Three Times Tempted by Anna Campbell

Three Times Tempted (A Scandal in Mayfair, #3)Three Times Tempted by Anna Campbell

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: A Scandal in Mayfair, #3

Release Date: January 26, 2022

Desperate times call for desperate measures, so upon learning that her father, the Earl of Deerforth plans to marry her off to the cringe-worthy Lord Chippenham, Lady Imogen Ridley takes matters into her own hands and sets out to ruin herself. She invites the Earl of Halston, a renowned rake, to meet her in the gazebo while attending a ball – but to her surprise, it is not the earl who is there, but an American. They chat and have an instant connection, they even make plans to meet again at another function, thus beginning their secret love affair.

Caleb Black is a successful landscape artist in New York, who has come to England to design a garden for Lord Tierney. He came hoping to expand his family business but is shocked to find love instead. But unlike America where Caleb is considered a “catch” here in England, he is considered little more than a servant, making courtship with an earl’s daughter all but impossible. But the heart wants what the heart wants and Caleb won’t let anyone or anything keep him from the love of his life.

This is the final book in the A Scandal in Mayfair series and it ties up the series nicely. The book is not as steamy as the previous books and it is definitely more angsty. The first part of the book was a bit slow as it is the same timeline as the first two books, but from Imogen’s POV – kudos to Ms. Campbell for keeping Imogen’s secret love affair so well hidden in the first two books – I read them both and honestly had no idea Imogen was in love! As I mentioned, this book is less steamy, but it is filled with emotion, a truly vile villain, a hero and heroine willing to lose everything for their love and the long, painful road to their HEA. This is the third (and final) book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order.

*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

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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