Five years have passed and Mia Hutchinson, Ford and Tara's daughter, is working in New York City and involved with Nick, who recently passed the bar aFive years have passed and Mia Hutchinson, Ford and Tara's daughter, is working in New York City and involved with Nick, who recently passed the bar and is ready to begin his career. Mia is pretty invested in the relationship and when she surprises him with a plane ticket to join her in Lucky Harbor at Christmas Eve for her Aunt Chloe's wedding, she doesn't get the reaction she was hoping for.
It's a lovely update on the Trager sisters and their families as well as Mia's story. While it is short, there's still the humor and steam that is a staple of this series. In addition to the holiday season and wedding activities, we get to see Mia's family rally around her as Nick tries to atone for his actions in New York and reconcile his feelings for Mia and she for him. Their romance doesn't lack hotness and Nick's pretty sensual and a good guy. It is an enjoyable story and I wish we could have had even more time with this family.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Merged review:
Five years have passed and Mia Hutchinson, Ford and Tara's daughter, is working in New York City and involved with Nick, who recently passed the bar and is ready to begin his career. Mia is pretty invested in the relationship and when she surprises him with a plane ticket to join her in Lucky Harbor at Christmas Eve for her Aunt Chloe's wedding, she doesn't get the reaction she was hoping for.
It's a lovely update on the Trager sisters and their families as well as Mia's story. While it is short, there's still the humor and steam that is a staple of this series. In addition to the holiday season and wedding activities, we get to see Mia's family rally around her as Nick tries to atone for his actions in New York and reconcile his feelings for Mia and she for him. Their romance doesn't lack hotness and Nick's pretty sensual and a good guy. It is an enjoyable story and I wish we could have had even more time with this family.
Connor O’Leary had a tough upbringing and it took him some time to find his path. He followed his friend, Jack Bailey, to Shadow Creek but now his pasConnor O’Leary had a tough upbringing and it took him some time to find his path. He followed his friend, Jack Bailey, to Shadow Creek but now his past has somewhat caught up to him. A casual relationship has produced a baby girl whose mother abandoned her, literally, on his doorstep. Hayley Thomson is at a crossroads after surviving an abusive marriage. She wants to continue teaching but her only full time opportunity will take her away to another town in a few months. When Connor reaches out to her friends for help with the baby, Hayley steps up and volunteers to be the live-in nanny.
While the title of this book implies a level of frivolity, this story addresses some very serious issues. Hayley suffered emotional and physical abuse from her ex-husband and hasn’t fully recovered. Connor was abused as a child and had to leave high school to help his mother make ends close to being met, stunting his formal education and severely impacting his self worth. As these two come together to care for Connor’s daughter, they’re forced to confront their individual issues that are barriers to deepening a relationship between them. The conflicts are real, substantive and relevant, which made for a much more compelling story. I liked both of them and loved their path to healing. It wasn’t always pretty but it was honest.
I loved this book and am hooked on the series because of the weighty topics undertaken in each story. It’s one of misery and exultant triumph despite obstacles that feel insurmountable. Connor and Hayley didn’t always make the right choices in the moment but there weren’t any cliched behaviors either. I didn’t want the story to end and embraced those feel-good moments.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Molly Mayberry left Shadow Creek nine years ago, inexplicably breaking up with the love of her life, Ben Matthews, by telling him an awful lie. Now shMolly Mayberry left Shadow Creek nine years ago, inexplicably breaking up with the love of her life, Ben Matthews, by telling him an awful lie. Now she’s returned as the hospital’s new pediatrician, both reluctant and anxious to face him, knowing he probably still resents her betrayal. Ben is a captain in the Shadow Creek Fire Department, looking to be promoted to chief soon by the man currently in that role who’s ready to retire. However, he’s looking for someone more settled and less inclined to take high risks. When Ben’s brother unexpectedly announces that Molly and he (Ben) have not only reconciled but are engaged, both decide to continue the ruse until Ben gets the promotion and his mother’s health improves.
This is a sweet story that served up some extremely serious themes. Molly’s secret is shocking and there were far more devastating impacts than at first perceived. I was drawn into a story with many more layers than I’d anticipated, which made this a page turner. The title suggests a certain frivolity that’s just not here (thankfully). I’d trusted the author to deliver as she’s done with the other books in this series and she came through. Ben and Molly are complex characters beneath the surface and their issues don’t have easy resolutions. Their families play pivotal roles, which added many more layers. I liked that it evoked a wide range of emotions to keep me engaged.
I very much enjoyed the story, though there were a couple of dangling plot issues involving secondary characters that weren’t more fully explored. It ends with a cliffhanger involving one of them so I’m hoping I don’t have a long wait for the next book. 3.5 stars
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
the setup… Sarah Malloy was at her women’s clinic when she receives a visit from a young woman who claims to be writing an article for New Century Magathe setup… Sarah Malloy was at her women’s clinic when she receives a visit from a young woman who claims to be writing an article for New Century Magazine. Louisa Rodgers is focused on patent medicines, these “cure-all” remedies that actually contained addictive drugs and alcohol. Not a fan, Sarah allows her to talk to the women currently at the clinic, understanding that Louisa plans to expose these companies in her article. A few days later, Louisa’s distraught father Bernard comes to see Sarah, seeking help in finding who might have killed his daughter who was found strangled in the lobby of her magazine’s building.
the heart of the story… Frank Malloy is engaged by Bernard Rodgers to investigate his daughter’s death and he and his team, Gino Donatelli and Maeve Smith, find quite a few potential suspects. I enjoyed seeing them in action again, especially Maeve who is skilled at playing out undercover roles to get people to share vital information. It was also enlightening to learn about patent medicines that were popular during this era, completely unregulated without disclosure of their contents. This was also the same year (1901) when President McKinley was shot and later died, elevating their friend Teddy Roosevelt to the office.
the bottom line… It’s another highly interesting case with lots of angles to explore. Of course, everyone has a role, including Sarah and her society parents, and Frank’s mother during those late evening parlor discussions. The historical elements serve as an important backdrop, based on true facts and characters of that time. Oh, and there’s some movement with the Maeve and Gino…finally. This continues to be one of my favorite historical mystery series for good reason.
the setup… Jess Lambert is a former paramedic who has just moved to Black Lake from New York with her husband Mac, an attorney. They’re looking for a mthe setup… Jess Lambert is a former paramedic who has just moved to Black Lake from New York with her husband Mac, an attorney. They’re looking for a more serene existence after a traumatic event she experienced and it is shaping up that way. That is until Jess meets Annie Parker one morning, another recent newbie from Paraguay. Just as she’s thinking Annie might be the start of a new friendship, Jess later comes upon her naked by the lake, completely unaware of her surroundings. As they return to Annie’s home, Jess walks into a gruesome scene, only to have Annie mysteriously disappear before law enforcement arrives.
the heart of the story… I delayed starting the first book when I learned of this prequel and I’m so glad I did. From the onset, everything turned down creepy lane. See, Annie claimed to live in the “gingerbread” house that residents believe is haunted and has a tragic past. When Jess entered that house, I thought we’d entered the twilight zone. Hers isn’t the only point of view as another unnamed character provides the chills and ratcheted up the tension into the stratosphere. I couldn’t put the book down.
the bottom line… I love intros like this because you get keen insights into the main characters delivered in a deliciously wrapped package of thrills, suspense and the “woo woo,” or so I thought. The mystery was gnarly and there was quite the twist at the end. I can’t wait to begin this series!
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.) ...more
the setup… It’s the summer of 1815 and London is preparing to celebrate Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. But when Lady McInnis and her sixteen-year old dthe setup… It’s the summer of 1815 and London is preparing to celebrate Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. But when Lady McInnis and her sixteen-year old daughter are found murdered in Richmond Park, London is in full upset. Even more bizarre is the position in which they were found…their bodies posed in the same way as another woman and her daughter were fourteen years ago. That woman and child were Bow Street Magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy’s wife and daughter. Their murderer was captured and hanged so did they execute the wrong man or is this a cruel copycat? Lovejoy enlists the help of Viscount Devlin, Sebastian St. Cyr.
the heart of the story… I love being back in the world of Sebastian St. Cyr again and this time the case is not only strange but heartbreaking. As Sebastian begins his investigation, he discovers that Laura McInnis was an even bigger social activist regarding the plight of poor children than what his wife Hero has taken on. She created a host of enemies in the process, high and low born, as well as her own husband. I was all over the place with good suspects and viable theories, assembling clues cleverly…and still missed it. This was great stuff.
the bottom line… As with every book in this series, the historical aspects are just as intriguing as the mystery at the forefront. The dire situation of poor children was beyond heartbreaking and the indifference during that time was painful. It was a vicious cycle that spanned decades, unfortunately. It was the backdrop of the story, along with a frightening look at some of the so-called “therapies” for mental illness. It’s an extraordinary story with an explosive twist. Sebastian faced quite a few threats, including one from his father-in-law. The political intrigue is palpable, the stage set for the next story. And, there’s plenty on the personal front. This series is one of the finest of the genre.
