Tag: Lana Williams

A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

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

A Secret Seduction (The Mayfair Literary League, #8)A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mayfair Literary League, #8

Release Date: January 23, 2025

After seven years on the marriage mart, Millicent “Millie” Davies parents have decided that since she hasn’t found a husband on her own, they will step in and arrange a marriage for her. Millicent isn’t opposed to marriage, but after seeing all her friends in the Mayfair Literary League find love after taking part in the “for better or worse” agenda, she wonders if she could be bold enough to pursue her secret crush – Winston Chadwick, the Marquess of Linford. Millie and Winston met in the previous season and it was clear there was a chemistry between them, but due to his participation in a wager, she isn’t sure his interest in her was sincere. And as much as she wishes that he could be her HEA, she is aware that he has made no secret of the fact that he has no plans to marry anytime soon, and with her parents pushing another man in her path, is she brave enough to take a chance and hope she can capture the marquess’s heart or should she just accept an arranged marriage that will save her from spinsterhood, but never touch her heart?

After watching his parents’ epic battles and being reminded at every turn that he is just like his father, Winston has decided that he will not marry until he is at least 40 and then only to sire an heir. He is sure he is not worthy of love and thanks to the constant comparisons to his father, he doesn’t trust his own judgement, instead he lets others make decisions for him as he leads an empty life. He meets Millie when he participated in a thoughtless wager with friends to dance with wallflowers and despite his resolve to remain a bachelor, he is intrigued by her. She is pretty in an understated way and makes him think that he could be a better man, but that isn’t enough to change his mind about marriage. When she flirts with him, he is more than willing to share kisses with her, as long as she knows it will never lead to the altar. Even when his friends comment on his interest in Millie, he denies his feelings, but when another suitor starts showing interest, and can’t seem to be dissuaded, Winston will have to come to terms with his feelings and finally make a decision about his future. Will he risk his heart for what could be the love of a lifetime, or will he let his insecurities cost him the only woman he has ever loved?

This is the final installment of the Mayfair Literary League and what an ending it is! It takes some doing, but Millie and Winston finally overcome their own insecurities, and travel outside their comfort zones, but with good friends and a true connection, they will find their happily ever after. This is the eighth and final book in the series, and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.

*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. *

Review: The Mudlark Murders by Lana Williams

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

The Mudlark Murders: A Victorian Historical Murder Mystery (The Field & Greystone Series Book 2)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Field & Greystone Series
Publication Date: 11/26/24
Period: Victorian London – 1883

This author may be new to writing mysteries, but she has brought over every ounce of her enviable writing abilities. The Mudlark Murders is the second captivating and intriguing mystery in her new Field & Greystone series featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field and widowed Amelia Greystone. Field and Greystone are interesting and relatable characters with a dynamic interpersonal relationship – dare we hope there is a budding romance there?

Amelia is interviewing barge captain Booth for an article she is writing for London Life when two young children discover a body along the shore. The two children are mudlarks – and the body belongs to their young friend and fellow mudlark, Nora. Nora was fine the day before, how could she suddenly be dead? There are no wounds, but she appears to have flecks of throw-up on her lip and shoe. Poison? Who would poison a defenseless child?

When Scotland Yard declines to open a case – because – well – poor, powerless, child – Henry knows he has to investigate on his own time. Amelia also wants to do her share and they stir the hornet’s nest between them. With another death, the solution becomes more urgent. Who might be next?

This is an intriguing read with nefarious government organizations, disappearing children, and murder. With other children and even Amelia in the murderer’s cross-hairs, they know they have to move quickly.

I enjoyed the excellently done mystery, the hints of romance to come, and the cast of characters. I also enjoyed Sergeant Adam Fletcher’s return and assume he will continue to be a supporting character.

If you want an interesting, well-written mystery with a tad of romance, this might be the book for you. I’m looking forward to seeing Amelia and Henry’s romance blossom, and to seeing them solve many more excellent mysteries.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.