Brilliance and Betrayal

Diamond of the Ton Regency Mystery #1

by Lynn Morrison, Anne Radcliffe

Bridgerton meets spy thriller in this enemies-to-lovers romance.This isn't a standalone romance. This is the beginning of war.

Lady Charity Cresswell and Lord Peregrine Fitzroy are perfectly matched. In ambition. In ruthlessness. In their absolute certainty that they despise each other. She blames him for her kidnapping. He resents her for her family's sins. But when a poisoning at a royal garden party forces them into a dangerous alliance, hatred becomes the least of their problems.

Someone is targeting the Crown. Someone with deep pockets and deadly reach. As Charity and Peregrine dig deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that spans from the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the shadowed alleys of London's underworld. Every clue brings them closer to the truth. And closer to each other.

But trust is a luxury neither can afford. Not when secrets could destroy them. Not when their families have been enemies for generations. Not when falling in love might be the most dangerous choice of all.

Begin the journey in Brilliance and Betrayal, Book One of the Diamond of the Ton trilogy. A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance where the mystery is as tangled as their hearts. Carry on with Shadows and Splendour and finish their epic romance in Radiance and Revenge. The complete trilogy is available to binge read right now.

This series includes tropes readers love

🗡️ Enemies to Lovers🕯️ Forced Proximity🎭 Spy Thriller Romance🔥 Slow Burn💔 He Falls First👑 High Society Intrigue⚔️ Redemption Arc

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

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England and Venice, Italy with her husband, two daughters and three cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consider THE MISSING DIAMOND the first book in the series and suggest reading this series in order. This is the continuing story of Lady Charity Cresswell, Dowager Duchess of Atholl, Lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte and Lord Peregrine Fitzroy, former soldier and spy for the Crown. Caught in the middle of two entities trying to take over the Crown. His own mother is a dangerous woman who drugged and kidnapped Charity. At one time she was engaged to Percy, but her kidnapping forced her to end the engagement. An attempt to poison a prince, reveals some surprises. It's a dangerous game for Percy to protect Charity, the Crown and stop his villainous mother. Moves at a steady pace.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[TrixieB · Rating 1 out of 5]

What. The. Hells.

CW: sexual assault, physical assault, kidnapping, poisoning, vomiting, threats of violence.

She's pissed at him for his part in a kidnapping by his mother that nearly ruined her. So she glared at him.

He retaliates by manhandling her in the maze. So far so gross.

But wait.

He thinks she did something she did not. So without proof or asking her about it, he breaks into her bedroom, locks the door, and sexually assaults her. (Holding someone down in bed while you sit on them and threaten them, is not enemies to lovers. It's just not)

These are not equal situations nor are they equivalent reactions.

This is grotesque. It's not romantic.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political machinations in the Prince Regent’s Court. Deadly enemies trying to outmanoeuvre each other whilst holding onto their dignity and their heads only to realise there is greater foe in the midst and they must work together. This brilliant new story in Morrison and Radcliffe’s Regency series is not a fluffy piece with a happily ever after, rather a battle of wits with an uncertain outcome. Regency England is painted as a beautiful backdrop to this intriguing plot. Charity and Peregrine’s relationship is volatile to say the least. His behaviour leaves a lot to be desired at times and she is still very naive and constantly jumps in without fully thinking through her actions. This first story in the new series can be best described as enemies to tolerance and back to enemies. I can’t wait to read the next instalment

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in A Diamond of the Ton Regency Mystery series is a slow burn enemies to lovers' story. It is full of drama, action, intrigue, deception, misunderstandings, miscommunication, attempted murder, and political turmoil, and is very much connected to the royal family. I enjoyed this very captivating story and how well written the historical facts of this era are. The ending left me wondering what would happen next. I can't wait, but unfortunately, I must wait for the next book. I do recommend reading the prior series, Missing Diamonds first. I recommend reading this, too!

[Rebecca Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audiobooks and loved it. I’m a huge fan of Mary Jane Wells performance on the books. Where I made a mistake with this book is listening to it out of order. It is book 5 in the series I believe. Having said that, I enjoyed the book very much. Now to go back and listen/read the other books in the correct order since this book left a cliff hanger.

[Roisin Gleeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining start to a new historical mystery series. For insight into Lady Charity Cresswell’s sharp and guarded nature, it’s worth reading The Missing Diamond first.

The story begins at a royal event where Charity chaperones Princess Charlotte as she meets her intended, Prince William of Orange. When the prince is poisoned by a drink laced with henbane, suspicion quickly falls on Lord Peregrine Fitzroy. Despite their tense history, Charity and Peregrine team up to uncover the truth.

Packed with court intrigue, secrets, and slow-burn tension, this is a gripping read. While romance isn’t front and center—yet—the dynamic between Charity and Peregrine is one to watch.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this book as an ARC in response for my honest review

[Kellye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in return for my honest review and feedback. If you haven’t read the Crown Jewels series first, you will miss some important backstory that you will want to catch up on first.

If you are looking for a clean romance/mystery, this might be the one for you. While there is definitely sexual tension in the story, this is a simmering romance waiting for a full boil, but it doesn’t come to that full boil in this story.

The characters are complex and flawed, like all humans are. The mystery is deep and at times a bit disturbing in its complexity. Other reviewers have already run through the characters and a bit of the plot line so I won’t repeat those.

I like how the authors are building a complex and complete story for the characters as the story progresses. This story will leave you with a cliffhanger of an ending, and I hope the next installment comes sooner rather than later. I also have high expectations that we will learn even more about Peregrine’s family history and hope we will learn more of Charity’s story as well. I’m still waiting to find out what set these two families on the course they are on in relation to each other.

So if you like a cleaner (and complicated) romance element to your regency era stories, this might be the one for you. If you like to solve some mysteries beyond the relationship itself, this might be the one for you. I enjoyed the story and will be waiting for the next in the series.

[Ka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weird thing I appreciate about this book (as well as one of the books in the prev series) is that it's just a mystery, not a murder mystery, because nobody died -- and yet the authors manage to bring in gobs of intrigue and danger and whatnot anyway. Because really, let's face it, the mystery itself in these kinds of books is just an excuse for all the shenanigans which unfold.

That being said, is this plot GOOD? Ehhhh it's okay. I have finally accepted that major historical figures are important characters with loads of dialogue, and that the main cast, especially Dowager Duchess Charity (who, let me remind you, can't be more than 20 years old), are just gonna run around London doing whatever and absolutely nobody says or does anything about it other than sniff disapprovingly (unless it's to throw a spanner in the works, in which case all of a sudden "propriety" becomes important). If you too can accept this total fantasy Regency setting, then I guess the plot is okay. Apparently some random-ass aristocratic lady (a mere countess!) is capable of the most crazily twisted shenanigans and plots, and her web of intrigue and influence is all-encompassing, etc etc. Yes Perry's mom is still the major villain, not just in the previous series, but continuing into this one! I assume she'll eventually get her comeuppance, and I doubt she'll live past the end of this trilogy, but I also assume that before her eventual end, TRUE karma will hit her in the form of having to see her son in love with Charity.

I was initially interested in this followup from the previous series because Charity seemed like such an interesting character; she's smarter and more cunning than Grace, who managed to somehow bumble through 4 different investigations with niceness and luck, so I was hoping Charity's series would have more actual intelligent deduction and such happening. However, rather than being a series of semi-cozy mysteries like the previous series, these books are ALL about royal intrigue, games of power and manipulation, etc. Actually not really normally my thing, but I did want to find out what happened, so I kept reading even though initially, both main characters seemed difficult to like. If I had not read the previous series and known that despite her cold outward shell, Charity is actually a really kind person, it would have been hard to pick that up from the first third of this book. She and Peregrine are so irrationally angry at one another for imagined slights that you just want to slap them both.

However, once they actually talk, there is a lot of character development and they both become more understandable and more likable, so I was glad I kept with it. I do think that their mutual obsession with having power and influence is what's REALLY ruining their lives... If they REALLY wanted to, they could probably make a few deals, get married, and run off together to Charity's dukedom in Scotland, where they could live safe happy sexy intrigue-free lives away from the court, but it is clear that neither of them would consider this option for even a moment. But then they both cry about how difficult their lives and choices are. Yeah, that'll happen if you want to try to be happy AND game the political system at the highest levels. What the fuck did you THINK would happen?

The most pathetic figure in all this feels like Princess Charlotte, a girl who ACTUALLY has no option to not play these games. Unlike Charity and Peregrine, who (consciously or not) chose to involve themselves in this world and these intrigues, the princess has no other options. She is too valuable as a political pawn to have much of a life of her own. (What is extra sad is that when I looked her up, historically, she DID eventually get to marry a guy she really liked, they lived happily for like a year, and then she died in childbirth at the age of 21. It's really fucked up when you think about it.)

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The ante has well and truly been upped in this first book of the authors’ new series.
When Lynne’s and Anne’s series about Grace and Roland first came out, I didn’t think I’d love it as much as Lynne’s Dora and Rex series. I was wrong. I loved it just as much. So I knew I’d like this new series, as the authors write brilliantly together, but I was still kind of thinking that it wasn’t likely I’d love it as much as the others. Guess what? Holding my hand up 🙋🏼‍♀️ wrong again! And very happy I was to be so too 😁
We first met Charity in The Crown Jewels Regency Mystery series, as Grace’s best friend. She had a lot more poise and confidence than Grace - until something unexpected happens to knock that. You don’t need to have read that series to enjoy this one, but I’d highly recommend doing so, as you’ll get more background on Charity and the events that occurred in book 1, which link into this books’ emerging overall plot 😁
Charity is a strong young woman, but it’s obvious that the aforementioned event (trying not to do spoilers for either series here!) has had an understandably profound effect on her, not least regarding her hatred for the Fitzroy family. And who is the mmc here? Non other than Peregrine Fitzroy! This leads to high emotions that rollercoaster all the way through this first instalment of the beginning of Charity and Perry’s journey together . . . or not together 🤔 A journey that has started with misunderstandings, miscommunication, good intentions gone wrong and lots of angst from both parties. It seems they are star-crossed indeed, but I’m holding out hope for an hea for them - eventually! I’m sure there’s more wringer for them to be put through first, but imo they’re perfect for each other ♥️ And then there’s the action, drama and intrigue, all seamlessly blended with historical facts, people, events and etiquette from that time. And the ending? Oh my dayz, how will they come back from that? 😱 I, for one, am desperate to find out 😁 Thank you for the epilogue though, enabling me to finish reading somewhat calmer than after the last chapter 🫣
The only disappointing thing about this is that I don’t have the next book to read immediately! Roll on summer I say 😆
I’ll just end with the word I started this review with - Wow!

[ElinorsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Charity owes much of her social standing to her connection with Queen Charlotte, a position she very much wants to retain. She’s attending a party with the queen’s granddaughter. Also attending the party is Lord Peregrine Fitzroy, the one man Charity despises more than anyone else. When the princess’ almost-fiancé is poisoned, Charity immediately suspects Peregrine; Peregrine suspects Charity. The two are forced to work together to solve the mystery while walking the thin line to remain in the good graces of the royal family.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. Both main characters have their secrets and backgrounds they are working to overcome. Trusting others also doesn’t come easy for either of them, especially when it comes to trusting each other. If you are looking for a couple who starts out mildly annoyed with each other but are soon overlooking every fault and falling into each other’s arms – this is NOT that story. Instead, settle in for an enemy-to-lovers with slow burn and tension, and political intrigue on the side.

I haven’t read many books with this much connection to the regency-era royal family. It was interesting to see Charity carefully weighing every word and expression she had when with Queen Charlotte. Likewise, Peregrine had to deal with the Prince Regent “Prinny” and his clueless and over-indulgent ways. They dealt with everything much better than I would have!

Note: I went into this book almost completely blind. I saw it was a regency mystery (one of my favorite sub-genres) and gave it a read. I didn’t realize it was connected to an earlier series by the authors and felt a bit lost at times. So, I would highly recommend reading The Missing Diamond first, as the authors suggest.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for making this advanced copy available.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to a new series by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe that you can sink your teeth into. If you want a better understanding of the background to Lady Charity Cresswell and why she is as prickly and suspicious as she is, read the first in the series The Missing Diamond.