In 1811, two families in the Wapping area of London were viciously and brutally murdered, including an infant boy. The case became known as the RatcliIn 1811, two families in the Wapping area of London were viciously and brutally murdered, including an infant boy. The case became known as the Ratcliffe Highway murders and the man arrested as a suspect hanged himself before he even had a hearing. Since the murders ceased, all of London believed the suicide suspect to have been the rightful killer. However, three years later, a magistrate in the same area and a seaman were murdered in the same way as the victims in the Ratcliffe Highway murders. Sebastian St. Cyr is asked to help investigate by Sir Henry Lovejoy, one of the London Bow Street magistrates and a close friend. The more Sebastian probes, the more he’s at risk and even he can’t ignore that the murders are probably connected.
This story took some time to develop because in order to make sense of the current murders, the events from three years ago required deeper analysis. It has so many angles and seedy characters that it was often difficult to find clarity. I’m used to Sebastian finding corrupt government officials with a hand in the case to some degree but the depth and breadth of this one was difficult to absorb. Even I wanted him to walk away from this one.
Sebastian’s wife, Hero, also plays a substantive role here, too, as she continues her research into the plight of the impoverished of the city and government’s role in putting and keeping them there. But this time danger reaches their doorstep, which added a truly sinister element to the story. Of course, father-in-law Jarvis is also in the mix and there are surprises there, too. I enjoyed the story, especially since the Ratcliffe Highway murders of 1811 was a true event on which this is based. The true crime element made this a more interesting reading experience. Still loving this extraordinary series.
the setup… Sinclair Buchanan is not only Holly Grove Island’s top selling real estate agent but is well known for her superior planning skills. She’s hthe setup… Sinclair Buchanan is not only Holly Grove Island’s top selling real estate agent but is well known for her superior planning skills. She’s her best friend Dakota’s maid of honor and is in charge of all things related to that upcoming wedding. But they throw a real wrench into her planning when the groom announces his best man is Garrett (Rett) Davenport, her nemesis from high school, who will be “helping” her with everything. Rett’s also a real estate agent now living in Charlotte and has matured since those days when he made sport of tormenting Sinclair. He’s lots of regrets but that doesn’t include that explosive night they shared five years ago.
the heart of the story… Both Garrett and Sinclair are complicated people with extremely strong family ties to Holly Grove Island, even though he moved away years ago. He was raised by his grandmother Mama Mae after his parents divorced, his father died and his mother remarried. Rett has lots of regrets but none more than how he treated his family and Sinclair. She is highly successful but continues to be compared to her sister by her mother and harangued for not being married and childless. It took a bit for Garrett and Sinclair to declare peace and find a way to work together for the sake of their friends, with lots of meddling by Mama Mae who was responsible for many hilarious moments. Her schemes were brilliant, too, as Garrett and Sinclair eventually find their way to a great romance.
the bottom line… There’s something about this community I find irresistible and I pounced on the opportunity to read this second book as soon as it became available. Sinclair and Rett are well developed characters who had distinct, admirable personalities and qualities that were powerful when combined. It took a while for Sinclair to trust him and he worked hard to get there, which I liked and thought it was needed. I loved their deep family ties, despite some things being at issue. Rett’s relationship with his grandmother was delightful as was she. But you shouldn’t read this on an empty stomach as the meals were described in mouth-watering detail, even inspiring me to create a few. This was a lovely, steamy romance and wonderful reading experience. I can’t wait to return to Holly Grove Island.
Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has brought his family to Paris to finally locate his mother Sophie. He’s confirmed that she has taken the name SoSebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has brought his family to Paris to finally locate his mother Sophie. He’s confirmed that she has taken the name Sophia Cappella and lives in the city. It’s March 1815, a turbulent time in France where Napoleon is in exile and the Bourbon King Louis VIII has been restored to the throne but rumors abound that the emperor plans to return. Tragically, Sebastian’s reunion with his mother is short lived when he comes upon her as she lay dying not far from where he was staying. Someone had stabbed and thrown her off of a footbridge, leaving her to die. When it becomes clear that French authorities have no interest in finding her killer, Sebastian begins investigating the most important case he’s ever undertaken. That pursuit will reveal much of Sophie’s secrets, placing him at the center of France’s political turmoil.
