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Surprised Heirs #1
Her Magnificent Mistake
He's back in her life, and his life is in her hands!
Lady Marcia Calderbank has done her best to lose the lady wearing trousers, campaigning for women's suffrage...why, she's even taken on dangerous investigative missions for her brother's detective agency! At thirty-two, she's happily unmarried and completely concerned by the way Society has scorned her.
But her latest mission will require her remembering everything her mother taught her about propriety.
Because the Crown has demanded she prove that "Hawk" Hawthorne, the new Baron Tostinham, is guilty of murder. And Hawk--her brother's best friend--is demanding she save him, by proving to Society he's the gentleman she knows him to be. So what's it going to be? Her loyalty to her brother, her lover, and her heart...or her loyalty to the Crown?
If she waits too long to decide, the choice will be taken from her.
A fabulous start to a new super-spicy, laugh-out-loud series from the queen of HistRomCom, Caroline Lee!
Lady Marcia Calderbank has done her best to lose the lady wearing trousers, campaigning for women's suffrage...why, she's even taken on dangerous investigative missions for her brother's detective agency! At thirty-two, she's happily unmarried and completely concerned by the way Society has scorned her.
But her latest mission will require her remembering everything her mother taught her about propriety.
Because the Crown has demanded she prove that "Hawk" Hawthorne, the new Baron Tostinham, is guilty of murder. And Hawk--her brother's best friend--is demanding she save him, by proving to Society he's the gentleman she knows him to be. So what's it going to be? Her loyalty to her brother, her lover, and her heart...or her loyalty to the Crown?
If she waits too long to decide, the choice will be taken from her.
A fabulous start to a new super-spicy, laugh-out-loud series from the queen of HistRomCom, Caroline Lee!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
121 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 18, 2026
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (really enjoyed her spicy scenes and the balance of emotions and details)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I combined a few acts into one scene because they were close together so it might feel hotter to you)
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? a mix but maybe plot?
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: very soon in, chapter 1 of 15, about 8%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: It won series of the month in Upturned Petticoats so I decided to give it a try.
Mains: Maxwell Hawthorne (Hawk) and Lady Marcia Calderbank – This is a M/F romance between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I dove in here. If you want the full background, start with Surprise! Dukes series (and don’t forget The Surprised Dukes’ Heirs)
Basic plot:
Marcia is horrified that her prior flame is a murder suspect – but she plans on using their past to get information from him and complete the mission.
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance – Victorian – 1890s
- murder mystery
- detective heroine
- second chance – it’s been ten years since they had an affair
- brother’s best friend
- forester turned Baron hero
- abandoned cottage fun
- unexpected inheritance
- medium – 3 full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 32, hero is a bit older, didn’t catch his age
First line:
The curtains were down, blocking all view into the second-floor window of the office used by the Lindsay Group.
My thoughts:
So I have liked Lee’s orcs and kink focused novellas but I’ll admit the other novel I tried from her was a bit TOO Silly and slapstick for me so I wasn’t sure how I’d like this one. As I started it, I felt like maybe I should have read in order to know the characters that were established. It’s second chance and I don’t usually love that (it tends to skip some of my favorite parts of romance). Within the first 20% they only had a brief dance together and I was getting real antsy and thinking I wouldn’t love this novel.
But then I was pretty hooked! Once they went to the hero’s property and there was some close proximity I was much happier. I was eating up the yearning between them both and the misunderstanding...I loved the humor in this one. It had me smirking through plenty of parts (and I can be a total grump about that stuff 😂 )
I loved her spice scenes – there was something emotional about them and I loved the details and thought they were really good! I liked all the characters. I am curious enough to try book 2 as well.
Few random reading stats for this author These include her also writing as Veronika Kane (orc romance)
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 4.6 stars
Favorite book: His Perfect Princess
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (really enjoyed her spicy scenes and the balance of emotions and details)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I combined a few acts into one scene because they were close together so it might feel hotter to you)
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? a mix but maybe plot?
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: very soon in, chapter 1 of 15, about 8%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: It won series of the month in Upturned Petticoats so I decided to give it a try.
Mains: Maxwell Hawthorne (Hawk) and Lady Marcia Calderbank – This is a M/F romance between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I dove in here. If you want the full background, start with Surprise! Dukes series (and don’t forget The Surprised Dukes’ Heirs)
Basic plot:
Marcia is horrified that her prior flame is a murder suspect – but she plans on using their past to get information from him and complete the mission.
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance – Victorian – 1890s
- murder mystery
- detective heroine
- second chance – it’s been ten years since they had an affair
- brother’s best friend
- forester turned Baron hero
- abandoned cottage fun
- unexpected inheritance
- medium – 3 full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 32, hero is a bit older, didn’t catch his age
First line:
The curtains were down, blocking all view into the second-floor window of the office used by the Lindsay Group.
My thoughts:
So I have liked Lee’s orcs and kink focused novellas but I’ll admit the other novel I tried from her was a bit TOO Silly and slapstick for me so I wasn’t sure how I’d like this one. As I started it, I felt like maybe I should have read in order to know the characters that were established. It’s second chance and I don’t usually love that (it tends to skip some of my favorite parts of romance). Within the first 20% they only had a brief dance together and I was getting real antsy and thinking I wouldn’t love this novel.
But then I was pretty hooked! Once they went to the hero’s property and there was some close proximity I was much happier. I was eating up the yearning between them both and the misunderstanding...I loved the humor in this one. It had me smirking through plenty of parts (and I can be a total grump about that stuff 😂 )
I loved her spice scenes – there was something emotional about them and I loved the details and thought they were really good! I liked all the characters. I am curious enough to try book 2 as well.
Few random reading stats for this author These include her also writing as Veronika Kane (orc romance)
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 4.6 stars
Favorite book: His Perfect Princess
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
February 27, 2025
It has been awhile since I have had those truly gripping moments of panic in a story. I think it is the sheer contrast of Caroline Lee’s writing. She embraces a comedic satire while still managing to grasp the heart with deep connection to her characters. I literally ran the gamut from tears, to belly laughs to utter fear and finally to that blissful contentment when the heart is finally realized. This story is packed with fun, often ridiculous humor (the kind that only Caroline can muster), plenty of heat (the dominance and creativity was a delight) and love that is tested (10 years apart would leave anyone with doubts) & true. I adored the similarities between Marcia & his it was truly a bit of just desserts that he’d have a ward as independent, stubborn and strong willed as the love that got away. The Surprise Dukes was so much fun, and I am thrilled that we get to continue their reign in this next generation.
March 4, 2025
This is my 15th book by Caroline Lee. I started reading her since July, 2021. I am glad to see she has a new series out.
I really enjoyed Marcia and Hawk. I loved the storyline and I loved this couple. I don't know if I just don't remember but it seems like this book was way steamier than her other books. Maybe because it's been 9 months and possibly 220 books ago since I read her last book but WOW there was sex, sex, sex. :) I was worried that I would get confused not remembering the family lines but at least for this book it wasn't an issue at all. Totally didn't really come into play. Overall a really good read.
I really enjoyed Marcia and Hawk. I loved the storyline and I loved this couple. I don't know if I just don't remember but it seems like this book was way steamier than her other books. Maybe because it's been 9 months and possibly 220 books ago since I read her last book but WOW there was sex, sex, sex. :) I was worried that I would get confused not remembering the family lines but at least for this book it wasn't an issue at all. Totally didn't really come into play. Overall a really good read.
March 4, 2025
I love Caroline Lee’s ability to create found families that touch the heart, so I was thrilled the get glimpses of the Surprise Dukes couples through their next generation. The conflict in Marcia and Hawk’s second chance romance relied heavily on miscommunication, which is often struggle with. I could put that aside, however, for the fun story with light suspense. A great read!
January 30, 2026
In the first book of the new Surprised Heirs series, the children are all grown up, solving mysteries on behalf of the Crown, and hopefully finding their happily ever after. In this book, Marcia is the lead operative investigating Hawk, who is thought to have recently murdered his predecessors in quick succession as a way to assume a title. Marcia volunteers for the job because she believes a pretense of rekindling their could be an easy “in.” However, things quickly appear not to be as they seem - either in the present or what occurred between them in the past. Did Hawk really murder his family members because he wanted the Tostingham estate? Will Hawk and Marcia overcome the past and have an HEA? You’ll have to read and find out!
Tropes: Second chance, brother’s best friend, miscommunication, mystery, steamy
I received an early version and am leaving a completely voluntary review.
Tropes: Second chance, brother’s best friend, miscommunication, mystery, steamy
I received an early version and am leaving a completely voluntary review.
February 21, 2025
This new series is going to be a cracking one if this first book is anything to go by. The Surprise Duke’s series is one of my favourites and now the next generation is coming in with a bang 💥.
Lady Marcia Calderbank and her step brother Bull have a detective agency that also includes working for the Crown. They are tasked with finding evidence of guilt against Bull’s childhood best friend Maxwell Hawthorne (Hawk); the newest Baron of Tostinham and Marcia’s secret love from ten years ago. He left her broken hearted but could he really have murdered the previous Barons of Tostinham to gain the title and the Tostinham estate he loved? The detective agency’s royal patroness seems adamant he has.
After reconnecting at a Society ball, Marcia was asked to visit Hawk’s Scottish estate Cowal. Marcia wastes no time and turns up at Cowal, unannounced a short time later. She brings her brother, Rupert and her cousin Gabby, disguised as her maid to look for evidence of Hawk’s dastardly deeds.
What follows is a fantastically detailed story full of crazy side characters, hysterical moments and conversations, secret investigations to try to discover the truth of the previous barons, blossoming first love and two people realising that the love and passion they had years ago never died. There’s some really scorching, well written steamy love scenes. It’s such a fun story with tender moments and some angst mixed in to get your pulse racing (if the steamy scenes hadn’t already done that).
I love that Marcia and Hawk are older than many main characters in other books of this era. I also love Hawk’s vulnerability and unconditional love for the important people in his life. His guilt about past mistakes haunt him and he needs to reconcile himself with his past to find true happiness and peace. Marcia’s sassy attitude and no nonsense talk is matched by the young Allie and has not gone unnoticed by Hawk or Marcia. Rupert and Gabby are both hilarious and serious in a geeky way and Bull is the most fashion savvy detective anywhere in the country. The characters are very progressive for the time, especially the female ones which I really enjoyed.
There’s a lovely epilogue to complete Hawk and Marcia’s long awaited happy ever after and a sneak peek at the forthcoming book, which looks amazing.
Ms Lee’s Author Notes has very interesting historical information on things from the book. I found it fascinating and I appreciate the amount of time it must have taken to research the history of places, social movements, sporting interests and ladies undergarments of the time that are in this book.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
Lady Marcia Calderbank and her step brother Bull have a detective agency that also includes working for the Crown. They are tasked with finding evidence of guilt against Bull’s childhood best friend Maxwell Hawthorne (Hawk); the newest Baron of Tostinham and Marcia’s secret love from ten years ago. He left her broken hearted but could he really have murdered the previous Barons of Tostinham to gain the title and the Tostinham estate he loved? The detective agency’s royal patroness seems adamant he has.
After reconnecting at a Society ball, Marcia was asked to visit Hawk’s Scottish estate Cowal. Marcia wastes no time and turns up at Cowal, unannounced a short time later. She brings her brother, Rupert and her cousin Gabby, disguised as her maid to look for evidence of Hawk’s dastardly deeds.
What follows is a fantastically detailed story full of crazy side characters, hysterical moments and conversations, secret investigations to try to discover the truth of the previous barons, blossoming first love and two people realising that the love and passion they had years ago never died. There’s some really scorching, well written steamy love scenes. It’s such a fun story with tender moments and some angst mixed in to get your pulse racing (if the steamy scenes hadn’t already done that).
I love that Marcia and Hawk are older than many main characters in other books of this era. I also love Hawk’s vulnerability and unconditional love for the important people in his life. His guilt about past mistakes haunt him and he needs to reconcile himself with his past to find true happiness and peace. Marcia’s sassy attitude and no nonsense talk is matched by the young Allie and has not gone unnoticed by Hawk or Marcia. Rupert and Gabby are both hilarious and serious in a geeky way and Bull is the most fashion savvy detective anywhere in the country. The characters are very progressive for the time, especially the female ones which I really enjoyed.
There’s a lovely epilogue to complete Hawk and Marcia’s long awaited happy ever after and a sneak peek at the forthcoming book, which looks amazing.
Ms Lee’s Author Notes has very interesting historical information on things from the book. I found it fascinating and I appreciate the amount of time it must have taken to research the history of places, social movements, sporting interests and ladies undergarments of the time that are in this book.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
June 17, 2025
Second Chance & Misunderstandings
3.5/4 The next generation of the large found family from Surprise! Dukes are getting their chance at love and solving crime in the name of the Crown (for real this time). The beloved Bull is back and heads the agency but is biding his time for his own story.
Marcia and Hawk get a second chance at love when Hawk is the sole suspect in a series of coincidental deaths that has allowed him to become the newest Baron. The original characters don’t make an appearance in this book, allowing the heirs to be introduced and be the main focus. I don’t know if we’ll get glimpses in future books of the older couples but didn’t mind that a new page had been turned.
I’ve read a lot of Caroline Lee’s books over the years, and I obviously love them since I keep coming back. I know what to expect when I pick up her books - a lot of steam (usually, the more recent ones definitely), fun and silliness, and complex characters that pull at my emotions. I know all this and usually it works for me but this wasn’t one of my favorites.
There are a lot of misunderstandings in this story and it was a bit too convoluted towards the end. The stance and rationale Bull and Marcia’s have on Hawk’s involvement in their case was weak and as much as I tried, I wasn’t able to get past that.
However, I loved the author’s note and respect the amount of research and knowledge Lee has and then the ability to play into that history and make it fun. So I’ll be back for more of her stories.
Her Magnificent Mistake is the first book in the Surprised Heirs series. A lot of Lee’s series are interconnected and this one follows the Surprised! Dukes series. It could be read as a standalone as a new cast of characters are introduced here.
There is an additional story available, The Surprised Dukes’ Heirs, set five years after the last book in Surprise! Dukes, The Duke’s Mysterious Lover, and ten years before this one. It’s only available on her website and is about 30 pages long. Is it necessary for this book? No, but serves as a bridge between series. And if you can’t get enough of their found family, it’s a quick read that shows Hawk and Marci’s first meeting and told from the POV of the MC in The Duke’s Deceitful Governess.
There are three encounters with a long scene. They’re passionate, a bit rough, and steamy.
3.5/4 The next generation of the large found family from Surprise! Dukes are getting their chance at love and solving crime in the name of the Crown (for real this time). The beloved Bull is back and heads the agency but is biding his time for his own story.
Marcia and Hawk get a second chance at love when Hawk is the sole suspect in a series of coincidental deaths that has allowed him to become the newest Baron. The original characters don’t make an appearance in this book, allowing the heirs to be introduced and be the main focus. I don’t know if we’ll get glimpses in future books of the older couples but didn’t mind that a new page had been turned.
I’ve read a lot of Caroline Lee’s books over the years, and I obviously love them since I keep coming back. I know what to expect when I pick up her books - a lot of steam (usually, the more recent ones definitely), fun and silliness, and complex characters that pull at my emotions. I know all this and usually it works for me but this wasn’t one of my favorites.
There are a lot of misunderstandings in this story and it was a bit too convoluted towards the end. The stance and rationale Bull and Marcia’s have on Hawk’s involvement in their case was weak and as much as I tried, I wasn’t able to get past that.
However, I loved the author’s note and respect the amount of research and knowledge Lee has and then the ability to play into that history and make it fun. So I’ll be back for more of her stories.
Her Magnificent Mistake is the first book in the Surprised Heirs series. A lot of Lee’s series are interconnected and this one follows the Surprised! Dukes series. It could be read as a standalone as a new cast of characters are introduced here.
There is an additional story available, The Surprised Dukes’ Heirs, set five years after the last book in Surprise! Dukes, The Duke’s Mysterious Lover, and ten years before this one. It’s only available on her website and is about 30 pages long. Is it necessary for this book? No, but serves as a bridge between series. And if you can’t get enough of their found family, it’s a quick read that shows Hawk and Marci’s first meeting and told from the POV of the MC in The Duke’s Deceitful Governess.
There are three encounters with a long scene. They’re passionate, a bit rough, and steamy.
March 16, 2025
4.5
Lady Marcia Calderbank Aka Marsh assists her brother Bill in his agency! Her latest assignment is to investigate Maxwell “Hawk” Hawthorne newly minted Baron of Tostinham!
Ten years he stole her heart and gave it back and there never was closure into why? Now she’s to get close to him to make sure he didn’t commit several murders to inherit!? Well how well did she really know the man!
It was definitely awkward seeing him again at the ball much less dance with the man! It definitely didn’t bring any of the old feelings back!
Well Marcia gets a mysterious sapphire glass amulet that is supposed to house a Sprite or Spirit!? It is indeed for protection!
Lady Mistree and old lady who definitely has a fondness for Bull gifts this to Marcia and it plays a significant role in this story!
We have Rupert and Allie looks like some interesting times in their future! Rupert is Marcia younger brother and heir to the Duke of Peasegoode! Who knew this bookworm who loves fauna could be a hero!?
Hopefully you have worked up enough curiosity to read this hilarious first book in the series!
Get ready to groan, laugh out loud and cringe at some of the witty banter! Don’t forget enough steam for a dense fog to your glasses! Bravo great start to the new series!!
Lady Marcia Calderbank Aka Marsh assists her brother Bill in his agency! Her latest assignment is to investigate Maxwell “Hawk” Hawthorne newly minted Baron of Tostinham!
Ten years he stole her heart and gave it back and there never was closure into why? Now she’s to get close to him to make sure he didn’t commit several murders to inherit!? Well how well did she really know the man!
It was definitely awkward seeing him again at the ball much less dance with the man! It definitely didn’t bring any of the old feelings back!
Well Marcia gets a mysterious sapphire glass amulet that is supposed to house a Sprite or Spirit!? It is indeed for protection!
Lady Mistree and old lady who definitely has a fondness for Bull gifts this to Marcia and it plays a significant role in this story!
We have Rupert and Allie looks like some interesting times in their future! Rupert is Marcia younger brother and heir to the Duke of Peasegoode! Who knew this bookworm who loves fauna could be a hero!?
Hopefully you have worked up enough curiosity to read this hilarious first book in the series!
Get ready to groan, laugh out loud and cringe at some of the witty banter! Don’t forget enough steam for a dense fog to your glasses! Bravo great start to the new series!!
February 23, 2025
Lady Marcia Calderbank is a most unique sort of duke’s daughter: confident, lethal, and unmarried at the ripe old age of thirty-two. Some might suspect this is because she’s focused on the dangerous investigative missions she takes on with her brother Bull for their successful detective agency. But a decade ago when she gave her heart to her brother’s best friend Hawk. “Hawk” Hawthorne is the new Baron Tostinham & the Crown thinks he’s guilty of murder & the agency has been tasked with finding the truth.
The start of a new series but we’ve met these characters before as children. I love second generation stories & I love the author’s books & she didn’t disappoint. A delicious second chance romance with a mystery – I loved it & read it straight through. Strong characters, sizzling chemistry, mystery, danger, passion & not forgetting it features Bull. It also the humour, which always makes the author’s books special. I loved Hawk & Marcia & was thoroughly engrossed in their story & highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The start of a new series but we’ve met these characters before as children. I love second generation stories & I love the author’s books & she didn’t disappoint. A delicious second chance romance with a mystery – I loved it & read it straight through. Strong characters, sizzling chemistry, mystery, danger, passion & not forgetting it features Bull. It also the humour, which always makes the author’s books special. I loved Hawk & Marcia & was thoroughly engrossed in their story & highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
February 21, 2025
One Heck-of-Second Chance at Love Story, Not to Miss
Oh dear! Oh my! what a love story this turned out to be. I loved everything about this amazing second chance love story. A certain page turner.
Marcia and Hawk are both wonderful characters who have been reunited after a10 year mistake, now investigating a terrific murder mystery along with reigniting love scenes that you need a lady's fan and gloves for the more than sizzling pages to come.
Their reunion is quite enjoyable. We follow their second chance at love as they search for the villain. That journey is filled to the brim with danger, narrow escapes, family, desirous passion, and so much more with sizzling love scenes.
A delightful beginning of a new series I look forward to reading more.
Mature Advisory: 5/5 Lady's fan, and gloves.
Readers Opinion: Deserves more than 5 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Oh dear! Oh my! what a love story this turned out to be. I loved everything about this amazing second chance love story. A certain page turner.
Marcia and Hawk are both wonderful characters who have been reunited after a10 year mistake, now investigating a terrific murder mystery along with reigniting love scenes that you need a lady's fan and gloves for the more than sizzling pages to come.
Their reunion is quite enjoyable. We follow their second chance at love as they search for the villain. That journey is filled to the brim with danger, narrow escapes, family, desirous passion, and so much more with sizzling love scenes.
A delightful beginning of a new series I look forward to reading more.
Mature Advisory: 5/5 Lady's fan, and gloves.
Readers Opinion: Deserves more than 5 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
March 1, 2025
As expected I remain a Caroline Lee fangirl, I was SO excited to dive in to and ARC for this book and a new series.
"Her Magnificent Mistake" is a fun and flirty second-chance romance that will keep you entertained from beginning to end with a lot of CL's usual brand of humor. Lady Marcia and Hawk have a ton of chemistry, and their banter is hilarious. The mystery surrounding Hawk's past is intriguing, and I was hooked trying to figure out who was telling the truth. This book is perfect for fans of historical romance, and I CAN NOT WAIT to read the next installment in the series.
The book is well-written and fast-paced.
The characters are likable and relatable.
The love scenes are steamy but not overly graphic.
The book has a good balance of humor and suspense.
The ending is satisfying and leaves you wanting more.
"Her Magnificent Mistake" is a fun and flirty second-chance romance that will keep you entertained from beginning to end with a lot of CL's usual brand of humor. Lady Marcia and Hawk have a ton of chemistry, and their banter is hilarious. The mystery surrounding Hawk's past is intriguing, and I was hooked trying to figure out who was telling the truth. This book is perfect for fans of historical romance, and I CAN NOT WAIT to read the next installment in the series.
The book is well-written and fast-paced.
The characters are likable and relatable.
The love scenes are steamy but not overly graphic.
The book has a good balance of humor and suspense.
The ending is satisfying and leaves you wanting more.
March 3, 2025
Lady Marcia Calderbank runs a detective agency in 1890s London with her best friend- stepbrother Bull Lindsay. This funny, sexy second chance romance is first book in a new series should not be missed.
Their contact in the royal family ask Marcia and Bull to bring a murderer to justice. Both are dismayed to learn the suspect is new Baron Tostingham, Maxwell “Hawk” Hawthorne who is Bull’s close friend and Marcia’s former lover. Neither want Hawk to be guilty. Marcia and Hawk realize very quickly that the old spark is still there. But can she keep him alive while they figure out who is framing him?
This is a sexy, funny delight. Hawk and Marcia are combustible, like a 5 alarm fire. Very spicy intimate scenes. There’s Caroline Lee’s signature laugh out loud plot. (Smith-Smythe-Smith. OMG 🤣)
Now, how long do we wait for Bull's story?
Don’t miss this!
Their contact in the royal family ask Marcia and Bull to bring a murderer to justice. Both are dismayed to learn the suspect is new Baron Tostingham, Maxwell “Hawk” Hawthorne who is Bull’s close friend and Marcia’s former lover. Neither want Hawk to be guilty. Marcia and Hawk realize very quickly that the old spark is still there. But can she keep him alive while they figure out who is framing him?
This is a sexy, funny delight. Hawk and Marcia are combustible, like a 5 alarm fire. Very spicy intimate scenes. There’s Caroline Lee’s signature laugh out loud plot. (Smith-Smythe-Smith. OMG 🤣)
Now, how long do we wait for Bull's story?
Don’t miss this!
April 22, 2025
What a great couple!
This was another fantastic romcom from Caroline Lee. Lots of humor, light intrigue, and spice. Hawk and Marcia were great together! Hawk is her older brother’s best friend, and she is the daughter of a Duke. I love that Hawk is more of an outdoorsman - even after he inherits a barony. Marcia may be a duke’s daughter, but she is intelligent, funny, strong, and kind. And Bull - my goodness. It was great to see a brother that was happy to see his sister and best friend get together instead of having some existential crisis over it. I just love Bull’s character and can’t wait to see what happens with him.
These are awesome, light-hearted romances that are worth reading.
This was another fantastic romcom from Caroline Lee. Lots of humor, light intrigue, and spice. Hawk and Marcia were great together! Hawk is her older brother’s best friend, and she is the daughter of a Duke. I love that Hawk is more of an outdoorsman - even after he inherits a barony. Marcia may be a duke’s daughter, but she is intelligent, funny, strong, and kind. And Bull - my goodness. It was great to see a brother that was happy to see his sister and best friend get together instead of having some existential crisis over it. I just love Bull’s character and can’t wait to see what happens with him.
These are awesome, light-hearted romances that are worth reading.
June 15, 2025
Lady Marcia is part of an investigative agency and their next case is to find proof that the latest Baron of a particular title is guilty of murdering about four of his predecessors. Problem is that the suspect is Hawk, her former flame and brother’s best friend. Obviously, he’s not guilty of the crime, and mostly just trying to survive and be a good guardian to his niece. But Marcia doesn’t know that and is all sorts of conflicted about her feelings, especially since she hasn’t seen the man for the past ten years. It’s chaos and a murder plot and seduction, rolled into one steamy and hilarious book.
February 19, 2025
Happy to Recommend This!
This fresh new story clearly shows what could happen if a person acts on something with wrong information about it.
Oh, the angst! And the passion! And the 'eating of crow'! Lol! Just wonderful.
I loved the characters of Marcia and Hawk. They are just perfect for each other and that cover is simply gorgeous.
The other thing which amused me very much, were the brother's highly innovative plans and how they were implemented.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
This fresh new story clearly shows what could happen if a person acts on something with wrong information about it.
Oh, the angst! And the passion! And the 'eating of crow'! Lol! Just wonderful.
I loved the characters of Marcia and Hawk. They are just perfect for each other and that cover is simply gorgeous.
The other thing which amused me very much, were the brother's highly innovative plans and how they were implemented.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
February 27, 2025
Such a wonderful book! I love the children of the Surprise Duke series so much! Bull is my favorite, always, but Marcia is such a strong woman! I must confess that I didn’t like that she believed Hawk to be guilty, but of course many years had passed and he could have changed… Instead poor Hawk was always the same big cinnamon roll of a man and I really felt for him! A little dumb, poor man, but sweet and with an interesting different demeanor in the bedroom… Well written, with some hilarious moment and a little angst that I like very much. Definitely recommended!
February 27, 2025
I’ll start by saying I love Caroline Lee’s storytelling and I love that fan favorite character Bull is in this story. It is a great well written story but I just didn’t find it as funny and as irreverent as I’ve come to expect from her work. I was seriously lacking in lol moments up until Scooby Doo popped up. I had already figured out who the villain was but still getting to read that classic line was fun. As always, the characters are great and so is the steam. Overall, I am looking forward to reading all of this new series.
March 5, 2025
Magnificent
Lady Marcia Calderbank works with her brother in a detective agency. She is thirty two years old and never married because she made a mistake and gave her heart to her brother’s best friend. A mistake that may prove useful when the crown demands she prove Maxwell Hawthorne also known as Hawk to his friends, the new Baron of Tostingham guilty of murder. The problem was she was still in love with him even though he had walked away from her. Soon the truth comes out.
Lady Marcia Calderbank works with her brother in a detective agency. She is thirty two years old and never married because she made a mistake and gave her heart to her brother’s best friend. A mistake that may prove useful when the crown demands she prove Maxwell Hawthorne also known as Hawk to his friends, the new Baron of Tostingham guilty of murder. The problem was she was still in love with him even though he had walked away from her. Soon the truth comes out.
March 7, 2025
Reading "Her Magnificent Mistake" by Caroline Lee felt like coming home to me. You know, that feeling you get when you haven't read an author in a bit start reading and remember why you love her writing so much. Marcia and Maxwell's story is the first release in a next generation spin off from Lee's popular Surprise Dukes series. My only pet peeve in this one is the lack of trust Bull and Marcia had in Max. Especially, Bull who is supposed to be his bestie. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
April 21, 2025
This was good… a little silly…a little goofy…. Hawk and Marcia were in love 10 years ago but a ridiculous misunderstanding had them separated all those years.. Marcia and her brother Bull were investigators and Hawk was a suspect in a murder investigation- that was the excuse to see Hawk again and be near him again —eventually, they admitted they still loved each other- it was so obvious who the murderer was throughout the story… But they were good main characters. Hawke was somewhat of a nincompoop. I liked that Marcia was a very strong, smart, capable woman— three steamy scenes-
February 24, 2025
Marcia and Hawk 🥰
I was waiting to read that new series Surprise heirs! from Caroline Lee for ever and I wasn’t expecting that!!!! If you read the other series Surprise Dukes! Before, you know we were waiting for Bull and heirs from this series to be told. It’s funny, intriguing and full of surprises! I love her writing and i laugh so much reading it! You never know what to expect from her and always a good time and so easy to read. Can’t wait for the rest of the series! Highly recommended!
I was waiting to read that new series Surprise heirs! from Caroline Lee for ever and I wasn’t expecting that!!!! If you read the other series Surprise Dukes! Before, you know we were waiting for Bull and heirs from this series to be told. It’s funny, intriguing and full of surprises! I love her writing and i laugh so much reading it! You never know what to expect from her and always a good time and so easy to read. Can’t wait for the rest of the series! Highly recommended!
March 1, 2025
When the past meets the present
Caroline Lee moves us forward about 20 years in this new Series. The crown has Reason to believe That At least 3Have been killed in Order for Property To be awarded. Is Hawk the killer or is he In danger? When Marcia arrives with others in tow, Hawk doesn't know what to think.
This is a wonderful romp through the burn of Scotland and the characters are fascinating.
Caroline Lee moves us forward about 20 years in this new Series. The crown has Reason to believe That At least 3Have been killed in Order for Property To be awarded. Is Hawk the killer or is he In danger? When Marcia arrives with others in tow, Hawk doesn't know what to think.
This is a wonderful romp through the burn of Scotland and the characters are fascinating.
March 4, 2025
A bit of trust would have helped……..
This book was a second chance romance, but it had a lot of holes for me. The lack of trust and transparency turned me off and lessened the strength of the connection for me. I liked Hawk, but Marcia was not an endearing heroine. I felt a lot of empathy for Hawk. The reasoning of the villain seemed to make no sense. It was a bit of a let down after all that had happened.
This book was a second chance romance, but it had a lot of holes for me. The lack of trust and transparency turned me off and lessened the strength of the connection for me. I liked Hawk, but Marcia was not an endearing heroine. I felt a lot of empathy for Hawk. The reasoning of the villain seemed to make no sense. It was a bit of a let down after all that had happened.
April 12, 2025
Young love lost.
Marcia has loved her brother’s best friend Hawk for 10 years. But he broke her heart back then. Hawk did not think he was good enough for her. When Hawk is the prime suspect in several murders that result in his gain of the Baron title and Tostinham estate, Marcia and her brother Bull must prove him guilty or innocent. The best way for Marcia to do that is to get close to Hawk again. But is that wise.
Marcia has loved her brother’s best friend Hawk for 10 years. But he broke her heart back then. Hawk did not think he was good enough for her. When Hawk is the prime suspect in several murders that result in his gain of the Baron title and Tostinham estate, Marcia and her brother Bull must prove him guilty or innocent. The best way for Marcia to do that is to get close to Hawk again. But is that wise.
February 24, 2025
Oh my! What an amazing start for a new series, it grabs you and pulls you right in, if you love a good historical, spicy murder mystery, then this books for you, Marcia works with her brother at their detective agency, when the man who broke her heart is suspected of murder, who better to investigate than her, but is Hawk really capable of murder?? Well..you just better read and find out!!
February 28, 2025
In the world of Dukes!
This continuation of the children of the Surprise Dukes series has been amazing. Hawk and Marcia's story was detailed and heartfelt while staying true to its roots. I love a great HEA, The Magnificent Mistake is a great tale of delayed gratification and just desserts! Bravo, Caroline!
This continuation of the children of the Surprise Dukes series has been amazing. Hawk and Marcia's story was detailed and heartfelt while staying true to its roots. I love a great HEA, The Magnificent Mistake is a great tale of delayed gratification and just desserts! Bravo, Caroline!
February 28, 2025
Fun Series
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I always enjoy this authors sense of humor. I loved Hawk and Marcia's story and I fell in love with Tostinham. When these two meet again after 10 years sparks fly. A really great read filled with mystery, good friends and romance.
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I always enjoy this authors sense of humor. I loved Hawk and Marcia's story and I fell in love with Tostinham. When these two meet again after 10 years sparks fly. A really great read filled with mystery, good friends and romance.
March 4, 2025
Laugh out loud!
Caroline Lee does a fantastic job of creating characters the readers embrace for their various qualities. Kind, loyal, intelligent, courageous and humorous! She always makes me laugh out loud then read out loud the line that made me laugh. Her writing style adds light to the darkness when it is hard to smile.
Caroline Lee does a fantastic job of creating characters the readers embrace for their various qualities. Kind, loyal, intelligent, courageous and humorous! She always makes me laugh out loud then read out loud the line that made me laugh. Her writing style adds light to the darkness when it is hard to smile.
May 10, 2025
cute story
Short and sweet a continuation of familiar characters all grown up. Marcia’s personality is similar to her as a young girl. The introduction to Hawk and Allie and Lady Mistree add new characters. Lady Mistree adds a little fantasy to the history. This story produces heat entwined with the mystery.
Short and sweet a continuation of familiar characters all grown up. Marcia’s personality is similar to her as a young girl. The introduction to Hawk and Allie and Lady Mistree add new characters. Lady Mistree adds a little fantasy to the history. This story produces heat entwined with the mystery.
March 1, 2025
This was great. The heat between Hawk and Marcia is off the charts. A second chance romance but first Marcia has to decide if Hawk is capable of the murders he is being charged with. She will have to trust her heart and help confirm his innocence so they can live happily ever after.
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