This series picks up at a party thrown by Queen Charlotte to introduce her granddaughter to her intended, Prince William of Orange. Charity is there as her chaperone to ensure all goes well. Things are off to a swift start when Prince William hands the small party a glass of his country's celebrated drink. Unknown to them at the time, the drink has been laced with henbane which makes the prince terribly sick. Luckily for charity, neither she nor the princess have felt the full effects as neither finished the drink after taking a couple of polite sips.

Following this debacle, Charity suspects that Lord Peregrine Fitzroy is behind this seeing as his mother was the perpetrator behind Charity's almost fall from grace and the eyes of society. Peregrine has desperately tried to distance himself from his mother, a known traitor to the crown and to prove his innocence, is willing to work with Charity to uncover the perpetrator and the plot behind it.

A thoroughly enjoyable read that will keep you engaged. It is the first in a series so do not hope that Peregrine and Charity will end up together - at least not yet! In the meantime, you can look forward to lots of court intrigue, deception, misunderstanding, attempted murder, to name just a few.

I received an ARC from Victory Editing and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Andrée-ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't keep on reading it. I like the first series with Grace and the Duke, but this one is very far from the tropes of it.

After being kidnaped, drugged and abused, Charity has to marry to save her reputation. She can't accept a marriage with the Duke because he is her best friend's lover. Then she decide to marry a Scottish duke in his 80s and on death door. Yes, she had to sleep with him to make it official and 2 weeks later the Duke dies.

Now one year later, Charity was called back to England to take care of the debut of princess Charlotte' daughter. What I just can't tolerate is that at a social gathering the son of the lady who kidnapped Charity is there. I was pardoned for his mother wrong doing by going to war.

He is juste scum and plaine vile. He looks down on everyone and even more so Charity. He will corner her in an edge maze and sneer at her for being angry and chocked by his presence. He will even act dominating, humiliating and sexually harass her by getting close to her, smelling her and comment on how he like her old parfum best... the parfum she wore the day his mother kidnapped drugged and kidnaped her!

What in the insanity is this? Charity had to go through a horrible kidnaping, social disgrace, a marriage with a dying old man and she clearly isn't over the trauma. I don't know why the author decided that a narcissistic, egomaniac and misogynist would be a good idea.

Yes Charity is strong and resilient, but this a more than half above too much.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Charity and the notorious Fitzroy family at the beginning of Crown Jewels series. Charity was clearly a young woman of great strength and character and I’ve looked forward to finding out what happened next for her. She is still Queen Charlotte’s diamond, albeit now as a young widow, and is a support to the Princess Charlotte. Her kidnap, at the hands of Lady Fitzroy, has had an impact on Charity and her life, that is far reaching. She is understandably wary and distrustful of Lord Fitzroy, when he makes an appearance in her life at the same time as a Prince is poisoned, by the same substance that was used to drug her.

Through many twists, turns and machinations, of both Royal and political direction, Charity and Peregrine Fitzroy are forced to team up to find out who is behind the poisoning and why. There are many threads to this story, with false turns and misdirections to muddy the waters. There is so much more going on behind the scenes than you could imagine. Charity and Peregrine are both at risk, and burgeoning trust is damaged, seemingly beyond repair.

I am eagerly anticipating the next in this series, to discover how the slow burn romance between Charity and Peregrine is proceeding and to learn more about the world of Regency plots and conspiracy, and how our characters navigate those choppy waters.

[Jill E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent story

Both the writing and the plot are masterly presented in this spinoff of the Crown Jewels series of books by Radcliffe and Morrison. There is a great deal of tension between Charity and Peregrine (interesting name choices…); the intensity of the plot movement is well maintained throughout the story. The depth of the descriptions of the monarchs and the “players“ in this historical novel of intrigue surrounding Queen Charlotte, Prinny and Princess Caroline (in connection with William of Orange) are engaging and even eye-opening. The whole concept of trading in secrets dramatically raises the complexity of exchanges between human beings to a completely new level, one that may rarely be seen to the “naked eye,“ but is most certainly present nonetheless.

I had a difficult time putting this book down. It exceeded all of my expectations… In fact, I believe this book was better than the series from which it grew, and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. This is not trite in any way. The writing is very good as is the editing… And it is still “cozy.“ Most enjoyable.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride. It all began with the Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries, but now we are in Charity's world, and the Lady can nurse a grudge. Trust is no longer a part of her vocabulary, and from the moment that Charity and Peregrine (dare I call him Perry) set eyes on each other after the events of the previous year, they embark on a roller coaster ride that raises and dashes hopes the entire journey. Deals are made, loyalties tested, hearts broken, and if you are not careful the intrigue and machinations from the Royal court to the squalid backstreets will give you virtual whiplash. So, buckle up, enjoy the wit - barbed and otherwise - and prepare for a fast paced tale that will leave you wanting more. I admit that I literally groaned when I realized I had reached the end and now must wait for the next book. In the meantime, I am looking for ways to incorporate "addlepated." into my everyday speech. Read the book, and that will make sense.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I like this series even more than the Crown Jewels Mysteries - it's still a cozy mystery, but it's definitely on the sharper, edgier end of cozy. And when I say 'sharper' - everything's sharper about it: where Grace was kind-hearted and driven by curiosity, Charity is clear-headed (mostly) and knows that what she wants is power, or what passes for it for a woman during the Regency period. Where Roland is - for the most part - noble, Peregrine is very much willing to do whatever it takes to get out from under his mother's shadow, even if it means getting his hands bloody. And the politics are sharper as well.

I do wish Charity and Peregrine would freaking TALK to each other, but I can also accept that there are valid reasons why they wouldn't - hopefully, those will reduce in the next instalment and we'll get to see them working more as a team. I'm looking forward to it dropping!

[Cri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliance and Betrayal is the first book in A Diamond of the Ton Regency Mystery series.

The story takes place in the same universe of The Crown Jewels Mysteries, which I loved, and we get to meet most of the same characters that graced the previous series.

Here it is Charity that takes center stage, grappling with her animosity towards Fitzroy, they have to work together to unwrap a poisonous plot against the royal family.

Unlike The Crown Jewels Mysteries, the plot itself is not unraveled in this book and I cannot wait for the second installment to come out!

Great characters, a well written story and enemies lurking in the shadow will leave you wanting for more!

I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I didn’t realize when I started it that it was a spinoff of The Crown Jewel Regency Mysteries, and the story felt familiar, which confused me. I loved the Crown Jewel Regency Mysteries, so I am happy there is another storyline! I needed a bit more of a recap at first to place Lady Charity’s history and the relationships between characters, as it had been a while since I read the original series. I could still use a bit more info on why Lady Charity and Lord Fitzroy’s mothers hate each other. I have to say, it was really hard to like Lord Fitzroy for most of the book, which is probably the intention. His backstory and situation is intriguing and I’m curious to learn more in the next book. I hope it’s coming soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkling characters and riveting intrigue
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This adventure is abundant in descriptions, in machinations, political intrigue, and social climbing to the extreme! We're getting to know the deeper sides of all parties and how they cope with the cutthroat business of political loyalties. Up till this addition to the series one held little to no sympathy for Lord Fitzroy; now he bares his heart and one can see him as a delightful, charming rascal of the first order! Absolutely another fine addition to the series and I'm very much looking forward to see where the characters are headed in the upcoming summer release of the next book. Also loved the circular narrative feature ...interesting!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get a lot closer look at the royal family in this historical mystery.  Being Queen Charlotte's diamond is not necessarily a good thing. It can make life very uncomfortable. That is the situation for our heroine. It's even worse if you are the only son of a traitor like our hero.  

Our lead characters need to solve a mystery for the Crown.  If they fail, it could cost one of their lives. Even if they solve it, not everyone will be happy with the results.  

Obviously, this book is full of intrigue and danger. All of the characters are very interesting,  with varying degrees of nice and nasty. 

It is the first of a new series, and although there is an ending,  it will also carry over to the next book. 

Good fun. 

[Fred Masek · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the Crown Jewel series, you will welcome back Charity, Lord Fitzroy, Lord Ravenscroft and of course Prinny. If not , while I recommend you do so, the prologue will bring you up to speed.

The plot has twists and turns that complement the cast of characters. The story was so good it was hard to put down. One part of the story that I really enjoyed was right after Charity and Lord Fitzroy accused each other of poisoning the prince, the Queen made them work together to find out who the poisoner actually was

Looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping it comes out soon.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all the Crown Jewels mysteries, I am familiar with Lady Charity's story and while I was sad that the Crown Jewels mysteries have now come to a conclusion, it is good to be able to continue with Charity's story.

I love the back drop of the Regency court and the research that has been done to bring it to life. And funnily enough, I do like Lord Fitzroy - I can empathize with his unfortunate associations and his less than sterling choices, which often is more a choice between 2 evils rather than a deliberate choice. In the end, I do think his heart is in the right place - well, more or less! Good read, I award it 5 stars and look forward to more

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a stalwart supporter of Dora and Rex . This next series has everything that is superb about that series . The person holding the pen and whose brain these characters are borne . A wonderful insight into a time gone by with immersive storytelling and oh my suspenseful romance .Regency England is a great era and these authors have it perfectly described and the setting is awesome too. Suspenseful espionage mystery read with a bit of romance running through it . Well they had to join forces there was nothing but there to go . All in all they make a great duo don’t you know. Great writing and the storyline divine. Storytelling is also quite compelling .

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the second series of Regency period mysteries by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe. The main protagonists were major supporting characters in the first book of the earlier series, and the first part of the book seems like a reprise of that book in the manner in which the characters are introduced.

As the book moves on beyond the introductions there is a new mystery involving politics and royalty, and former antagonists are forced to work together. The research and writing are impressive. It helps to have read the earlier series of four books, especially the first of the four, but it is not really essential. Looking forward to the next in this series.

[Daria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale of treason and palace intrigue set in Regency England. Lord Peregrine Fitzroy and Lady Charity Cresswell investigate the poisoning of a foreign prince and the various factions attempting to wield power in England. The book refers to events that occurred in the authors' Crown Jewels series, and it may be easier for a reader to follow the plotlines in this book if they have read at least the first book in that series ("The Missing Diamond"). In addition to the political plots, there is a secondary plot of Peregrine and Charity's relationship, but I largely skimmed the sections dealing with that in favor of the more interesting mystery. Thank you to the authors for the e-ARC.

[Denise Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very pleasant surprise--I knew it was a cozy mystery combined with a romance, but it FAR exceeded my expectations. The mystery is a difficult one to solve, and I was surprised at the end of the book. It's got lots of different interested parties, at various levels of society; each with their own agenda. So the 'mystery' part is quite intriguing, while the romance aspect of the story moves at its own unique pace. Somehow, the authors have created a very believable development of a relationship while avoiding the tropes a reader might expect. Refreshing !

Thank you, Lynn and Anne, for a truly original take on the genre.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book holds lots of surprises! These super writers lead you through various events and different viewpoints so that you can't stop turning pages. As the blurb says, Charity and Fitzroy are at odds, but finally must work together for the good of Britain. Queen Charlotte is most formidable! I enjoyed those parts very much. And yes, there's a bit of a cliffhanger, because like the previous trilogy, the story will go on. The excitement will continue - and I'll be waiting for the next book! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigues at Court and in Town
Charity is now left to her own devices after Grace and Roland’s marriage. She is still Queen Charlotte’s diamond, if a little tarnished, and a widow after a very brief marriage to the Duke of Atholl. And even if Marian Fitzroy is out of the picture, for now, she still has to contend with Peregrine Fitzoy, who appears at court, apparently intact after having been sent to the Continent where he did not have the good grace to get killed.
Complots, treason, danger abound in this book, which picks up where the Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries ended.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in a new series really kept me reading to find out what would happen next. I loved the characters. Some chapters were from Charity's perspective and others from Peregrine's point of view. The plot really kept my interest with twists and turns and good pacing. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next. If you enjoy historical mysteries/fiction you will want to read this series.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read any of Lynn Morrison 's and Anne Radcliffe 's previous books, you're going to want to read this one! It's almost a sequel to their first book, but with a different tone and a much deeper plotline. Queen Charlotte is much more involved in this story, and the heroes are almost unbelievable together, but I was definitely cheering for them by the end of the book, and anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Highly recommended!