My knowledge of France’s history during this time is embarrassingly limited, as I’ve never understood the post revolution monarchy shifts, finding the whole era confusing. I began this story solely focused on Sebastian finding his mother and perhaps finally learning the identity of his biological father. What I hadn’t anticipated was being fascinated with the history of this period. The author cleverly used Sophie as a critical figure in the political machinations involving Napoleon’s emergence from exile. Her long term relationship with one of his marshals, Alexandre McClellan (fictional), has deeper implications, too. Who knew I’d finally understand those leadership shifts in the aristocracy and what inspired the people to re-embrace the exiled emperor and why he was destined to ultimately fail.
Though the historical elements once again captured my imagination, it was Sebastian and wife Hero who took hold of my heart. His grief was palpable and her commitment to his dogged determination to find Sophie’s killer reminded me how much I loved their union. Hero is a formidable partner and if Sebastian ever needed one, it was during this investigation. The journey to the truth led them to many curious people who were connected to Sophie, also giving them insight into who she was for the past twenty years. It wasn’t ever clear who they could trust and all seem to have their own agendas. It was a dangerous time for those connected to the aristocracy as they had to balance allegiances as they were subject to change overnight and back again. All of this was presented against the backdrop of historic Paris, told in such vivid detail I felt I could see, smell and hear the city. This was a brilliantly written story that didn’t provide all the answers I was hoping to find but brought me (and Sebastian) closer to finding the truth. I’m just happy I also got an incredible history lesson in the meantime. Prepare to Google as you work through the story!
Charlotte Dawson is having a bad day. She shops at Alder Market on Tuesdays specifically to avoid running into Ruby Pearl, the most judgmental of the Charlotte Dawson is having a bad day. She shops at Alder Market on Tuesdays specifically to avoid running into Ruby Pearl, the most judgmental of the gossipy old ladies in town and her biggest non-fan. In an effort to avoid the woman, she takes refuge in the liquor section only to run into (literally) the new bag man, Ian Cleary, who is a gorgeous redhead with the most adorable freckles. Despite her klutziness, Charlotte makes as great an impression on Ian as he does to her. Over the next few weeks, these two make a connection between the aisles that has them instantly falling for each other despite their complicated issues. She’s a young widow with a four-year old son and he’s an Oscar winning Hollywood actor secretly hiding out in Sun Valley pretending to be his mother’s nephew.
The bones of this story were highly promising, which is what intrigued me to give it a try. I loved the idea of a romance developing in a grocery market from awkward encounters. Charlotte and Ian were in their late twenties and their wildly differing backgrounds made them potentially interesting characters. Unfortunately, their stories read more like the romance between two high school teens and for that, I'm not the target audience. The dialogue missed the mark completely and their reactions to conflict, especially Charlotte’s, were immature and often tiresome.
The setting for the story is in Georgia and it didn’t miss trading on the most superficial of southern traditions. I’m familiar with them having lived in the South for many years so the references fell flat. Gossipy older women are a staple but the women in this story weren’t charming but downright vicious. A wonderful opportunity for a side angle was missed here, too. Again, I’m the wrong audience as others reviewing the story had better experiences so I’d compare them before making a decision. Because buried among my disappointments were some really good situational issues for two strong, very likable characters who kept me in the story.
Russian Princess Anastasia Denislova is forced to leave Paris and go into hiding after her brother was reported dead in battle and a treacherous enemyRussian Princess Anastasia Denislova is forced to leave Paris and go into hiding after her brother was reported dead in battle and a treacherous enemy tries to force her hand in marriage. She lands in London with her best friend, using the name Anna Brown. She befriends a brothel owner and regularly visits to help her learn to read. On one occasion, Sebastian (Seb) Wolff, Earl of Mowbray comes for a visit and mistakenly thinks Anna is one of the ladies of the evening. He’s immediately captivated and after a stolen kiss, cannot get her out of his head.
Seb is also a Bow Street agent and the last of his circle of friends still holding on to his bachelorhood. It was amusing to see him chafe at their domestication and commitment to their intriguing wives and try to deny his growing feelings for Anastasia/Anna, obvious to everyone else but him. She shared his feelings but found it too dangerous to reveal her true identity, the secret a real barrier between any potential relationship. I loved her independence, resourcefulness and determination to make the best of her situation. Anastasia was formidable in her own right, the perfect match for the stoic Seb.
