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The Conrad Legacy #1
The Lady's Marquess
He's a titled gentleman. She's his best friend's sister. Stuck together for 35 days as they sail between Portsmouth and Kingston, Canada. What could possibly happen?
Esme Conrad expected only one thing on her journey from England to Canada--to discover the vandal destroying her shipping company's cargo. Maybe she expected a tediously long trip as the prim and proper maiden she planned to show the other passengers, but she could handle that. What she didn't expect was her brother’s best friend to sail with her, threatening the role she played, or a murderer. Perhaps she needed a better plan.
Major Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan hadn't any expectation from this transatlantic voyage. A spy sailed to French Canada, attempting to stir up support for Napoleon and stopping the man was his duty. Sure, he joined His Majesty's Army to mitigate the scandal surrounding his family, but duty was duty. Until he spotted Esme Conrad on deck. Duty suddenly took a back seat.
She might be his best friend’s sister, but in the middle of the Atlantic, there’s no one stopping them. Their first kiss surprises her and she craves more. Can they overcome the secrets they carry and the lies they’ve told each other, to trust and allow love a chance? Or will their duties keep them apart?
Esme Conrad expected only one thing on her journey from England to Canada--to discover the vandal destroying her shipping company's cargo. Maybe she expected a tediously long trip as the prim and proper maiden she planned to show the other passengers, but she could handle that. What she didn't expect was her brother’s best friend to sail with her, threatening the role she played, or a murderer. Perhaps she needed a better plan.
Major Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan hadn't any expectation from this transatlantic voyage. A spy sailed to French Canada, attempting to stir up support for Napoleon and stopping the man was his duty. Sure, he joined His Majesty's Army to mitigate the scandal surrounding his family, but duty was duty. Until he spotted Esme Conrad on deck. Duty suddenly took a back seat.
She might be his best friend’s sister, but in the middle of the Atlantic, there’s no one stopping them. Their first kiss surprises her and she craves more. Can they overcome the secrets they carry and the lies they’ve told each other, to trust and allow love a chance? Or will their duties keep them apart?
- GenresHistorical Romance
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2023
42 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2023
Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this book, and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a historical romance intertwined with a murder mystery/spy story, set on a ship during an Atlantic crossing from England to Upper Canada (Kingston to be specific) during the early 1800s.
Esme Conrad is the bold, intelligent, intrepid daughter of the owners of the Britannia, part of the shipping line owned by her family. She was raised by her parents to be knowledgeable in their business and to know how to defend herself, but also keeps her heritage a close guarded secret, because of British prejudices at the time. It is obvious from the beginning that she is likely Egyptian and some background in being Muslim perhaps. She is on board the Britannia, with a close family friend, to route out a vandal. It was brought to their attention by the captain of the ship that there has been issues occurring in previous voyages including destruction of shipping timber and other goods. Esme hopes to use the guise of a vapid Society miss engaging in a pleasure trip to try to discover who could be causing the troubles for her family's business.
What she did not expect was that a fellow passenger would be Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan. He is her brother's best friend, and had spent a great deal of time with her and her family as they were growing up. He knew her well enough to put her guise at risk.
Landon is hiding secrets of his own. He booked passage to Kingston with his valet, under the pretense of going for business, but the truth is that the both of them work for the Home Office and they surmise that there is a spy on board the Britannia that has been crossing back and forth to Upper Canada to foment unrest in Quebec, on behalf of France. He did not realize that the Conrad's own Britannia and never expected to reconnect with Esme on board. He also cannot reconcile the coy, suppressed Esme he is seeing with the bold girl that he grew up with, and admired.
But he always held to heart that Esme, being his friend's sister, is off limits. No matter how tempting she is and how strong his admiration was.
But he is mystified by how she is behaving unlike the girl he knew and was also determined to figure out her secrets and why she is lying to him.
Of course, being on board the ship, they are forced to be close to each other and their attraction grows stronger. Then someone is found murdered on board the ship, and they are forced to be truthful and work together when they find their perhaps may be working towards the same purpose.
A slow romance that was a bit frustrating at times especially considering how Landon tried to hobble himself with the "she's his best friend's sister therefore she is off limits" excuse. But I liked Esme and her history was very interesting; what I did not realize was that there was a series about her parents prior to this, which I am sure gives more depth and detail to the brief retelling she gave Landon and I want to read that story now. The secondary characters such as her Countess friend/honorary aunt were nice foils and I liked their dialogue and interaction. The murder and spy story added nice tension to the story.
I did rather wish there was a bit more about Landon's family life though, in terms of more detail about his parents and his relationship. Some things were said about his family scandal, but not a lot of depth. But it was obvious he wanted to escape them as a child, hence all his time with the Conrads.
But overall an enjoyable read with a nice mystery-adventure aspect to add some suspense and drama.
4 stars out of 5
This is a historical romance intertwined with a murder mystery/spy story, set on a ship during an Atlantic crossing from England to Upper Canada (Kingston to be specific) during the early 1800s.
Esme Conrad is the bold, intelligent, intrepid daughter of the owners of the Britannia, part of the shipping line owned by her family. She was raised by her parents to be knowledgeable in their business and to know how to defend herself, but also keeps her heritage a close guarded secret, because of British prejudices at the time. It is obvious from the beginning that she is likely Egyptian and some background in being Muslim perhaps. She is on board the Britannia, with a close family friend, to route out a vandal. It was brought to their attention by the captain of the ship that there has been issues occurring in previous voyages including destruction of shipping timber and other goods. Esme hopes to use the guise of a vapid Society miss engaging in a pleasure trip to try to discover who could be causing the troubles for her family's business.
What she did not expect was that a fellow passenger would be Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan. He is her brother's best friend, and had spent a great deal of time with her and her family as they were growing up. He knew her well enough to put her guise at risk.
Landon is hiding secrets of his own. He booked passage to Kingston with his valet, under the pretense of going for business, but the truth is that the both of them work for the Home Office and they surmise that there is a spy on board the Britannia that has been crossing back and forth to Upper Canada to foment unrest in Quebec, on behalf of France. He did not realize that the Conrad's own Britannia and never expected to reconnect with Esme on board. He also cannot reconcile the coy, suppressed Esme he is seeing with the bold girl that he grew up with, and admired.
But he always held to heart that Esme, being his friend's sister, is off limits. No matter how tempting she is and how strong his admiration was.
But he is mystified by how she is behaving unlike the girl he knew and was also determined to figure out her secrets and why she is lying to him.
Of course, being on board the ship, they are forced to be close to each other and their attraction grows stronger. Then someone is found murdered on board the ship, and they are forced to be truthful and work together when they find their perhaps may be working towards the same purpose.
A slow romance that was a bit frustrating at times especially considering how Landon tried to hobble himself with the "she's his best friend's sister therefore she is off limits" excuse. But I liked Esme and her history was very interesting; what I did not realize was that there was a series about her parents prior to this, which I am sure gives more depth and detail to the brief retelling she gave Landon and I want to read that story now. The secondary characters such as her Countess friend/honorary aunt were nice foils and I liked their dialogue and interaction. The murder and spy story added nice tension to the story.
I did rather wish there was a bit more about Landon's family life though, in terms of more detail about his parents and his relationship. Some things were said about his family scandal, but not a lot of depth. But it was obvious he wanted to escape them as a child, hence all his time with the Conrads.
But overall an enjoyable read with a nice mystery-adventure aspect to add some suspense and drama.
4 stars out of 5
March 26, 2023
Cross-Purposes . . .
On the lengthy voyage to Kingston, Canada, Esme Conrad was hoping to find the rogue who was destroying her shipping company's cargo. Having her brother’s best friend on the same voyage was a definite distraction and could upset her plan.
Major Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan, was there to look for a spy who was known to try to rouse support for Napoleon. Landon was to stop him. But seeing Esme Conrad wandering the deck changed his priorities. Who would stop them from a few kisses? Would the lady agree? Or was she adamant about finding the culprit she was searching for?
