REVIEW: A Counterfeit Suitor by Darcie Wilde

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


When Rosalind Thorne’s father’s crimes and schemes caught up with him, he fled with his oldest daughter, Charlotte, abandoning his wife and youngest daughter. But Rosalind has made the most of the rotten hand she was dealt. She’s been able to keep her own house and help elite families negotiate debuts and avoid scandals, putting them in her debt.

Then her father escapes Charlotte’s close supervision and semi-confinement, which has been for his own good – as well as his daughters’. But an old enemy of Rosalind’s is pulling her father’s strings, looking to destroy her. The tables are soon turned, though. Rosalind’s father, Sir Reginald, is found dead. And her enemy, Russell Fullerton, stands accused of his murder.

It’s pretty audacious for Fullerton to ask Rosalind for help proving his innocence. It would be all too easy to let him suffer for his many sins. But she can’t help dig for the truth, no matter what she might turn up along the way.

Review


Yikes, this was twisty! I could not puzzle this one out for myself. I had to just watch the story unfold.

I so enjoy Rosalind and her friends, and it was a treat to spend time with them again. I didn’t love this story as much as I have some of the earlier mysteries. But I am all in on these characters!

I found the resolution of the situation with Rosalind and her family satisfying. I’m curious to see how her life changes now that she no longer has to fear her father’s return and the trouble that would inevitably follow if he did.

Fans of the series should not miss this latest installment. I truly love the cast, and the slow burn between Rosalind and Adam is fascinating. The potential love interest for Alice was an interesting addition to the series. I’m curious to see how that evolves over the course of future books. I highly recommend newcomers start this series from the beginning to enjoy all of the character arcs fully and to best understand what the return of Rosalind’s father means.

While I debated between a rating of 3.5 (Good+) and 4 (Great!), I am going with 4 because the characters in this series keep me coming back. Historical mystery fans should check this series out. (LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge run a marriage bureau called The Right Sort in 1946 London. There’s no more London “Season,” and people need help finding a potential match. They’re good at what they do, and their business is growing. But that’s not why they’re approached by the Crown. It’s because they solved a murder.

Gwen’s cousin works at the Palace. The princess, Elizabeth, has fallen in love with Prince Philip. But there’s a blackmailer causing trouble. The Palace wants Iris and Gwen to figure out what’s going on so they can stop the blackmailer and protect the princess if needed. But Iris and Gwen suspect someone is not being straight with them. They’re hitting roadblocks in their investigation. And then someone is killed. Iris and Gwen start to think maybe they should have stuck to matchmaking.

Review


This was great! I haven’t read the first book, The Right Sort of Man, but it’s on my list now. I adored Iris and Gwen. They really made the book for me. There’s tons of sharp, quick banter between them. I kept turning pages – far later than I should have – because I wanted to spend more time with these two women and to see how they were going to sort this thing out.

The mystery here was extra twisty thanks to some of the folks involved in the blackmail scheme. I was guessing all the way up to the big reveal. The final scene of the book was perfection, too.

I am eager to go back and read about Iris and Gwen’s first case. It will have to tide me over while I wait for book 3 to find out how the events of this book will play out for the ladies in the future. Cozy fans and historic mystery fans should not miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