I opted for the audio version and it was a wise choice as the narrator managed a very credible Russian accent for those characters and easily transitioned to English for the others. She made it easy for me to imagine Anastasia and others in her Russian sphere. There was also a bit of danger and suspense that made this a more intriguing story and the romance was perfectly developed. It was a fitting end for the most stubborn of the Bow Street bachelors and the series. I enjoyed everything about this and am a bit sorry to see it all end.
A crashed satellite has the Cobra Elite team, led by Thor Isaksen, headed to the South Pole in Antarctica to retrieve sensitive data before enemy forcA crashed satellite has the Cobra Elite team, led by Thor Isaksen, headed to the South Pole in Antarctica to retrieve sensitive data before enemy forces reach it. When they arrive at the Amundsen-Scott station, they learn one of the astronomers has died under strange circumstances so they make a quick decision to return her body with their transport. Her best friend and fellow astrophysicist, Dr. Samantha Park works with the team on their satellite retrieval mission. However, they have to alter their plans and extend their stay when they learn that the astronomer’s death wasn’t accidental.
I absolutely love that this series takes me to places I’ve never even imagined and vividly creates settings that have me feeling as if I’m there. I know it’s cold in Antarctica but it’s described in a way that goes beyond just illustrating subzero temperatures. Thor is of Danish descent and served on an elite dog sled patrol so he was a perfect choice for the assignment. He and Samantha made a striking couple, both having an appreciation for all things intelligent and thought provoking. Their romance was skillfully meshed with the mission and subsequent investigation, which was extremely dangerous and confounding.
Thor and Samantha were wonderfully developed characters and may just be my favorites in the series, which is surprising as I had zero interest in him before this story. It speaks to the great writing and character development. The mystery kept me guessing and the climax was thrilling. I had a hard time putting this one down. It was a perfect balance of suspense and romance.
Cam Maguire has a high-powered job in New York City, working for his father. He’s the only son in a long line of Maguires and is spending the summer iCam Maguire has a high-powered job in New York City, working for his father. He’s the only son in a long line of Maguires and is spending the summer in Blackberry Bay, New Hampshire, settling the estate of his recently deceased grandmother (there’s much more to that story). Meredith Price is the widowed mother of 6-year old Sophie who’s returning from San Diego to the hometown she left after high school. Her husband died two years ago and she’s decided to move closer to her parents and create a new life for herself. She buys the house next door to Cam’s grandmother’s whimsical cottage and his hammock becomes the link to the neighbors. What begins as a few casual encounters leads to something more.
Sometimes you just want a story that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I was hoping this would be it. Fortunately, my instincts were dead on because aside from Cam and Meredith, there’s a fur ball dog named Oscar, a cranky cat called Elinor and the precocious but adorable Sophie. There aren’t any big dramatic moments, just lots of heartwarming ones as two really nice people come together naturally through odd circumstances. Cam is grappling with family issues and Meredith is recreating herself after having lived one designed around her late husband.
It also doesn’t hurt that Cam has a wicked sense of humor, which works well with Sophie and the pets. I was left with all those good feelings I was searching for as Meredith not only slowly opens her bruised heart but reacquaints herself with old friends from high school. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to returning to Blackberry Bay. 3.5 stars
Marcus Deangelo has spent most of the last eight months drowning his guilt and grief in a bottle since the death of Danny Giancarelli, his best friendMarcus Deangelo has spent most of the last eight months drowning his guilt and grief in a bottle since the death of Danny Giancarelli, his best friend, former partner and surrogate brother. The guilt is because he believes he was the sniper’s intended target and after looking out for Danny’s widow and three children, he shared a kiss with Leah that he cannot forget. He left her and his HORNET family behind for the surf in Indonesia until Leah tracked him down. Someone is after her and one of Danny’s contacts left a warning along with sensitive information. Despite her frustration with him, Leah needs his help and he needs to reconnect with the world to save her life.
The story picks up very near where the last book ended following the tragic events in Martinique. If it sounds like Marcus is a mess it’s because he is. Even though he’s finally sobered up, he still resorts to his first instinct...avoid and take flight anytime he’s challenged to face emotional realities. But, the threats to Leah are ominous and extraordinarily dangerous and that’s where the story gains traction. The chase leads to lots of exotic locales, including Switzerland, Bali, Italy and Central African Republic to name a few. The underlying reason wasn’t exactly clear, which made things more complex and perplexing. Meanwhile, Marcus and Leah are grappling with their evolving relationship status.
