Month: January 2025

A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

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

A Secret Seduction (The Mayfair Literary League, #8)A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mayfair Literary League, #8

Release Date: January 23, 2025

After seven years on the marriage mart, Millicent “Millie” Davies parents have decided that since she hasn’t found a husband on her own, they will step in and arrange a marriage for her. Millicent isn’t opposed to marriage, but after seeing all her friends in the Mayfair Literary League find love after taking part in the “for better or worse” agenda, she wonders if she could be bold enough to pursue her secret crush – Winston Chadwick, the Marquess of Linford. Millie and Winston met in the previous season and it was clear there was a chemistry between them, but due to his participation in a wager, she isn’t sure his interest in her was sincere. And as much as she wishes that he could be her HEA, she is aware that he has made no secret of the fact that he has no plans to marry anytime soon, and with her parents pushing another man in her path, is she brave enough to take a chance and hope she can capture the marquess’s heart or should she just accept an arranged marriage that will save her from spinsterhood, but never touch her heart?

After watching his parents’ epic battles and being reminded at every turn that he is just like his father, Winston has decided that he will not marry until he is at least 40 and then only to sire an heir. He is sure he is not worthy of love and thanks to the constant comparisons to his father, he doesn’t trust his own judgement, instead he lets others make decisions for him as he leads an empty life. He meets Millie when he participated in a thoughtless wager with friends to dance with wallflowers and despite his resolve to remain a bachelor, he is intrigued by her. She is pretty in an understated way and makes him think that he could be a better man, but that isn’t enough to change his mind about marriage. When she flirts with him, he is more than willing to share kisses with her, as long as she knows it will never lead to the altar. Even when his friends comment on his interest in Millie, he denies his feelings, but when another suitor starts showing interest, and can’t seem to be dissuaded, Winston will have to come to terms with his feelings and finally make a decision about his future. Will he risk his heart for what could be the love of a lifetime, or will he let his insecurities cost him the only woman he has ever loved?

This is the final installment of the Mayfair Literary League and what an ending it is! It takes some doing, but Millie and Winston finally overcome their own insecurities, and travel outside their comfort zones, but with good friends and a true connection, they will find their happily ever after. This is the eighth and final book in the series, and 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/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Review: Deadly Curse by Carla Simpson

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Deadly Curse (Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #11)Barbara’s rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #11
Publication Date: 1/28/25
Period: Victorian London – 1892
Number of Pages: 226

In 1892, the whole world was enamored with exploring ancient Egypt. Archaeologists and Egyptologists are thick on the ground digging for antiquities. Sir Nelson Lawrence is one of the few who doesn’t want to exploit Egypt for personal gain. He wants to show their ancient history to the world and teach others to love it as he does. It’s too bad he won’t ever get that chance since his body has been discovered at the base of a large floor-to-ceiling statue of Ramses II. Is it due to a curse? Or a rival archaeologist? Or a collector who wants the artifacts for himself? Or a family member who feels he’s been cheated? Or . . .

The tension mounts as more bodies turn up and Mikaela is attacked. They check out clue after clue and learn little – but just enough to move them forward by a single step. Then, things get even more stirred up when a leader in London’s underworld offers assistance. Is his information good or is he leading them into a trap? If his information is good and proves helpful, what will he want in return?

I always enjoy Mikaela and Brodie along with their entire ensemble cast. We had a couple of new characters added this time and I wonder if they will have recurring roles or if this was a one-and-only for them. First, we had Inspector Todd with the Metropolitan Police. He seems as nasty as Chief Inspector Abberline but with less power. The other new addition was the underworld boss, Mr. Brown, who appears to have a grudging respect for Brodie – but his interests seem entirely self-serving. So, two somewhat interesting characters appeared and it will be interesting to see if they reappear.

While this was an interesting story and the mystery was good, it was not my favorite book of the series. I found it to be more plodding and less exciting than the other books – probably more like a real-life investigation would be. 😊

If an ancient Egyptian curse runs shivers down your spine, you should give this book a try.

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

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