Insaisissable Violet

Garland Cousins #2

by Emily Larkin

Cette année encore, Violet Garland profite des plaisirs de la saison sans penser au mariage. Étant fille de duc, elle peut se permettre d’attendre celui qui fera vibrer son cœur. Car elle a soif de sensations fortes et de grands sentiments. Quand sa route croise celle de Perry Wintersmith, un officier de Bow Street qui mène une enquête discrète au sein de la haute société, Violet flaire le parfum de l’aventure et lui propose ses services. Une lady détective ? Impossible ! rétorque-t-il.
Perry ignore que Violet possède un don qui lui serait d’une aide précieuse… et qu’elle est en plus tout aussi têtue que lui !

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Young Adult, Mystery, Fantasy, Regency Romance

448 pages, Pocket Book

First published February 20, 2022

About the author

Emily Larkin is the USA Today bestselling author of the Baleful Godmother historical romance series, a series that readers are calling “sexy, unusual and vastly entertaining,” and "ridiculously wonderful."

When not reading or writing, Emily can be found hiking—preferably somewhere off the beaten track. She loves to travel, and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe and North America, and traveled overland in the Middle East, China, and North Africa. Her varied career includes stints as a field assistant in Antarctica and a waitress on the Isle of Skye.

Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin. She has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America RITA award, as well as the National Readers Choice, Booksellers Best, Australian Romantic Book of the Year, Sir Julius Vogel, and Koru awards. Her websites are www.emilylarkin.com and www.emilygee.com.

** Join Emily’s Readers’ Group to get an email whenever she has a new release or discounts a book—plus get some FREE ebooks as well!**

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Garland may be a duke’s daughter, but she has a strong streak of daredevil. When she spots a Bow Street Runner among the ton, she knows she’s finally found it. She’ll help the investigator track down his villain, whether he wants her to or not! Bow Street Principal Officer Perry Wintersmith does not require any assistance, especially from a female as annoyingly persistent as Lady Violet Garland. Although Lady Violet does possess a most uncommon talent and she is exceptionally good at following people! Take one adventure-seeking duke’s daughter, one solitary Bow Street Runner, a strange series of thefts, a dash of magic, a sprinkling of naughty drawings, and you have a book that is very hard to put down.
The second book in this spin off series, we again have the Garland family whose female members are visited by their faerie godmother Baletongue on their twenty third birthdays. This book could be read on its own & it’s a riveting read. I'd highly recommend starting it early in the day when you've nothing planned because believe you me once started you won’t put it down. I loved both Perry & Violet who complemented each other beautifully their night jaunts were so sigh worthy. I loved the chemistry between them but also how the argued, they talked & they loved being together. There’s also the assignment Perry is working on, which Violet is determined to help with. I was taken on a range of emotions from laughing out loud, to sighing & to shedding a few tears when Perry had tea with the Duke & Duchess. I love the Garland family & eagerly await more books
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Sara Reads (mostly) Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry... is FUCKING HOT AS HELL BABY I LOVE THESE TYPES OF BOOKS WITH A SUPER INDEPENDENT AND UNIQUE HEROINE AND AN EMOTIONALLY STABLE MAN WE LOVE TO SEE IT BABY!!

Loved it! Bow street runner and detective romance are my absolute favorites - so much so I've compiled a list on GR with ONLY these types of books because when you can't find what you want just make it yourself!

The only minor complaint I have is the end was dragged out a bit too much but otherwise I just loved it - i need to go back and read everything else by this author I'm obsessed with her concept of heroines with powers

[Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fount it a little bit too incredible.
Yes, I know that this is about fairy godmothers and all, but I found Violet's behaviour too free. And also her family's too!
They allow her liberties that are not acceptable in her world and time.
They let her run wild and free.
That's all good for today's standards, but not for that time's.

