🧼

Summary: Anette and Lord Roswell are bound by a past they’ve both tried to forget. As a covert agent for the Crown, Roswell has spent years keeping his distance until a new mission forces him back into her life. When danger closes in around Anette, he’ll do anything to protect her, even if it means risking his heart all over again.

Thoughts: I always love the “I’m going to be a spinster, it’s fine” vibe in books. I did feel that Anette had more spunk as a background character in the earlier books and was sad it wasn’t built upon in her standalone.

The relationship felt very genuine and their connection was really strong. The reasons they stayed apart made sense and the angst was enough to be engaging but never frustrating.
Profile Image for Julie.
928 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2023
Anette and Roswell are in love but neither of them can or will admit their feelings to each other. Roswell won't because he promised Anette's brother, who is a fellow spy, that he wouldn't act on his feelings for her. Anette thinks she is alone in her feelings and so decides to remain unmarried.
When Anette is brought into the danger unintentionally Roswell and Caleb are racing to find who is the traitor amongst them. There are many side characters that feed into the story and give it depth.
I really enjoyed this story and the interesting twists and turns.
1,711 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2024
Predictable

Lost a star with one simple phrase that is a pet peeve. I am a tall lady. Never have I needed to stand on tip toes to kiss anyone. More often than that I felt the need to bend to kiss the munchkins with high aspirations goodnight.
The book was predictable. I did not fall in love with my friends from childhood. That seems to be a common theme. They were friends who went separate ways. I still maintain friendships with a few but time marches on. I know of only one couple that married, it didn't last.
341 reviews
August 17, 2025
This is a captivating story about Anette & Roswell. I have read the previous books that kept hinting at something between them and I knew she loved him but...It is so good. First of all, I had no idea her brother was involved in keeping Roswell away from her. I was aware of his undercover work but did not realize the extent of what was involved.
This story is filled with intrigue and mysteries and of course unrequited love. I love how brave Anette is and how well she handles herself. 5*****
Profile Image for Gina.
2,523 reviews34 followers
November 26, 2023
Anette has loved Roswell for a long time. After they share a kiss under the Mistletoe he withdraws. He is a spy and does not want to draw her into his world. He and her brother, Caleb are partners and on a dangerous mission. Caleb's father is involved after being threatened. Anette and Caleb's sister are in danger and things can turn deadly. They have to find out who the enemy is in time to save lives of their loved ones.
1,215 reviews11 followers
November 27, 2023
This book was wonderful.
It had so much packed into it- a sick mother, dangerous missions, witty banter, romance and a happy ending. It might be one my favorites of this series. I always enjoy a bluestocking for the main female character- Anette was so relatable.
I love that this author always has a mystery of some sort in her romances- it makes her books so enjoyable!
Profile Image for Chelsea Gardner.
302 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2023
I have waited forever for Annette and Roswell to have a story and I’m so glad that it happened! Annette is such a fun person. I loved getting to know her better. Roswell had many things that he had to work through and get past and I love that Annette helps him. They are such a fun couple, and have a great love story!
Profile Image for Kerstin.
491 reviews
December 10, 2023
I think this might have been my favorite book in the series! I really enjoyed the characters and plot. A good read. Interesting climax and ending. Held my attention well.

Clean.
Language/profanity: none
Sex/innuendo: mild kiss scenes
Gore/Violence: Fairly mild. A little more graphic than I care for in deaths. Mild fight scenes. Kidnappings.
Dark/Creepy: none
2,601 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2025
Annette likes Roswell but ever since he gave that kiss under the mistletoe he has not been around. Roswell, as a spy, does not want to even think about about his feelings for her. After all enemies could endanger her if she is close to him. When things occur during his secret assignment and must be overcome he realizes that she and he must have their hea
Profile Image for Joan.
1,438 reviews
September 14, 2025
Roswell and Anette

Secrets of a Bluestocking is an exciting story. I liked the mystery and the intrigue. I liked getting to know the families and how they interacted with each other. I enjoyed the romance and the action. This book is a great addition to the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair series.
43 reviews
December 18, 2023
Annette is one of my favorite characters. She doesn’t want to do what the ton expects and find a husband. That would be so boring. She wants to write a book. Although she can’t forget the kiss under the mistletoe.
124 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2024
What happened?

I almost gave up on this book - was this written by a different author? Very disjointed - different editor?? Predictable read with a few moments of suspense & intrigue - skip to the last quarter of the book & enjoy the sweet ending.
31 reviews
December 5, 2023
Spies, intrigue, and brilliant ladies seeking their independence and dreams. Such fun characters and love story.
Profile Image for Teresa Williams.
556 reviews9 followers
December 7, 2023
I’ve been wondering for so long if anything would ever happen for Annette Bolingbroke and Lord Roswell, and it’s finally here, and I loved it!
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
750 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2023
“Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. It is just a moment that gives you the strength to endure what is coming next.”
2,046 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2024
I am loving this series! A regency romance with a side of mystery you won't want to miss!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews