When her parents die of influenza, Marigold Manners learns that they have left her penniless. She is forced to withdrawal from school and abandon her When her parents die of influenza, Marigold Manners learns that they have left her penniless. She is forced to withdrawal from school and abandon her plans to join an archaeological expedition in Greece, and at the attorney’s suggestion, she writes to relatives. With no desire to live off the generosity of her dear friend Isabella Dana, Marigold accepts an intriguing invitation to visit her mother’s cousin on the island of Great Misery, Massachusetts. Marigold has never heard of Sophronia Hatchet, but the island is not that far from Boston, and she can’t ignore the cryptic message Sophronia sent her.
She optimistically sets out for Great Misery but was totally unprepared for the cold and even hostile reception she is met with from the family nor the filthy and desolate house. But ever the problem solver, Marigold doesn’t let their behavior affect her and sets out to clean the house and get to know her cousins. Slowly Marigold breaks though the walls her family has erected and then sets out to help them achieve their dreams. She is further surprised when she finds her old friend (and something of a secret crush) Jonathan “Cab” Cox on the mainland. Cab is there to help his uncle with a legal matter, a request he took knowing Marigold was staying nearby. But it turns out that Marigold will be the one in need of his legal assistance when a body turns up in her garden and she is the prime suspect!
This was a very well written novel, but I don’t know if I would really call it a mystery, it read more like historical women’s fiction with a murder and lots of surprising and interesting twists, along with a budding romance. Overall, this was an interesting, well written story with lots of intrigue, wonderful characters, complex relationships, lots of twists, shocking revelations and a murder. I would definitely read the next installment and would happily recommend this title to those who enjoy a slightly dark, intriguing read.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more
Since being abandoned by her husband of less than a day, Annella Gunn nee MacKay, has been acting as both Lady and Laird of the castle with no help frSince being abandoned by her husband of less than a day, Annella Gunn nee MacKay, has been acting as both Lady and Laird of the castle with no help from her husband’s family, especially his vile mother. Yet despite that, she has been very successful and won the respect of the clan. Now six years later, her husband has been found dead and his bones returned to Scotland. No longer needed to stay with the Gunns she is eager to return home. Hoping her father (Ross MacKay) will find her another husband, hopefully one who will love her and give her children. But she will need the permission of the new Laird, her husband’s younger brother – Graeme Gunn. She is sure he will agree, but her brother convinces her to stay a little while to help Graeme in his new position, after all the man has not been home in years and never thought he would be Laird. She reluctantly agrees and starts to spend time with Graeme, and has to admit to herself that she is attracted to him, more than any man she has ever known. When things get heated between them, Graeme insists on marriage, and she resists, until circumstances force her hand. Can she find the love she has always wanted or is she doomed to living unhappily ever after?
From the moment he returned home and saw Annella tending a clan member, Graeme Gunn knew she was the woman for him. But convincing her was a lot harder than he anticipated. He will need the help of her brother Payton and his fellow mercenaries, Symon and Teague to win her hand. But no sooner than he does, it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill one of them! He will have to figure it out before he loses the only woman he has ever loved.
This book has all the elements that made me a fan of Lynsay Sands! The book is well written, nicely paced and has wonderful characters. It took me a minute to figure out how Annella and Graeme were connected to the “Highland Brides” and then I realized that Annella is next generation of Highland Brides, since she is Ross & Annabel’s daughter from the first book in the series and readers will be delighted to reunite with them in this book. The story classic Sands with her trademark humor, intrigue, and steamy love scenes. The book is filled with mystery, wonderful characters, witty banter, a strong heroine, a sexy highlander hero, great secondary characters, vile villains, a bit of miscommunication and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I will be honest, I am not sure how I feel about how things ended with the villain, I can’t say more without spoilers, but I did find it unsettling, not undeserved, just not quite what I was expecting. Anyway, it was a for the most part, a fun, spicy read that could be read as a standalone title with no problems and a book that I am happy to recommend to my fellow Lyndsay Sands fans.
4 maybe, 4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more
When widower Aberforth Pritchard, the Ravenkeeper of the Tower of London is murdered, Inspector Henry Field of Scotland Yard is put on the case. HenryWhen widower Aberforth Pritchard, the Ravenkeeper of the Tower of London is murdered, Inspector Henry Field of Scotland Yard is put on the case. Henry is a 3rd generation Inspector and has a lot to prove, given that his father and grandfather were legends at Scotland Yard and were both promoted to Chief Inspector, leading many to believe that Henry was given his promotions and isn’t nearly as proficient as his predecessors. Henry strongly refuted these accusations, but a recent unsolved murder has him questioning himself and making him more determined than ever to solve the Ravenkeeper’s murder. His first order of business will be finding Aberforth’s missing seven-year-old daughter Maeve.
As luck would have it (or maybe not), Maeve is returned to the Tower by none other than Amelia Greystone, the widow of Matthew Greystone – the victim of Henry’s unsolved murder. Amelia was shocked when Maeve arrived at her home in the early morning, barefoot and wearing only her nightdress. Amelia barely knows the child, having met her when Amelia interviewed her father for the periodical she writes for and having invited her to her home to visit her laboratory. Amelia has a keen interest in chemistry, thanks to her father, but it has been nothing more than a hobby, and at her parents urging, she started writing for the magazine not long after the death of her husband. But his was not the only death she has had to endure; she also lost her three-year-old daughter to Scarlett Fever not long before Matthew was murdered, which put a strain on their already floundering relationship. Amelia agrees to keep Maeve until her relatives can be found, as the girl is deaf and mute and clearly feels comfortable with her. She is happy to see that Henry is on the case, despite her husband’s unsolved murder, she knows he is intelligent and dedicated. And when he asks for her help, she is happy to give it. But keeping Maeve and helping Henry may be more dangerous than any of them realize!
I really enjoyed this story, I don’t normally read historical mystery, but having read all of this author’s historical romance books, I knew I would not be disappointed. This was a well-written, nicely researched book with an intriguing mystery, wonderful characters and a satisfying ending that left me excited to read the next installment! The mystery was well-done, but I did feel like the story sometimes got lost in the details as the author gives the reader a lot of information that isn’t necessarily pertinent to the story. This is the author's first foray into the Historical Mystery genre, so it may just be a case of finding her stride and her future books will only be better for it!
4.5 stars, rounded up
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *...more
When one of her students goes missing, bluestocking teacher Phoebe Atkinson doesn’t think twice about investigating alone. But when she finds herself When one of her students goes missing, bluestocking teacher Phoebe Atkinson doesn’t think twice about investigating alone. But when she finds herself in trouble, she turns to an old friend, William “Will” Margrave, the uppity, oh-so-perfect Duke of Ellis for help. Together they will navigate the darker side of London and along the way reconnect after years apart. But can there be anything lasting between them? Especially since Phoebe has no desire to conform to society’s rules for women and Will needs a perfect duchess.
Years ago, Will and Phoebe were good friends and shared a mutual attraction, but all that changed when Will inherited the dukedom and all the responsibilities that came with it. He lost touch with Phoebe but continued to maintain a friendship with her elder sister Alexandra “Alex”. Will has spent years learning to be the perfect duke and is now in search of the perfect duchess, and even has a candidate selected. But when Phoebe needs his help, he quickly puts his courtship on hold and runs to Phoebe’s side. He quickly realizes that his attraction to her is just as strong as it ever was, but nothing could come of it, since Phoebe will never be a proper duchess.
This was a well-written story with interesting characters, but it wasn’t the book I was hoping for. I never really connected with Phoebe or Will, and honestly didn’t feel the “romance”. I was hoping for a fun, sexy Friends-to-Lovers, Second-Chance romance, and in the strictest sense it was that just minus the “fun, sexy” part. The book dragged and I got annoyed with Phoebe’s judgmental and martyrish ways, as well as Will’s constant lamenting that Pheobe wasn’t good enough to be his duchess. Overall, it was an OK story with a happy ending and while I didn’t love this book, I did like her sisters and would probably read their stories.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more
After time abroad nursing his broken heart, Nathan Dunbridge is finally ready to return to society and at his first foray into the season he is surpriAfter time abroad nursing his broken heart, Nathan Dunbridge is finally ready to return to society and at his first foray into the season he is surprised to see a familiar face – Verity Cole. After following her and getting involved with her latest case, he finds himself conflicted and decides to leave town for a bit to regain his bearings. But a disturbing revelation has him seeking out Verity once more. She affects him like no woman he has ever met, she aggravates him, intrigues him and makes him feel things that he has never felt for any woman, including his beloved Annabeth. But Verity has secrets and Nathan has nothing to offer unless they can find a way to clear his father’s name. Will Nathan clear his family name and finally win the girl or is his fate doomed to be a loveless solitary existence?
Spy turned detective, Miss Verity Cole leads an exciting, fulfilling life, even if it is a bit lonely. Her successful investigation business has enabled her to live independently and on her own terms, and as she has no plans to marry, life is good, and she is content or at least she was before Nathan Dunbridge reappeared! That man is too perfect and probably still in love with Annabeth Rutherford. She has no idea why he intrigues her so, he is handsome, but they have nothing in common and could never love her. But as they work together, she begins to fall for a man that can never be hers, because she has no future, thanks to her past. But she can’t seem to walk away and can’t seem to stop wanting what she can’t have.
This was a well-written, interesting story with likable characters who at first glance appear to be polar opposites. After reading the previous book, I wouldn’t have thought Nathan and Verity would be “couple material” yet they are perfect for each other, each bringing something to the relationship that the other needs and balancing each other. And while I felt that it was more mystery than romance, it was spicy enough to keep me reading and their connection developed into a believable soulmate type love. This book has a lot going on and has multiple twists and turns before the real villain is unmasked and served justice. Add in cameos from previous characters, a wonderful cast of secondary characters, a decent mystery as well as some steamyish love scenes, a few life and death moments, and finally a HEA with an epilogue that is more than just a romantic ending. This is the third book in the series, while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *...more
Orphaned Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to be free of her guardians, the very strict Shackletons and to begin a new life with her love, Lieutenant FOrphaned Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to be free of her guardians, the very strict Shackletons and to begin a new life with her love, Lieutenant Frederick Fletcher in Bermuda. But when she is caught in a compromising situation with Frederick, her guardians quickly arrange her marriage to a man of their choosing, widower Captain Graves and she is sent away, with hopes that her Lieutenant will rescue her. When Emeline arrives at Faraday House, she soon learns that the captain’s second wife, Georgina, though gravely ill, is not dead! Emeline with the help of Georgina, the cold, but intriguing Reverand Pellerine and some supernatural intervention, is determined to discover the truth of Faraday House and just maybe find her own HEA.
I was so excited to read this book, I love a good gothic romance and was really looking forward to this book after reading the blurb. Then I started it and realized that it is written in the First-Person Narrative, I hate FPN. Then as I continued reading, it became obvious that this story is definitely more mystery than romance, but it has a strong gothic feel, and the mystery was well plotted albeit slow moving. I personally find it hard to connect with characters in the first person, so I struggled with this book, but lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights will probably enjoy this story more than I did. Overall, it was a decent read with a happy ending. Not a book I would read again, but if you like gothic mystery with a dash of supernatural and don’t mind FPN, you will probably enjoy this book.
3 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *...more
Emma Knightley nee Woodhouse is with her dear friend Harriet Martin have just arrived at the village of Highbury’s church to arrange flowers for SundaEmma Knightley nee Woodhouse is with her dear friend Harriet Martin have just arrived at the village of Highbury’s church to arrange flowers for Sunday when they happen upon the lifeless body of Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife. Emma quickly takes charge and sends Harriet to find the local doctor and to find Emma’s husband George, who is the local magistrate. Because not only will George know what to do, but he is needed in a legal capacity as it is clear that Mrs. Elton was murdered!!
I was so excited for this book as Ms. Kelly is one of my favorite authors and Emma is my favorite Jane Austen character, and I was looking forward to reading about her new life as George’s wife, and hoping she is still her same delightfully meddlesome self! Good news, she is, and the book is filled with tidbits of the day to day, comings and goings of the inhabitants of Highbury, including Miss Bates and her mother Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Weston, Emma’s father, as well as Harriet, the vicar, Jane Churchill, her husband Frank and many others. Bad news, this book was not the exciting story I was hoping for. It was good, but it moved slowly, as in glacially slow and I found myself getting bored with the unnecessary repetitiveness of the dialogue and the facts of the murder. With each new suspect, the process began again, and the results were the same – which was annoying, especially as I was pretty sure I knew who the murderer was almost from the start. No spoilers, but I was right. I wish this book had been a bit less wordy and moved faster. I didn’t hate the book, it had its moments, but overall, it moved much too slowly to hold my attention, and it is not a book I would read again, and quite honestly, I am not sure if I want to read another installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more
Hyacinth Bell has spent the better part of her adult life studying botany and has garnered a reputation as an expert in the care and cultivation of orHyacinth Bell has spent the better part of her adult life studying botany and has garnered a reputation as an expert in the care and cultivation of orchids. It is that reputation that lands her the opportunity of a lifetime, to act as temporary caretaker to an unprecedented collection of orchids at Ashthorne Hall, while the family is in India. Excited beyond measure to begin this new adventure, Hyacinth sets out for the wilds of the Cornish moors, but things are not exactly going as expected.
After being warned about ghosts and strange goings-on at the manor, Hyacinth is torn between excitement and fear, especially when she learns that the only staff in the house is Mrs. Carter, the housekeeper, a sullen woman who dashes any hopes Hyacinth had of forming a kinship. Mrs. Carter proceeds to shoot down all of Hyacinth’s plans to explore the house when she makes it clear that other than the kitchen, a couple of drawing rooms and her bedroom, the rest of the house is off-limits, especially the North Wing. Hyacinth is curious and wants to be respectful of her employer’s rules, but a glimpse of what could possibly be the ghost she was warned about, brings out the rebel in Hyacinth. Will she find the ghost, or is there something even more sinister lurking in the forbidden rooms of Ashthorne Hall? And will the secretive, yet charming and handsome caretaker, Lucas Hastings, supply answers or just add to the already mounting pile of questions?
This was a wonderful book, well-written and nicely paced with a distinctly gothic vibe. The book has a bit of everything you could want in a gothic romance, rain-swept moors, a dark, drafty manor, ghosts, mysterious lights, locked doors, unexplained items showing up in the middle of the night, a handsome yet secretive caretaker, a protective yet stern housekeeper, a sweet budding romance, shocking revelations, moments of thrilling suspense and finally a spectacular ending complete with HEA and an epilogue. I loved this book and would happily recommend it, the author clearly did her research and gives readers a heartbreaking story with a very sweet love story woven in. If you love a gothic-like vibe, with wonderful characters, kissing only love scenes and a happy ending – this book is for you!
4.5 stars, rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
Five years ago, while her father, Charles Halliwell, a foreign office agent, was stationed in Rome, Miss Jane Halliwell, developed a tendre for Lord AFive years ago, while her father, Charles Halliwell, a foreign office agent, was stationed in Rome, Miss Jane Halliwell, developed a tendre for Lord Adrian Fielding, her father’s protégée. But Adrian had no interest in her, a fact made clear when her father committed suicide and Adrian left for a new post almost immediately, without saying a word to her. Shunned by the people that they once called friends, Jane and her mother returned to England. Her mother moved to Scotland with a distant relative and Jane took a position as a governess, only to be dismissed without a reference when her employer’s wife accused her of trying to seduce her husband. Lucky for Jane a friend of her father’s, Lord Gilford, hired her, much to the displeasure of his wife, a dear friend of her former employer. Determined to make her way, Jane endures the rancor of Lady Gilford, hoping to find a publisher for her novel and earn enough to retire from London. But her life is turned upside down once again when Lord Adrian arrives at the Gilford Home to attend a symposium being hosted by her employer. Things go even more awry when Lord Gilford is murdered, and she finds herself partnering with Lord Adrian to find the murderer.
Lord Adrian Fielding hasn’t seen Jane in years, while in Rome he was a young man sowing his oats and Jane was the daughter of his mentor and therefore off-limits, not to mention, she was an innocent and he was not looking to marry. But after the death of her father, Adrian was ordered to leave and never got the chance to say good bye or offer his condolences. When he saw her again two years ago working for his cousin, he had no idea why she was working as a governess or why she refused to speak to him, the experience didn’t sit well and he was determined to learn the reason why, but once again they parted ways with no resolution. Now that he has her in his sights again, he is going to get answers, and answers he gets. He is shocked by the trials Jane has gone through and wants to help her. When Lord Gilford is murdered, he keeps her close by asking her to play hostess to the other guests when Lady Gilford and Jane’s charge Margeret leave for their country home to mourn. Having Jane close awakens feelings in Adrian he has never experienced and when things turn even more deadly, he knows he will do anything to keep her with him always. But first they need to find a serial killer before they become the next victims!
I really enjoyed this story, it was definitely more mystery than romance, but there was a very sweet romance woven into the story. This book is a well written, nicely paced story that lets readers catch up with previous characters, enjoy some heated kisses, learn some surprising revelations, collect clues that lead to the murderer and delight in happy ending for Jane and Adrian. This is the fourth (and I think final – but don’t make me swear to it) installment of the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
Lucinda “Lucy” Peterson and her siblings run their family’s apothecary shop, Lucy and her sister Juliet both trained as apothecaries and are members oLucinda “Lucy” Peterson and her siblings run their family’s apothecary shop, Lucy and her sister Juliet both trained as apothecaries and are members of the guild, but her sister’s true calling is working at a clinic in the slums, and their brother isn’t really interested in the shop, leaving Lucy to keep the shop running as well as her father’s legacy. Lucy is overworked and is fighting to keep her business going, it isn’t easy, especially in a male-controlled world, she and her sister are the only female apothecaries in London – possibly England and face more than their share of discrimination and censure, as they are willing to help women with reproductive issues. Not only does she have the “Guardians” breathing down her neck, but she has already lost one potential money-maker by trusting her lover, Duncan Rider (a rival apothecary owner) with her formula, he took her formulation and patented it, cutting her out completely. So when another formula goes missing and she is convinced that Duncan has stolen it and hires an agent from Tierney & Co to find out if Duncan is in fact the thief. She is determined not to fall in love again, but she didn’t count on being attracted to the man, or liking his young daughter so much.
Jonathan “Thorne” Thornwood, aka Jon Thorne, the Gentleman Fighter is the son of a Baron who was cut off by his family when he refused to send Sadie, his daughter away, as she is the result of Thorne’s relationship with Genevieve, a courtesan of mixed race. Thorne never planned on marrying Genny, but he won’t turn his back on his daughter, so when Genny died, Thorne cleaned up his act, stopped boxing, drinking and has sworn off women – especially beautiful women. Which is why he wants no part of Lucy’s job – as he finds her too tempting. But more than anything, he wants Sadie to have a normal childhood and is considering marriage to his landlady, but when the landlady inherits a cottage on the beach and sells the boardinghouse, he needs a new place to live, and taking Lucy’s job will include an apartment, so he will just have to control his desire – just like he has for the last seven years. He will find out who stole Lucy’s formula, return it to her and then go marry his former landlady – easy-peasy, right?
I wanted to love this story, I enjoyed the previous series and thought this series was going to pick up where that series ended and it sort of does, but this book hit different. The story starts out well, but honestly, I felt like both Lucy and Thorne were emotionally unavailable and had no chemistry – lust, yes, but no true connection and no epilogue. Both had been done wrong by their lovers, and both had plans to marry other people, even while they shared a physical relationship – that is a romance killer for me. Then there was the fact that for a smart woman, Lucy was pretty stupid, she was duped by a nitwit after having an affair and even after that, would have married him. Then there is the fact that the thief gets off scot-free – UGH! I am not sure where this series is going, this book focuses on women’s reproductive rights, discrimination and touches on racial and class discrimination, making the book feel more like historical women’s fiction with sex, rather than historical romance (IMO). The writing is great, the book is paced well and the characters were likable, and I am sure a lot of readers will enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t what I was hoping for in a spinoff series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* ...more
When Lady Charlotte Lovett’s mother announces that Charlotte has been betrothed to Viscount Hawley, the heir to the Duke of Lansberry, they will be anWhen Lady Charlotte Lovett’s mother announces that Charlotte has been betrothed to Viscount Hawley, the heir to the Duke of Lansberry, they will be announcing it in two months. Charlotte is horrified, especially when it is clear that her parents don’t seem to care that he has buried two wives in three years, both dying from tragic accidents. So Charlotte does what any overwrought woman in early-Georgian England would do – she bolts, in the gown she is being fitted for, to a sketchy part of town and then realizes that she is near the coffeeshop owned by her estranged cousin. Charlotte uses the opportunity to introduce herself and propose a business venture, but first, she needs to get out of this betrothal, and with only two months to prove that Hawley is a murderer she is going to need some help. That’s where her cousin, brother, and brother’s best friend (who happens to be Hawley’s younger brother and the man she has long held a secret tendre) Dr. Lord Matthew Talbot, comes in.
Matthew Talbot is quite the Renaissance Man, he is a doctor, naturalist, author, illustrator, abolitionist, scholar, spy, and all-around good guy – who also happens to harbor a secret tendre for Charlotte and will do anything to save her from marrying his brother, but must be careful not to reveal his own secrets.
I so wanted to love this book, but it was just not for me. The writing wasn’t bad per se and the plot had potential, but it was too wordy with too much going on and twists and turns that dragged the book down rather than further the story. There was too much modern verbiage and too many “talking points” with contemporary ideals, not to mention the author did not seem to have working knowledge of formal address or honorifics. The book does have positives; there are some humorous moments, the “good” characters are very likable and the villains are easy to hate, there are informative author’s notes and there is a happy ending complete with an epilogue. I do wish there had been some steam or at least some chemistry, but this is pretty much a PG13 kissing book with a bit of mystery. I haven’t decided if would read another book by this author, but I am not keen on recommending this title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* ...more
Charlotte Duvall finished her medical school training in Pennsylvania and had secured a job at St. Anne’s Women and Children’s Clinic in New York, wheCharlotte Duvall finished her medical school training in Pennsylvania and had secured a job at St. Anne’s Women and Children’s Clinic in New York, when she received an urgent, yet cryptic letter from her father, begging her to return to England. The letter was regarding the death of her mother and warned of danger and long-kept secrets and implied that her mother, Katerine Duvall’s death was not an accident, he also claimed he had proof and wanted her help. She had put in for a leave of absence from her job to return to England to see him and was making travel arrangements when she got word from her eldest brother that their father was ill and his prognosis was not promising. Sadly, he passed before she arrived home, leaving her to figure out what he meant in his letter. At her father’s funeral she is reunited with her cousins Amelie and Eva, as well as their husbands and her dear friend Johnathan “John” Ellis, director of the Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (the only other unmarried person in their circle of friends). She tells them of her father’s letter and they promise to help her. She is grateful and decides to stay in England, she even finds work at a hospital for the underprivileged. Things seem to be going well, but almost as soon as she starts investigating, it becomes clear that her father was not wrong about the danger. She is attacked and warned to return to America, but her attacker underestimates Charlotte and her friends, especially John.
John is the second son of the Earl of Ashby and is happy working for the Metropolitan Police Force, despite his family’s dismay. He has worked hard and achieved success on his merit, not his family’s name. When Charlotte returns, John realizes how much he missed her and how much deeper his feelings go beyond friendship. He isn’t sure if Charlotte feels the same, and knows that she has just begun her career, one that she would most likely have to give up if she married, so he plans to keep his feelings to himself and maintain his distance. But when Charlotte is attacked, nothing will stop him from protecting her and keeping her close. Working together, along with their friends and his colleague, security professional, Mr. Dirk, they will find the truth about Katherine’s death. But the closer they get, the more deadly their quest becomes, will they find the answers they seek, or will their unknown foe continue to elude them?
This was a great historical romantic mystery, I loved it and felt that the author struck the perfect balance between romance and mystery, both getting equal consideration. Charlotte and John have a wonderful chemistry and it is clear from the start that they are perfect for each other and I couldn’t help but root for their HEA. The story is centered around the mysterious death of Charlotte’s mother and will have readers second-guessing themselves as to who is the actual villain, it is a story filled with secrets, forbidden love, hatred, jealousy, danger, murder, prejudices, great friends, true love, kisses and finally revelations, answers, and closure, leading to a very satisfying HEA ending. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title, I had not read the first two books and had no problem understanding the character interactions, but now I want to read the first two books (there goes the “I won’t buy any more books until I read the ones I already have” New Year’s resolution – LOL) I am happy to recommend this title and will be looking forward to reading the other books in the series, and hoping for a book for Dirk!!!
4.5 stars, rounded up
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
Collin Morgan, the Earl of Penderdale, needs answers, someone has been committing crimes in his name, which has caused him to be3.5 stars, rounded up.
Collin Morgan, the Earl of Penderdale, needs answers, someone has been committing crimes in his name, which has caused him to be suspended from his work in the War office. This is unacceptable and he is determined to find the criminal who is ruining his life! His search leads him to an old friend at Cambridge and the man’s annoying, bluestocking daughter, Elizabeth. It is clear that Elizabeth doesn’t think too highly of Collin, but when he learns her secret, he uses the knowledge to gain her help in his investigation, and he is unsurprised that they make a good team. But when a decision he makes places her in danger, there is nothing he won’t do to keep her safe.
Elizabeth Essex has lived most of her life at Cambridge, she is educated in a way that most women could never dream of, and she is brilliant in her own right. She believes it is unfair that women cannot attend classes at the college and seeks to right that wrong by secretly teaching women. When Elizabeth collides with Collin while he is in pursuit of someone, she learns why he is at Cambridge and they call a truce. Working together, they will figure out who is impersonating him and reclaim his good name and just maybe fall in love along the way.
This was another intriguing installment of the Cambridge Brotherhood that has a very slow-burning, no-heat romance featuring an enemies-to-lovers trope. The book has a decent mystery and is filled with witty banter, an intelligent heroine, a charming hero, tea smuggling, secrets, leads that like to push each other’s buttons, bees, great secondary characters, and a HEA complete with an epilogue. I do wish there had been some steam in this story, not that the book suffered from the lack, but I still think it would have enhanced the book. This is the third book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the series in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
Maria Wallner, the current manager of the Hotel Wallner in Vienna, is celebrating the start of 1878 in the small ballroom of her4.5 stars, rounded up.
Maria Wallner, the current manager of the Hotel Wallner in Vienna, is celebrating the start of 1878 in the small ballroom of her hotel and hoping that this year will see a change of fortunes for the hotel. She is happy with the turnout for her ball and even happy that her parents are making a spectacle of themselves as her father’s wife watches them dance – gossip is good for business after all. She is less thrilled to be teased that this may be the year she finds “the man” who will be the father of her daughter – the same as all the Wallner women before her. But as the ball ends and she finishes her duties, even the threat of “the man” can’t stop her good mood and in a champagne-induced haze, she decides to toast the hotel and would have been hit by a carriage if not for the dark-haired stranger with sinful lips – whom she has decided is definitely not “the man”. But the next day, she sees her rescuer again when he saves her life again and realizes he is a guest in her hotel. She is drawn to him, but can’t let herself be caught up in attraction, she has a hotel to save and has just been given the means to do so by way of the Hotelkeepers’ Ball.
Elijah “Eli” Whittaker is a US Secret Service agent who has been sent to Vienna undercover to find out who is leaking US treasury codes from the American Legation in Vienna – at least that is the excuse his superiors have given him. Eli is brilliant, conscientious, and very disciplined, he has no time for nonsense and finds Vienna chaotic and nonsensical. On his first day, he goes to the American Legation’s offices only to find them closed and the people of Vienna still partying in the streets, that is where he first sees Maria and saves her from being run down. He is surprised by the attraction he feels, but brushes it aside, he has no time for an attraction. When they meet again, he thinks she is spying on him and wonders whom she works for, but when he saves her life yet again, he wonders if the attempts on her life are related to his case, since the leaked information was mailed from the hotel. He decides to stick close to her and soon finds himself immersed in the chaos of Hotel Wallner and its mélange of friends, relatives, and secrets.
This was such a great read, I enjoyed every bit of it and didn’t want it to end. The writing was fantastic, the plot was sublime and the characters were delightful. In the beginning, Maria and Eli seem like complete opposites, and in many ways they are, but by the end, I couldn’t imagine either of them with someone else, because they are perfect for each other. The story has a lot going on, but it never overwhelms the connection between Maria and Eli, theirs is a slow-burn romance filled with tender feelings, mutual respect, and simmering passion. Be prepared to be immersed in a story that is filled with a lot of characters, connections that seem vague, secrets, spies, witty banter, plumbing problems, almond cakes, forbidden romances, intrigue, wild boar, waltzes galore, betrayal, steamy love scenes and a nail-biter ending followed by a very sweet declaration scene. It is a wonderful book and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* ...more
It is most definitely not love at first sight when Charlotte Deeping and Laurence Lindley, the Marquess of Glendarvon meet. EspeciallyMaybe 3.5 stars.
It is most definitely not love at first sight when Charlotte Deeping and Laurence Lindley, the Marquess of Glendarvon meet. Especially since he nearly runs her down while taking a jump on the way to her family’s estate to join her brothers for the hunting season. Besides nearly killing her, he happens to be extremely handsome and sets her heart aflutter – to her everlasting disgust. Because, despite her all of dearest friends recently marrying, Charlotte has no desire to join their ranks and would happily declare herself a spinster and be done with society, she decides to ignore her inconvenient attraction to him. Good plan, but as soon as she learns that his parents were murdered and the culprits were never apprehended, she is consumed with curiosity and wants to investigate. But a promise to her brother hampers her attempts until she gets drawn into another mystery at her friend Cecilia’s nearby estate and enlists Laurence’s help.
Laurence is drawn to Charlotte from the start, but she makes it clear that she is not interested in being wooed. Yet she seems to enjoy his company and he finds himself telling her things that he never speaks of, primarily the gruesome murder of his parents when he was just four. She is compassionate, but not fawning. She is unlike any woman he has ever met and he can’t get enough of her. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that he wants to marry Charlotte, but she is not going to make it easy, because, for every step forward, they seem to take two steps back. And when the truth of his parents’ mystery comes to light, he becomes a target for the villains and any chance for HEA may be moot.