Apart from that the story was nice and fast paced and if you can overlook what I said above you'll enjoy it.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flying across rooftops, shared kisses, and tracking down a thief. Violet’s gift from the Baleful fairy (scary) Godmother was flight.
Perriander (Perry) Wintersmth has returned from India, resigned his commission and is working for the Bow Street Runners. On assignment he runs into the rather extraordinary Lady Violet, daughter of the Duke of Sevenash. Life changes for Perry.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Garland Cousins #2
Publication Date: 2/20/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 456

Whew! This was a truly entertaining read and it was just what I needed in this very stressful year. The characters are bright, funny, entertaining, smart, and serious, and they’ll make you laugh out loud, smile, chortle, guffaw, and shake your head. You could feel the chemistry between Perry and Violet coming right off the page, and when you add an excellent mystery on top of that – well – you just won’t be able to put the book down.

Lady Violet Garland, the spinster daughter of the Duke of Sevenash, shares a secret with all of the ladies in her family. At the age of twenty-one, she and each of her sisters were given a ‘gift’ by a mean-tempered fairy godmother, Baletongue. Violet chose the ability to fly as her gift and she has loved flying over London every night for the last few years. It is exciting and exhilarating, and the majesty of the city below leaves her breathless. She is in the air one night when she sees a person she knows leaving a ball – and he is being followed by someone. Hmmm – she wonders why that is and with unbridled curiosity sets about following the follower. That works fine, but he senses her – and he traps her! Nobody has ever had a clue she was above them before – how did he know? What is he going to do?

Periander (Perry) Wintersmith was raised within the ton as the nephew of a Viscount – until his father gambled away their fortune and killed himself. The Viscount was so scandalized and disgraced that he snatched Periander and his two brothers up and put them in the military where they were immediately sent to India. Perry was the only one of them to survive and he’s only back in England because he promised his mother he’d leave the military and stay where it was safe. His mother is now deceased, he’s barely making enough money to keep the most meager roof over his head, and he’s considering joining his old military unit again.

Sir Mortimer, Bow Street Magistrate, has pulled Perry from his regular clerical duties and made him a temporary Principal Officer to handle a case brought to them by Lord Abbishaw. It appears that Lord Abbishaw collects very naughty mechanical clocks – and somebody is stealing them. Oh! My! Perry has narrowed the suspect list down and will start with the top of the list and follow him until he determines guilt or innocence – and then move on to the next. As he is following his suspect, his scalp tingles – and he keeps getting impressions of some distortion reflected in the windows. What can it be? Well – he’ll just find out by trapping whatever it is. Oops – imagine his surprise when what he catches is a beautiful woman.

Violet and Perry begin to work together – and play together. They run across roofs and develop tools to make it easier and they follow suspects. Their time together brings them together emotionally as well – but, nothing can ever come of it – after all, he is a Bow Street Runner and she is a duke’s daughter.

I loved violet’s exuberance for life and her insatiable curiosity. I also loved watching Violet and Perry learning to love and trust each other. This was a delightful read; I hope you will love it as much as I did.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want Violet's baleful godmother gift! Loved this book. I was pleased to see the heroine use her gift frequently. I was pleased with how competent the hero was also. I spent a lot of time on the internet looking up the places they went and the cartoons they viewed. I didn't find all of them but I definitely found some of them. The plot was robust enough to carry the mystery. I was happy to see a smaller mystery. Not everything is about Napoleon and evil french plots.

Can't wait for the next one.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this writer, but this isn't my favourite book or couple. Didn't like the h as she seemed very immature, and although the mystery was interesting, the plot just didn't work well for me. Not convinced this couple would have HEA.

[Narrelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore all the different ways Emily Larkin uses the conceit of Baletongue's Faerie gifts in the Baletongue stories. In Violet and the Bow Street Runner, Violet's wish to be able to fly matches one of 8-year-old-me's wishes. In her own context, it gives Violet a particular kind of freedom in Regency England, which extends beyond the joys of seeing London from above. Her gift of flight also creates in her a worldview where she is less tangled up in society's views of what is proper for a young woman of spirit.

Just as there is much more to Violet than the ton will ever know, her initial judgement of Perry Wintersmith as 'Mr Bland' couldn't be further from reality.

Curious about his secretive behaviour at a ball, she follows him from the air - and being a sharp-eyed Bow Street Runner with a sixth sense, he spots her!

When he learns her secret, Violet and Perry end up joining forces to solve a crime. They have a fabulous dynamic and they're a joy to watch as they find their balance, from solving the crime of the stolen clocks, to running across London's rooftops and the boldness of their physical intimacy.

