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Diamond of the Ton Regency Mystery #2
Shadows and Splendour
A secret society. A shattered alliance. A love that defies fate.
After surviving war, betrayal, and an assassination attempt, Lord Peregrine Fitzroy has been pressed into service as a double agent—caught between the Queen and a shadowy organisation threatening to bring England to its knees. His only advantage? The sharp mind and shrewd instincts he once learned to hide from the ton.
Charity, Duchess Atholl, thought she’d sacrificed everything to save Peregrine’s life. Instead, her bargain with the Queen has cost her his trust—and broken her own heart. Now forced to work together, the pair must navigate the treacherous corridors of court, where every whisper could mask a spy, and every smile could hide a traitor.
As a royal wedding draws near, scandals erupt, alliances shift, and a saboteur circles ever closer. But amid the splendour of the crown lies a web of lies and vengeance—and only Peregrine and Charity can stop it before it upends the future of England.
Enemies-to-lovers becoming reluctant alliesSecrets, lies, and dangerous liaisonsA clever heroine battling heartbreak and dutyDouble agents, coded messages, and forbidden longing
Book 2 of 3 — don’t miss the pulse-pounding middle of this trilogy, where the romance deepens, loyalties fracture, and the court’s most perilous secrets come to light.
After surviving war, betrayal, and an assassination attempt, Lord Peregrine Fitzroy has been pressed into service as a double agent—caught between the Queen and a shadowy organisation threatening to bring England to its knees. His only advantage? The sharp mind and shrewd instincts he once learned to hide from the ton.
Charity, Duchess Atholl, thought she’d sacrificed everything to save Peregrine’s life. Instead, her bargain with the Queen has cost her his trust—and broken her own heart. Now forced to work together, the pair must navigate the treacherous corridors of court, where every whisper could mask a spy, and every smile could hide a traitor.
As a royal wedding draws near, scandals erupt, alliances shift, and a saboteur circles ever closer. But amid the splendour of the crown lies a web of lies and vengeance—and only Peregrine and Charity can stop it before it upends the future of England.
Enemies-to-lovers becoming reluctant alliesSecrets, lies, and dangerous liaisonsA clever heroine battling heartbreak and dutyDouble agents, coded messages, and forbidden longing
Book 2 of 3 — don’t miss the pulse-pounding middle of this trilogy, where the romance deepens, loyalties fracture, and the court’s most perilous secrets come to light.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
297 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Morrison
80 books233 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 23, 2025
"Shadows and Splendor" is the second 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. This book picks up shortly after "Brilliance and Betrayal" the first book of the new series. The included a list of the characters should help readers, both those who have not read the previous book and those who like having a handy reference to the players. Still, this book is best read after the previous books in the two series, rather than as a standalone.
That being said, I enjoyed the book, the mystery and twisty plot, the flavor of the Regency period, the changing relationships, the connection to Queen Charlotte, but most of all the evolving growth of Charity Cresswell, now Duchess of Atholl, and growth and redemption of Lord Peregrine "Percy" Fitzroy.
That being said, I enjoyed the book, the mystery and twisty plot, the flavor of the Regency period, the changing relationships, the connection to Queen Charlotte, but most of all the evolving growth of Charity Cresswell, now Duchess of Atholl, and growth and redemption of Lord Peregrine "Percy" Fitzroy.
