A Bitter Cut by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

A Bitter Cut (Lady Darby Mystery, #14)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby #14
Publication Date: 6/23/26
Period: Georgian – 1833
Number of Pages: 384

This author has delivered yet another outstanding historical mystery. When you devour a 384-page book in a single sitting, you know you’ve found something special! The characters are engaging—even the ones you’re meant to dislike—and the mystery keeps you guessing right up to the final reveal.

Kiera’s brother, Trevor, has been courting the daughter of a prosperous manufacturer, and the best part is that the affection is mutual. Hoping to spend more time getting to know the family, Kiera and Gage, along with Lord Gage, invite them to a house party that also includes several of Lord Gage’s political associates.

From the moment the Birnams arrive, Kiera and Gage realize it is going to be a very long week. Mr. Birnam is an utterly despicable man, Mrs. Birnam is disagreeable and outspoken, and their son, Jemmy, is sullen and uncooperative. The only pleasant members of the family are Matilda, Trevor’s beloved, and Miss Portia Whitlock, Mr. Birnam’s capable secretary.

Kiera and Gage certainly have their hands full this time around. Between managing the unpleasant Birnams, entertaining Lord Gage’s political cronies, keeping the house party running smoothly, and trying to support Trevor’s romance, they have precious little time to devote to a murder investigation. Unfortunately, the crime must be solved before the guests begin departing.

This is an excellent addition to the series, featuring a well-crafted mystery, a lovely countryside setting, and a varied cast of memorable characters. The story is beautifully paced and superbly executed. Bravo to the author!

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Rom-Com, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Scandal of the SummerScandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Flirty Rotten Scoundrels #1

Release Date: June 23, 2026

After yet another social debacle, Lady Ruby Ballimore knows it is time to leave London and plans to take her best friends Lady Alice Eppington and Miss Tamsin Drake with her. Ruby’s father is the Earl of Hangleton and he is the English ambassador to the small principality of Manfalcone, so when she learns that Princess Serafina of Manfalcone has cancelled her trip to her vacation home in Cornwall, Ruby decides to take advantage of the princess’s absence and spend the summer there, the three of them posing as the princess’s ladies in waiting – what could go wrong? They arrive in Cornwall and are surprised to find the castle rundown and inhabited by Malcolm Archer, a gorgeous former sea captain and his crew. It is clear that they are hiding something and don’t want the ladies to stay, but clearly Malcolm has underestimated Ruby – it is definitely going to be a summer neither will ever forget!

Malcolm Archer was once a promising Naval officer, who rose above his humble origins to captain his own ship, it seemed like his life was finally moving in a positive direction, until the unthinkable happened and he let his feelings make a decision that cost him his career. After being dishonorably discharged from the navy, his former mentor helped him get the job of steward to Princess Serafina’s Cornwall castle. As no one was living in the home and the princess had no immediate plans to visit, there was no need for a full staff, leaving Malcolm to support the crew members that followed him after his discharge. He fell back into his former ways and began smuggling to provide for everyone and the ever-growing dog population. When his latest venture is ruined by none other than Lady Ruby, he returns to Cornwall to regroup – only to had Lady Ruby to show up on the doorstep, insisting that the Princess sent her. Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to recognize him from the social event that caused her to leave England, but he can’t hope for that luck to hold and does his utmost to make her leave – which involves a lot of hilarity but is ultimately unsuccessful.

This was such a fun story! It is well-written, nicely paced and had an amazing cast of characters. This story is filled with emotion, self-discovery, found family, lots of dogs, unexpected guests, abduction, steamyish love scenes, laugh out loud antics, betrayal, loyalty, a hero ready to burn the world for his love, a lot of plot twists and finally a very satisfying ending complete with an epilogue. This is the first book in a new series, and I am already looking forward to the next installment! If you are looking for a fun read that isn’t fluffy or silly – this is the book for you – it delivers an emotional story but still makes you laugh and leaves you with a smile on your face. Highly recommended!

*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. *