Solid mystery series

Not a Word
Natalie Marsh #1
By Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 31, 2016)
Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1524401242
ISBN-13: 978-1524401245
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Everybody has a secret. Two years ago, psychologist Natalie Marsh's dying mother disinherited her and left everything to her sister. Still dealing with the pain of rejection, Natalie struggles with feelings of envy and discomfort toward coworker Skyler Hudson, her late mother's trusted therapist who knows the worst of the family's rift. Fresh personal challenges begin heaping on top of professional ones when Natalie's best friend, Camille Moretti, confides that she thinks someone is stalking her— and she's not the only one in danger. When tensions rise and everyone has something at stake, is there anyone Natalie can trust? Or will she find herself slowly drowning in the mysteries?

 My Thoughts:

This series-opener gives us a good introduction to Natalie Marsh, the protagonist. She’s working through issues of her own while trying to get a mental health clinic off the ground. When one friend is murdered, and long-time family friend Felicia Radcliffe starts claiming her husband’s accidental death wasn’t so accidental, Natalie finds herself in danger. Add in Felicia’s very personable stepson, and things get even more interesting!

I enjoyed how multi-layered this story was. We frequently suspect people—with good reason—only to be diverted to someone else. There are multiple things going on at once. And some of the betrayals come from a place we really, really don’t expect. These threads come together neatly at the end, and the resolution is satisfying.

All of the characters here are well-drawn. Their motivations may not be fully rational, but their actions clearly come from those motivations.

 I want to give a special nod to the eccentric, kind-hearted millionaire, Bob Chapman. It’s not a spoiler to say that he is a recurring character throughout this series, and his scenes are always a highlight. I also really enjoy the police detectives, Bartholomew and Turner, who also make frequent appearances.

 

Mind Games
Natalie Marsh #2
By Stephanie Black
 
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (August 31, 2017)
Paperback: 312 pages
ISBN-10: 1524404373
ISBN-13: 978-1524404376
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Psychologist Natalie Marsh's dream is now reality: her mental health services clinic has opened and is housed in an elegant, newly renovated nineteenth-century building. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the clinic's presence, including Heather Osbourne, a troubled young woman who wholly objects to the occupation of the building. Heather has spent years wandering the halls of the abandoned structure, convinced she's communing with her ancestor's ghost.

When Natalie thwarts Heather's attempt to leap from a window, the shaken psychologist soon realizes Heather's failed jump is merely one piece of a disturbing puzzle. Greed and deceit are weaving a web around Natalie, and someone will stop at nothing—not even murder—to get what they want. Stretched to her breaking point, Natalie struggles to learn the truth, but only one thing is clear: nothing is as it seems.

 My Thoughts:

Natalie’s dream has come true: with support from Bob Chapman, she has opened a mental health clinic in a beautiful refurbished old building. But someone is doing their very best to make the clinic look bad. With support from now-boyfriend (maybe?) Gideon Radcliffe, Natalie has to figure out just who is behind this effort. Is it Heather? Or is there something more at play?

 Natalie’s efforts are complicated by her determination to keep the confidentiality of her clients—even to not confirming or denying that they are her clients. This sometimes ends up getting her in hot water with detectives Bartholomew and Turner.

 Once again, there is a secondary plot in play here, and it makes figuring out just what’s going on even more complicated.

 It doesn’t take the reader long (at least this reader, a high school English teacher) to realize that the secondary plot is based on the plot of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. There aren’t as many murders, and Birnam Wood doesn’t come to Dunsinane Hill, but the bones are there.

 Once again, the clues are there if you’re looking, but there are still some surprises that I totally didn’t see coming—even though I’m quite familiar with Macbeth.

 

To Die, To Sleep
Natalie Marsh #3
By Stephanie Black
 
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (November 1, 2019)
Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1524409138
ISBN-13: 978-1524409135
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

After surviving a difficult year, Natalie Marsh is heading for Ellsberg Keep, an exclusive mountain resort that promises to provide the tranquility she desperately needs. She's eager to relax and to reconnect with her estranged cousin Lily, who works as the Keep's nurse—a reunion that begins abruptly when an accident on the winding mountain roads lands Natalie in the infirmary in the care of her cousin. They have little time to bond over childhood memories, however. Everything is thrown into chaos when the owner of the Keep is rushed to the medical wing, wildly delusional and raving about a murder plot.

 Despite Lily's care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she's to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man's son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth.

 My Thoughts:

Natalie is due for a break, and when she gets the chance to reunite with a favorite cousin, traveling to a mountain resort seems like just the thing! Of course, being Natalie, she finds herself right in the middle of suspicious circumstances pretty quickly. Is her cousin as genuine as Natalie wants to believe? Or is she part of the problem.

 The title in this one is a clear giveaway for the Shakespeare inspiration: Hamlet. Again, Black doesn’t follow that plot beat-for-beat, but names and situations clearly come from that play.

 There aren’t quite as many subplots in this as in the previous two books, but there are plenty of people to suspect as we work through just what happened to Henry Ellsberg—and why. And once again, the real culprit is not who you might have thought.

 Gideon doesn’t make much of an appearance in the first part of this book, but once Natalie is clearly getting into trouble, he wastes no time joining her to try to keep her safe. Their relationship is developing at a reasonable pace, which is really nice to see in a world of “instalove.”

 I didn’t mention Gideon’s hobby before: he designs Lego replicas of famous buildings. How cool is that? I love that little touch.

 Sadly, we don’t get to see our favorite detectives or Chapman in this book.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

 Bound in Shallows
Natalie Marsh #4
By Stephanie Black

 Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (November 23, 2020)
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-10: 1524415243
ISBN-13: 978-1524415242

Publisher’s Blurb:

It's the week before her wedding, and Natalie Marsh doesn't have a moment to spare. But when a potential donor requests a meeting regarding Natalie's mental health clinic, the soon-to-be-bride makes time for the conversation especially since that donor is tied to a tragic loss in the life of Natalie's fiancé, Gideon. Eight years ago, Gideon's roommate Travis died of a drug overdose, and now Travis's mother wants to honor his memory by helping others avoid the same fate. It is a noble request that soon turns into a nightmare.

 As wedding celebrations ensue, old friends renew acquaintances. But what begins as a party of wedding guests becomes a cast of suspects when the discovery of a bloodstained knife puts them all under the spotlight. Things are taking a deadly turn, leading Natalie and Gideon to a horrifying realization: all those years ago, Travis didn't overdose he was murdered. And his killer is willing to take deadly action to silence anyone who suspects the truth.

 My Thoughts:

Gideon gets a little more time on the page as we meet his college friends, who have come to see him marry Natalie. One presence is much missed: Travis, who died of a drug overdose while they were in graduate school.

 Of course, there are secrets. Of course, they are dangerous secrets. And eventually, Gideon finds himself a target. Naturally, Natalie gets involved, and soon she’s in danger, too.

 This time, the Shakespearean inspiration is Julius Caesar. We see those threads of ambition and power throughout the story. And again, Black is able to misdirect our attention, setting up multiple possibilities as to who is behind the murders. Naturally, they all have things to hid. But exactly who is hiding exactly what?

 Travis’s mother is not very likable as she tries to steamroll Natalie into changing almost everything about her clinic in order to memorialize Travis. Luckily, Natalie has a strong backbone and doesn’t fall for it—even though it could potentially mean alienating Bob Chapman.

 There is a secondary plot that I particularly like here: Natalie’s thorny relationship with her sister Andrea. Andrea would like to reconcile, but that’s a pretty tough prospect for Natalie. Even though she is a mental health professional, Natalie realizes she’s still working through her own family issues. These scenes are particularly well done.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

 

Come Gentle Night
Natalie Marsh #5
By Stephanie Black
 
Publisher: Covenant Communications (November 2, 2022)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1524420492
ISBN-13: 978-1524420499

Publisher’s Blurb:

After her entanglement in several homicide investigations, psychologist Natalie Marsh is determined to avoid further trouble. But when her intern needs help monitoring and calming family drama for the duration of a party, Natalie steps up. After all, acting as a peacemaker at a fundraising gala seems relatively risk-free in comparison to her past escapades―what could happen at a dance? When an argument between feuding guests becomes assault, Natalie realizes the situation is more complicated than she anticipated, with one man at the center of it all: Rowan Montrose.

Four years ago, Rowan’s brother was convicted of murdering his wife. But Rowan believes there’s more to the story, suspecting that the real murderer is walking free. His romantic interest in the younger sister of a police detective renders him more determined than ever to clear the family name. Familiar with Natalie’s reputation, he seeks out her assistance. Natalie tries to decline―she’s no private detective―but as frightening incidents unfold, it’s clear she’s in the middle of this whether she wants to be or not, and breaking through the layers of deception that hide the truth may have lethal consequences.

 My Thoughts:

Every high school English teacher’s favorite: Romeo and Juliet!

 Yep, this time we get star-crossed lovers: Jemma Bartholomew, Detective Bartholomew’s sister, and Rowan Montrose, who, with his cousin, hates the police and believes they covered up his brother’s innocence in the case of his wife’s murder.

 Again, we have a variety of people to be suspicious of. And Natalie finds herself protecting one of them—a client who is one of the cops who worked the case of Serena Montrose’s murder. In her attempts not to reveal that he is her client, she sometimes makes things worse.

 Gideon continues to be the wonderful and supportive husband we know and love, while trying to keep Natalie from putting herself in danger. Naturally, it doesn’t work, but he’s always there to pick up the pieces.

 I particularly enjoyed getting to see Abe Bartholomew move from a side character to an integral part of the story. His frustration in dealing with his little sister, who is determined not to listen, rings true. Even better, rather than our young lovers dying, we see them survive their idiocy and become wiser people. And Jemma is able to separate herself from Rowan’s infatuation, so that’s definitely a win.

 Black continues to give us stories that use complicated family dynamics as part of the impetus for her plots. Can’t wait for the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Murders. Danger, Betrayal. Lying. A difficult marriage dynamic. A little gaslighting. Mental illness. Natalie’s somewhat abusive mother is mentioned frequently. There is no swearing and the violence is not graphic. Some people drink alcohol, but I don’t recall anyone being actually drunk. Drug use. Complicated personal relationships. Manipulation.

 Who Might Like This Book:

People who like suspense stories. Those who like complicated family dynamics and other relationships. People who like allusions to Shakespeare stories. There is bit of romance here, but it is definitely not the focus of the story.

I'm back with a great WWII novel based on a true story

 How is it four months since I posted here? Let's just say that my summer break was NOT at all restful, but I'm back in the rhythm of school and will hopefully be posting daily as I get caught up. I never stopped reading, just posting!

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The Opera Sisters
By Marianne Monson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (September 6, 2022)
Hardcover: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 1639930469
ISBN-13: 978-1639930463

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Based on the true story of the Cook sisters, who smuggled valuables out of 1930s Nazi Germany to finance a daring, secret operation to help Jews find hope for a new life in England.

British sisters Ida and Louise Cook enjoy their quiet, unassuming lives in south London. Ida writes romance novels, and Louise works as a secretary. In the evenings, the sisters indulge in their shared love for opera, saving their money to buy records and attend performances throughout England and Europe, becoming well-known by both performers and fellow opera lovers.

But when Hitler seizes power in 1933, he begins targeting and persecuting German Jews, passing laws that restrict their rights and their lives. The sisters continue their trips to the German opera houses, but soon, Jewish members of the opera community covertly approach the sisters, worried that they will be stripped of their wealth and forced to leave their homes and the country. Danger looms on the horizon, threatening to spill across all of Europe’s borders.

Ida and Louise vow to help, but how can two ordinary working-class women with limited means make a difference?

Together with their beloved opera community, the sisters devise a plan to personally escort Jewish refugees from Germany to England. The success of the plan hinges on Ida and Louise’s ability to smuggle contraband jewelry and furs beneath the watchful eyes of the SS soldiers guarding various checkpoints. But how many trips can they make before someone blows a whistle? Or before the final curtain falls on Germany’s borders?

The Opera Sisters is a riveting and inspiring novel of two unlikely heroines whose courage and compassion gave hope to many Jews desperate to escape Nazi persecution.

My Thoughts:

The publisher’s blurb is a little sensational, but the basic idea is there. These two ordinary women saved the lives of 29 families by helping them to leave the oppression of the Nazi regime before WWII started.

Rather than a “normal” chapter format, this story is told in vignettes of varying lengths. Some of those vignettes are more about the history of the war than about the story at hand, but it all hangs together to give the reader the full picture of what Louise and Ida lived through. The scrupulous research is evident in the suggested reading list and lengthy end notes.

We mostly see Ida’s experience; Louise was able to leave London during the Blitz, but Ida lived through all the horror. We see her depression at not being able to save more people, and her horror at night after night of German bombing. We also see her hope in the little things, like a garden of crocuses in an otherwise obliterated street.

Because this is closely based on true lives and history, there’s not necessarily the dramatic climax that we look for in a work of fiction. But there is a very happy (at least for me) resolution.

It should be noted that the author is donating a portion of her earnings from this book to Holocaust memorials.

Possible Objectionable Material:

We see the atrocities of Jewish oppression, including Kristallnacht and mention of concentration camps. There are some quite descriptive passages of nights of German bombs raining down on London, and the injuries that resulted. Technically, Ida and Louise are smugglers, as they take the jewels and furs of their Jewish friends back to England with them.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like stories based in truth. If you’re interested in WWII heroes, and especially the ones you’ve never heard of before, give this book a try. It’s appropriate, I think, for anyone from middle school on up, although younger readers might find it a bit slow going.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for my opinion.

New This Week

 

An Unfamiliar Duke
Georgian Gentlemen #4
By Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications (May 16, 2022)
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1524419915
ISBN-13: 978-1524419912
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

 

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract―a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door. 

 

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

 My Thoughts:

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!

 Rosalind, our protagonist, has never gotten over Sebastian’s rudeness to her in childhood, when she was the tagalong little sister of his friend. An only child, he was awkward and didn’t really know how to communicate with her. But she’s never forgiven him for banning her from his treehouse. She’s definitely not a fan of the whole arranged marriage thing, although it is a relief not to have to take any of her suitors at balls too seriously. She loves math, and hates having to hide her interest. Still, it hurts that Sebastian has made no contact until shortly before her 21^st birthday and their impending marriage.

 Sebastian, while a nobleman, is also somewhat of an engineer. He has worked with some of the great inventors of his day, and wants to make life better for the tenants on his land. He is not particularly social, but wants to honor the arrangement their fathers made. It doesn’t hurt a bit that Rosalind is attractive and intelligent.

 Of course, there are hurt feelings as they learn to communicate with each other. He won’t let Rosalind in his workshop, and she finds that insulting. But he isn’t put off by her love of numbers—in fact, he offers to teach her.

 Of course, there’s a disappointed man who wanted to get his hands on Rosalind’s money. And of course, he ends up making trouble for Sebastian.

 This was a very quick read, and I found the character development overall to be quite good. Our villain was a bit of a cardboard cutout, but he served his purpose well. It wasn’t too hard to predict what Rosalind’s role would be in Sebastian solving an engineering problem. Even though I saw it coming, the actual event came about naturally.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Some people get injured when a clearing a tree from a cottage roof. A little bit of peril. Some kissing.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Fans of regency romance, especially when aspects of real history are included. As with other romances from this author and publisher, it is squeaky clean.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

Once Upon a K-Prom
By Kat Cho
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (May 17, 2022)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1368064647
ISBN-13: 978-1368064644
Reading age: 12 - 18 years
Grade level: 7 - 12
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Elena Soo has always felt overshadowed. Whether by her more successful older sisters, her more popular twin brother, or her more outgoing best friend, everyone except Elena seems to know exactly who they are and what they want. But she is certain about one thing - she has no interest in going to prom. While the rest of the school is giddy over corsages and dresses, Elena would rather spend her time working to save the local community center, the one place that's always made her feel like she belonged.

So when international K-pop superstar Robbie Choi shows up at her house to ask her to prom, Elena is more confused than ever. Because the one person who always accepted Elena as she is? Her childhood best friend, Robbie Choi. And the one thing she maybe, possibly, secretly wants more than anything? For the two of them to keep the promise they made each other as kids: to go to prom together. But that was seven years ago, and with this new K-pop persona, pink hair, and stylish clothes, Robbie is nothing like the sweet, goofy boy she remembers. The boy she shared all her secrets with. The boy she used to love.

Besides, prom with a guy who comes with hordes of screaming fans, online haters, and relentless paparazzi is the last thing Elena wants - even if she can't stop thinking about Robbie's smile...right?

 My Thoughts:

What would you do if one of your childhood best friends moved away and then became super famous? You sure wouldn’t expect them to come back to town and take you to prom, right?

 That’s the situation Elena is in. The youngest (along with her minutes-older twin brother and only son of the family) of a large Korean-American family, she is used to being the one no one pays attention to. But she is passionate about saving the local community center. She tries to convince her fellow students to save some of the money they’d have spent on prom and donate it to the community center, but everyone thinks she just hates prom because no one will ask her to go with them.

 Enter Robbie, childhood BFF and singer in one of the hottest K-pop bands. Seven years ago, he had promised to take her to prom, and he’s back to fulfill his promise.

 Of course, asking her while his manager films the whole thing doesn’t go over well. Neither does a majorly overproduced promposal later. But they do manage to rekindle their friendship, and Elena eventually agrees to let Robbie take her to prom. As friends. Even though she’s seriously crushing on him.

 Of course, there are complications. Lots of them. And Robbie’s motives aren’t entirely selfless.

 We get the fun of watching both of them find their voice and stand up for themselves.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Teenage drama. Some kissing. Very mild cursing. A little bit of sneaking around. A same-sex couple.

 Who Might Like This Book:

I’m not really into K-pop, but I did just have a journalism student write articles about four different K-pop bands. It’s quite an industry! K-Pop fans should definitely enjoy this book. Anyone who enjoys watching a high school student find their voice and passion (it’s what I do for a living, after all) would probably like this.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

Bloomsbury Girls
By Natalie Jenner
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (May 17, 2022)
Hardcover: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 1250276691
ISBN-13: 978-1250276698
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Bloomsbury Books is an old-fashioned new and rare book store that has persisted and resisted change for a hundred years, run by men and guided by the general manager's unbreakable fifty-one rules. But in 1950, the world is changing, especially the world of books and publishing, and at Bloomsbury Books, the girls in the shop have plans:

Vivien Lowry: Single since her aristocratic fiance was killed in action during World War II, the brilliant and stylish Vivien has a long list of grievances--most of them well justified and the biggest of which is Alec McDonough, the Head of Fiction.

Grace Perkins: Married with two sons, she's been working to support the family following her husband's breakdown in the aftermath of the war. Torn between duty to her family and dreams of her own.

Evie Stone: In the first class of female students from Cambridge permitted to earn a degree, Evie was denied an academic position in favor of her less accomplished male rival. Now she's working at Bloomsbury Books while she plans to remake her own future.

As they interact with various literary figures of the time--Daphne Du Maurier, Ellen Doubleday, Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Samuel Beckett, Peggy Guggenheim, and others--these three women with their complex web of relationships, goals and dreams are all working to plot out a future that is richer and more rewarding than anything society will allow.

 My Thoughts:

I’m not really sure why nothing mentions that this is a direct sequel to The Jane Austen Society, a book I have not yet read but want to. There are many references to events of that book, but this book is totally understandable without having read its predecessor.

 Set in post-WWII London, this book deals with issues that many women faced in that time. Having become accustomed to working while the men were away at war, many women found themselves at loose ends when the men came home and expected the women to return to domestic duties. Worse still, many men didn’t come home, leaving women without husbands and fiances. And those women who did venture into academia or professional life were often constrained by what was considered “appropriate” for them to do.

 This sets the scene for us as we watch the women of Bloomsbury Books, a hundred-year-old London bookstore. Its owner is an occasionally hands-on lord. Its manager is exceedingly attached to his 51 rules, but when he has to take a medical leave, the women of the shop get to stretch their wings a little.

 While there is a great deal of social commentary, there’s also a bit of mystery, as Evie searches for a “lost” volume of one of the first-ever science fiction books, which predated Frankenstein and was written by a 17-year-old girl.

 All three of our women undergo a great deal of growth, with the help of each other and a cast of historical characters. Watching them learn to mold their lives into what they want, rather than what society tries to push onto them, is very satisfying.

 It’s difficult to believe this book was nearly 400 pages—I read it in a day.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Homosexuality. Mild cursing. Unmarried people have sex—offscreen. Domestic abuse. Racism.

 Who Might Like This Book:

If you love literature, this is for you. There are so many works of literature name-dropped. If you like to see strong women find their way, try this book. If you like well-researched historical fiction that includes lots of people who really lived, this will satisfy.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

 

Marquess of Magic
Sisterhood of Secrets #3
By Jennifer Monroe
Publisher: WOLF Publishing (May 9, 2022)
Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 3985360634
ISBN-13: 978-3985360635
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Spellbound by a glamorous man…

 Miss Diana Kendricks is the rarest of young women: She is actually looking forward to becoming a lifelong spinster!

 Disillusioned by what she has seen of married life, she eagerly awaits the day when she is considered securely "on the shelf." However, Diana fails to take into account the most treacherous twist—her own traitorous heart, which finds itself skipping a beat when she meets Lord James Barrington, mysteriously labeled as the Marquess of Magic.

 Love is the greatest enchantment of all…

 Lord Barrington has always loved magic. Since childhood, he has found it thrilling to perform illusions and conjurations, to shock an audience, and leave them breathless. But in ordinary life, no magic can vanish away the dangerous secret he hides. James should not even be considering marriage. But when he chances upon Diana, she seems like his perfect match—beautiful, witty, with similar interests to his own. He cannot risk losing her to another suitor, and soon James has hopelessly ensnared both their hearts.

 But James's secret will not stay hidden in the shadows. When it comes to love, the truth may be the greatest magic trick of all—and James must soon reveal it, lest he lose his one true love forever...

 My Thoughts:

This book, while part of a series, can be read without having read any of its predecessors, although I will likely go back and find the two books that came before.

 Diana is young and beautiful, and her parents’ unhappy marriage has made her certain that all men are jerks and she never wants to marry. But she is fascinated by a local nobleman, dubbed the “Marquess of Magic” and all the rumors about him.

 They meet cute, and he’s impressed by the fact that she outwits him. But he’s got a secret to protect, and isn’t interested in romance just now.

 Best laid plans and all that.

 Of course, he starts courting her. Of course there is another man interested in her, a man who we, the readers, know is Not Nice and is Only After Her Money. But Diana doesn’t know that, and thinks he’s sweet, even though she doesn’t feel anything for him past friendship.

 Lord Barrington’s secret is a doozy, and of course, it causes problems and misunderstandings, which our villain is only too happy to capitalize on. Diana’s got a big chip on her shoulder about her father’s neglect of her, and how he buys her presents to appease her every time he fails to visit, and this, too, creates obstacles.

 I felt like Diana was able to be in Barrington’s company a lot, with only another teenage girl as chaperone. I’m not sure that would have been enough for the propriety of the day. Barrington reveals some secrets far too easily to a couple of schoolgirls.

 I did not understand why his mother gossiped so much about the headmistress of the girls’ school, given the revelation which came later about her.

 In all, this was a quick read, not demanding, with an interesting premise.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

An unwed pregnancy. Deception. Infidelity. Flirting. Kissing. There might have been some mild cursing. A little bit of violence.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like clean regency romance, feisty heroines, and a little bit of drama.

 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.