An assassin and her mark might find love amidst the turmoil of a technology war between steam and electricity if they can learn to trust each other...
Louisa Stanton, madame and assassin, has another assignment to eliminate an enemy of the Crown. Normally she does her duty without asking too many questions, but something about this assignment has her hesitating. And it’s not just the blue-grey gaze of the handsome lord she was sent to kill.
John Griffin, the Earl of Melton, can imagine more than one reason an assassin is standing in his house with a blade pressed to his neck. Too bad he has no intention of dying. Not even at the hands of the darkly sensual assassin sent to kill him.
When he convinces her to help him find who ordered his death, nothing about their alliance goes as planned. Not when his mother mistakes his would-be-killer for his fiancé, and not when they steam up the sheets. The question is, can they discover who is behind his kill order before everything falls apart in a tangle of secrets and lies?
Sorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day…okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband.
She is a long time lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too!
4.5 stars Seducing the Assassin is the first book in The Ladies League series by Sorcha Mowbray. Although I had not read anything by this author before, I had heard good things about her writing, and I can honestly say she lives up to the hype. Louisa Stanton, the protagonist, is a madame with a twist—she is also a skilled assassin who never misses her mark. Her talents bring her into contact with John Griffin, the Earl of Melton, who proves to be a formidable opponent. Together, they uncover a world filled with lies, secrets, personal agendas, and political intrigue. Amid their adventure, a romantic tension develops between them. This Victorian steampunk tale was a pleasure to read. The story features a range of well-developed characters, and Sorcha has crafted a complex and intriguing world that was easy to get lost in. While I am not typically a fan of historical romance, the steampunk elements made this story anything but ordinary. I look forward to exploring more of Sorcha’s work if it's anything like this one.
This is only my 7th book by Sorcha Mowbray. I have really liked her writing and her stories. Her genre is more Victorian and I am more Regency (Victorian sometimes tends to read too modern for me).
With that being said, as a Regency snob, I wasn't into the whole steam engines, steam bikes, air ships, etc. not my favorite. BUT I really did like this story. I enjoyed the adventures of Lou and Griff. I liked them as a couple. Sex was hot. Overall a good story. Hated that it ended with a cliff hanger. I know it says Book 1 which implies more books to come but it ended unfinished. That is unusual for most of my reads. I also noticed she didn't have anything about the next book at the end of the book so I looked on fantasticfiction.com to see if it listed when book 2 was coming out and I see this book actually came out in 2018. The I looked again on Amazon and it shows release date for this book was Feb 18, 2025. So not sure what is going on and if she re-released this book and intends to finish the series. Who knows! UGH so frustrating.
This book delivers everything—danger, passion, and a heart-pounding romance set against the backdrop of a high-stakes technology war. Lou is a fierce, no-nonsense assassin, and Griff is a sharp, determined earl who refuses to go down without a fight. Their chemistry is scorching. From their very first encounter—when she’s literally holding a blade to his throat—the tension crackles, and it only gets hotter from there.
The intrigue keeps you hooked, the romance sizzles, and the unexpected moments of humor (like Griff’s mother mistaking Louisa for his fiancée) add the perfect touch of charm. If you love enemies-to-lovers, high-stakes mystery, and a steampunk world brimming with danger and desire, this book is a must-read!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
There are five rules to being an assassin. Know the mark Do not humanize the mark Do not speak to the mark Leave no evidence you were there Do not fall in love with the mark
Louise ”Lou” Stanton was about to break all five when she was given the job to kill Lord John “Griff” Griffin, the Earl of Melton. As the Madame Laroux of The Market Brothel, Lou led a double life. Griff was doing his best to work in his laboratory without ever giving up his identity as the Lord of the Cogs. Even his friends, Cole and Dell, were unaware of his secret. He kept feeling as though someone was watching him. At home in his library, he was sitting in a chair and appeared to be asleep. Lou entered the window to kill him, but she hesitated. She hadn’t seen anything that would reveal that he was anything but a good person. Her hesitation cost her. Unable to kill Griff after he fought her and pinned her, Lou felt something more for the man. Griff demanded to know who wanted him dead. Unable to answer his question, they both wondered if the feelings they both felt meant something more.