July 1, 2025
Wonderfully written with such descriptors and prose the story flows along . Not the same old song ,oh no this gal Lynn Morrison knows the score an encore and Anne Readnour look at the cover what’s more. It’s awesome and then-some that’s handsome .The story,the characters and the suspense that’s both enlightening and full of suspense and wit. Such is the requisite of this author . I think she’s great ,just want you to know. The characters are all varied with their own traits that both endear and grate.The partnership trust?Not so good ,but it should be before this journey is done and England’s battles won I’m certain,it’s not like they’re both behind an iron curtain…Lord Peregrine Fitzroy with his sharp mind and great along with wit plays both sides in a double agent capacity , the tenacity learnt from the Ton. Between the shadowy underworld and his work for the Queen who has now lost his trust but for Queen and country he must endure.Duchess Atthol , Charity thought she was doing good . Saving the Lord for his own good in her pact with the Queen to get him back but things are far from serene..On they must strive to survive ,working together though her heart is broken,from his mistrust. Navigating through is what they must do ,for England the country they both love.As the Royal Wedding draws near theres scandal and upheaval,spies in every shadow . Peregrine and Charity must ride the wave of uncertainty and keep England safe from the depraved. Can their own relationship be saved at the same time? Read the book ,it really is decadently divine reading and with these leading characters you’ll be pleading for an happy end ,at least let them be friends to and in the end. Wonderful as I first mention ,mystery is the intention of the tale and weaved so succinctly too. There’s nothing that our gal Lynn can’t write from a red herring or two dotted in to their plight to the conclusion ,to a splendid delight. The character’s I mean as I’m sure you know , It’s the author Ms Morrison I want to give an encore!
July 7, 2025
Oof that ending was a sucker punch! 😳 The hidden monster now ‘hiding’ in plain sight, well played Lynn and Ann 👏🏼 a sublime hook for book 3 indeed.
Who’d have thought, when I read the first book of Grace and Roland’s story, that the plot line for that would turn into a spin-off in its own right? Fabulous, love it! Charity and Perry find that in having to work together, their feelings for each other are uncovered, stirred up and not able to be concealed once revealed. The romance aspect is so well written, in amongst all the stressful events occurring. A couple of which involve Charity having to relive her ongoing fears and nightmares of her previous capture and incarceration. A really interesting addition that both her and Perry have to contend with, is their respective mother’s voices plaguing their inner thoughts and fuelling their inner demons. A good twist I thought and highlights a significant similarity between them,
Also loved that one of my favourite side characters from the previous series, Thorne, is brought into play in this instalment - and I’m thinking there may be a hint as to the possibility of a future romance and new series for him? 🤔 Oo I hope so!
As ever, the intrigue, dirty deeds and fast paced action of the continuation of this story are all woven together seamlessly around the history of the day. I love how it’s all coming together to lead into the third and final book!
Sooo looking forward to the conclusion of this amazing series 🙏🏽💖
Who’d have thought, when I read the first book of Grace and Roland’s story, that the plot line for that would turn into a spin-off in its own right? Fabulous, love it! Charity and Perry find that in having to work together, their feelings for each other are uncovered, stirred up and not able to be concealed once revealed. The romance aspect is so well written, in amongst all the stressful events occurring. A couple of which involve Charity having to relive her ongoing fears and nightmares of her previous capture and incarceration. A really interesting addition that both her and Perry have to contend with, is their respective mother’s voices plaguing their inner thoughts and fuelling their inner demons. A good twist I thought and highlights a significant similarity between them,
Also loved that one of my favourite side characters from the previous series, Thorne, is brought into play in this instalment - and I’m thinking there may be a hint as to the possibility of a future romance and new series for him? 🤔 Oo I hope so!
As ever, the intrigue, dirty deeds and fast paced action of the continuation of this story are all woven together seamlessly around the history of the day. I love how it’s all coming together to lead into the third and final book!
Sooo looking forward to the conclusion of this amazing series 🙏🏽💖
June 21, 2025
I have loved each and every one of the Regency mysteries, but this is my new favourite.
There are no words to tell you just how well these writers have crafted a book so full of tension, machinations of devious minds, diabolical plots, intrigue and suspense, while somehow off setting all of this with lighter moments. You are given a window into a Regency England, of royalty and The Ton, where schemes and manoeuvres of social standing and appearance are juxtaposed with much grander, deadlier and treacherous conspiracies.
Charity and Perry are building trust, understanding and something much deeper, as they work together to unravel the many and varied strands of Marion Fitzroy’s devious plotting, plus work out the who, how and why of various seemingly politically driven events.