There’s a reason why this is one of my favorite series and I was impatient during the long hiatus. It was well worth the wait as it didn’t fail to being the level of passion, danger and excitement I’ve come to expect. Marcus drove me nuts but that situation was mitigated by Leah’s level head and innate sense in knowing exactly how to handle him. The underlying threats were difficult to resolve (it’s not over!) but I was able to keep up and hang on until it was revealed. The story lived up to my expectations but now I’m hankering for the next one because that epilogue...
Gabriel Márquez is a CIA agent, undercover as a Franciscan nun in Venezuela, her family’s home country. She’s been there for a year, administering to Gabriel Márquez is a CIA agent, undercover as a Franciscan nun in Venezuela, her family’s home country. She’s been there for a year, administering to the poor while attempting to get evidence of corruption by the current president who is tied to the Andes Cartel, along with the priest who heads the Mission. Things go terribly wrong when two US journalists visiting the mission are violently abducted along with “Sister Maria.” Cobra International Solutions is hired to extract them as current relations between the US and Venezuela won’t allow a military operation. Dylan Cruz is part of the team assigned to the mission and establishes contact with the beautiful nun. With her help, the team is able to plot an informed operation to free the hostages but Dylan and Gabriel find themselves separated and on the run in an unfriendly country.
One of the things I’m enjoying about this series is the international flavor. The settings are mostly locales I’ve never visited and some never heard of before. Of course I’m aware of Venezuela but it was vividly created here, from the internal political situation to its people and culture. It was just as fascinating as the characters and plot. The real surprise here though was Gabriel, a resourceful and skilled operative that was just as critical to the team’s success as their members. Skilled in human intelligence, she could read people and situations almost flawlessly and was equally adept at shifting to meet the new challenges. I really liked Dylan with his multicultural background and flirty nature but Gabriel brought the excitement.
Speaking of excitement, this was one thrill after another as Dylan and Gabriel make their way from San Antonio de Los Altos to safety, which was fraught with danger as both the cartel and government were searching for them. There was just as much romantic heat between the two of them once Dylan discovered he wasn’t rescuing a nun. I loved this story, even when some elements required a bit of belief suspension, which I was happy to do because it worked so well. Winsome and admirable characters, high octane thrills and steamy romance made this an extremely satisfying and enjoyable story.
The newly knighted Alexander (Alex) Harland, Earl of Melton, is asked by Bow Street to investigate a new case. The infamous jewel thief called NightjaThe newly knighted Alexander (Alex) Harland, Earl of Melton, is asked by Bow Street to investigate a new case. The infamous jewel thief called Nightjar has recently struck again after a four-year absence, this time in London. He has reason to suspect the Danvers family is involved but when he meets Emmy Danvers, Alex realizes she may be more to him than the focus of his current business pursuit.
I loved the idea of a 19th century female jewel thief eluding London’s Bow Street law enforcement. Both Alex and Emmy were ideal in their respective roles, he a dashing and brash figure and she resourceful and elusive. They were also immensely attracted to each other, having met in costume four years earlier but he having no idea Emmy and the woman he fell for were one in the same. The story’s dual plot of Alex discovering the masked woman’s identity and capturing Nightjar kept things exciting and off balance. Their verbal sparring was unique and clever, giving insight into their intellect and histories.
I’m enjoying this series and very much liked this story, primarily because of Alex and Emmy. It was impossible not to root for these two and the strength of the secondary characters just enhanced the reading pleasure. Emmy’s grandmother Camille was delightful and naughty, Alex’s fellow Tricorn Club partners just as brash and daring as he. It was a fun and passionate story and I’m now anxious to read the last in the trilogy.
The Allied Sovereigns have assembled in London to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon in June 1814. Royal families from the German states, Russia and AusThe Allied Sovereigns have assembled in London to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon in June 1814. Royal families from the German states, Russia and Austria are reveling in the restoration of the European monarchs. In the midst of all the festivities, the body of Nicholas Hayes, a British noble, was discovered in a tea garden. He was thought to have died 15 years earlier in Botany Bay where he was sentenced for the murder of the wife of a French emigre. Hayes was a friend of Jules Calhoun, Sebastian St. Cyr’s valet, who had Sebastian accompany him to the murder scene. Sebastian soon discovers that his own interest goes beyond helping out a friend as the investigation calls into question Hayes’ guilt for the crime that originally banished him from England.