The resolution to the crime plot is very satisfying. I was concerned about what might happen to bring Perry and Violet inevitably back to earth afterwards, but Larkin and keeps their feet and hearts light. It's a delightful tale and a wonderful addition to the Baletongue universe.

[Artemissia G · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’avais bien aimé le premier tome et j’avais envie de découvrir l’histoire de Violet Garland. La première chose que je retiens de cette romance historique c’est la quantité de notes de bas de page de l’éditeur ! Je crois, si ma mémoire ne me fait pas défaut, que c’est l’une des rares fois où j’en vois si souvent (ça m’a pas mal coupée dans la lecture de l’intrigue d’ailleurs) !

Pour ce qui est de l’histoire, Violet aussi intrépide que têtu, s’est mise en tête de donner un coup de main au héros, Perry Wintersmith, un officier de Bow Street, qui enquête sur le vol de pendules aux statues osées. Violet a plus d’un tour dans son sac et surtout, elle sait voler, littéralement ! C’est le plus de cette série, puisque chaque héroïne reçoit un don de leur fée marraine Sinistre à leurs vingt-trois ans. Violet vole donc et ses aventures sont adoubées bon gré mal gré par son frère aîné.

C’est une héroïne avec laquelle j’ai eu un peu de mal. Je l’ai trouvé excentrique et agaçante au possible, et un peu naïve alors qu’elle n’est plus une gamine. Son obsession à vouloir aider à tout prix ce pauvre Perry m’a fait lever les yeux au ciel plus d’une fois. Quant à lui, c’est un héros que j’ai trouvé fade et sans grand intérêt. Je m’attendais à quelque chose de plus pétillant. Si la romance est au centre de leur histoire, ce n’est pas ce qui est le plus mis en valeur. L’enquête était bien plus palpitante même si ça reste assez simpliste au final. Le plus, reste dans l’élément fantastique et les pointes d’humour qui ne manque pas. J’ai également apprécié la différence sociale qui tend à leur faire croire, surtout au héros, qu’une romance entre eux est impossible. Et puis, j’aime beaucoup la plume d’Emily Larkin, heureusement puisque c’est ce qui m’a permis de terminer le livre.

Je l’avoue, cette histoire m’a moyennement emballée. Je m’attendais à plus de piquant. S’il y a bien quelques scènes spicy, ce n’est pas ça qui a pu remonter mon intérêt en demi-teinte pour ce couple, je le crains. Par contre, j’admets avoir apprécié l’amitié qui se tisse entre eux et cette complicité qui nait malgré ce qui les différencie.

Dans l’ensemble, je ressors mitigée par ce titre.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful Baleful Godmother series by Emily Larkin! I adore these books, and the magic is the least significant reason I love them. Don’t get me wrong, I love books with magical elements, but those elements can’t take over the plot. Larkin’s books have magic that informs characters’ actions and developments and it contributes to saving the day, but it causes its own trials and tribulations. More importantly, it is just part of a complex character and not the entire personality.

I love Violet, who is unabashedly wanting adventure but is not stupidly reckless. She enjoys flirting but is not consumed with it. While my quiet, wallflower soul generally likes the abundance of such female characters in Regency romances, it was refreshing to have an outgoing, sociable protagonist. She is direct and comes grounded with an amazing, supportive family. While a family that must keep secrets might lead to a plot of tedious secret keeping and big-reveals, there is none of that here. She and her Bow Street Runner, Perry, (excuse me, “Principal Officer” – as Perry keeps trying to insist!) fall in love without artificial barriers. Not that there aren’t barriers to overcome, but they do so with no secrets or contrivances.

And while I love Violet, the star of my heart is Perry (short for Periander – how wonderful of a name is that?). Perry is so balanced and decent, but has the soul of a romantic that he has learned through hardship to ignore. He also has his own touch of magic that helps him readily accept Violet’s, but I get the impression that his pragmatic personality would have no problem, even without that help.

Overall, the book is nicely paced and never lags. Violet and Perry are great characters that are obviously better together. The Villain is suitably dastardly and receives his comeuppance. And, as with most of Larkin’s books, I learned a few historical facts that I had not known, such as the social significance of using wafers in correspondence. As a longtime reader of Regencies, I adore when I come across some historical tidbit that I haven’t seen before.