An unpredictable plot graces the pages of this romantic novel. The vivid details depict the appearance of the characters. Their thoughts alternate throughout the story and it is easy to connect with both of them. Seeing how both felt betrayed in their past, it is understandable that Griff and Lou hesitate to fully trust others. Griff fully supports steam power and is a leader for the common man, the Tinkers. The elite wanted to harness electricity to power everything; they were Voltacrats. The two factions were at odds with one another, which places Griff in the middle of everything since he was a member of Parliament. Lou refuses to tell Griff her name and her handler’s information. Griff fears Lou’s rejection if he tells her about his “tinkering.” The suspense builds as an assassin madame finds herself as the protector of the man she was ordered to kill. The slow-burn romance keeps both characters at odds and keeps me from putting this book down. I rate The Assassin’s Guide To Falling in Love five stars. There is steam that powers more than one way and it is better suited for adult romance fans.
Five Rules for Successful Assassins: 1. Know the mark 2. Do not humanize the mark 3. Do not speak to the mark 4. Leave no evidence you were there 5. Do not fall in love with the mark…
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love is the first book in The Ladies League by Sorcha Mowbray. I stumbled upon Ms. Mowbray on Bookbub and have read a few instalments in her Lustful Lords series- but I have to say that this is by far my favourite of hers, so far. This is an historical romance/Victorian romance set in 1848 with plenty of steampunk vibes, mystery, secrets, intrigue, drama, danger, chemistry, spice, agendas/plots, twists, emotion, action, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, assassins, and adventure- with way more going on than first meets the eye. A female assassin with a dual identity gets a new assignment to ‘take out’ the Earl of Minton. Being a very accomplished and deadly assassin, this should be an ‘easy’ job. Right? But things don’t quite go according to plan, and she soon finds herself working with the Lord to get to the bottom of a sinister plot. And so the adventure begins… I really loved the whole ‘female assassin league’ element to this story and immediately connected with Lou (Louisa). Griff was such a fantastic character too… the inventor side of him, along with the assassin side of Lou, really made this an original and highly engrossing read. This story was quite addictive, and I loved the way Ms. Mowbray’s little twists and other intriguing elements really elevated this ‘historical romance’ above others, and not just in the same genre. The secrets, duels identities, assassins, action, plots, twist, danger, and suspense made for a truly riveting read, and is one of my favourite books of the year so far. And I CAN. NOT. WAIT. for Book #2 to release to see where we go from here!!! If you love historical romance, historical adventures, action, steampunk vibes, fantastic characters, and a riveting storyline- then you won’t want to miss diving into this book asap. Happy Reading…
Five Rules for Successful Assassins: 1. Know the mark 2. Do not humanize the mark 3. Do not speak to the mark 4. Leave no evidence you were there 5. Do not fall in love with the mark…
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love is the first book in The Ladies League by Sorcha Mowbray. I stumbled upon Ms. Mowbray on Bookbub and have read a few instalments in her Lustful Lords series- but I have to say that this is by far my favourite of hers, so far. This is an historical romance/Victorian romance set in 1848 with plenty of steampunk vibes, mystery, secrets, intrigue, drama, danger, chemistry, spice, agendas/plots, twists, emotion, action, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, assassins, and adventure- with way more going on than first meets the eye. A female assassin with a dual identity gets a new assignment to ‘take out’ the Earl of Minton. Being a very accomplished and deadly assassin, this should be an ‘easy’ job. Right? But things don’t quite go according to plan, and she soon finds herself working with the Lord to get to the bottom of a sinister plot. And so the adventure begins… I really loved the whole ‘female assassin league’ element to this story and immediately connected with Lou (Louisa). Griff was such a fantastic character too… the inventor side of him, along with the assassin side of Lou, really made this an original and highly engrossing read. This story was quite addictive, and I loved the way Ms. Mowbray’s little twists and other intriguing elements really elevated this ‘historical romance’ above others, and not just in the same genre. The secrets, duels identities, assassins, action, plots, twist, danger, and suspense made for a truly riveting read, and is one of my favourite books of the year so far. And I CAN. NOT. WAIT. for Book #2 to release to see where we go from here!!! If you love historical romance, historical adventures, action, steampunk vibes, fantastic characters, and a riveting storyline- then you won’t want to miss diving into this book asap. Happy Reading…
Sorcha Mowbray’s The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love is a delightful blend of steampunk adventure, sizzling romance, and high-stakes intrigue. With an assassin torn between duty and desire, and an aristocrat fighting to uncover the truth, this novel offers readers a thrilling ride through a vividly imagined world where steam and electricity are at odds.
Louisa Stanton is a compelling heroine — fierce, intelligent, and dangerously skilled. Her life as both a Madame and a lethal assassin adds layers of complexity to her character, making her internal struggle all the more engaging. Sent to eliminate John Griffin, the Earl of Melton, she expects just another mission. What she doesn’t anticipate is the undeniable attraction between them or the tangled web of secrets that threatens them both.
John, with his sharp wit and unwavering determination, is the perfect match for Louisa. His refusal to simply accept his fate, combined with his growing desire to uncover the truth, makes him an equally captivating lead. The chemistry between the two crackles from their first deadly encounter, evolving into a passionate and emotional connection that feels authentic and hard-won.
Mowbray’s steampunk setting enhances the story, providing a richly atmospheric backdrop of mechanical marvels and political tension. The ongoing conflict between steam and electric power adds intrigue and stakes to the plot, making the twists and turns all the more satisfying. Additionally, the humorous subplot involving John’s mother mistaking Louisa for his fiancée offers moments of levity that balance the novel’s darker themes.
For readers who crave historical romance with a twist, The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love delivers in every way. It’s a tale of forbidden desire, reluctant alliances, and the exhilarating possibility of redemption. With sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and plenty of steam — in both the mechanical and romantic sense — Mowbray’s novel is a thoroughly entertaining read that will leave fans eager for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Assassin's Guide to Falling in Love is book one in The Ladies League series. It is a steampunk historical romance full of danger, drama, action, mystery, suspense, adventure assassins, chemistry, passion, emotion, secrets, lies, and dual identities, with an enemies to lover’s twist. The story centers around the main character of Louisa, who runs a double life. She is a madame who runs the Market Brothel as well as a skilled assassin who is known to never miss her mark. Louisa, AKA Lou, has always abided by the Five Rules to Being an Assassin: (1) Know the mark; (2) Do not humanize the mark; (3) Do not speak to the mark; (4) Leave no evidence you were there; and (5) Do not fall in love with the mark. Those rules were easy to follow up until up until the time that she receives her newest assignment which is to eliminate an enemy of The Crown.
The assignment introduces her to Lord John Griffon the Earl of Melton. John has no idea why an assassin has been sent to kill him and is not willing to die just that easily. John Griffin, AKA Griff, also has a double life. He has felt as though someone is watching him lately but has not been able to figure out who it is, or why, when he has been so careful to not reveal his secret life to anyone. When Lou attempts to kill Griff, she hesitates, and he puts up a fight. Something tells Lou that Griff is not a danger and the two decide to figure out who wants him dead. Together him and Louisa try to determine who put the contract out on him. The two quickly discover a world full of secrets, lies, political intrigue, and personal agendas. As John and Louisa spend time together the romantic tension grows between them and the passion begins to build. As the story progresses, we learn more about each character that makes both relatable and understandable. Both Lou and Griff lead secret double lives and find it hard to fully trust anyone or even each other. This book was hard to put down with its riveting storyline and complex but interesting characters. I am looking forward to book number two in the series.
Louisa is a madam and an assassin. She works with the government by taking out enemies of the country. And what better way to get information than to employ ladies of the night to find out the secrets shared in the most intimate of moments? She has her system well defined and is on top of her game. Until one night when she gets a message to meet her handler, but it is not her handler there to meet her. Everything changes, and any good assassin knows that change is not good. As she pursues her mark, despite her inner turmoil, she finds that her mark is not so easy to defeat. In fact, she ends up in a tenuous relationship with said mark to find out who is pulling the strings, and how they tapped into her network. Can Louisa guard her heart against a mark that is up to challenge her? Or will they end up making a better team than expected?
