Tag: Candace Camp

A Scandal at Stonecliffe by Candace Camp

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)2 Comments

A Scandal at Stonecliffe (Stonecliffe #3)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Stonecliffe #3
Publication Date: 8/20/24
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 339

In the series’ second book, we spent our time rooting for the hero and heroine – as we should have. However, I think most of us gave little thought to the man to whom the heroine was betrothed before she got her HEA with the hero. Did any of us wonder how broken his heart might have been? Did we care how much he might have loved the heroine? We all liked him, but did we wonder where his life would go? Probably not. This book, however, turns all of that on its head and shows us Nathan’s journey to finding love again. It is an exciting, well-written, engrossing story that will have you holding your breath, wringing your hands, frowning in exasperation, and smiling at the HEA.

Nathan Dunbridge spent months on the continent trying to mend his broken heart after his broken betrothal. He had truly loved Annabeth, but he knew he had to give her the freedom to marry the man she loved. Is his heart mended? Well, he can at least tolerate being in the same room with Annabeth and her husband for a while. He’s back into his role in society and living his normal life – until – a man marches up to him, proclaims himself to be his brother, and asserts he is their father’s rightful heir. Oh! My! Nathan doesn’t believe a word of it, but the man is quite adamant and Nathan knows the scandal would ruin them whether it was true or not – and it would break his sweet, caring mother’s heart. Nathan knows he has to get to the bottom of it, true or not, and he knows just the person to help.

Verity Cole has run a very discreet detective agency for the last couple of years. Before that, she was a very successful spy for the Crown. Verity has many secrets and never lets anyone get too close to her. Her life is one role after another, to the point where she’s not sure where the role ends and she begins. That all begins to change when Nathan asks her to help solve the mystery of his ‘brother’. Can she open up enough to let someone else into her life, her heart?

Verity and Nathan work together to solve the mystery of his brother and a few others as well. They work very well together but are opposites in most ways. Will that be a detriment or an asset? You’ll just have to read this fast-paced, exciting, romantic adventure to see how it all comes out. You’ll find betrayals, kidnappings, attempted murders, murders, past secrets, and longings for things that cannot be. The storyline will reach out and pull you in, and the characters will hold you till the end.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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

A Rogue at Stonecliffe by Candace Camp

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Rogue at Stonecliffe by Candace Camp

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Stoncliffe, #2

Release Date: June 27, 2023

Once upon a time, Annabeth Winfield and Sloane Rutherford were in love and had plans for a rosy future that included marriage and children.  But when Sloane is approached by a stranger and learns that Annabeth’s life would be ruined by her father’s actions, Sloane steps up to save her that humiliation, but the cost is high, his reputation, and Annabeth’s love.

Twelve years later, the war is over, and Annabeth has finally moved on and is engaged to her dear friend Nathan.  But before she can settle into her new life, Sloane reappears convinced that Annabeth is in danger.  It isn’t until she is kidnapped that she admits that Sloane might be right, and they will have to work together to find something her late father wrote naming the English traitor before the villains looking for it either find it or kill her.  The assignment is dangerous, not just to her person, but more so to her heart.  Because being around Sloane again congers up old feelings, and she must resist him because Annabeth knows two things for certain; he is still keeping things from her, and she won’t be able to survive losing Sloane twice.

This was a well-written, nicely paced, second-chance love story that also featured an interesting mystery.  I was impressed by the growth of these characters, especially Annabeth, who when from a starry-eyed teenager in the throes of love to a mature and admirable young woman who has lost her first love (and still doesn’t know why) as well as her beloved father yet has found a way to move on and to be happy.  This book is filled with secrets, heartbreak, betrayal, wonderful secondary characters, lots of sexual tension, a bit of angst, danger, surprising revelations, adventure, puzzle boxes, traitors, and finally a second chance at HEA.  I enjoyed the story, but I must agree with my blog partner, the story needed an epilogue that gave the reader a glimpse into their HEA, because as is, it felt unfinished.  This is the second book in the series, but they are very loosely tied together and can easily be read as standalone titles.  All in all, this was a good addition to the series and an enjoyable read that I am happy to recommend.

*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.*