I liked the idea of this story, but the execution didn’t thrill me. I struggled to stay interested in the book as the first half dragged and was all about horses, foxes, and the hunt, the second half moved at a swifter pace, but now Charlotte has turned into a shrew. She describes herself as “prickly” and “acerbic” but I just found her to be intolerant, self-absorbed, and just plain nasty. She was quick to judge without facts and slow to accept her mistakes. I didn’t hate her, but she does make it hard to like her. I found Laurence to be more of a beta hero and could picture him as the submissive one in the relationship, and being perfectly fine with that. There is nothing objectionable about him and I felt sorry for him whenever Charlotte turned on him. This book was a very slow-burn romance, buried in a murder mystery. If it were just a mystery, I would have no problem giving the story a better rating, but it is supposed to be a romance and it wasn’t overly romantic, the love scenes are almost non-existent and I can’t tell you when or why they fell in love, other than he was handsome and she was not interested in him (or so he thought). But the mystery was very well done and the secondary characters were delightful. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I had no problem following this story and felt it stood out well on its own. Overall, I enjoyed the story, as mentioned it was a very well-done murder mystery and for the most part, very likable, intelligent characters, as well as a bit of comic relief thanks to her brothers.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
Niall Kier and Kara Levett first meet when they are both submitting their work for a spot in the Crystal Palace Exhibition. They have exceptional offeNiall Kier and Kara Levett first meet when they are both submitting their work for a spot in the Crystal Palace Exhibition. They have exceptional offerings, Niall is a smith with an artistic bent and Kara is the creator of astounding automatons, needless to say, they are both accepted and are delighted when they meet again at the Exhibition. But their mutual delight is cut short when a body is found, and the man appears to have been killed by a piece from one of Kara’s automatons. This notion is amplified by other vendors, who are jealous of Kara’s talent and are all too eager to fling accusations of murder. Niall senses the shift in the crowd and rescues her – much to her dismay. But then gives him the slip, and sets out to discover the name of the murdered man. She returns home and is confronted by Niall, much to her surprise. After speaking to him, she realizes that going with him and meeting with his magistrate friend is better for her than waiting on Scotland Yard to come and arrest her for murder. And so begins their investigation to find a killer and clear Kara’s name, but soon it becomes clear that Kara is in danger and hopefully, they can solve this murder before the killer finds Kara!
This was such an intriguing and riveting read and while the genre is a bit of a deviation from my favored historical romance genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am already anticipating the next book! Kara and Niall are both extremely talented and brilliant people, who share an obvious attraction, but that attraction takes a backseat to the murder mystery. Kara is fascinating, she has no family except for her cousin (who inherited her father’s title, but not his wealth or business) and her butler/assistant/best friend Turner – her upbringing was unusual and she doesn’t trust easily, but she finds herself drawn to Niall, who clearly has secrets, but seems sincere in his desire to help clear her name. The story takes off running and never stops until they find the murderer, all while introducing the reader to new and interesting secondary characters who add some to the story and round out this thrilling book. I am happy to recommend this novel and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* ...more
Miss Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair are not friends and most certainly are not infatuated with each other, but since her bro3.5 stars, rounded up.
Miss Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair are not friends and most certainly are not infatuated with each other, but since her brother-in-law is his best friend, they must spend time in each other’s company and pretend to tolerate each other for the sake of familial harmony – yep – that’s their story and they are sticking to it.
Diana has trust issues thanks to her vile father and has no desire to marry and be “owned” by a man. She has worked hard and has earned her position at The London Tribune, a job she hopes will ultimately support her dream to live independently as a spinster. But for now, she resides with her sister and brother in law, her family knows she works at the paper, and despite her insistence that she is just a copy editor, they all think they know her secret – that she writes for the gossip column - which she does and is happy to let them believe that is her secret, but the truth is she also writes serious, investigative exposes under the nom de plume of the Sentinel.
Since the death of his mother, Giles has known the family’s “Dirty Secret”, but his father never expressed any concern about it, until recently when out of the blue he decides to remarry. But when he dies just days before his wedding, Giles learns why his father was in such a rush to wed when someone threatens to expose the secret and destroy everything Giles has worked for as the new Duke of Harpenden. He isn’t sure how to thwart the villain, that is until he figures out Diana’s secret and wonders if she would be willing to put aside their animosity and help him find out the truth, without revealing his growing regard and desire for her.
This was a well-written, nicely-paced romance story that happened to have a really great mystery. This book is supposed to be a “enemies to lovers” trope, but I don’t feel like that is accurate, I never believed that they disliked each other. Distrusted? Yes. Hated? No. I also found Diana’s constant denial of her true feelings to be a bit too much – to quote the Bard “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” and she doesn’t stop until almost the very end of the book. I understood the reason for her mistrust, but Giles proved himself time and again, and yet, she still refused to let it go, Sigh – I love strong heroines, but Diana’s refusal to even consider any future other than being alone got tiresome. For me, the best part of the story was when they began to investigate Giles’ “Dirty Secret”, it was really well done, very touching, and stuck it to the villain. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. Bottom line; This book was a fun read that is light on the romance, and heavy on the mystery story that ends with a HEA.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
Carlisle Thorne and Noelle Rutherford’s first meeting proves that first impressions can be wrong. Noelle is in France and mourning the death of her huCarlisle Thorne and Noelle Rutherford’s first meeting proves that first impressions can be wrong. Noelle is in France and mourning the death of her husband Adam and wondering how she is going to care for their infant son when Carlisle shows up and says he is a close friend of the Rutherford family, especially Adam’s father, the Earl of Drewsbury. Adam’s father didn’t approve of their marriage and it is clear that Carlisle doesn’t either, when he basically accuses Noelle of being a golddigger and seemingly implies he was going to pay her off and take her infant son, Gilbert back to England. Noelle bolts and is on the run for the next five years.
