I enjoyed this one! This is set in mostly in the countryside, with Poppy (known to her employer as Flora, as she'd been hiding her identity for reasonI enjoyed this one! This is set in mostly in the countryside, with Poppy (known to her employer as Flora, as she'd been hiding her identity for reasons quickly revealed in the story) anxiously returning home upon hearing that her sister has been charged with the murder of her husband, an odious man (whom Poppy would have been forced to marry had she not left home). Poppy reluctantly accepts the help of Joshua, the Duke of Langham who has an estate close to her family home, in return for pretending to be his fiancee to help him avoid the women his grandmother has assembled in hopes of seeing him married off. It's a fake relationship trope story complete with an intriguing mystery to solve, all the while drawing Poppy and Joshua closer. Mostly lighthearted though the reality of women forced into marriage, including abusive ones, is part of the story. A sweet romance with sensual love scenes, witty banter, and a great addition to the series. Definitely recommend the whole series.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. ...more
Engaging and enjoyable Christmas themed romance, with a mystery to solve. I'm a sucker for historical romances that have spies or bow street runners sEngaging and enjoyable Christmas themed romance, with a mystery to solve. I'm a sucker for historical romances that have spies or bow street runners so yay, that's what I got here with Daffin being hired to protect Lady Regina as someone seems to be out to harm her. Figuring out who and why takes most of the story and involves some interesting twists and turns. Daffin and Regina share a mutual attraction and even though Daffin doesn't think he's of a high enough station to be with Regina for the long term, she has other ideas. Warm characters, a little action and adventure and enjoyable romances make this series worth the read.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. ...more
I really enjoyed the first in this series so was quite eager to pick up this one, and found it to be just as interesting and engaging as the previous I really enjoyed the first in this series so was quite eager to pick up this one, and found it to be just as interesting and engaging as the previous story!
Caroline Hardcastle has a bit of scandalous reputation, what with writing a column for ladies in the newspaper run by her friend Katherine. As such, she doesn't mind delving into matters that might cause her more trouble, including investigating the disappearance of an actress friend. Unfortunately it brings her into the same circle as her ex-boyfriend Lord Valentine Thorn (a secret relationship that never made it into the public eye) as his cousin is involved in the disappearance as well.
This is a lighthearted romance, with an interesting mystery, delightful characters, and excellent worldbuilding. Caro feels rather antagonistic towards Val (with good reason) as he'd chosen his family over her, but over the course of the story she realizes she wasn't fair to him, just as Val also realizes that his family put her in an awkward position. They are able to reach a detente that does much to restore their feelings for each other, and in turn, helps them become an effective team. Along with secondary characters from the first story and new ones introduced here, they effectively solve the mystery and find themselves with their own HEA. I hope there will be more in this series as I find it to be quite fun, inventive and enjoyable to read.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. ...more
This was another interesting and sexy ride with Cletus and Jenn! Things are never dull for this engaged couple (well, since the start of their relatioThis was another interesting and sexy ride with Cletus and Jenn! Things are never dull for this engaged couple (well, since the start of their relationship, truth be told) and this time a shocking murder affects them personally, as well as some close family members. I don't want to give away too much of the plot so this review will be brief, but once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down! Cletus and Jenn clearly adore each other (so much so that Cletus has actually let himself be distracted from knowing everything that's going on in the town, resulting in some missing pieces to his knowledge that he needs to rectify). All of Cletus's siblings get involved as they try to solve the murder and things take a few surprising turns before we get to a happy ending from the roller coaster ride that is this book. It's definitely best read after the first in their mystery series (though I recommend all the Winston Brother's series too), and there are some fun nods to the Knitting Circle couples as well. I always enjoy what Penny Reid puts on the page and this one will definitely please all her readers, especially those with a fondness for Cletus and Jenn, like me.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author. ...more
Interesting, likable characters and an intriguing mystery plot make for an enjoyable historical mystery/romance!
It's London, 1865, and there's a seriInteresting, likable characters and an intriguing mystery plot make for an enjoyable historical mystery/romance!
It's London, 1865, and there's a serial killer on the loose. Widowed Lady Katherine Bascomb owns her late husband's newspaper enterprise and writes her own columns for the paper, in particular ones to help keep women apprised of the news they need to know. Her reporting results in an arrest and the disgrace of Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham who's been kicked off the case for not beating her to the punch. But when both of them turn up at a house party in the country, the killing doesn't stop and now Katherine is a key witness. As Katherine and Andrew discover a grudging respect for each other, and a friendship that turns into something more, will they catch the killer before he or she turns on them?
From the beginning pages I found myself engrossed in this story! I really enjoyed Katherine's character, her dedication to the paper and her desire to make sure women were informed of the real danger to them posed by the serial killer. She's intrepid, fearless, curious, and persistent. All the characteristics that Andrew, who at first finds Katherine quite annoying (especially since she cost him his demotion) eventually respects and adores. Of course, he doesn't like her putting herself in harm's way and has every intention of keeping her away from danger especially when it's clear that the killer is much closer to them than expected and wreaking havoc on the country estate and nearby town but Katherine is a worthy partner and sounding board. Their romance is a slow burn, a bit of an 'enemies to lovers' trope that moves into friendship and then deeper feelings. They are a well suited couple and I enjoyed their happy ending as much as the mystery that they solve together, one that has some interesting twists and turns. I'm eager to read what is coming next in this series! And it's definitely made me want to read more stories in the historical mystery genre.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Audiobook update - the narrator does an excellent job of distinguishing all the characters in this whole series with very different accents and voice Audiobook update - the narrator does an excellent job of distinguishing all the characters in this whole series with very different accents and voice styles, he's just amazing!
Enjoyable conclusion to this really interesting, well researched and atmospheric romance trilogy/murder mystery! The author does a great job with gender fluid/non binary character Pen and their understandable dilemma about being forced into possible earldom and the consequences that would mean for their ability to live their chosen life. The three books together have wonderful worldbuilding and story arc with each having a complete couple romance. Refreshingly different!...more
Just like the first in the series, the worldbuilding of late 1800s London is captivating, as are the characters in this mystery romance. It's part of Just like the first in the series, the worldbuilding of late 1800s London is captivating, as are the characters in this mystery romance. It's part of a trilogy with a story arc that branches through them all but with each story giving a complete couple romance.
Nathaniel Roy has set out to expose a seance artist but Justin Lazarus, an expert at his craft of making people believe they are seeing 'beyond the veil', turns out to be integral to the health and continued well being of Nathaniel's friend Clem. Clem's half brother has been murdered and the search for a possible heir has produced some surprising information.
The combination of murder mystery with opposites attract romance is a compelling read. Nathaniel hates what Justin does for a living but he understands how Justin ended up with this career - he just thinks Justin who is smart and personable could use his talents for something other than deceiving people. It's up to Justin to choose his own way forward and Nathaniel will accept whatever he chooses. Meanwhile there's a murderer on the loose and thick, soupy, acrid fog is engulfing the city.
While this can be read as a standalone, the first in the series sets the stage and introduces the main characters and I recommend it as well. If you're looking for something different, you can't go wrong with K.J.Charles who writes such wonderful queer romances and reminds us in the 21st century that just because something isn't out in the open doesn't mean it never existed....more
Maria Rose
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Books:
mystery-romance
(7)
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