Tag: #BlogBlitz

A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber – Release Day Blitz

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Book Publicity, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Release Day BlitzLeave a comment

A Fatal Illusion (Lady Darby Mystery, #11)

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby Mysteries #11
Publication Date: 6/20/22
Period: Late Georgian – 1832
Number of Pages: 384

Each time a new book in this series releases, I always say – this is the best book yet. I do truly mean that each time I say it. Each mystery is new, unique, and exciting, and will keep you guessing while the personal relationships between the recurring characters keep growing and maturing. So, I’ll say it again – this is the best book yet!

Kiera and Sebastian Gage have made a mad dash from Blakelaw House in the borderlands of Scotland, down the Great North Road to Wentbridge, a small village in Yorkshire because Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was brutally attacked and shot. They don’t know what they’ll find when they arrive – will Lord Gage still be among the living? Who would dare attack Lord Gage who is powerful and friends with the King? That is what Kiera and Gage have to figure out – and fast – because not only are there additional attacks on Lord Gage, but Sebastian and Kiera are also attacked.

I love that we begin to see hints, just tiny hints, that Lord Gage might be human after all. Will those last? I also loved meeting baby Emma who played a delightful role in discovering her grandfather’s more human side. Of course, Anderley and Bree were front and center to help in the investigation. Then, there was Henry, and I was so glad to see him accompanying Gage and Kiera to see the father who has always denied him. I know acceptance will finally come for them. Hopefully, the rift within the family will be resolved on that long carriage ride with a convalescent Lord Gage – or – a mean-tempered Lord Gage could rip it all apart. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens there.

The mystery is excellently done, nicely paced, and perfectly delivered. Lord Gage’s past has come back to haunt him – a past he definitely doesn’t want his son poking into. However, the only way to solve the mystery is to delve into the past. The villains are relentless in their pursuit and they almost succeed. If not for the skills of Dr Josiah Barker, the first attempt would have taken Lord Gage’s life and the others wouldn’t have been needed. But, could Dr. Barker still be part of the plot? Hmm, you’ll just have to read the book to see.

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 Duchess Takes A Husband by Harper St. George – #BlogBlitz

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

The Duchess Takes a Husband (The Gilded Age Heiresses, #4)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #4
Publication Date: 2/23/23
Period: Victorian/Gilded Age – 1878 London
Number of Pages: 336

Thank goodness for the book that wasn’t supposed to be! The series was originally supposed to be three books featuring the Crenshaw siblings, but once we and the author met Camille, Duchess of Hereford, we all knew she just had to have her own book. She endured emotional and physical abuse from the duke before he died and I absolutely loved seeing her find herself, her strength, her determination after he died. Then, there was Jacob, who was the perfect mate for her. His gentle, understanding, considerate, and kind ways were just what she needed to heal from the trauma she suffered. Yes, it is a sensitive subject, but I believe the author dealt with it in a way that makes Camille a heroine rather than a victim. This could have been a really angsty, woe-is-me book, but it wasn’t, and I’m so glad Camille was shown as a woman who was strong and working toward healing herself.

Camille was thoroughly controlled by the Duke of Hereford during their marriage, and now that he is gone, she’s showing a bit of rebellion. Her first rebellion was to join the Montague Club – owned by her best friend’s husband and his half-brother. Her next rebellion, though it won’t be made public, is to seek out Jacob, one of the owners of the club, and make a proposition. She wants to know if it is possible for her to enjoy intimacy – because she never has. He has a counter-proposition for her and they strike a deal. Her third rebellion is to embrace the suffragette movement – and that one almost costs her life.

Jacob very much wants to accomplish something on his own. Yes, he is part owner of the Montague Club, but he did that with the backing of his half-brother and a good friend who both hold lauded titles. He wants to do something on his own – without the backing of those titles. He has a business partner and just needs one more investor and he can get the project rolling. The fly in the ointment? The investor is very hesitant to invest because Jacob isn’t a settled, married man. So, what Jacob needs is a fiancé – or at least a pretend fiancé.

It was wonderful to watch Camille and Jacob find that love isn’t such a bad thing after all – especially when it is with the perfect person. Jacob’s tender care causes Camille to blossom and become who she was truly meant to be and Camille’s loving smiles and caring heart taught Jacob that loving someone doesn’t cause you to lose yourself.

This book was excellently written, and excellently plotted, and, for me, the flow was just perfect. I can definitely recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews