Category: Top Pick – Highly Recommended

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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The Highlander’s Stolen Bride by Madeline Martin

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Highlander's Stolen Bride (Highland Alliances, #3)The Highlander’s Stolen Bride by Madeline Martin

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Alliances, #3

Release Date: March 29, 2022

After the death of his father, Calum Campbell, the new head of the banished Campbell clan, just wants peace and to return to Scotland. After his father’s antics, he has little hope that Ross, the MacMillan Chieftain will listen to him, but Calum has a plan, he will abduct Ross’ sister Elspeth and hold her hostage until Ross agrees to a meeting.

Elspeth is on her way to meet her soon-to-be betrothed when the Campbells take her. The Campbell chief killed her father and uncle and were banished from Scotland by the king, their lands given to several clans, including hers. But the Campbell is back and wreaking havoc in an attempt to regain their lands. She is sure they are evil, but once they get to Ireland, she realizes that they are starving and Calum is not his father, he wants peace and a chance to save his clan. She agrees to help them and writes to Ross and sets up a meeting.

Things become complicated by the attraction between them, and each wants to be true to their clans. They hope the meeting with Ross will clear the air and peace can be achieved. But things don’t go as planned and when she learns of more Campbell attacks while she was in Ireland, her father in Calum’s innocence waivers – but when her betrothed grabs her, it is Calum who saves her and when he swears he doesn’t know anything about the attacks, she decides to appeal to her other brother for help. But when they come across another “Campbell” attack in progress, they realize the truth and know that things are going to get much worse unless they can convince Ross that Calum is innocent, which is a seemingly impossible task and makes their chances for a HEA even more unlikely.

This is the final book in the collaboration trilogy following the MacMillan siblings and in my opinion, this one is the best of the three. Calum and Elspeth have such great chemistry and of the three couples, they have the most to overcome. The book is filled with action, intrigue, betrayal, steamy love scenes, shocking revelations, big twists, a nail-biting-hanging on the edge of your seat-OMG ending, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I loved this book and highly recommend it. This is the third book in the series, and while you could read this as a standalone title, I would strongly recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.