This is the first book of a series, and it is setting up to be quite interesting! There is a lot going on in this book, but definitely in a good way. I left out so much in the above description, on purpose, because you have to read it to get it all! I enjoyed the characters and the letting go of a dream that was made out of self-protection to avoid an even deeper hurt. It was easy to feel pulled into the storyline of when you are so lost that you cannot imagine having someone in your corner, let alone a partner equal to all your needs. Please keep in mind this is an adult novel.
Louisa Stanton is a Madame by day and an assassin by night, an unusual combination, but one which allows her the freedom to continue with both careers. John Griffin is the Earl of Melton, an upstanding member of parliament and someone who straddles the thin line between the brewing discussion of electricity and steam power, one which can become heated at times, but one which he inwardly supports more than the other.
When a new assignment from the Crown comes through the doors of her establishment, she goes through her usual routine, but something is different this time, the courier is unusually cold and the portfolio is unusually empty, however, she decides to follow her usual processes and look into her new mark. Meanwhile John settles down for a night of paperwork in his study when all of a sudden, there is a knife to his neck, so when he fights off the intruder he is shocked to find it is a woman!
This is the moment when everything changes as the two's eyes meet and all sentiments of killing leave and the realisation that something is definitely wrong, especially as the two converse and eventually decide to work together to see who is behind this threat. This is a romantic suspense set in a dystopian past where secrets, lies and treachery abound as a tangled web of alliances is undone, all while a current of attraction builds between two unlikely allies in this story which will pull you in and keep you there until the end.
This is the first book in The Ladies League. This was a really interesting read. The author did an incredible job of setting the scenes and transporting the reader back to the time period. I actually felt like I was there. I loved Lou. She is one strong determined lady and she has to be, as she leads her double life in two of the most demanding roles around, madam of a brothel and also a trained assassin for the crown. For Lou this started off as another normal job. When she gets her orders for a target she knows what she has to do and she had never had a problem with that until she meets John Griffin, the Earl of Melton.
There is a chemistry between them from the start and to Lou something seems off about this target. When John asks Lou to work with him to find out who ordered the hit on him and why things don't go to plan. When Lou is mistaken as his fiancée and things between them cross the line from professional to personal what will the outcome be for this couple. One of the main rules for an assassin is not to fall for your target so what happens when Lou ignores that rule. Can they work out who issued the kill order before it's too late?
I did enjoy this story and was gripped from the beginning. It was nice to read a story with a strong female lead and how the male lead complimented her. I look forward to reading more.
Louisa "Lou" Stanton AKA Madame Laroux has been given a new mark. It didn't come from the person who usually delivered the details but it was still someone who was against the crown. Louisa did want to get out the line of work that used her skills of stealth and murder but she was the best. When she learns that John "Grif" Griffin, The Earl of Melton, is her mark she devises her plan. At first she doesn't have any chances of catching him unaware until he leaves the window to the library where he had been reading open. Upon seeing him in the chair looking handsome and peaceful she has a moment of hesitation and decides not to follow through with making sure he didn't walk the Earth any longer. That one moment gave him the opportunity to catch her off her guard and wrestle her to the ground. He demands she tell him who put the hit on him but she doesn't even know. John begs her to help him find who put out the hit and she concedes as she realizes the hit didn't originate with the crown. As they spend more time together things heat up and Louisa finds herself breaking all of her rules.
I enjoyed the action this book offered. It was easy to read and follow. It does leave us on a cliffhanger and I know that's a turn off for a lot of people but I promise this book is worth waiting to see what will happen in the next installment.
Louisa is an assassin working for the crown, her cover being a madame in a brothel. Her next target seems different from the usual targets. Firstly, it was someone different than her regular handler delivering the information. She can’t help but feel suspicious about this job. The target is an Earl by the name of John Griffin.
Louisa takes pride in her work. She has never messed up a job but this man made her hesitate which is new for her. John convinces Louisa to spare him and help him figure out why the crown wants him dead. When she is mistaken as John’s fiance, they decide to go with it and use it as a cover while they work on this mystery.
I really enjoyed this book. Louisa is a complex and cool character. She hides behind her mask, sometimes quite literally, so no one will figure out the real her. There is some political standings between electricity and steam powered things as the book is set in Victorian times, Louisa remains neutral in the eyes of the public but secretly prefers steam. She uses some cool gadgets throughout the book. I don’t normally go for steampunk romances but I am happy I gave this one a try!
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love by Sorcha Mowbray is set in London during the Victorian steampunk era. Louisa Stanton “Lou” is a female assassin for the government/crown who runs a brothel as her cover. The story begins as she is triggered to receive her next assignment, but something is off from the start.
As Lou is set to complete the assignment, her target, Lord John Griffin “Griff”, the Earl of Melton, wakes up to Lou holding a knife to his throat. Griff convinces Lou to help him find out who wants him dead as Lou realizes this assignment did not come from the crown. As they embark on the adventure to solve this mystery, Lou finds herself falling for Griff.
This book has it all: action, adventure, suspense, plot twists, secrets, spice danger… the list never ends. The best part is that this book is the first in the female assassin’s series. I cannot wait to continue reading this series and this author. Sorcha Mowbray is an extremely talented author who packs everything anyone could ever hope for in this book. I recommend this book and this author to everyone!
The Assassin's Guide to Falling in Love (The Ladies' League, Book 1) by Sorcha Mowbray. This is a wonderful historical romance and a enemies to lovers read. It's the story of Lou (Louisa) who is a hired assassin who is undercover as a Madam who employs ladies of the night in 1848. This set up gives her all kinds of information from her girls who get the men to speak during their visits. When Lou is hired to take out an Earl by the name of John but this task seems off. A different person gave her the instructions and it all seems a little weird. In the process John befriends Lou and tries to get her to help him figure out why they want him dead. Along the way, Lou catches feelings for John and is caught off guard but his turn of events. While trying to figure everything out John takes her into pretending to be is Finance during this and see if they can find out what is really going on. Will they end up more than friends and especially no enemies or will Lou carry thru her orders? Such a fun read with action, mysteries, emotions, spice, love and all the feelings.
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love is an exciting steampunk romance that establishes The Ladies League series. Lou is an assassin and when her latest assignment seems a little different from usual she approaches it with caution and ends up on a mission to find out who wants the attractive and seemingly harmless Earl of Melton dead, and why.
This book strikes a good balance between action, intrigue and romance. Lou spends a lot of time breaking into different buildings and getting into fights as she tries to gather the clues she needs to work out what is happening.
The narrative switches between the points of view of the two main characters. This is mostly easy enough to follow and means we can piece together some parts of the story before they do.
I particularly like Captain Chapman and his crew! I hope we get to see more of them in later books, they were a lot of fun.
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of steampunk settings and action-packed romances.
I typically don't read a lot of historical romances but this first book in Sorcha Mowbray's The Ladies League series just might change that. In 1848 Victorian London, Lou who is also known as Madame LaRoux the owner of The Market, the brothel which serves as her cover for being a crown assassin. Her newest dossier arrives and Lou already has questions to it's validity. Lord Melton, Griff, fights back when Lou seizes her opportunity at his home. He convinces Lou that she's making a grave error. Her concerns and Griff's reasoning convince her that she needs to investigate more. What follows is an amazing tale full of steam punk, deadly intrigue, a wonderful cast of characters, and enough mystery/suspense to keep the story flowing. The chemistry between Lou and Griff is palpable and oh so delightfully written. While there are plenty of spicy scenes I felt that they don't overpower the book and are well written. As I not so patiently wait for the next book to come out I will definitely be checking out the authors previous books.
I enjoyed this captivating romance which had a mystery to solve and a steampunk vibe. I loved the heroine of the story, madame and assassin Louisa Stanton. Set during the Victorian era the descriptive narrative really brought this time period to life. Louisa’s next assignment is to kill an enemy of the crown, John Griffin, the Earl of Melton. Usually she does her duty without asking questions, but finds herself hesitating as she holds a blade pressed against his neck. Finding an assassin in his home isn’t that surprising to Griff, and he’s able to convince Louisa to help him find who ordered his death. However, their alliance gets complicated when Griff’s mother mistakes Louisa for her son’s fiancé. They also find it difficult to ignore their growing attraction for one another. The chemistry between Louisa and Griff sizzled off the page and resulted in some steamy scenes. I found the storyline intriguing, especially as it’s set during a time of turmoil between steam and electricity. I look forward to future books in this new series.
