Month: April 2022

Crying Wolfe by Kerrigan Byrne

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Crying Wolfe (Goode Girls, #5)Crying Wolfe by Kerrigan Byrne

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Goode Girls, #5

Release Date: April 19, 2022

Rosaline “Ros” Goode, the youngest of the Goode girls is stressed, and that never bodes well for her – to relieve the tension building, she escapes to (OK – breaks into) her neighbor’s observatory to calm herself by viewing the stars, but several things happen that will bring anything but peace – first she knicks a cup from a table full of treasure and then she barely escapes being shot! She quickly retreats to her own house and assumes the matter is over – WRONG – the gun-wielding American chases her and corners her in her room and by doing so wakes her family – the head of which is Sir Carlton Morley – who happens to know the irate American as Elijah “Eli” Wolfe AKA Midas.

Eli is shocked to discover the thief is Morley’s sister-in-law and even more shocked to learn that he will have to marry her! With no other recourse that will not end in ruin for everyone – Eli agrees to a marriage in name only – after all he is 15 years Ros’ senior and easily twice her size. But Ros isn’t having it – her marriage will be real! Things are actually going very well, that is until Ros learns the truth of why Eli is in London and that her shameful secret could destroy everything and will have them crossing paths with Dorian Blackwell.

WOW – What a great story this was and in true Kerrigan Byrne style – she completely blew my mind! The writing in this long novella/short novel is fabulous, the story is unpredictable and fresh, the characters are relatable and likable, the love scenes are smokin’ hot and the ending is perfect – complete with an epilogue!!! This is the fifth book in the series, but it really could be read as a standalone title with no problems. I absolutely loved this story and happily and strongly recommend 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.*

When Blood Lies by C.S. Harris

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly RecommendedLeave a comment

When Blood Lies (Sebastian St. Cyr, #17)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #17
Publication Date: 4/5/22
Period: Regency – March 1815
Number of Pages: 326

One of the best things about the entire series is that it totally captivates you – both emotionally and intellectually. I always learn so much history right along with solving a complex, convoluted, and twisted mystery. I would say this is one of the best books in the series, but you wouldn’t believe me because I say that about each new book! It is truly a wonderful read and I devoured each and every word of it. It was so bittersweet with Sebastian finally finding his mother and then getting so little time with her. Sebastian and Hero have grown so close to each other and they are so loving and supportive – I just love that part of the story.

It is March of 1815; Napoleon has been exiled to Elba for a year; The Bourbons have been restored to the throne of France; Ex-Pats have returned to France; There is a conference being held to determine the future of France, Europe, and Napoleon. Unrest among the French citizens is also quietly present – they aren’t openly opposed to the Bourbons nor are they openly supportive of a return by Napoleon – but they are tired of the way they are being treated. Sebastian, Hero, and the two boys have traveled to Paris during these turbulent times so Sebastian can search for his mother, Sophie.

As a melancholy and frustrated Sebastian walks near the Seine, he finds a very badly injured woman – a woman he recognizes – his mother. She recognizes him immediately – but can only utter his name before he picks her up and rushes her to his leased home. When she dies from her wounds without saying anything else, Sebastian and Hero vow to solve the case – no matter where the evidence leads. And goodness does it take some strange twists and turns. Was his mother involved in espionage? Where had she been on her recent trip – and what was its purpose? Is she involved – directly or inadvertently – in Napoleon’s escape from Elba? Oh! What a tangled web of intrigue and deception for Sebastian and Hero to work through before they finally discover the truth.

I highly recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. The writing is superb, the characters are unique, interesting, and compelling, and the mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Then, if you add in all of the very descriptive historical details, you’ll feel as if you are right there with the tensions rising as Napoleon escapes Elba and heads toward Paris. Truly an excellent read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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