Category: Victorian Era (1837-1901)

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe.
Preceded by: Regency era
Followed by: Edwardian era
Monarch: Victoria

The Watchmaker’s Daughter by C.J. Archer

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

The Watchmaker's Daughter (Glass and Steele, #1)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Glass and Steele #1
Publication Date: 6/28/16
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 302

I recently discovered this author and cannot seem to get enough of her books. I first found her Glass Library series (a spinoff of this series) and devoured all of them and I’m now anxiously awaiting the release of the next adventure in that series. To satisfy my craving, I came to this series and, if this book is any indication, I’m going to love it as well. The only drawback to having read the second series first is that I was already familiar with the characters and knew which characters would make alliances and which would still be around in 30 years. Frankly, I saw that as a good thing and it didn’t deter my enjoyment in the least.

This is the first book in the Glass and Steele series, and it introduces us to India Steele, who finds herself destitute after the death of her watchmaker father and betrayal by her fiancé. She has no money and no place to live when she meets the mysterious Matthew Glass – an American who immediately hires her as his assistant.

This is a delightful tale of magic, mystery, and romance – and perhaps a tad of steampunk. The author skillfully creates a world where science and magic coexist – but are at war. India is strong, resilient, talented, intelligent – and has absolutely no idea of her true power. Matthew is also strong, resilient, talented and intelligent – and is in desperate need of help – of the magical variety. The attraction and dynamic between India and Matt creates a tension where the chemistry is strong – probably stronger than they are.

The secondary characters added much to the story – I loved the pistol-toting, hard-wearing Willie Johnson and hated the duplicitous, vile fiancé, Eddie Hardcastle, as well as the entire Watchmakers Guild. The story does an excellent job of setting the stage and characters for the remainder of the books in the series – but it is a great standalone book if you never read another in the series. Though, I would wager you’ll quickly become hooked on the stories.

If you love historical romance, mystery, fantasy, adventure, and intrigue, you can’t go wrong with this book. I can hardly wait to start the next one

The Devil’s Charm by Megan Frampton

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

The Devil's Charm (Heirs & Spares #1)The Devil’s Charm by Megan Frampton

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Heirs & Spares, #1

Release Date: February 25, 25

Lady Diantha Courtenay, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Courtenay, has spent most of her life trying to keep her parents in check, she is reliable, responsible and therefore a complete mystery to her family. She always does the right thing and hopes for a day when she can pursue her own dream of a quiet, stable life. But a stolen kiss with Lord Lucian Eldridge, the younger son of her father’s greatest foe, turns her whole world upside down and then to make matters worse, she learns that the cause of their parent’s feud has been decided by the courts and now she and Lucian must work together to find a solution to factory in question or their parents will risk losing the building to the crown, and while that would be unfortunate, the real risk might be the fact that she is losing her heart to a man that is exactly like her parents, a man she shouldn’t want.

Lord Lucian Eldridge, the younger son of the Duke of Waxford, has tried to please his father for most of his life and failed, Lucian likes being happy and enjoying himself, basically the complete opposite of his stodgy, duty-loving, rigid father. When his older brother is injured and his father has to attend him in Scotland, he leaves Lucian in charge of figuring out what to do with the factory the duke with the earl. Lucian is wondering if he can find someone to take over the job when he meets the earl’s daughter and shares a kiss that he can’t forget. He throws himself into the project and falls head over heels with a woman he can never have.

This was a quick, fun read, with a different plot and very likable characters. Diantha and Lucian are complete opposites and their fathers are enemies, but that doesn’t stop them from falling in love, but it may prevent them from finding their HEA. The romance part of the story was good, but there was a side story featuring the Duke’s cousin that just didn’t really impress me or add anything substantive to the story – if just felt like filler and made the story drag in places. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with wonderful characters, a bit of steam, some amusing scenes and finally a HEA that seemed almost impossible, and while it wasn’t quite the story that I have come to expect from Ms. Frampton, I would still be happy to recommend this title to HR readers who enjoy the enemies to lovers and the opposites attract tropes.

*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. *