Set in the mid-1800s, the rivalry between steam and electricity intensifies, mirroring the tension between a government assassin and her target.
Louisa, known as Lou, is a successful madam with an exclusive clientele, cleverly concealing her clandestine role as an assassin for the government alongside the other women she has trained. Her suspicions are aroused when she receives an assignment that feels unusual. Even more perplexing is her encounter with Griff, the Lord of Minton; he doesn’t fit the profile of her usual targets, and she finds herself unable to kill him.
Together, Lou and Griff set out to discover who is trying to kill him and why. However, Griff harbours secrets of his own that he is determined to keep hidden from Lou.
Lou and Griff are compelling characters, well-developed and intriguing. Their interactions as a couple feel authentic and believable.
The story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, creating a captivating steampunk mystery romance. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Sorcha Mowbray’s The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love is an intriguing mix of historical romance, steampunk elements, and action-packed suspense. Set in an alternate Victorian London where steam and electricity compete for dominance.the novel follows Louisa Stanton, an assassin who runs a brothel, and John Griffin, an earl who survives her attempt on his life. Mowbray does a fantastic job blending romance and adventure. Louisa is a strong, independent protagonist who isn’t easily swayed by emotion, making her slow-burn romance with Griffin all the more satisfying. The chemistry between them is intense, but the book takes its time building trust between the characters rather than rushing into romance. If you enjoy strong heroines, brooding yet honorable heroes, and a mix of danger and passion and with a twist of espionage will likely find plenty to enjoy. I look forward to reading more from this author
This is the first book I have read from this author and I’m now hooked. This is the first book of soon to be a great series called The Ladies League. I have not read a sci-fi romance before and let me tell you I am in love. I fell in love with these characters right from the start. They had an amazing connection that kept me reading. I devoured this book in hours and I can’t wait until the next book.
Louisa Stanton is a well known madame and assassin. She never asks questions about her mark. Louisa alway got her job done until she meets her new mark. She sees something in his eyes that she wants answers from. Louisa’s new mark is the very handsome John Griffey, who is the Earl of Melton. They both team up to get to the bottom of who ordered the hit on him and why. Louisa is also mistaken for his new fiancé and they don’t want to disappoint anyone in his family so they play along. Will they get strong feelings for eachother or will they end still being enemies in the end?
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love by Sorcha Mowbray is an exhilarating blend of danger, passion, and intrigue set against a captivating steampunk backdrop. Louisa Stanton is a fierce and intelligent assassin, and John Griffin, the charming yet cunning Earl of Melton, proves to be her most unexpected challenge. Their chemistry crackles from the first encounter, pulling readers into a whirlwind of deception, reluctant trust, and undeniable desire.
Mowbray masterfully balances high-stakes action with sizzling romance, crafting a story that is both heart-pounding and deeply emotional. The intricate world-building of a war between steam and electricity adds a unique layer to the plot, making the novel feel fresh and immersive. With sharp dialogue, compelling characters, and a mystery that keeps you on edge, this book is an absolute must-read for fans of steampunk romance and daring love stories.
I enjoyed reading this fantasy romance story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their ability to bring their characters to life. They are creative and unique. I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world with ease and kept me there to the end. This is a well written story about what happens when the assassin Lousia and her mark John have chemistry but a relationship of no trust. Will they find who put the mark on John? Will they learn to trust each other before everything falls? I enjoyed these characters and what they brought to the story. They made the story easy and entertaining to read. They have great growth throughout which kept me wanting to know what would happen with them. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and engaging. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
Steam Punk at its finest! Victorian England 1848 and the Tinkers (of the Free Steam Consortium) and the Voltacrats (favoring electricity) are at odds regarding who shall dominate the Industrial Revolution. Loiusa (Lou) Stanton, madam of a well-established brothel The Market, and paid assassin for Queen and Country, has received an assignment. Only this time her orders did not come from her handler Holton (Holt) Walker. Her target – Lord John Griffin, Earl of Melton, member of the House of Lords. But something doesn’t feel right. You see, her targets are typically men who are an imminent threat to the realm and so far, Lou hasn’t discovered why he is such a theat. Will she be able to accomplish her assignment while keeping to her 5 Rules for a Successful Assassin? Mowbray’s prose is clever, imaginative and steamy in every sense of the word!
Sorcha Mowbray has completely intrigued me with The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love. I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait for the rest of the series to be completed. I will be biding my time by going through her previous books while I wait. I’m not usually one to go for historical romance, but this… This is amazing! Lou is a madam and an assassin charged with killing Griff, but it’s all a bit too suspicious. Lou is quick, cunning, and very smart with a bit of sass thrown in. Griff is from the higher echelon of society, but harbors a few secrets. The story is told very well and I am so here for it. Sorcha has written this beautifully and I love the word play used throughout the book. I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen!
4 Stars The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love (The Ladies League, Book 1) By Sorcha Mowbray
The Assassin’s Guide to Falling in Love is the first book in The Ladies League Series. This is a Romance/Sci-Fi Romance that will definitely have you turning the pages till the end. This is a fairly new author to me. I like their style for the most part. Some parts didn’t seem to match the era but I can overcome that small thing. The characters are developed, creative, complex and pretty bad a**. . Louisa is a assassin and a madam who works with the government to and takes out those who are enemies of the country. She’s wicked good. All things are going good until the night things change. You guys I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to blow it and give away to much. Im eagerly looking forward to reading more from this Author.
I could not put this book down; it was such a great read that has everything I love in a story! Action, adventure, mystery, steamy romance, and a very intriguing storyline to follow. I am so excited to read the next book in The Ladies League series, especially in the characters that continue to be as feisty as Louisa. The character development was amazing, each one carries a story all their own that just pulls you in as you learn of their journey to get to where they are in life. The plot of the story is so deeply cast, that you cannot help but be drawn into the mysteries that await you around every turn. Add in a hot steamy romance between Louisa and her mark, and you've got a lot of drama that unfolds, but that's what makes it such a spicy read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery, with love and death, and of course an assassin. @Brandy Rymer 02/2025
Louisa is a madam and an assassin assigned to kill a Lord. Working for the government who take orders from the Crown. Unlike her other assignments there didn’t seem to be much information on her mark. The handwriting didn’t match her normal handler. After tailing her mark Lou attempts to kill Lord John Griffin but he is able to unarm her. Since he knew that there was a hit out for his life, Griff persuaded Lou to work with him to find out who had hired Lou to kill Griff. Each has trust issues and as Lou gains strong feelings, she learns a huge secret that Griff was keeping from her. Breaking her trust Lou plans to just find out who ordered the hit on the Lord and sever their relationship. This was the first book I have read by this author and I undeniably enjoyed the book. The story line was sweet and yet taboo of sorts. A must read if you enjoy Victorian romance.
I try not to judge ahead of time how a book selection turns out and I’m so glad I gave this new read a try! It is a great mix of action, mystery, rom-com and spice. As soon as you start reading this selection, the story moves from quick introduction of characters and right into the main action of the story and progresses to the next part. Louisa or Lou, is an assassin hired by the government and given assignments as needed. Her latest assignment, the Earl of Melton, John Griffin, is puzzled when he finds Lou with a knife to his throat and demands information from him as to who wants him murdered. Lou and John emerge as an alliance figuring who wants him murdered and end up acting as a couple to ward off suspicion. Attraction grows as the case moves forward and it is quite entertaining reading what unravels.
This is the first book I had read by this author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a thrilling and steamy tale that blends suspense, romance, and a unique war. The character development pulled me in, and I was invested in the characters immediately. Louisa and John have such an incredible back-and-forth. The chemistry between them is palpable, especially when mistaken identities and sizzling tension lead to steamy encounters. The book expertly mixes action with romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as secrets and lies unfold. The characters are dynamic and layered, with Louisa’s internal struggle and John’s resilience making for an engaging read. This story is a captivating, fast-paced romance that proves even in the midst of chaos, trust and love can bloom.