On the lengthy voyage to Kingston, Canada, Esme Conrad was hoping to find the rogue who was destroying her shipping company's cargo. Having her brother’s best friend on the same voyage was a definite distraction and could upset her plan.
Major Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan, was there to look for a spy who was known to try to rouse support for Napoleon. Landon was to stop him. But seeing Esme Conrad wandering the deck changed his priorities. Who would stop them from a few kisses? Would the lady agree? Or was she adamant about finding the culprit she was searching for?
May 24, 2023
This was a first time read for me by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This story was captivating and caught my attention from the very beginning and I simply could not put it down. I always enjoy a good spy story set in the Regency genre, and this one really fit the bill. Esme is a strong, resourceful, heroine. Someone is causing troubles for her family's shipping business, and she sets sail to Canada to find out who it is and deal with them. She didn't expect to be travelling with her brother's best friend, Landon. Landon has his own travel agenda. He's travelling under the guise of a businessman, but really works for the Home Office and is trying to track a spy who sailed to Canada trying to stir up support for Napoleon. Being his best friend's sister, he always knew in the back of his mind Esme was off limits, but he can't deny the attraction he feels for her. She is not acting like her normal self, and he is determined to get to the bottom of why she is really on this trip. Their forced proximity causes their feelings and attraction to grow stronger, but they are also keeping secrets from each other. They soon realize, however, they will work stronger together to reach their goal, rather than on their own. And in the process, love might just have a chance to bloom.
Suspense, danger, drama, and romance kept me glued and had me turning the pages, anxious to see how things would end. The author did a great job of bringing the story and the characters to life. This was an exciting first book and I can't wait to read more by this author!
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Suspense, danger, drama, and romance kept me glued and had me turning the pages, anxious to see how things would end. The author did a great job of bringing the story and the characters to life. This was an exciting first book and I can't wait to read more by this author!
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 17, 2023
The lady's marquess by CK Mackenzie is a wonderful suspense book about falling for a brother 's friend. Landon and Esme were forced to consider their feelings for each other when they found themselves in a ship, each with secrets closely guarded until they realised they are stronger together.
The story was really exciting and kept me turning the pages. What I loved most about the book is how the story shows a balance between the hero and heroin both in their feelings for one another and in their personalities.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was really exciting and kept me turning the pages. What I loved most about the book is how the story shows a balance between the hero and heroin both in their feelings for one another and in their personalities.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2023
The Lady’s Marquess is a spy thriller murder mystery romance that kept my pulse racing and my mind guessing! It’s absolutely top-notch. Esme Conrad is not a typical socialite at all with her unique self defense training by her mother and wealthy shipping family. Family friend Landon Carhart, Marquess of Strachan sails on the same voyage on a mission of his own! I thoroughly enjoyed C K Mackenzie’s ability to spin a good yarn. I think the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
March 15, 2023
Esme and Landon make a great team..
She set sail to find out who was stealing from her family’s business, he set sail to find a spy and dear old fate has them on the same ship. Now let’s put a bit of tangle in the tale as they know each other he is her brother’s friend. There are some other great twists in this one too just to keep you hopping plus wonderful drama, and a really cool love story. What I really liked was the twist with the baddies it was marvelous. I did receive a free copy of this book from both Booksprout and BookSiren (I had a senior moment) and voluntarily chose to review it.
