Tag: Deb Marlowe

Revenge in the Rogue’s Hideaway by Deb Marlowe

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

Revenge in the Rogue's Hideaway (The Kier and Levett Mystery Series Book 4)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Kier and Levett Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 4/3/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 254

Yet another outstanding entry into this author’s cozy mystery series, The Kier and Levett Mysteries. It has the perfect balance of mystery and romance and will keep you glued to your chair throughout. If you read the last book, you will know there was a shocking revelation about Niall’s parentage. Well, there is a shocking revelation in this book as well, but I won’t tell you what it is – you’ll just have to read it to see.

Josie Lowe, who helped save Niall’s bacon when he was captured by those nasty League men weeks ago, now needs saving. Josie’s riveting voice has been pulling patrons into the Rogues Hideaway for a while now and when she sings, the audience is rapt. They love her, and her wealthy patron, Mr. Frederick Cole, attends every performance. However, things change swiftly when, directly after her performance, Mr. Cole dies of poisoning and Josie is arrested for his murder.

With his ruthless business practices, Mr. Cole had no shortage of enemies, but would they be willing to kill? One of them must have because it surely wasn’t Josie. Could it be the wife who isn’t grieving at all? Perhaps it was the business partners whom he had made insanely rich, but who wanted more/different things? Could it be his illegitimate son who owns the Rogues Hideaway? With his acerbic personality, it could be anyone in London!

Kara and Niall have their work cut out for them when it comes to solving the mystery – but what of their romance? Well, Kara is ready to go forward, but Niall is still dragging his feet. Not that he doesn’t love Kara and wants to marry her – NO – it is that after the revelations about his parentage, he is afraid there may be reprisals against him and he doesn’t want anyone coming after Kara. So, no wedding in this book and I’m beginning to think there is a ‘no wedding’ theme here. 😊 I’m sure they’ll marry – I’m just not sure when. Do you realize Kara will become Kara Kier when they marry? Try saying that name quickly several times without putting a smile on your face. 😊 It sort of sounds medicinal, doesn’t it? 🙂

I would love it if this became a long-running series, but that is up to the author and the publisher. I do wish they would get on with the wedding though as I would love to see them work on cases as a married couple and see how the dynamics of that relationship will work. I’d also like to see some stories where Niall’s past isn’t an issue woven throughout. However – none of that keeps me from absolutely loving the series. The writing is excellent, the mystery is engrossing and will keep you guessing, and we get to know the characters better and better with each new entry. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series – Carnage From The Cursed Crown. Oh! Doesn’t that sound exciting?

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

Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Moonsight MagicMoonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Witches Ball, #5

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Lady Ninianne Morvoren, daughter of the Earl of Penhaven, is a water witch, but she also has an affinity to the moon, something that no other witch of her acquaintance has or has even heard of, she is also a sought-after curse breaker. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to break the curse placed on her friend Boult, a giant trapped in the body of a spriggan. So when she is invited to the Witches Ball at Nightshade Manor, Boult begs her to go and bring him with her, he has learned that there are reports of a giantess on Bocka Morrow and hopes that she will be able to break his curse. She agrees and they set out, she has no plans to marry, but fate may have other plans for her.

Mr. Tristan Tawstock has come to Nightshade Manor, not to find a bride but to make connections to advance his political career. Tristan is a Promethean, a warlock whose powers center on fire, light, as well as the gift of illusion, but what no one knows is he has an affinity with daylight, making his powers the mirror image of Ninianne’s. He is attracted to her, but tells himself now is not the time for romance. But, when their powers accidentally merge while trying to contain an evil entity, they experience something that will change them forever. But before they can explore it further, they will have to work together to find and stop the evil that has descended on Nightshade Manor.

This was such a great addition to the series! I love historical paranormal/magical stories and can never resist a visit to Bocka Morrow, so this author collaboration is a complete delight and seems to get better with each new installment. I loved Ninianne and Tristian, their connection is immediate and undisputable, even if neither of them wants to acknowledge it. The story is filled with magic, curses, great secondary characters, giants, a bit of dark magic, kisses, and the promise of HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone title.

*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.*