She Risked It All: A Brilliant Defiance by Laura Beers

Jul 13, 2026

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Jane and Alistair were a wonderful pair. I felt deeply for Jane though as she finds herself in quite the predicament. After her family has forced her to the altar to marry a very dangerous man, she runs for it. Putting everything at risk for her own happiness. It’s the best decision she’s ever made, but leaves her with very little to fall back on.

Check out my full review below and see if this is a book you might like to read as well!

Title: A Brilliant Defiance

Author: Laura Beers

Series: Courting the Unconventional

Genre: Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐

Disclaimer

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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My Thoughts:

Having been following this series, I knew her story was coming, so this part of the story wasn’t a huge surprise, but it still left me feeling nervous for her. Thankfully she has a wonderful group of friends who are there for her. Not to mention a surprise family member that shows up to help her.

Alistair on the other hand is an outstanding viscount who is a former soldier. But a mission from his former days is showing up to haunt him and putting his family in danger. Especially the woman he is falling for, Jane.

Jane and Alistair have known each other since childhood and have always had an appreciation for one another. But their affections are developing into more than either of them expected.

They were really cute together and to watch their romance develop slowly and cautiously was fun to watch. Their issues were more related to the things going on around them and not as much struggle with their own feelings. Although Alistair almost makes a really dumb decision, but quickly realizes how deep his feelings are for Jane.

I also loved that we started to get more insights into Alistair’s little sister who is the feature of the next book!

Publisher’s Blurb:

Society turned its back. So she rewrote her fate.

Lady Jane Lyttelton had always done precisely what was expected of her—until the moment she stood at the altar beside an aged duke. Rather than seal her fate, she ran. Disowned by her family and shunned by Society, her future seemed hopeless… until an unexpected inheritance offered her a chance at independence and a second chance at life.

Alistair Winslow, Viscount Alcott, returned from war with more than a title and scars. Haunted by what he had been forced to do to survive, he now shoulders the weight of protecting his sister and upholding the family name. When Jane saves his life in a dark London alley, he finds himself drawn into her troubles and into feelings he cannot afford to have.

But danger lurks in every shadow. As Alistair’s investigation regarding the questionable deaths of men in his Army company takes a deadly turn, Jane refuses to remain safely out of harm’s way. To protect her, he must confront his past and the man intent on destroying them both. Yet the greatest battle he faces may be against his own heart, for to love her could cost them everything.

As the sixth novel in the Courting the Unconventional series by author Laura Beers, A Brilliant Defiance continues the 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.