Carlisle realizes he botched things badly with Noelle and is determined to set things right, he hires a detective to find Noelle, and finally, after five years and several sightings, he finally pins her down. He explains that he never meant that he was going to take Gil away from her and that as the Earl’s only heir, Gil should be raised in England and learn of the estate and title. Carlisle also tells her that the Earl is dead, so Gil is now the Earl and Carlisle is his Guardian. Noelle isn’t sure what to believe, since several times over the years men have tried to abduct Gil, but she doesn’t want to rob him of his birthright and ultimately agrees to go to meet Adam’s mother. But when there is another attempt to abduct Gil, Noelle is sure that she has been duped and once again bolts. When Carlisle tracks her down, they realize that Gil is in danger, but not from Carlisle. As they work together to find out who is behind the attempts on Gil, they form a friendship that leads to deeper feelings. But examining those feelings will have to wait until they find the villain responsible for the attacks because if they don’t, any chance for their HEA will be over before it begins!
This was a well-written, fast-paced story with very likable characters. I enjoyed this story, but I was expecting more romance and instead found the romance taking a backseat to the mystery. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but there were aspects of their relationship that I felt were not addressed in lieu of the mystery, such as her relationship with Adam and how that impacted them as a couple. But as far as the mystery is concerned, it was very well done and kept me guessing until the end. So overall, this was a good read, that I would be happy to recommend and I do hope there will be more books in this series, as I would love to see Sloane and Nathan find their true loves, and I would enjoy seeing Noelle and Carlisle living their HEA.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
When King’s Knight, Sir Theodore Grenville is told to find out if Baron Suval was using his french family connections to plot ag3.5 stars, rounded up.
When King’s Knight, Sir Theodore Grenville is told to find out if Baron Suval was using his french family connections to plot against the king, he never expected to be enchanted by the Baron’s middle and often overlooked daughter, Medea.
Medea Suval has come to court with her parents, who are hoping to find husbands for their two other, more beautiful daughters, as they have promised Medea that she may join St. Helena’s nunnery. Medea just plans to endure her time at court and then retire to the convent, but it seems fate has other plans for her. Plans that involve murder, intrigue, betrayal, and an attraction that cannot be denied.
This was a well-written story with a very well-executed mystery woven into the romance. The book is filled with likable characters, lies, secrets, murder, betrayal, some warm love scenes, a hero and heroine who are both love-shy, and finally a HEA that didn’t seem like it was going to happen. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* ...more
**To be clear - I am giving this 4 stars for the MYSTERY - the ROMANCE is a 0 star for me, and be warned, this review is slightly spoilerish**
Picking **To be clear - I am giving this 4 stars for the MYSTERY - the ROMANCE is a 0 star for me, and be warned, this review is slightly spoilerish**
Picking up shortly after the end of the previous book and still suffering from the injury he sustained from the outlaw Effie, Sir Lucan Montague finds himself once again in her presence. This time she wants him to take her to London to see the King and doesn’t intend on taking “No” for an answer.
Effie Annesley was raised as Euphemia Hargrave, a distant relative to Vaugh and Caris Hargrave, but when she learns the truth of her birth and the evil of the Hargraves, she bolts and tries to get Lucan to go with her to the King. But lost in his own grief, Lucan is cruel to Effie and turns her away. With nowhere to go, Effie forges her own path and falls in with a group of outlaws. Now 15 years later, Effie has denounced her noble upbringing and lived a new life, one where she falls in love has a son, and diligently works to right the wrongs the Hargraves have wrought. But when the enemy she thought she conquered rises from the dead and takes her son, Effie will do whatever is necessary to get him back – even work with Lucan. But once they meet with the King, they learn getting her son back won’t be as easy as they hoped – If Effie wants her son back and if Lucan has any hope of regaining his title and lands from the crown, then they will have to do as King Henry ordered and work together to bring in her father and wanted man, Thomas Annesley.
This is the final installment of the Sons of Scotland Series, which follows Thomas, Lord Annesley, and his flight after the death of his betrothed, Cordelia Hargrave, the night before their wedding. Each book in the series has furthered the mystery of what happened that fateful night and has introduced the reader to the children he fathered during his life as a fugitive. In this story, we learn that Cordelia was actually with child when she died – Effie – who is delivered by Caris via cesarean. This book will finally give readers the truth of what happened the night Cordelia died and will also deliver a mind-blowing twist. And while the mystery was well-done and wraps up with a very satisfying ending, the romance was a complete wall-banger for me. I cannot believe that Effie and Lucan are in love, especially when she is professing her love to the father of her child at the 90% mark of this book – a man she professed to love earlier in the book, right before she slept with him – yeah – nothing says romance like a heroine who sleeps with a man who is not the hero. So, two things to know; one – you should not read this book as a standalone title, you will be confused and frustrated and two – do not read this as a romance, read it as a mystery, it will make your reading experience much better if you do.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*...more
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