She set sail to find out who was stealing from her family’s business, he set sail to find a spy and dear old fate has them on the same ship. Now let’s put a bit of tangle in the tale as they know each other he is her brother’s friend. There are some other great twists in this one too just to keep you hopping plus wonderful drama, and a really cool love story. What I really liked was the twist with the baddies it was marvelous. I did receive a free copy of this book from both Booksprout and BookSiren (I had a senior moment) and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 24, 2023
Well written, full of drama, love, great plot, adventure and intrigue. This book will keep you guessing till the end. Esme is looking to find out who is stealing from her family and Landon is on a mission of his own. Together the paths cross the ocean on the ship. The author has written a good book that you will not be able to put down till the end. Would recommend this book to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2023
Quite enjoyed this tale of intrigue on the high seas, with a little side dish of mild spice! I quite liked the spunky main character and how she couldn’t quite hide her true self under the ruse of propriety. The explanation of her heritage was slightly muddled and confusing and didn’t necessarily add anything to the story except to explain her obsession with her daggers. Overall, worth a read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2023
The first book in the Conrad Legacy series, and is Esme Conrad and Major Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan's story, spy thriller, murder mystery romance. There is drama, danger, suspense, villains and romance. The story was well worth reading. I will be reading the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2023
Having been in this shoes before ,I could identify with the struggle but the characters overcame this hurdle which made for delightful reading. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2023
Love
Seems like some things were left out. I have to back and read the earlier books I think so I know about the other ones that are mentioned in this book. I love this story. Hopefully the other books are as exciting as this one.
Seems like some things were left out. I have to back and read the earlier books I think so I know about the other ones that are mentioned in this book. I love this story. Hopefully the other books are as exciting as this one.
October 12, 2023
fireworks
I just love a spunky heroine who doesn´t take nonsense from anybody and Esme really is more than a handful - even Landon as an ex military is in for quite a few surprises. This book is a perfect combination of suspense and sizzling love, I couldn´t ask for more.
I received this book as a review copy.
I just love a spunky heroine who doesn´t take nonsense from anybody and Esme really is more than a handful - even Landon as an ex military is in for quite a few surprises. This book is a perfect combination of suspense and sizzling love, I couldn´t ask for more.
I received this book as a review copy.
March 20, 2023
The book started off a little slow but I couldn't put it down by the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2023
The author has combined love and a murder mystery to create one of the best books I have read in a long time. Historical romances are one of my favorite sub-genres and then you add in a mystery, it tops it all. Being stuck together on a ship for over a month with a mystery to solve and trying to avoid a sandal makes for some fun reading. I like trying to solve the mystery before the MCs do and I did not here. I recommend this book to all historical romance lovers along with mystery buffs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2024
What a wonderful adventure! The suspense! The drama!! What a great book. I loved that it had such a great love story ending. I enjoyed learning about the characters and following the journey of suspense, mystery and romance. If you enjoy historical period stories this is a good choice.
April 15, 2023
Too Reminiscent of Contemporary Romance
I've read and adored historical romance for decades, and I'm disappointed by the recent trends I've seen. While tropes have always been the mainstay of genre romance, contemporary romance—especially now—is very trope heavy, with tropes even listed in book subtitles. Because I know some writers and publishers, I know there are several genre fiction courses out there teaching would-be authors and publishers how to figure out best-selling tropes and perhaps even find ghostwriters to author stories filled with popular tropes. For a long time, in comparison, historical romance has not bowed to the will of the trope-loving masses, though historical romance does have its own particular tropes. So, I found it a little disturbing both at the book review site where I got this book from and within its pages that this particular story is exceedingly trope heavy, but not with typical historical tropes. Instead, its central tropes seem to be ones popular in contemporary romance, namely forced proximity, brother's best friend (actually, they were all friends as children), off-limits (and this phrase is even used in the book several times!), and even road trip—which the author actually tagged the book at the book review site for a story that takes place at sea! Although this takes place in the pre-Regency years (1806), the heroine is shockingly modern—another trend I don't like a historical romance; if you want to write a heroine with modern sensibilities, write a contemporary romance! As I read somewhere, people don't change radically in a short period of time. Instead, slow evolution happens, say, between the early 1800s and now. Even a progressive person back then would not appear to be progressive to us, as they are multiple steps back in their way of thinking and acting. All these elements combined to make this story come across as more of a contemporary romance wearing historical costumes. Those of us who love and adore historical romance want more from it than that. If I wanted to read a contemporary romance, I would (and do)! Other than my disappointment with historical romance being hijacked by people who don't understand and appreciate it, who are just interested in making money off a hot subgenre of romance, I liked the hero and his erstwhile boss-playing-his-valet companion. I could never warm to the heroine because she just seemed too modern for a woman born 250 years ago. By the way, she is not a lady—as the title states—as defined by the Upper Ten Thousand, as her family is not a part of the gentry, let alone the nobility.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I've read and adored historical romance for decades, and I'm disappointed by the recent trends I've seen. While tropes have always been the mainstay of genre romance, contemporary romance—especially now—is very trope heavy, with tropes even listed in book subtitles. Because I know some writers and publishers, I know there are several genre fiction courses out there teaching would-be authors and publishers how to figure out best-selling tropes and perhaps even find ghostwriters to author stories filled with popular tropes. For a long time, in comparison, historical romance has not bowed to the will of the trope-loving masses, though historical romance does have its own particular tropes. So, I found it a little disturbing both at the book review site where I got this book from and within its pages that this particular story is exceedingly trope heavy, but not with typical historical tropes. Instead, its central tropes seem to be ones popular in contemporary romance, namely forced proximity, brother's best friend (actually, they were all friends as children), off-limits (and this phrase is even used in the book several times!), and even road trip—which the author actually tagged the book at the book review site for a story that takes place at sea! Although this takes place in the pre-Regency years (1806), the heroine is shockingly modern—another trend I don't like a historical romance; if you want to write a heroine with modern sensibilities, write a contemporary romance! As I read somewhere, people don't change radically in a short period of time. Instead, slow evolution happens, say, between the early 1800s and now. Even a progressive person back then would not appear to be progressive to us, as they are multiple steps back in their way of thinking and acting. All these elements combined to make this story come across as more of a contemporary romance wearing historical costumes. Those of us who love and adore historical romance want more from it than that. If I wanted to read a contemporary romance, I would (and do)! Other than my disappointment with historical romance being hijacked by people who don't understand and appreciate it, who are just interested in making money off a hot subgenre of romance, I liked the hero and his erstwhile boss-playing-his-valet companion. I could never warm to the heroine because she just seemed too modern for a woman born 250 years ago. By the way, she is not a lady—as the title states—as defined by the Upper Ten Thousand, as her family is not a part of the gentry, let alone the nobility.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
April 19, 2023
Deception on the high seas leads to danger and love. Wow, this is my first time reading this author and I couldn’t get enough. This is the kind of historical romance I love reading. The characters grab you from the very first page. There’s a bit of adventure, suspense, and a whole lot of romance. The Lady’s Marquess ticks all the boxes for me, and I couldn’t put it down.
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Esme right away. She’s a bit of a puzzle to figure out at first. What’s with all the secrets? The more I read, the more I understood Esme and her secrets. She’s a heroine after my own heart. I also found Landon to be an incredible hero. He’s got secrets too, but he also loves Esme. Their relationship is very much push and pull while being a bit taboo for the era.
The writing is flawless. The plot moves at an excellent pace with deep POVs and intricate descriptive narration. There are several scenes where I got so caught up in the story, I lost track of time. C.K. Mackenzie is a gifted writer and I’m thoroughly impressed. Her gift for writing historical romance makes me yearn for more.
If you’re looking to escape into the past, pick up The Lady’s Marquess. Brilliantly written from start to finish, you won’t be able to put it down.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Esme right away. She’s a bit of a puzzle to figure out at first. What’s with all the secrets? The more I read, the more I understood Esme and her secrets. She’s a heroine after my own heart. I also found Landon to be an incredible hero. He’s got secrets too, but he also loves Esme. Their relationship is very much push and pull while being a bit taboo for the era.
The writing is flawless. The plot moves at an excellent pace with deep POVs and intricate descriptive narration. There are several scenes where I got so caught up in the story, I lost track of time. C.K. Mackenzie is a gifted writer and I’m thoroughly impressed. Her gift for writing historical romance makes me yearn for more.
If you’re looking to escape into the past, pick up The Lady’s Marquess. Brilliantly written from start to finish, you won’t be able to put it down.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
April 2, 2023
Esme Conrad expected only one thing on her journey from England to Canada--to discover the vandal destroying her shipping company's cargo. Maybe she expected a tediously long trip as the prim and proper maiden she planned to show the other passengers, but she could handle that. What she didn't expect was her brother’s best friend to sail with her, threatening the role she played, or a murderer. Perhaps she needed a better plan. Major Landon Carhart, the Marquess of Strachan hadn't any expectation from this transatlantic voyage. A spy sailed to French Canada, attempting to stir up support for Napoleon and stopping the man was his duty. Sure, he joined HIs Majesty's Army to mitigate the scandal surrounding his family, but duty was duty. Until he spotted Esme Conrad on deck. Duty suddenly took a back seat. An intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 24, 2023
When I saw the cover, and then the title, it was a no-brainer for me. Instant gratification for my regency romance addiction. I devoured this story, enjoying every second of the experience, sighing with satisfaction as I turned the final page. I love about this story that it had so many sigh, swoon, and laugh-out-loud moments. It touched me on so many levels and left me a puddle of goo on the floor.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2023
3.5 stars
This book is a well-written mystery novel, with a gripping plot, full of twists and turns. I found the love story cute, though less engaging than the story of intrigue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a well-written mystery novel, with a gripping plot, full of twists and turns. I found the love story cute, though less engaging than the story of intrigue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2025
She’s Esme Conrad, eldest daughter of an English shipping magnate and his Egyptian wife, proficient with daggers, defender of the weak, terrible actress, independent, stubborn and unafraid.
He’s a Landon Carhart, marquess of scandalous descent, haunted by rumours and scandal, army major, best friend to Greyson Conrad – her eldest brother – and almost an honorary Conrad himself.
Growing up together, they each locked the other safely in the friendzone. Stuck in close proximity on a transatlantic crossing for several weeks they fail to remember why... but they each have a mission, and flirting was not a part of it. She’s to ferret out a vandal that has been damaging the Conrad’s cargo, and he’s looking for a spy stirring up trouble overseas – and then their captain ends up dead.
It’s a tangled web of feelings, desire, secrets and a thrilling whodunit mystery. There’s no coy dance of seduction, just two people who know they really shouldn’t yet cannot resist.
They’re not detectives by trade – even though his sidekick is a spymaster and hers a very observant auntie – and all those feelings are rather distracting, so they stumble and fumble about a bit at first, but they very cleverly get their act together in the end.
I really loved the Hercule Poirot vibes throughout the book, especially the grand unveiling of the villain – a gathering of all the suspects, very Poirot-esque, excellent! The sizzle between Esme and Landon was chef’s kiss – even though I was a little disappointed their wedding night didn’t make it into the book. No worries though, the story is still plenty steamy!
A very captivating read; swoonworthy romance entwined with a solid mystery, and I really enjoyed it. A nice start to this wonderful series and all its brilliant companion stories!
He’s a Landon Carhart, marquess of scandalous descent, haunted by rumours and scandal, army major, best friend to Greyson Conrad – her eldest brother – and almost an honorary Conrad himself.
Growing up together, they each locked the other safely in the friendzone. Stuck in close proximity on a transatlantic crossing for several weeks they fail to remember why... but they each have a mission, and flirting was not a part of it. She’s to ferret out a vandal that has been damaging the Conrad’s cargo, and he’s looking for a spy stirring up trouble overseas – and then their captain ends up dead.
It’s a tangled web of feelings, desire, secrets and a thrilling whodunit mystery. There’s no coy dance of seduction, just two people who know they really shouldn’t yet cannot resist.
They’re not detectives by trade – even though his sidekick is a spymaster and hers a very observant auntie – and all those feelings are rather distracting, so they stumble and fumble about a bit at first, but they very cleverly get their act together in the end.
I really loved the Hercule Poirot vibes throughout the book, especially the grand unveiling of the villain – a gathering of all the suspects, very Poirot-esque, excellent! The sizzle between Esme and Landon was chef’s kiss – even though I was a little disappointed their wedding night didn’t make it into the book. No worries though, the story is still plenty steamy!
A very captivating read; swoonworthy romance entwined with a solid mystery, and I really enjoyed it. A nice start to this wonderful series and all its brilliant companion stories!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews