Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms

Matronly Misadventures #2

by Rosalie Oaks

A lady shouldn’t be seen to incite a duel… but Judith wasn’t even there when it happened.

Lady Avely doesn’t know what infuriates her more: that someone used her image to provoke the Duke of Sargen into killing a man, or that the duke actually believed it was her trysting in the maze that night.

Now she and the duke must concoct their own subterfuge to shake out the culprit. Otherwise, Dacian might be arrested for murder, or worse, the shadowy guardians of the Musing might inflict their own cruel punishment for the misuse of his Gift. Judith will need her most respectable mobcap, and unfortunately, the duke will need a false moustache.

With Judith’s ability to detect lies and Dacian’s now carefully contained power, they set out to uncover the truth - but their own hearts make them easy to manipulate. Facing a master of deception, as well as the duke’s renewed determination to win her, Judith will need a stiff drink of chocolate and the help of her cheerful, tiny vampiri companion before she can find her way out of the deadly tangle…

Can Judith and Dacian unmask the killer before more blood is shed? And how many different ways can one disguise a duke?

The Matronly Misadventures feature a mid-life heroine in a slow-burn, second-chance romance (with a duke who has waited long enough), set in a magical version of Regency England.

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

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2024

About the author

Rosalie Oaks writes magic and mystery into Regency England, with side servings of jam, jewels, and the occasional naked shapeshifter.

As a child, Rosalie loved conducting home-made theatre productions with her three younger brothers. Now she directs her characters instead, but like her brothers, they don’t always do what she says.

While writing, Rosalie consumes vast quantities of tea and chocolate, and steadfastly ignores the housework.

Join Rosalie’s newsletter to get writing updates, as well as the exclusive prequel novella, A Pendant for Trouble. Find out more at https://rosalieoaks.com

Reviews

[A.J. Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enchanting escapade in the matronly misadventures series! Rosalie Oaks writes a magical cosy mystery brimful of banter, romance, and fake moustaches. I would like my own swoony duke who brings me cups of hot chocolate, please! I inhaled this like a slice of cake.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is such a breath of fresh air to read a book with middle-aged main characters. This is especially the case with fantasy, where most main characters seem to be in their teens or twenties.

This was another solidly enjoyable cozy mystery / fantasy / romance from Oaks. I’m a big fan of this blending of genres and the time period (early 19th century England), and enjoyed learning more about Judith and Dacian’s past in this one. Now to read Oaks’ original series about Judith’s daughter Elinor…

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful adventure with Judith and Dacian! This story starts with a flashback that takes us to the events that Dacian talked about at the end of the first book in the series. Someone tricked Dacian into stumbling upon what he thought was an assignation between Judith and Lord Garvey. He lost control of his ability to move objects and threw Garvey into a statue, killing him. He fled the country afterward to escape prosecution for misusing his abilities.

In reality, he saw an illusion. A different woman was with Garvey. Now, Judith and Dacian need to track down who was behind the events of nine years ago. The authorities are still after Dacian, after all.

Despite the serious stakes, there's a lot of humor as Judith and Dacian go undercover with their little vampire friends who help them with them magic (it's part of this fantasy world). We also get some touching scenes with Robert, the illegitimate son of Judith's late husband. All in all, a charming, fun adventure with a nice dash of romance.

This is a spin off series, but one that stands alone beautifully. There's mention of Judith's children, who are in the first series, but her character doesn't rely on being a mother. It's wonderful to see a mature character in the lead role!

[RebeccaReadsTooMuch 💁‍♀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these clever and cozy gothic books set in magical Regency era England. The vampiri are delightful, and Lady Avery so deserves her Happily Ever After! This series has quickly become a comfort read for me - reading these stories feels like sitting down to share tea with a witty and beloved friend. I look forward to reading Rosalie Oaks other series next, The Lady Diviner series, starring Lady Avely’s daughter Elinor.

Many thanks to Parkerville Press for the copy to read and review.

[Bella Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

hit hard

[Fiona Tewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book from NetGalley, thanks go to Rosalie also. All remarks are my own.

Before I start, I haven't read the first book in the series (I do have it) and I will certainly read it now. However, it didn't detract from the story, as things were explained sufficiently for me to understand what was going on.

Judith and Dacien meet up again and decide to travel to Garvey House to try and clear Dacian's name. As Dacien is wanted by the Musor Custos, he takes on various disguises. Both he and Judith are helped by their vampiri and by Robert, her late husbands illegitimate child. Using their individual magics and help, they are able to unravel what happened 9 years previously, before things take a nasty turn.

It was refreshing to find older protagonists in this story, ones who feel the same desires and passions as younger people. I greatly enjoyed this book, and will certainly order the next in the series (and read the first book too).

If you like magic with a difference and older characters, this is the book for you.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖: Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms (Matronly Misadventures #2)

✍️ By: Rosalie Oaks- I read Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic and gave it 5 ⭐. ***You need to read book #1 first***

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Parkerville Press, and Rosalie Oaks for this ARC 💚! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

🗓️ Publication Date: 11-13- 24 | Read: 11-17-24

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Gaslamp Fantasy

Tropes: slow burn romance, midlife age heroine, 2nd chance romance, vampiri, magic, forced proximity, gothic/haunted house, a quest/journey companions, found family, secret identity

🌏Setting: Regency England

⚠️ TW: murder, kidnapping

☝🏾POV: 3rd person single

💭 Summary: After nine years Judith and Dacian reunite to clear his name from the accidental death of Lord Charles Garvey. Dacian thought Judith was compromised by Lord Garvey at a house party and attempted to save her. He used his powers and Garvey hit his head on a statue of Apollo and died. He and Biscuit faked a duel, left Garvey for his family to find, and Dacian fled to Spain. He didn't contact Judith in those nine years, but their feelings for each other haven't changed.


🚺Heroine: Lady Judith Avely-a Discerner-able to detect lies

🚹Hero: Duke of Sargen/Dacian-an Impactor-able to strikes blows

🎭 Side Cast

✓ Robert Steer-Judith's deceased husband Nicholas's illegitimate son
✓ Wooten-Dacian's vampiri companion
✓Marigold-Judith's vampiri companion
✓Lord Anthony Triskett/Biscuit-Dacian's childhood friend
✓ Selina Pelling/Southcott- was engaged to Lord Garvey as a child
✓ Lady Isobel Vosse- had an affair w/ Dacian, still wants him
✓Mrs. Harriet Bollopher-Lord Charles Garvey's ex mother-in-law, Georgina's paternal grandmother
✓Georgina-Lord Garvey's daughter from his 1st marriage
✓Lord Charles Garvey-was engaged to Selina Pelling but was too old for her
✓Lord Kenneth Garvey-made Duke after his brother's death, his mother favored Charles over him
✓Yvette Belfleur- a new vampiri who hides the identity of her companion
✓Musors Custos-The Guardians of the Musing punish those who misuse their Gifts.

🤔 My Thoughts: This was a novel with amateur sleuthing, misdirection, suspects, deduction, and supernatural phenomena. Judith and her gang tried to clear Dacian's name and find the actual killer. Judith and Dacian were at odds because they were setup to push each other away. I didn't care for the constant squabbling because it became redundant. Judith and Dacian did the dance of will they/won't they in the last book. Robert got to use his magic to bemuse, and I laughed out loud at "Mr. Fortnew's" moustache. I fear Robert may betray Judith down the line because of his loyalty to his mother, but I'm just guessing. It ends on a cliffhanger but is a nice setup for book #3.

🌶️: Spice 2/5
😭: Emotion 3/5
❤️: Couple 3/5
⭐️: Rating 3.5/5

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had huge fun with this one. Judith is a delightful protagonist. Recently widowed, she has been coming to grips with the fact that her dead husband had several big secrets that he kept from her. It doesn’t help that he took his best friend, the Duke of Sargen into his confidence. Especially as Judith and the Duke have a past… Obviously, I’m not going to say more on that subject as I don’t want to lurch into Spoiler territory. I thought Judith’s reaction was spot on for a more mature woman – she was extremely angry, but not to the extent that she was overwhelmed. I do get a tad tired of apparently older protagonists behaving like love-struck teens when we get to the romantic aspect of the plot.

As regards that fantastical elements of the story, they were well handled. I thought that having shapeshifting bats, whose interaction with the magically gifted boosts their skills is a very nice touch. Especially as they stay the size of a bat, even when transformed. The fact that their relationship with humans has recently been outlawed gives an extra edge to their inclination to hide. I also like the notion that if someone has been using their magic for a period of time, they start becoming drunk on it. This gives rise to a few amusing moments within the story, which despite the slow-burn nature of the romance, doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of action and adventure within the story.

I became aware fairly quickly that this is the second book in the series – and I hadn’t read the first. I recommend that you read them in order, however I wasn’t ever left floundering and promptly rushed off to get hold of the first book as soon as I finished this offering because I was missing the world and wanted more Matronly Misadventure goodness. So I was delighted to discover this is a spinoff series from the very successful Lady Diviner series, which means I’ll be able to escape yet again into this delightful quirky world. Highly recommended for fans of historical fantasy with a splash or romance… or the other way round. While I obtained an arc of Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms is the second cozy historical romantasy in the series by Rosalie Oaks. Released 15th Feb 2025, it's 373 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, along with the first book.

It's always a joy to find a fresh, engaging, clear voice in a favorite genre. It's set in the late Regency period with a fantasy/paranormal world element. Lady Avely is gifted with a "lie detector" ability which makes her quite useful at unraveling mysteries. There are a number of restrictions and social and legal mores bound up in the use of magical abilities, and she's still coming to grips with a recently recognized change in social status. She's been a widow for more than a decade, with two adult children, as well as entanglements from her long ago past history.

There -is- a strong romance element, but it delightfully doesn't overpower either the mystery or magical elements in the very well told story. The third book is due out in 4th quarter 2025. Happily, this second book works well as a standalone, and is a worthwhile sequel to book 1. Definitely one to pick up. It's an indie pub and likely not on most library acquisition lists. It's available independently from retailers as well as the author and would be a great addition for public library acquisition, home use, or a weekend binge/buddy read.

Four stars. A delight. The MCs voice is delightfully modern, and she's not too precious or smug... it's just a fun, escapist read and a solid story.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Andrew Hague-Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book is entitled Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charm' I suspect I will always think of it as the that Poor Mr. Wooten story. Wooten, the Duke of Sargen's tiny vampire companion, is now beset by two female vampires. Marigold (Judith's vampire companion), and Yvette (possible friend, possible enemy - but someone who is definitely interested in becoming better acquainted with Marigold).

Wooten, a dandy to rival Beau Brummell as being the model British dandy: always bathed and shaved, always powdered and perfumed, always groomed and immaculately dressed in a dark-blue coat of plain style with an elaborately knotted cravat must now put up Marigold's positive flaunting of her own nakedness everytime she must turn into a bat, or back into her human form. Wooten's eventual victory in requiring a Marigold to wear a cloak while changing leads to some of the funniest scenes as Marigold is forced to fly while wearing it.

I do concur with the Author's description of the book as being a slow-burn, second-chance romance. It is a slow burn but I enjoyed the opportunity to watch Judith's developing awareness of her attraction for the Duke, and with the evolving relationship she has with her dead husband's illegitimate son.

There is no doubt that I will be reading the book again, and have already pre-ordered Lady Avely's Guide to Guile and Peril (Matronly Misadventures Book 3) Kindle Edition, due for release late 2025.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been nine years since Dacian killed Lord Charles Garvey and it is time for him to determine what actually happened that night. While he has always believed what he saw, he now wonders if there may not have been some Musing (magic) involved in the story. He and Judith head out with Judith’s husband’s son, Robert, to see what they can uncover.
All is not well at Garvey House however. Lady Garvey refuses visitors and her granddaughter, Georgina seems to be a prisoner. The current Lord Gavey, Charles’ brother Kenneth, won’t come to the house at all, preferring to stay in the village.
The story took a LONG time for me to get into and I had to power my way from about a quarter in to the two-thirds mark where it picked up again. There was a leap into the story that happened seven years ago that didn't make sense to me and then a lot of side characters that may be building to the overall arc of the story but didn't provide much other than very temporary red herrings for the end of the story.

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another insta-love book for me from this author and series! It’s the second of the Matronly Misadventures and I adored it just as much as the first.

Judith, Marigold, Dacian and Wootton are all back and things are definitely heating up between the two main characters, as they finally start to get to the bottom of the incidents that separated them years ago and struggle to find reasons not to spring into each other’s arms at every opportunity – so much chemistry! I definitely get Elizabeth Peters’ Emerson/Peabody vibes but these are also distinctly their own stories and characters, familiar but fresh.

And that’s not all, there is also humour, magic and mystery alongside the simmering romance. What more could we ask for? Well, other than Book 3, of course! And that can’t come soon enough, as I’m afraid this one ends on an agonising cliffhanger. Luckily the next book is due out later this year and available for pre-order already… I can’t wait!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms is an excellent sequel to Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic in this fantasy mystery romance series set in the Regency period.

Judith, Lady Avely, is an appealing middle aged heroine whose ability to tell if someone is lying is very helpful in solving mysteries. She is also aided by Marigold, her Vampiri companion.

In this story, she and the handsome Duke who she loved but left many years ago, finally have a chance to rekindle their romance if they can figure out who manipulated him into killing a man many years ago causing him to flee the country.
I very much enjoyed the slow burn relationship between Dacian and Judith and the magic in the book - the ability to cast illusions, move objects, and discern truth is fascinating and well integrated into the story. The Vampiri companions are also a unique aspect of the world Oaks has created.

This series is a spin-off of the Lady Jewel Diviner series, which features Judith's children, but can be read separately. While the events in this book are completely wrapped up, there is a bit of a cliffhanger ending leading into book 3.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series of magical Regency mysteries. I really loved the first in the series, and the introduction of our "mature" MCs (both in their 40s). I have to admit that I was hoping for more relationship development in this one.

Judith and Dacian travel to a nearby town and estate to try to solve the mystery that was uncovered at the end of the first book. While there, they spend a lot of time ruffling each other's feathers and running hot and cold. While there is a fun mystery, the relationship tension is stretched out for the length of the book.

Be warned, it ends in a cliffhanger! I'm sure the final book in the series will give the relationship feels I want. I just wish there had been a few more steps forward here. I still recommend the series as a whole, though!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Karen Peradon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie Oaks has excelled herself again! I really loved the second in this Matronly Misadventures series, even more than the first. Lady Judith Avely sets out to solve a mystery that happened ten years prior. Not only does she need to restore her reputation and find the truth behind a fatal duel, but she also wrestles with her old flame the dashing dandy Duke of Sargen. More confusion is cast by the many Musors who keep the story spinning with illusions, truth divining and impacting magick. As usual, the vampiri characters bring delight as well as being an important part of the plot. The book is fast-paced, and I laughed out loud at some of the hilarious dialogue. I adored the slow burn steaminess of this well-plotted mystery. Five stars from me and I’m looking forward to the next instalment!

[Siobhan MW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4.25/5
Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms was a great read, and I liked seeing my favourite characters again. The mystery was just as fantastic as in the first book, and I truly didn't expect all the twists and turns.
However, some aspects fell a little flat for me, as I expected more relationship development, and the slowburn has dragged on. But the banter and chemistry between Avely and Dacian was still great, and I'm sure their relationship will progress more in the next book. The cliffhanger at the end was particularly shocking, and I'm eager to see how it will be resolved in book 3!

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

​​Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is such a fun read. There is a mystery to solve, magic involved and vampiri companions, there is slow-burn romance with the two protagonists trying to admit their feelings for each other, all in the beautiful setting of Regency England.

In a world where people have magic, the two protagonists, Dacian, the Duke of Sargen, and Lady Judith Avely, are trying to solve a murder that, nine years earlier, had sent Dacian to exile. During a party, in a fit of jealousy, Dacian used magic to kill Lord Garvey under the illusion that he was seducing Judith, the woman he’s always loved. After nine years abroad, Dacian is back and together with Judith, a stubborn and helpful young man, fake moustaches, and two (sometimes) reluctant vampiri, he travels in search of the truth to a country house that may be haunted and that hosts two suspicious and irritable servants, a recluse matron, and a suggestible young woman. Who wanted Lord Garvey dead? Or did the killer want to get rid of Dacian by forcing him into exile?

Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is the second book in the Matronly Misadventures series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. The plot is intriguing and engaging and I loved Rosalie Oaks’ writing style and how she masterfully manages to merge together fantasy, history, romance, and mystery. The characters are fun and well-developed and I enjoyed the witty banter between them. The story ends with a cliffhanger that left me curious about what’s next and I am also looking forward to starting on the Lady Diviner series, which features some of the same characters.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful mix of mystery, magic and a Regency romance starring to more mature characters that I am appreciating more because life actually exists after being a teen or in your 20s. I have not read the first in the series--which I now will read--but it was easy enough to follow along because of a short intro.

Judith and the duke must join forces once again to figure out who used Judith's image to incite the duke into a deadly duel before the duke is arrested for murder or a worse fate by a mysterious council for misuse of his gifts. There are some great side characters that are sure to charm as well.

This is a nice way to end the year in reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Jacquelyn Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie Oaks's world of Regency manners, supernatural powers, and tiny vampires with big attitudes never fails to delight me, and Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms is no exception. The matronly (read: forty-something) Judith is off to solve another mystery with the help of the roguish Duke of Sargent, but this time, the crime in question is decades old—and cuts right at the heart of Judith and Dacian's own complicated relationship.

But don't let that worry you that the plot gets too weighty. This is an utter romp stuffed with haunted hedge mazes, secret identities, sapphic vampire flirtations, and very convincing fake mustaches. A cozy and charming addition to the series.

[Dynisha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one I’ll be sad I finished so quickly!

Dacian and Judith being older is both such a pro and a little of a con as you’d think that would provide them with a lot more sense. Which at times it does, but not always. They still have to communicate and fail to do so when it seems to matter most and get all in their feelings! I really enjoy a book where I can continually develop theories along the way and they literally all prove to be wrong. Close, in a way but still wrong.


I liked to see how Marigold developed in this one too, and Robert. And I hope he gets to keep developing in the next one.

That cliffhanger. How obnoxious. I’ll be waiting for the next one.

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave up on the first read but decided to give it a second try. I'm realizing, I tend to dislike historical romance unless it meets certain boxes. Or would it be regency? I am so unqualified for this review. I'm not a tough critic as many see I give out tons of 5 stars. But if I look at it as a cozy mystery, I find I did enjoy the book.

This is the second in Judith and Dacian's story and it does end on a cliff. I loved the banter and mystery. I would have loved it more with more romantic development. But it was still entertaining and I managed to handle it like a pro. Maybe? I appreciate the arc from Netgalley.

[neebee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh god no what a terribly cliffhanger to end at!
Can’t believe I have to wait basically all year to get closure ugh. This is why I don’t read ongoing series haha

Also it was so fast paced a lot of stuff I wanted more attention paid to was kind of glossed over. There’s also a catty ex in this vying for the male leads affection and her current beau is his childhood best friend (at least according to me) that doesn’t get resolved satisfactorily

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosalie Oaks for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms, which was released November 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read the first book and really enjoyed it. I think this was a really good cozy fantasy. I love that it’s set in this time period. I really enjoy elements of the supernatural. Judith did some personal growth in this book. I would definitely check out more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy supernatural books!

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, appropriately complicated, but still.

Their little band of misfits come together to clear the Duke. But then there is some magic stuff. A bunch of people lie. Judith behaves stupidly. If I were the duke, I would have just walked away. The “complications” of the mystery are well written. But, silly romantic ending. Sigh.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great regency adventure with romance

There is a little more angst than I like, but the story is good, filled with unexpected plot twists, although it has a cliffhanger ending. There is definitely humor, which balances the bad things that happen. The older protagonists are a plus, and the vampiri are fun.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this ebook.
As with the first book, I really enjoy the characters in this series. A very light and fun read, with an engaging mystery.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cauldron filled c to the H e brim with troops. There regency period, second chance romance, mystery, magic, vampires and mid life romance. Overall it was fast paced, well written and entertaining. Dacian is hot chocolate himself.

[Amena · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic second book

This was a fantastic second book in Lady Avely’s series, and I quite enjoyed her determinedly mature way of trying to undo a mystery and navigate her feelings at the same time.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so much fun. Love that the protagonists are in the second act of their lives and the subtle elements of magic throughout. The vampire friends are a bonus too!

Fans of the Veronica Speedwell and Lady Sherlock series should add this one to their TBR as well!

[T. S. Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great offer from Rosalie Oaks. This one has it all, Charm, excitement, romance, a double mystery past and present, and of course the delightful humour we know and love