I highly recommend this book and suggest that if you are new to the Baleful Godmother series that you read the other ones, too. Not only are they great stories, they are what we should demand of our romances – healthy relationships that ignore the harmful tropes that mess up our expectations of what “true love” looks like.

I received an ARC of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“… she left in only a moderate dudgeon.”

Perry is a bow street runner out to solve a case, he doesn’t need a duke’s daughter swooping into his path… or does he.

Violet is everything a Duke’s Daughter should be by day, but at night she can explore more, she can discover more… answer questions that plague her mind and learn things it’s unlikely any proper duke’s daughter would know.

To Perry’s surprise, he begins to look forward to Violets questions, begins to understand how she thinks, and discovers his initial assumptions about her were unfair… and worse, he was assuming she thought poorly of him when she was simply trying to learn.

This done in one story is positively delightful. With charming characters, a sense of whimsy and fun as dates take place in unexpected places, with an interesting whodunnit that drives the first three quarters of the book as we’re getting to know Perry and Violet.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we've got really believable, interesting characters driving this romp of a tale. No clones of Mr Darcy here! I read it as Storm Eunice rampaged through England and it definitely stopped me from worrying about whether or not my roof and chimneys would survive. Although the spellings are in American English, the word usage and dialogue is pure British (and very entertaining) and the historical background is impeccably researched, no clunking anachronisms to suddenly throw a reader out of balance. The mystery element of the story had me nicely bewildered. It is the second in a series, but although Primrose and Oliver reappear, there are no spoilers about their story to ruin things. But I would recommend reading the Baleful Godmother stories in order all the same, the supernatural aspect of the story arc does develop over time. Unmasking Miss Appleby, the very first Baleful Godmother story, is available free.
There are some mature sexual scenes, nothing kinky, but enough to make it unsuitable for younger readers.
I received an ARC and chose to write this review voluntarily.

[Voirrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find I love Violet as much as I do Primrose. And Rhodes is such an excellent big brother and father.

I know life has been tough for Emily Larkin, as she had treatment for cancer since writing the last book - I am so pleased she is recovering, and was able to add to this series.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. I read long into the night because it was unputdownable.
Both characters were so believable even with Violet’s added skills. When Perry was feeling low about his changed status in life and initially would not let Violet in to his life he still maintained his gentle demeanour and eventually accepted that Violet was here to stay. In that respect it was a beautiful love story.
I found the story very clever too. Not quite a thriller in the true sense but gripping and suspenseful. The plot was believable and the conclusion was also completely acceptable.
I was given this book as an ARC but the opinion is all my own.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun, I always love a grumpy sunshine romance, and this didn't disappoint. I also liked the slow burn of it all. I did wish there was a bit more of the faerie godmother and the ending left me a little dissatisfied. But overall, I enjoyed it!

[El K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story from Emily Larkin that follows another Garland sister, Violet. The book was so engaging from start to end that I finished it in a single day (almost a single sitting but I had to stop for lunch). The characters are well developed, the plot intriguing, and the romance beautiful, passionate, and gorgeously written as always. I would highly recommend giving this a read!

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own. Happy reading!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun. The main characters sparkled and the family scenes were fantastic. They all love each other and drive each other crazy. There is a scene in the park which I loved and the final scene with all it's meddling was perfect. I love the magic and how centered it was to solving this mystery.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦸🏻‍♀️Violet and the Bow Street Runner 🔎
A Baleful Godmother Novel
Garland Cousins Book 2
✒️ Emily Larkin
https://www.facebook.com/EmilyLarkinA... Release date 02/22/2022
➪ https://a.co/d/htnUcIx

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A nosy duke’s daughter and a sharp-eyed Bow Street Runner join forces to solve a rather peculiar crime.

Violet Garland may be a duke’s daughter, but she has a strong streak of daredevil. What she wants most in life is an adventure—and when she spots a Bow Street Runner among the ton, she knows she’s finally found it. She’ll help the investigator track down his villain, whether he wishes her to or not!