Our leading couple are both eminently likeable in the different ways, their budding relationship is not at all rushed or straightforward and you find yourself cheering them on and willing them to put all of their differences aside to find love.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with desperation to discover the outcome of the race to protect crown, country and our favourite characters. Make sure you leave plenty of time to read and, if you bite your nails…maybe sit on your hands!
There are no words to tell you just how well these writers have crafted a book so full of tension, machinations of devious minds, diabolical plots, intrigue and suspense, while somehow off setting all of this with lighter moments. You are given a window into a Regency England, of royalty and The Ton, where schemes and manoeuvres of social standing and appearance are juxtaposed with much grander, deadlier and treacherous conspiracies.
Charity and Perry are building trust, understanding and something much deeper, as they work together to unravel the many and varied strands of Marion Fitzroy’s devious plotting, plus work out the who, how and why of various seemingly politically driven events.
Our leading couple are both eminently likeable in the different ways, their budding relationship is not at all rushed or straightforward and you find yourself cheering them on and willing them to put all of their differences aside to find love.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with desperation to discover the outcome of the race to protect crown, country and our favourite characters. Make sure you leave plenty of time to read and, if you bite your nails…maybe sit on your hands!
August 11, 2025
Annnd here we have my first 5-star read for August - and what a wild ride of a read it was.
I mentioned in Book 1 that I'm enjoying Charity's arc even more than I enjoyed Grace's - the stakes are higher and everything's a little grittier, including the two lead characters. Plus Ravenscroft and Selina are both such brilliant, competent supporting characters and each deserve their own series (which is to say they deserve their own separate series: Ravenscroft is happily paired with Antoine and unless Ms Morrisson is prepared to extend that to a threesome, the which I would happily read but see as immensely unlikely, Selina needs to find her own match).
And the stakes increase yet again in this second instalment: Charity and Perry need to get over (or perhaps through) their issues from Book 1 and work together to solve another mystery, aided - again - by Ravenscroft and Selina (plus a delightful appearance from Roland's brother Thorne). I'm totally invested in this world now - it remains the only Regency setting I've come across that I've genuinely enjoyed - and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the authors take the story in Book 3 when that comes out.
I mentioned in Book 1 that I'm enjoying Charity's arc even more than I enjoyed Grace's - the stakes are higher and everything's a little grittier, including the two lead characters. Plus Ravenscroft and Selina are both such brilliant, competent supporting characters and each deserve their own series (which is to say they deserve their own separate series: Ravenscroft is happily paired with Antoine and unless Ms Morrisson is prepared to extend that to a threesome, the which I would happily read but see as immensely unlikely, Selina needs to find her own match).
And the stakes increase yet again in this second instalment: Charity and Perry need to get over (or perhaps through) their issues from Book 1 and work together to solve another mystery, aided - again - by Ravenscroft and Selina (plus a delightful appearance from Roland's brother Thorne). I'm totally invested in this world now - it remains the only Regency setting I've come across that I've genuinely enjoyed - and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the authors take the story in Book 3 when that comes out.
July 16, 2025
exciting and well written
Not everyone can write a book, though many do try. And the search to find one that engages, keeps one on the edge of his/her seat, develops characters and plot well, and provides excellent historical context can often times be a huge undertaking. The narrative makes it easy to keep up with all the characters and all the moving parts of the storyline.
Thank goodness for books like these where the characters are believable: they’re likable or they are true villains. The interactions between Charity and Perry are realistic: both have their shortcomings, both struggle to be better, both are confronted by the consequences of their actions, and both have fallen victim to misplaced trust and/or abuse by those they know or come in contact with.
I very much enjoyed this book and can’t wait until the third one is released in November. Well done!
Not everyone can write a book, though many do try. And the search to find one that engages, keeps one on the edge of his/her seat, develops characters and plot well, and provides excellent historical context can often times be a huge undertaking. The narrative makes it easy to keep up with all the characters and all the moving parts of the storyline.
Thank goodness for books like these where the characters are believable: they’re likable or they are true villains. The interactions between Charity and Perry are realistic: both have their shortcomings, both struggle to be better, both are confronted by the consequences of their actions, and both have fallen victim to misplaced trust and/or abuse by those they know or come in contact with.
I very much enjoyed this book and can’t wait until the third one is released in November. Well done!
July 1, 2025
Give me a minute while I recover from this book hangover. Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe have another winner on their hands with this second in their Diamond of the Ton Regency Mystery series. The character and plot development in this book are off the charts, not only with Charity and Peregrine, but with virtually every character in the story. It is rare that I think of my historical romance mysteries as "page-turners," but I couldn't slide those electronic pages fast enough from start to finish, and oh what a finish. Now, the wait for Book 3 begins.
In the meantime, if you haven't read this series, you have time to start with Brilliance and Betrayal (Book 1) and read this one before Book 3 releases in October. All 3 books are available for purchase or pre-order.
In the meantime, if you haven't read this series, you have time to start with Brilliance and Betrayal (Book 1) and read this one before Book 3 releases in October. All 3 books are available for purchase or pre-order.
July 7, 2025
Brilliant writing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scandals, counterfeiting, political intrigue, court intrigue, machinations from afar, subterfuge , and a myriad of subplots are expertly woven together in this amazing book! The second tier characters are more active and work in tandem with Perry and Charity and their staff. Perry struggles to mend his ways ~ he's ill prepared and definitely not trained to be a hero and yet here he is doing just that. So much going on in the narrative but it's not cluttered ~ it's exciting and heart stopping. The ending is absolutely a shock. Loved this second in the series and waiting on pins and needles for the next book! The series would make an excellent Christmas gift for any book lover on your list!
Scandals, counterfeiting, political intrigue, court intrigue, machinations from afar, subterfuge , and a myriad of subplots are expertly woven together in this amazing book! The second tier characters are more active and work in tandem with Perry and Charity and their staff. Perry struggles to mend his ways ~ he's ill prepared and definitely not trained to be a hero and yet here he is doing just that. So much going on in the narrative but it's not cluttered ~ it's exciting and heart stopping. The ending is absolutely a shock. Loved this second in the series and waiting on pins and needles for the next book! The series would make an excellent Christmas gift for any book lover on your list!
July 1, 2025
This is Charity's second book. She's a Dowager Duchess lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte, assigned by the Queen to act as a spy and to guide the Princess to a marriage she doesn't yet want. Neither assignment went smoothly during the first book of the trilogy, and she also has to deal with Perry, who is trying to follow his own agenda. This, the second book in the trilogy, continues the story beautifully, with lots of adventures and character development. I can't wait to see what's in store in Book 3!
July 2, 2025
The story continues - Perry and Charity at odds, but working together to save England. They need to find the traitor, but run into many difficulties - with lots of suspense and excitement for the reader. Their regard for each other gradually increases but has its own problems. Well - can't reveal too much - if you loved the first book you'll not be able to put this one down. And of course there's a terrific lead-in to the last book in this threesome! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
July 2, 2025
Charity and Peregrine have to work together again to find out who is trying to sabotage both the government and the royal wedding. Amidst the intrigue they are also battling their feelings for each other. Will they be able to stop the saboteurs? Will their blossoming romance place both of them in even more danger?
I was hooked from the beginning and loved following along with our heroes as they navigate both the upper echelons of society and its murkiest depths.
I was hooked from the beginning and loved following along with our heroes as they navigate both the upper echelons of society and its murkiest depths.
July 5, 2025
Mothers and Royals
I was absolutely amazed at the trials and tribulations forced on the Duchess. She almost became a Regency Wonder Woman. In the middle of all the political intrigue we also see the beginning of the enemies to friends romance. The adventure keeps you glued to the story. The wait begins for volume 3.
I was absolutely amazed at the trials and tribulations forced on the Duchess. She almost became a Regency Wonder Woman. In the middle of all the political intrigue we also see the beginning of the enemies to friends romance. The adventure keeps you glued to the story. The wait begins for volume 3.
July 14, 2025
What A Story!!! Duke Perry & Lady Charity..
A conspiracy to end conspiracies, the Duke & Charity face all kinds of challenges & obstacles including murder, fire, and kidnapping. But Perry knows who is behind these happenings and will force her out when he finds her for justice to be served! As he & Charity grow closer.
A conspiracy to end conspiracies, the Duke & Charity face all kinds of challenges & obstacles including murder, fire, and kidnapping. But Perry knows who is behind these happenings and will force her out when he finds her for justice to be served! As he & Charity grow closer.
July 15, 2025
I was teetering at the edge of my seat, frantically turning the pages to see what would happen next to Charity and Percy and I tell you, this book does not disappoint! Unless you count the fact that it ends too soon and the next one is still not out yet. What a read. I can hardly wait for the next one.
July 4, 2025
Shadows and Splendor are tops!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2025
Best series ever!!!! I loved Percy and Grace but Charity and Perry (Shadows and Splendor) at the tops!!! Can’t wait for Radiance and Revenge !!
I was given this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2025
Best series ever!!!! I loved Percy and Grace but Charity and Perry (Shadows and Splendor) at the tops!!! Can’t wait for Radiance and Revenge !!
I was given this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 23, 2025
A great read, I had to keep reading to find out what happens next. Can't wait for the next book to see what Marion is up to this time.
June 28, 2025
I enjoyed the interactions in this book. This book leaves you with one heck of a cliffhanger.
July 12, 2025
Excellent book number two. so much happening at one time. lots of intriguing twists and turns. loving this spin off from the crown jewel regency mysteries. can't wait to see what happens after.
July 1, 2025
This book is part mystery, part adventure and part romance. I love that some chapters are told from Peregrine's view point and others from Charity's. I also loved that both Perry and Charity hear their mother's voice in their heads and how they have to fight their doubts from the judgement and disapproval they feel from their mothers. I got to a point in the book that I could not go to sleep until somethings had been resolved. Don't skip the historical notes at the end of the book. I can't wait for book 3.
July 7, 2025
This historical romance cozy has a lot of twists, turns, and political intrigue. Charity and Perry are meant for each other but it is hard to form a relationship when there is no trust. As Charity must prove her loyalty, Perry must also reconcile with his past. Charity is much stronger in this series due to all she went through in the Crown Jewels series. Although this book could be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading Brillance and Betrayal first.
June 21, 2025
I am very lucky to be one of Lynn and Anne's beta readers. Shadows and Splendour is the second book in the Diamond of the Ton series and it is explosive! There is intrigue, murder, an irascible Queen, a drunken Prince, spies, espionage, blackmail, the most evil villain, and a romance for the ages.
Charity and Perry are fighting for their lives and those of their friends, trying to catch up with the machinations of Lady Fitzroy and stop her before something truly catastrophic happens. Combining real history with fiction gives a fantastic spin on the actual events of 1814. Add to this engaging side characters and the never-ending monologues of both Charity and Perry's mother's in their heads and you've got a great mystery with a solid plot that is at times deathly serious and others lightheaded and fun. I can't wait to see what happens next
This is not a standalone, but a mystery spanning 3 books, so read book 1 in the series now, so you are ready for this when it's published in July
Charity and Perry are fighting for their lives and those of their friends, trying to catch up with the machinations of Lady Fitzroy and stop her before something truly catastrophic happens. Combining real history with fiction gives a fantastic spin on the actual events of 1814. Add to this engaging side characters and the never-ending monologues of both Charity and Perry's mother's in their heads and you've got a great mystery with a solid plot that is at times deathly serious and others lightheaded and fun. I can't wait to see what happens next
This is not a standalone, but a mystery spanning 3 books, so read book 1 in the series now, so you are ready for this when it's published in July
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews