The Queen and the Knave ~ Review

The Queen and the Knave

The Dread Penny Society #5

By Sarah Eden

The truth about the Dread Master has finally been revealed, at least to the reader. And danger has just upped its hand as the truth of who has been behind all the dastardly doings of London has been discovered. But who is the Tempest? Going by various names and having even gained the sympathy and trust of the Dread Penny Society, the Tempest has situated herself in a unique position to take down her most feared rivals. 

Móirín Donnelly has little choice but to step into the fray caused by the chaos Tempest has created. She isn't about to lose her closest friends or her family to this danger that has come looking for them. And to do this, she'll have to reach out to Detective Fitzgerald (Fitz) Parkington for help. And Móirín never seeks the help of anyone, especially not a member of the police force, but desperate times and all that nonsense must be dealt with and sooner than later.

But when the secrets Móirín has been holding close come out, will those who've known her accept the truth of who she really is?

I have to admit I'm really sad that this delightful series is coming to a close. I absolutely love these books. And in my opinion, you have to read the books as a series and in order. Each book builds on the one before it. And each is needed to fully understand what comes next. I love how the story moves forward with installments of Penny Dreadfuls staggered throughout. And in this offering, we are yet again presented with a tale of danger and intrigue from Mr. King, but also a new Dreadful author, Chauncey Finnegan. And, btw, LOVE the newest story from Mr. King, which just so happens to share a title with this book. These are fun and engaging stories that take the reader a step back in time, and I highly recommend them - these are clean reads with light touches of romance and intrigue sprinkled throughout, making them the perfect escape.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

If you like audiobooks, I highly recommend this option for these books. The story plays well, and the narration by Justine Eyre brings this story to life. I found this to be the perfect commute companion. So, no matter how you enjoy your books, any option works with this book!

About the Book:

Romance and mystery come full circle in the fifth and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s best-selling Victorian Proper Romance series.

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul—and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.

The Art of Love and Lies ~ Review

The Art of Love and Lies

A Proper Romance

By Rebecca Anderson 

Rosanna Hawkins and her sisters have been afforded a most unusual upbringing - their parents have allowed them to pursue their passions. Rosanna's has made her a most accomplished artist, though not under her own name. Rather she recreates the masterpieces so those in England can enjoy "parlor versions" in their own homes. At least that's what her employer has told her.

With the art exhibition being held in Manchester, Rosanna has daily access to some of the world's greatest pieces— including Michaelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. And she also enjoys a harmless bit of flirting with Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of the exhibition's security. 

When it becomes clear that someone is switching Rosanna's "parlor versions" for the real pieces she finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Now the true dangers of allowing young ladies to be independent have come to light. Her all too trusting nature have made her easy prey as she wasn't under her parents' watchful eye. But Rosanna isn't about to allow herself to be a victim and is more than willing to help Martin capture the true criminal and restore the priceless treasures to their rightful owners. But can he ever trust her, much less love her?

This was a delightful read and one in which the author thoroughly engaged my attention. The characters had depth and the settings were described so that I felt I was moving amongst it and the fellow exhibit visitors. I would love to revisit these characters in a future book. If love sweet romance, a touch of intrigue, and fun banter look no further for your next read - you've found it in The Art of Love and Lies.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A free-spirited artist teams up with a no-nonsense detective to capture a thief 

who has stolen a priceless Michaelangelo painting.

Manchester, England, 1857

Rosanna Hawkins is one of Manchester’s finest artists, even though no one knows her name. She reproduces “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces with near-perfect precision, which her employer then sells to the emerging upper-middle class families.

When the largest art exhibition ever to be held in England opens in Manchester, Rosanna is excited to visit. She meets the handsome Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of security, and is immediately intrigued by his charm, confidence, and portrait-worthy good looks. The two spend many a flirtatious afternoon exploring the exhibition hall, discussing art, and sharing their secret hopes. Rosanna dreams of painting something original and meaningful, and Martin hopes to one day shed the shadow of his father’s notorious past.

But when they discover the theft of some of the paintings—and all the evidence points to Rosanna—she must convince Inspector Harrison she is innocent and proposes a plan to capture the real art thief.

It is a daring race to catch the criminal before he disappears with the most priceless piece in the collection—Michaelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. If Rosanna and Inspector Harrison fail, not only will the painting be lost forever but so will their chance to paint their own happily ever after.

Wyoming Wild ~ Review

Wyoming Wild

By Sarah M. Eden

Liesl Hodges had tried her best to protect the citizens of Sand Creek from her father's murderous violence. But she can only do so much before his anger is turned toward her. But when she overhears him plotting to kill a respected US Marshal, she has no choice but to send out a warning.

When John Hawking receives an anonymous warning that his life is in danger, he has no choice but to investigate. Sand Creek seems peaceful enough, but once you look beneath the surface, everything isn't as it first appears. But finding the source of his warning may take more effort than Hawk first anticipated, but he hopes that Sheriff Hodges's daughter may help him find the answers he seeks.

When Hawk learns the truth about his warning, he discovers that stopping the injustice and evil that have made a home in Sand Creek just might be his hardest case ever because his stone-cold heart is involved.

Wyoming Wild is a delightful visit to 1876's Wyoming Territory. This book is a Western Proper Romance, and it is an excellent addition to the Proper Romance series. Liesl and Hawk are well-suited in their attempt to stop injustice and protect those under their care. Both have trouble with not acting, but this is one time when time and planning can't be rushed, not if they hope to stop the man who is plotting to end their lives.

As this is a Proper Romance, you are assured of a sweet romance that is most definitely in the Clean Romance zone. There is a bit of a mystery as to who is involved in what is happening in Sand Creek, but the main focus is on Hawk and Liesl and their connection. But can a young woman with every reason to distrust lawmen and a lawman who has hardened his heart have a chance at a happily ever after? If you are a fan of Sarah M. Eden's work you'll enjoy this newest offering. Or if you've never read her before, this is an excellent one to start with.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Hearts collide when a sheriff’s daughter asks a hardened US Marshal

to join her fight for justice and rid a small town of her corrupt father.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of this lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town.