Month: October 2025

Deadly Murder by Carla Simpson

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

Deadly Murder (Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #14)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #14
Publication Date: 9/23/25
Period: Victorian London – 1893
Number of Pages: 240

The sins of the fathers . . . What does a heinous event from the past have to do with the recent death of a young Lord – and then another – and then another – and then . . . One doesn’t refuse when the future King, the Prince of Wales, asks you to investigate a death that is not the robbery it seems to be. Therefore, Lady Mikaela Forsythe and Angus Brodie find themselves investigating the death(s), but they are sure they’ve not been given all of the information they need. Will they unearth the information they need to stop the next death from happening?

As Mikaela and Brodie begin their investigation, yet another death occurs – almost in front of them. With secrets coming to light, yet the Prince withholding information, the investigation kicks into high gear. Who is the man Mikaela keeps catching glances of? Is he friend or foe?

I loved the investigation and the race to get the clues before Sir Avery could get to them and skew them. I also enjoy seeing Lily’s growth toward adulthood, as well as the continuing growth of the relationship between Mikaela and Brodie.

If you enjoy historical mysteries such as Sebastian St. Cyr and Lady Darby, I think you will enjoy this series as well. I enjoyed this book, and I hope you will as well. Happy Reading!

View all my reviews

Snowbound with the Earl by Shana Galen

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

Snowbound with the EarlSnowbound with the Earl by Shana Galen

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Snowbound #2

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Noelle Bonneville, the widowed Viscountess Bonneville, is finally free, trapped in a loveless marriage for ten years, she is now out of mourning and ready to reenter society. When her friend Lady Dorsey invites her to a Christmas house party, she accepts, something she immediately regrets when she learns that Graham Birmingham, the Earl of Evergreen will be there. Once upon a time, Noelle and Graham were in love, but she broke his heart when her parents forced her to marry Viscount Bonneville. She wonders if enough time has passed that they can finally talk about what happened and move on. But that thought is crushed when they meet at the house party, and he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her.

Graham was devastated when Noelle broke his heart ten years ago. He asked her to marry him and she accepted, only to renege the next day because her parents didn’t approve of him and wanted her to marry the elderly viscount. Back then he had not inherited the title of Earl and had no expectations to do so, as his uncle was alive and well with two married sons. But after Noelle married the viscount, the unthinkable happened and his uncle and both cousins passed away in an accident leaving Graham as the Earl. He wonders if she is at the house party to reconcile with him as he now has a title and she is widowed, so at the first chance he gets, he makes it clear that he is no longer interested in her and wants nothing to do with her, even if she is even more lovely than he remembered. He is firm in his convictions, but when she comes to his rescue, he wonders if it is time to let go of his hurt and let her speak her piece. Is it the season of second chances or is he setting himself up for a holiday heartbreak?

This was a delightful, well written, nicely paced, second chance romance novella filled with emotion, regrets and wonderful characters. Noelle and Graham light up the pages of this charming Christmastime story set in Regency England and gives readers the gift of hope and holiday cheer. I love a good second chance romance and this story checked all the boxes for me; I loved it and would happily recommend it to my fellow HR readers and anyone who enjoys a second chance romance with a bit of spice and a HEA.

*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. *