I’ve loved this series for its historical accuracy, forthrightness and honesty about the past. It’s unparalleled in that respect, at least among my other historical fiction choices. This story surpassed my high expectations in this aspect as well as providing high intrigue and a downright confounding mystery. My education about the East India Company was apparently a farce and I learned the reality of its sordid history and devastating impact on Asian cultures. Hayes murder was cleverly entwined with the political machinations involving Allied relationships following Napoleon’s downfall, which had me paying attention to minute details and the intricacies of key relationships. If this wasn’t enough to engage me, Sebastian was teamed with Hero to work through many elements of the case, past and present.
This was the most delectable of installments to date, at least for me. Nicholas Hayes’ life was sort of a “what if” representation for Sebastian as so much of their lives mirrored each others except for the intervention of Constable Henry Lovejoy saving him from a similar fate at a similar pivotal moment in his own life. It inspired him to seek the truth on Nicholas’ behalf as there was absolutely no one to stand for him. There’s always been a noble quality about Sebastian beyond peerage and he’s never been finer than he was here in seeking the truth amidst incredible opposition. I loved everything about this story as it cleverly and skillfully steeped well defined characters, intrigue, mystery and suspense in a wealth of history. And the ending? Beyond lovely.
Elizabeth Shields and Connor McManus are both operatives with Cobra International Solutions (CIS), a private security firm. Two years ago, Connor saveElizabeth Shields and Connor McManus are both operatives with Cobra International Solutions (CIS), a private security firm. Two years ago, Connor saved her life during a mission that went sideways and she’s never forgotten his bravery in that moment. He’s made no secret of his attraction to “Lilibet,” his pet name for her and both have kept their distance due to the company’s fraternization ban. When Connor is notified of his best friend’s murder in Glasgow, he takes leave to be with Jack Murray’s family and try to figure out what happened. Elizabeth is set to leave for vacation but realizes quickly that Connor needs her help and arrives in Scotland instead of the beach.
I’ve watched these two dance around their attraction since the inception of the series and was glad to see them finally deal with it. What I didn’t expect was to fall for these two, especially Elizabeth who was completely different from what I’d imagined her to be. She was daring, charming, über smart and playfully uninhibited in her relationship with Connor. I knew I liked him but after learning about his origins, growing up poor and rejected in the slums of Glasgow, I came to seriously admire him and how he developed into an honorable, loyal and courageous man. These two put some serious steam in this story but it was an essential part of their relationship and the story. It’s rare for me to say that but in this case, it defined the two in ways that words couldn’t.
The investigation into Jack’s murder was interesting, though I’d figured out the bare details pretty easily. However, that didn’t detract from the excitement or the pleasure of experiencing Elizabeth in action. I’m loving this series and I loved this romance. They were something special.
Private investigators Frank Malloy and Gino Donatelli get a case that’s very close to home. Gino’s sister-in-law Teo asks for help in finding a missinPrivate investigators Frank Malloy and Gino Donatelli get a case that’s very close to home. Gino’s sister-in-law Teo asks for help in finding a missing volunteer worker who is a resident at the settlement house in Italian East Harlem. They fear she’s been kidnapped by Nunzio Esposito and his gang who’s operating under the Black Hand. As they get into the investigation, Gino finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is accused of murdering the crime boss. The entire team, including Sarah Malloy and Maeve Smith, must use all of their resources to clear his name, not only to avoid prison but retaliation from the Black Hand.
It was great being back in this series and even more interesting to get to know Gino’s family and his world. I wasn’t aware that at the beginning of the 20th century East Harlem was considered to be part of Little Italy, nor had I heard of settlement houses that served as a central community volunteer resource. The notion was fascinating and operated similarly to what we see today as the YMCA/YWCA but with volunteers in residence. The mystery involving the missing volunteer wasn’t tough to solve but the underlying motives weren’t as clear so that kept me engaged. And, I learned more about the Black Hand and how they really operated.
I enjoyed this story as much for the historical elements as the characters and mystery. Since Gino is at the forefront, so is his relationship with Maeve, which took a giant leap forward. It was wonderful getting to know his family and especially his brothers. Solving the murder was interesting and led to lots of intriguing situations, culminating in an exciting but bizarre climax. I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to what’s next for these characters I’ve come to care about.
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