Bow Street Principal Officer Periander Wintersmith does not want any assistance, especially from a female as persistent and annoying as Lady Violet Garland. Although Lady Violet does possess a most uncommon talent and she is exceptionally good at following people…

Perhaps he ought to accept her offer of help? Together they might be able to unravel a rather perplexing mystery—and Perry may just avoid falling off any roofs.

Take one adventure-seeking duke’s daughter, one solitary Bow Street Runner, a strange series of thefts, a dash of magic, a sprinkling of naughty drawings, and what do you have? A romp of a Regency romance that will sweep you through London’s alleyways and over its rooftops, with detours into cupboards, attics, bandboxes, and ballrooms!


𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄


I know I am not only three days late to provide my review, I am, in fact, a year and a half late.
I have had this book languishing on my shelves since its release day.
Why in fact I applied for the arc, to oblige too-busy-me to read it.
And I am glad I did.
I loved every minute spent reading this book, it was the perfect story to remind me why I loved this author, why when I read my first book from her “Unmasking Miss Appleby” I became obsessed with her work and read everything available at that time.
Since I lost myself in the bottomless well of arcs reading and left sadly behind some of the authors who reawakened my love for historical romance. Emily Larkin is one of those.
And while her stories have a paranormal side, they still follow society’s rules and conventions.
Violet is everything a ton Lady should never be, brazen, willful, determined, stubborn, and reckless. The gift she asked for on her 23rd birthday illustrates her wild character. She is no meek ton miss, she goes after what she wants and is not afraid to state and own it.
And while my memory might fail me, I do believe this is the first time the couple can enjoy and share a Baleful’s gift.
Which was part of the entertainment of Violet’s adventure. She has met someone who stands to her toes to toes, who disagrees with her but is also ready to jump into the void, trusting her to do the right thing.
Perry has learned to blend into the wall, when the world, he as had known it, has been shattered, he had to reshape himself into a new man, then only lose even more afterward, why he had to give himself the means to continue forward. To “create” his new family. So when he altered once more the course of his life to return to his birthplace, to only say goodbye to get the last piece holding him back to his past, he sees nothing there to make him want to stay. Even a gorgeous hotheaded demanding and kind of domineering lady. As while infuriating and entrancing him, he believes it is proof of how different their worlds are from one another.
From their common investigation to each learning to know the other for someone else than their first impressions, no, Perry is not bland nor forgettable as Violet is not flighty nor spoiled.
They are each other perfect balance as he quiets her recklessness and she adds spices to his routine.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a Beta Hero? You’ll Adore Periander!

Alpha males are their own particular and very popular trope, particularly in contemporary romance. However, I'm more drawn, both in fiction and real life, to beta heroes. This hero, Periander, a Bow Street Runner, is the quintessential and utterly delightful beta hero. Violet is a duke's daughter, and as such, she tends to take command and expect to do whatever she wants without being questioned or thwarted. The hero is certainly at times frustrated with her, but instead of trying to bring the hammer down to keep her in line, they forge an alliance of sorts—while he watches over her to keep her safe—to figure out an odd crime happening in the wealthiest of neighborhoods. The hero has been hired to figure this out, and the heroine cannot keep her nose out of it, so he lets her become, somewhat grudgingly, a part of it. This book is a part of a paranormal Regency series (Baleful Godmother) that is exceptionally well done. In it, the females of a particular family's lines are granted a magical gift at a certain age. This heroine chose the ability to fly. She can certainly go places where the hero could not go easily, helping him further his investigation. I love the way she devised a contraption so they could fly together. I absolutely adored those scenes, particularly the early ones where the author made it abundantly clear how the hero felt elation, exhilaration, and wonder at being able to fly along the rooftops of London. Their joy was palpable. They also found some interesting places for intimate encounters! Because of the vast difference between their social statuses, I wondered how the story could end up with them being together. A woman's social status typically reflected that of her husband in the Regency Era. The author actually tied it up perhaps a little too neatly, but it worked. I love their interactions. He truly did treat her with the utmost respect for her abilities and intelligence—as well as her desires—supporting her in what she wanted to do and trying to keep her safe rather than try to hold her back. An utter delight. If you love well-written Regency romance and beta heroes and don't mind (or will perhaps enjoy) the paranormal aspect, you will probably enjoy this delightful book (and series) as much as I did.

I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Ekaterine Xia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Larkin's books are wonderful, and Violet's (and Perry's!) story is no different. If anything, it's a bit softer, a bit gentler (even if I wish with all my heart Evelyn was still alive...), with a lot of joy and beauty.
This is a tangent, but I feel it captures the spirit of the story so wholly in a way: Violet's older brother is a widower, and the story is filled with instances where he's with his kids and taking care of them and having fun with them and it's both heartbreaking (why is Mama dead?!) and so warming to see. Yes, I'm not a fan of "I'm a widower and without my wife I've fallen entirely apart and my kids are in tatters like my life is and I need another woman to show up to put us back together again" stories.
Anyway!
Violet!
I adore, adore, adore her. I love how she pushes her way into Perry's investigation and his heart. Emily strikes the perfect balance where Violet is a bit rash at times, but you can see it's because she's too confident in her abilities, and not too unaware of danger. I have to admit I loved seeing Violet lawyering her way around things: "I promised you I wouldn't use a hot air balloon to get around, and I didn't ... I'm flying."
I particularly enjoyed how, as the story unfolded, you can see Perry shifting and growing. There's some of that "ugh, she's so much richer, what do" in there, but I think it's not more than necessary, and it's entirely saved by the rest of Violet's family being amazing. I'm sorry, I know it's a romance, and I sound like the entire reason I'm so recommending it is because of FAMILY FEELS but...on the other hand, is that really unreasonable?
Violet is looking for someone to anchor her while giving her the sky. Perry...can I just say I adore how Violet is the one to take Perry flying and not the other way around? In a way, I feel that encapsulates what is most beautiful about their love - that they give each other that space, and capability.
Anyway! This book brought me a lot of joy and I hope it does you as well.

Note: I received an advance reader's copy!

[Noelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25-3.5 stars. This was an okay read. Violet is the 2nd daughter of Duke Sevenash and longs for excitement and daring adventures. But she’s bored with her peerage. At a ball she spies someone so nondescript hiding in the shadows that she calls disdainfully calls him Mr Bland in her head. But leaving the ball she finds him following one of the attendees and he follows so well, blending into the shadows that after following him she realizes he is an investigator with the Bow Street Runners. Perriander (Perry) Wintersmith was raised a gentleman, but his father gambled all the money away, sent his 3 sons off to war (in which 2 of them died), killed himself, leaving his widow destitute and his son penniless. Perry returns home to find his mother terminally and promises to leave the regiment at her request. To make ends meet, however, he becomes a secretary, then Principal Officer, to the Bow Street Runners.

What I liked: I liked Perry. He was a man of deeply ingrained integrity. As usual, I liked Rhodes, too and the other side characters, like Devereaux.

What didn’t work for me: 1) In the beginning the enemies trope felt too contrived, like kids forced to take swipes at each other on principal. 2) Up until the slow trudge up to 85%, Violet felt very young (late teens perhaps), naive, impulsive, headstrong and impetuous. And there was no character growth. I was kind of done with her at the 30% mark hoping that she’d grow and develop as the book went on. But no. Even at the end she still wasn’t very convincing to me. 3) The clocks and pictures just felt too convenient to how the author wanted the book to feel. It just didn’t flow as smoothly as the last one did. 4) The point of the female cousins joining the Sevenash girls. Not necessary at all.

All in all an okay read. If it wasn’t for the last book I’d probably end it here, but the last book was great, so I’ll read more about Aster.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Garland may be a duke’s daughter, but she has a strong streak of daredevil. What she wants most in life is adventure—and when she spots a Bow Street Runner among the ton, she knows she’s finally found it. She’ll help the investigator track down his villain, whether he wants her to or not!
Bow Street Principal Officer Perry Wintersmith does not require any assistance, especially from a female as annoyingly persistent as Lady Violet Garland. Although Lady Violet does possess a most uncommon talent and she is exceptionally good at following people…
Perhaps he ought to accept her offer of help? Together they might be able to unravel a rather perplexing mystery—and Perry may just avoid falling off any roofs.
Take one adventure-seeking duke’s daughter, one solitary Bow Street Runner, a strange series of thefts, a dash of magic, a sprinkling of naughty drawings, and what do you have? A romp of a Regency romance that will sweep you through London’s alleyways and over its rooftops, with detours into cupboards, attics, bandboxes, and ballrooms.
This is a funny story. Rife with wit and charmed with magic this book is somewhat different.
I received this book from the author to review. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was a fun bit of whimsy and romance.

But I would categorize it as maybe a historical fantasy? This is due to that fact that while it centers around what I believe is a Victorian England- there are both instances of magic mentioned (but only for this one ducal family due to a Fairy Godmother) and the almost lackadaisical nature of the heroine's family in consideration to her wild nature. This is because the h has quite a cavalier and bold attitude towards both life and love--and when it comes to her night-time sleuthing all across London by herself her family simply gives her a well you be careful now dearie send off.

Realistic? N0-But as I said if you suspend your disbelief on those accounts- its a fun little who-done-it story mixed with some adventure, action, magic, and a burgeoning romance between the mains ( well more like a sexual awakening for the h until the end)

All it all it was fun, but for now even after realizing this is the second book in the series I'm not clambering to go back and read the first one. Maybe sometime though.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening chapter of "Violet and the Bow Street Runner" grabs you with its energy and mystery introduction. Violet discovers an adventure which is more complicated than she imagines. Her skill granted by the Fairy Godmother gives Violet access to the sky and I can't wait to see how it figures in her adventure. Well her skill is central to the story and there's more than one "adventure" afoot. The mystery, romance, and character interaction are each complicated, complete, and integral to the whole. This latest Baleful Godmother addition takes it place among the best books I've read in the last year.

Emily Larkin's Baleful Godmother books should be on top of everyone's reading list and this one continues the excellent storytelling of the previous series books.

I received a free pre-publication for review.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Bow Street Runner" in the title had me wary. Having read several stories of investigators pestered by well-meaning young ladies, I thought I'd read enough. But none of those investigators found himself (or better, was found by) a side-kick that could fly over the roofs of London! I could relate to Perry's fear of flying - and his thrill. Violet uses her gift to escape society, and flies alone in the dark of night, appropriately camoflaged in clothing provided by her understanding brother.
Their time together trying to solve the interesting mystery has them getting closer emotionally.
I much enjoyed reading this; the banter had me grinning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Principle Officer Perry and the determined Violet

This is a brilliant love story. The honourable, yet solitary Perry, working as a Principle Officer out of Bow Street, encounters Lady Violet in most unusual circumstances as he investigates a number of thefts involving risque clocks. I like that Perry had an uncanny intuition that seemed almost otherworldly, and made him seem an even better match for Violet than he was already. A great read, I am a stickler for my historical details being accurate and this author delivers a realistic regency world with aplomb. Loved this story!

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Violet and her entire family

Violet is adventuresome and a bit of a dare devil. At 23, in this Recency romance, she could be considered on the shelf except that she is rich and the daughter of a duke. That makes her highly desirable. Fortunately, her family allows her the time to find a love match. What she finds is a mystery! And she wants in on the action. This was a great mystery. Loved how it turned out. Loved Violet's match, a man of honor and adventure. I am loving these recency romances with a touch of the paranormal.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit of magic.
What an interesting pair Perry and Violet are. As you read their story it is clear they are both a bit touched by magic. As they get to know each other their beliefs on whom each other truly are changes. You will love the twists and turns as this book will keep you on your toes. It is a bit longer than most books I review so keep that in mind but it is so worth the time it took to read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Tanya McIvor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I always enjoy reading novels by Emily Larkin, Violet and the Bow Street Runner is definitely one of my favourites!

Maybe it's because I've always wanted Emily's gift and I got such a kick reading about her adventures? Maybe it's because it is such a fun, heartwarming and entertaining book with loveable characters? Probably both I would think.

I just loved this book and I stayed up way too late each night reading it. Sigh. It is definitely on my read again list!

[Robin Malek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dynamic Duo! These two crazy kids! But together Violet and her Bow Street Runner are unmatchable and seamless in solving the case and with each other. You would think that a man in that time would be more negative about a woman helping but Violet is headstrong enough to make Perry the perfect partner. Marvelous story! ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️