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Witchblade Chronicles #1
Honor Bound: Witch Born Series, Book 1
From
USA Today
best-selling author C. J. Archer, this romantic historical mystery will take your breath away.
Seven years ago a woman with too many secrets and a man with too many lies fell in love. Then she left him.
Isabel's quiet life as an assistant to one of London's famous apothecaries hides a deadly secret. A secret that could see her put on trial for witchcraft if the authorities uncover the truth. But when the authority figure who turns up at her shop is Sir Nicholas Merritt, she's at risk of losing more than her life. She could lose her heart and soul, and the man she loves.
Royal spy Sir Nicholas Merritt can't believe his luck when he stumbles upon Isabel during an investigation. He's been searching for her for seven long years and now he has her again, in his bed and his life. Except she's resisting all the way. Worse still, she's somehow tangled up with a plot to assassinate the queen. To hold onto her this time, he must find out why she left him while hiding a secret of his own that could tear them apart forever.
Seven years ago a woman with too many secrets and a man with too many lies fell in love. Then she left him.
Isabel's quiet life as an assistant to one of London's famous apothecaries hides a deadly secret. A secret that could see her put on trial for witchcraft if the authorities uncover the truth. But when the authority figure who turns up at her shop is Sir Nicholas Merritt, she's at risk of losing more than her life. She could lose her heart and soul, and the man she loves.
Royal spy Sir Nicholas Merritt can't believe his luck when he stumbles upon Isabel during an investigation. He's been searching for her for seven long years and now he has her again, in his bed and his life. Except she's resisting all the way. Worse still, she's somehow tangled up with a plot to assassinate the queen. To hold onto her this time, he must find out why she left him while hiding a secret of his own that could tear them apart forever.
Audible Audio
First published February 15, 2011
371 people are currently reading
1357 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,640 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 27, 2022
I loved the chemistry between Isabel and Sir Nicolas. The banter, the heat and passion, and the confidence of Isabel despite the era. However, the end of the story felt rushed. It was as if the author was stuck and slapped a few scenes together very quickly to finish the book. It was a satisfying ending but somewhat abrupt.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read. 3 stars.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read. 3 stars.
March 15, 2023
This is a somewhat older book of Archer’s and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised by the mildly descriptive spice *chef’s kiss 💋*!
Our poor heroine is driver from her husband by her MiL from hell! Her husband seeks and finds her during an investigation he’s conducting into the attempted poisoning of the Queen. Only to discover she’s a suspect because someone is trying to frame her. It was a VERY good book!!
The narrator for this audiobook is irksome. Her tone is pleasant but sounds as though she’s trying to talk with a mouth full of cotton.
Our poor heroine is driver from her husband by her MiL from hell! Her husband seeks and finds her during an investigation he’s conducting into the attempted poisoning of the Queen. Only to discover she’s a suspect because someone is trying to frame her. It was a VERY good book!!
The narrator for this audiobook is irksome. Her tone is pleasant but sounds as though she’s trying to talk with a mouth full of cotton.
April 2, 2016
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Just my opinion, but I don't think drawing comparison to Gabaldon or Gregory was the way to go here. C.J. Archer's Honor Bound is good, definitely worth the $2.99 it is currently listed for on Amazon, but it doesn't have a thing either title. Even as a tease, the line seems ostentatious and arrogant.
That said, I liked the book. I spent a lot of time wondering when Isabel's secret was going to be incorporated into the plot and that sort of put a damper on the rest of the story, but it is what it is. Up to the halfway point Isabel is working as an apothecary's assistant, trying to convince herself she can live a normal life, refusing to use or even acknowledge her abilities. I was about to chuck the book when it finally got to the point in the best possible way. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed.
Archer's lovebirds possess some very modern sensibilities and that was a little awkward for me as I personally like period appropriate perceptions, but beyond that I can't fault the book. Light, but not a bad beach read.
Just my opinion, but I don't think drawing comparison to Gabaldon or Gregory was the way to go here. C.J. Archer's Honor Bound is good, definitely worth the $2.99 it is currently listed for on Amazon, but it doesn't have a thing either title. Even as a tease, the line seems ostentatious and arrogant.
That said, I liked the book. I spent a lot of time wondering when Isabel's secret was going to be incorporated into the plot and that sort of put a damper on the rest of the story, but it is what it is. Up to the halfway point Isabel is working as an apothecary's assistant, trying to convince herself she can live a normal life, refusing to use or even acknowledge her abilities. I was about to chuck the book when it finally got to the point in the best possible way. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed.
Archer's lovebirds possess some very modern sensibilities and that was a little awkward for me as I personally like period appropriate perceptions, but beyond that I can't fault the book. Light, but not a bad beach read.
May 31, 2023
Good historical romance with a hint of paranormal.
May 30, 2011
Forced by circumstance to abandon her absentee husband, six years ago Isabel fled to London. In London, she reclaimed her maiden name and established a new life for herself as an apothecary’s assistant.
When he entered Shawe’s Apothecary, Nicolas Merritt never expected to find his estranged wife in charge. On a clandestine mission to uncover the identity of the person responsible for the failed attempt to poison the Queen, he is investigating the personnel at Shawe’s Apothecary as the owner tops a short list of suspects.
Tentatively, Nick and Isabel attempt to reconcile but then Lady Merritt arrives in London. Isabel becomes trapped in a situation all too familiar as Nick’s mother resorts to desperate measures to rid the family, once and for all, of the undesirable and dangerous upstart. As secrets are revealed, tension mounts, and the quiet life Isabel has carved for herself erupts into a cacophony of maliciousness.
Isabel personifies nearly everything I like in a heroine. She is kind, strong, and loyal, and she also strives to make the best choices given the available options. This story was quick to grab my interest, and I remained enraptured as it unfolded page after page. I thought it was uncommonly well conceived and beautifully constructed. Nick is an outstanding love match for Isabel. Lady Merritt is wonderfully easy to hate, but her motives are well-suited to her cold and aloof personality. There are quite a few other secondary characters, also, and all of them seem wonderfully portrayed with plausible motives and faults. In short, I love this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
When he entered Shawe’s Apothecary, Nicolas Merritt never expected to find his estranged wife in charge. On a clandestine mission to uncover the identity of the person responsible for the failed attempt to poison the Queen, he is investigating the personnel at Shawe’s Apothecary as the owner tops a short list of suspects.
Tentatively, Nick and Isabel attempt to reconcile but then Lady Merritt arrives in London. Isabel becomes trapped in a situation all too familiar as Nick’s mother resorts to desperate measures to rid the family, once and for all, of the undesirable and dangerous upstart. As secrets are revealed, tension mounts, and the quiet life Isabel has carved for herself erupts into a cacophony of maliciousness.
Isabel personifies nearly everything I like in a heroine. She is kind, strong, and loyal, and she also strives to make the best choices given the available options. This story was quick to grab my interest, and I remained enraptured as it unfolded page after page. I thought it was uncommonly well conceived and beautifully constructed. Nick is an outstanding love match for Isabel. Lady Merritt is wonderfully easy to hate, but her motives are well-suited to her cold and aloof personality. There are quite a few other secondary characters, also, and all of them seem wonderfully portrayed with plausible motives and faults. In short, I love this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
December 22, 2011
I am truly sorry to have to give this book a 1 star but I got to 2% on my Kindle and gave up. It was all over the place. I love me a good romance but, if reading a book feels like screeching teeth it has to go.
July 8, 2019
I LOVE C.J. Archer's longer series, so I decided to read every single one of her books to see if there were any more gems. This one was a swing and a miss for me. Too predictable.
November 18, 2021
This was an interesting read. It had more things that remind me of later CJ Archer writing than her Hawkesbury and Assassin's series did. I love the fact that there is another apothecary in this one. And witchcraft. The combination of historical fiction with a little bit of supernatural is perfect.
The mystery was also well done. It took me a while to figure out who the real criminal was. Fun read!
The mystery was also well done. It took me a while to figure out who the real criminal was. Fun read!
July 17, 2024
Set in the Elizabethan era, Isabelle is working as an apothecary's assistant in London, having run from her husband, Nicholas, six years earlier. An attempt to poison the queen sets an investigation in motion which brings Nicholas (part of Walsingham's spy-ring) to investigate and in doing so find his wife again. There's a romance and a mystery, an evil mother-in-law, and witchcraft. The narration is decent, but not spectacular.
February 11, 2022
Spicy, witches, kingdom spies...yet I felt like I was being lectured in history class...I am so bummed, as I enjoyed Glass and Steele immensely...I have one other series to try by C.J., hopefully it's not a flop also!!!
July 6, 2011
This was an entertaining read, but I felt like the modern sensibilities of the author went a little too far in the main characters, who were very much not of their era.
On the one hand, this book made me laugh, there were some touching moments from the heroine's perspective, the hero suffers bad injuries in the line of duty, the action scenes were well-paced, the love scenes were scintillating... all of this was compelling enough to keep me reading to find out what happened.
On the other hand, the note from the author at the beginning of the book had me looking forward to the heroine using her powers, which she does almost never. When using her powers, reactions from the hero and his friend are so nonchalant that I was shocked. They just accepted it, with very little questioning! I felt there would have been something from men who spied on behalf of the queen. Fear, worry, wondering what all she could do, wondering how much influence she had over them, over their families, over the investigation...
This was before the Salem Witch Trials, yet after the witch trials of the continent. I mean, even people today will raise an eyebrow if they hear someone say, "I'm Wiccan." So unfortunately, I have to give this book three stars rather than four. Love conquers a lot, but in this case, it was just a little too easy.
On the one hand, this book made me laugh, there were some touching moments from the heroine's perspective, the hero suffers bad injuries in the line of duty, the action scenes were well-paced, the love scenes were scintillating... all of this was compelling enough to keep me reading to find out what happened.
On the other hand, the note from the author at the beginning of the book had me looking forward to the heroine using her powers, which she does almost never. When using her powers, reactions from the hero and his friend are so nonchalant that I was shocked. They just accepted it, with very little questioning! I felt there would have been something from men who spied on behalf of the queen. Fear, worry, wondering what all she could do, wondering how much influence she had over them, over their families, over the investigation...
This was before the Salem Witch Trials, yet after the witch trials of the continent. I mean, even people today will raise an eyebrow if they hear someone say, "I'm Wiccan." So unfortunately, I have to give this book three stars rather than four. Love conquers a lot, but in this case, it was just a little too easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Seven years ago, Isabel and Nicholas fell in love—but secrets and lies tore them apart when Isabel vanished.
Now, Isabel hides a dangerous truth in her quiet life as an apothecary’s assistant, a truth that could see her accused of witchcraft. Her world is upended when royal spy Sir Nicholas Merritt, the man she left behind, returns during an investigation.
Determined to win her back, Nicholas discovers Isabel is entangled in a deadly plot to assassinate the queen. As danger looms, they must face the secrets that kept them apart to fight for love and survival.
This book was a bit confusing at the very beginning, but it quickly drew me in. I was curious to see how long the main characters could keep their secrets, what exactly had happened to make them part ways in such a dramatic fashion, and of course, how it would all end. There were moments where I thought the story was wrapping up, only for something new to happen and complicate things further, extending the plot—but I can’t say I found it boring.
This is a very intriguing historical romance with a touch of the paranormal (witches) and a few spicy scenes. I definitely recommend reading it if you’re interested in romance, betrayal, witches, and all of it set in historical London.
Now, Isabel hides a dangerous truth in her quiet life as an apothecary’s assistant, a truth that could see her accused of witchcraft. Her world is upended when royal spy Sir Nicholas Merritt, the man she left behind, returns during an investigation.
Determined to win her back, Nicholas discovers Isabel is entangled in a deadly plot to assassinate the queen. As danger looms, they must face the secrets that kept them apart to fight for love and survival.
This book was a bit confusing at the very beginning, but it quickly drew me in. I was curious to see how long the main characters could keep their secrets, what exactly had happened to make them part ways in such a dramatic fashion, and of course, how it would all end. There were moments where I thought the story was wrapping up, only for something new to happen and complicate things further, extending the plot—but I can’t say I found it boring.
This is a very intriguing historical romance with a touch of the paranormal (witches) and a few spicy scenes. I definitely recommend reading it if you’re interested in romance, betrayal, witches, and all of it set in historical London.
December 29, 2011
This was a pretty good story. I enjoyed it. The reason I read this book was the title of the series: The Witchblade Chronicles. There is a comic named Witchblade, which was turned into a 2-series television show I absolutely loved. When I saw the title of this series, I thought it might have something to do with the same ideas. It did not, but by the time I realized it I was already involved with the characters. I might read the next book in the series.
July 1, 2020
Disappointing. I usually like C.J. Archer books, in fact they are among my favorites. This one, however, was missing a lot. The characters weren't well developed, and at times not even likable. The romance seemed forced and was too much of the story leaving the other happenings to be a side plot that just goes nowhere interesting. The whole book is predictable and almost formulaic.
December 14, 2011
Just couldn't get into.
April 13, 2024
Okay then...
Didn't really see the high Scoville score of this book coming after having mostly Glass and Steel world experience with Archer, and apparently, the Kindle book cover is drastically different from that of what Goodreads uses, or I might have had more of a hint.
Either way, the story around all of the awkwardly constant desire was a little weak most of the time and there were far more editing errors than I could ignore for such a short read (including an incorrect it's/its! WTH?!).
The one, unfortunate theme I've noted though between this book and BOTH Glass and Steel, as well as The Glass Library series is that she hinges all of her romances on absurd assumptions and dimwitted stubbornness. It's like every romantic set-up requires everyone to just be belligerently, WILLFULLY in denial of evidence in front of their faces whilst somehow supposedly being investigative wizs. Nick never even really seemed sufficiently competent to DEFEND his wife in this book without her having to save him and/or herself AND solve his cases for him... How is he supposed to be esteemed by the head of the Queen's spy network exactly, based on the weak evidence?
This was just honestly a disappointment of a book. Since I already had the next book in my library, I'm going to go ahead and read it, but I truly hope her writing made the gains to her at least present-day expectations I have for her more recent stuff in very, very short order.
Didn't really see the high Scoville score of this book coming after having mostly Glass and Steel world experience with Archer, and apparently, the Kindle book cover is drastically different from that of what Goodreads uses, or I might have had more of a hint.
Either way, the story around all of the awkwardly constant desire was a little weak most of the time and there were far more editing errors than I could ignore for such a short read (including an incorrect it's/its! WTH?!).
The one, unfortunate theme I've noted though between this book and BOTH Glass and Steel, as well as The Glass Library series is that she hinges all of her romances on absurd assumptions and dimwitted stubbornness. It's like every romantic set-up requires everyone to just be belligerently, WILLFULLY in denial of evidence in front of their faces whilst somehow supposedly being investigative wizs. Nick never even really seemed sufficiently competent to DEFEND his wife in this book without her having to save him and/or herself AND solve his cases for him... How is he supposed to be esteemed by the head of the Queen's spy network exactly, based on the weak evidence?
This was just honestly a disappointment of a book. Since I already had the next book in my library, I'm going to go ahead and read it, but I truly hope her writing made the gains to her at least present-day expectations I have for her more recent stuff in very, very short order.
June 16, 2020
They have been separated for many years. She left him without a word and he looked for her but was unable to catch up with his wife. He is an investigator for the crown. There was attempt to poison the queen. She is an apothecary. He needs to visit each of the apothecaries in London. Imagine their surprise when he walks through her door.
This is an historical romantic thriller full of suspense, action and amazing characters. The characters are well crafted, full of strengths, foibles, difficult pasts and hidden secrets. They pop off the page and engage you into their tale and keep you interested right until the end. The story switches between the point of view of the two main characters allowing us access into their thoughts, insecurities, fears, motivations and actions. Through the narrative we are able to visualize the age in which the story takes place and the political environment of the time. The storyline flows smoothly along, filled with action, romance, emotional drama, mystery, danger and suspense. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters try to deal with their pasts, inner turmoil and the extreme circumstances that they are placed in. There are some steamy hot scenes that are incorporated excellently into the storyline. Overall this is one great adventures that holds the reader’s interest right to the last word.
This is an historical romantic thriller full of suspense, action and amazing characters. The characters are well crafted, full of strengths, foibles, difficult pasts and hidden secrets. They pop off the page and engage you into their tale and keep you interested right until the end. The story switches between the point of view of the two main characters allowing us access into their thoughts, insecurities, fears, motivations and actions. Through the narrative we are able to visualize the age in which the story takes place and the political environment of the time. The storyline flows smoothly along, filled with action, romance, emotional drama, mystery, danger and suspense. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters try to deal with their pasts, inner turmoil and the extreme circumstances that they are placed in. There are some steamy hot scenes that are incorporated excellently into the storyline. Overall this is one great adventures that holds the reader’s interest right to the last word.
September 5, 2021
I read this book because the sequel had great reviews, but now I see why this one doesn’t have that good reviews. The story is nice, original and interesting as one would expect to having characters that are spies, murders and witches. The problem with the story is the idiocy that the author gave to the main female and male characters. One is supposed to be a proud empowered independent woman that has been hiding of her husband, but when she first sees him she wants to fuck him (yes, not make love, fuck him) with few words before the deed. The male character Is supposed to be a great spy that has his mind in his pants every time he sees her wife, and that as an achieved spy makes questions and investigates by telling everybody what he’s after or making obvious his endeavour. This is what makes this story moronic and boring at times, and the suspense can never sink because of it. Th topic is promising and you can have a nice read if you overlook this issues, but I’m not sure I’m convinced enough to read the sequel.
September 25, 2021
I haven't even finished it, but I had to review being 14 chapters in. I was excited because I Love the Glass & Steele series. After all, it mainly was mystery and magic with a dash of romance—opposite of this book.
I don't know if it was the fact that the main characters are married, but the detailed lovemaking and enjoyment was so heavy and overly stated. This book is 100% a Romance novel, and I honestly didn't realize what I was about to read. Because I am the type who's happy for it maybe once, and it's sweet between estranged and reunited married people. I get chemistry, but my gosh, it's not necessary to speak of penises all the time! And impotence should be a constant joke. I think of sex as an easy out to good writing.
That is an issue, but so is the slow storyline where the mystery is there, but as others have said, it's romance over anything else. I don't have high hopes for this series, and it's a shame.
I don't know if it was the fact that the main characters are married, but the detailed lovemaking and enjoyment was so heavy and overly stated. This book is 100% a Romance novel, and I honestly didn't realize what I was about to read. Because I am the type who's happy for it maybe once, and it's sweet between estranged and reunited married people. I get chemistry, but my gosh, it's not necessary to speak of penises all the time! And impotence should be a constant joke. I think of sex as an easy out to good writing.
That is an issue, but so is the slow storyline where the mystery is there, but as others have said, it's romance over anything else. I don't have high hopes for this series, and it's a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
This is the first book I read by this author. I happened upon it by chance and decided to give it a go without much thought. What a lucky decision this turned out to be. I adored this story, the characters, their romance and CJ Archer's writing style in general. It flows easily and enchants wholly.
There are a few things to nitpick that didn't work out too well for me. An example: this book is set in a supernatural world with the main character being a witch. But we never get to experience the crafty side of heragic. The heroine doesn't explore the nature or limits of her abilities. I found this odd as that's such a distinct feature to equip a character with. The story narrates around the lack of actual magic practice quite skillfully though and focusses more on the relationship development. That's a great substitute, hehe.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend the narration. The narrator brings out the charm of the story perfectly. This is a treat.
February 1, 2025
First, I have to say that I am so proud of myself because I have tried so many new books/authors/genres in the last few weeks and I have not hated any of them.
I read the Glass Library Series by this author and loved it, even though it was a closed door romance. So I kinda went into this one thinking it would be similar and I was happy to find out it wasn't. I got all the awesome vibes from the Glass Library but with the door wide open.
This historical fantasy was so good. CJ really has a way of drawing you into a world and I loved it. I'm on to book 2 and very intrigued with Lord Ashborne and Pippa (Pip). Definitely going to dive into more of this authors back log.
I read the Glass Library Series by this author and loved it, even though it was a closed door romance. So I kinda went into this one thinking it would be similar and I was happy to find out it wasn't. I got all the awesome vibes from the Glass Library but with the door wide open.
This historical fantasy was so good. CJ really has a way of drawing you into a world and I loved it. I'm on to book 2 and very intrigued with Lord Ashborne and Pippa (Pip). Definitely going to dive into more of this authors back log.
September 30, 2020
This book is an amalgamation of several genres. It is historical romance. It’s paranormal. It could be alternate history. It’s a mystery.
You have a woman whose father was accused of poisoning the queen, runs from her husbands home. She accidentally used magic on his mother and so she flees.
The husband is a spy and is gone all the time. He does not know why his wife ran but when he finds her, he is determined to keep her.
There is a mystery and some spies and an overbearing mother. There is an HEA and a second book.
You have a woman whose father was accused of poisoning the queen, runs from her husbands home. She accidentally used magic on his mother and so she flees.
The husband is a spy and is gone all the time. He does not know why his wife ran but when he finds her, he is determined to keep her.
There is a mystery and some spies and an overbearing mother. There is an HEA and a second book.
August 6, 2024
I started this ages ago, and ended up, pausing my listen for several months. I was initially turned off by the narrator, but as I got deeper into the story, I felt more and more like the narration suited the characters and the storyline. The characters are well-developed, and the plot line is easy enough to follow. I was able to predict some of the story, but not so much that it ruined my enjoyment; rather, it made me want to listen more.
I like C.J. Archer as an author, and this book is no exception. I’m looking forward to book two!
I like C.J. Archer as an author, and this book is no exception. I’m looking forward to book two!
September 14, 2024
Sadly not my fave
I absolutely love this author. I've read probably 30 of her books. But this one was a let down. I guess I was not expecting a bodice ripper after reading Glass and Steele, and Glass Library series. It just takes away from the story to have so much sex and the odd descriptions. I'm going to be more careful and read a few reviews in the future. Isabel just was not very interesting for me ..more spoiled and whiny. She didn't seem to know what she really wanted. I couldn't find any attachments to her or other characters.
I absolutely love this author. I've read probably 30 of her books. But this one was a let down. I guess I was not expecting a bodice ripper after reading Glass and Steele, and Glass Library series. It just takes away from the story to have so much sex and the odd descriptions. I'm going to be more careful and read a few reviews in the future. Isabel just was not very interesting for me ..more spoiled and whiny. She didn't seem to know what she really wanted. I couldn't find any attachments to her or other characters.
December 12, 2025
Surprisingly good
Honor Bound was a surprisingly good read. I say surprisingly as it is one of C. J. Archer’s earlier novels, and yet feels as strongly written as some of the later ones I’ve read.
The mystery will keep you guessing until the big reveal. Or at least it kept me guessing. I thought the traitor was going to be someone completely different. So impressed right there, because I find the antagonist is usually easy to spot in mystery novels.
If you know C. J. Archer’s work, than there will be know surprises here. An excellent evening’s read.
Honor Bound was a surprisingly good read. I say surprisingly as it is one of C. J. Archer’s earlier novels, and yet feels as strongly written as some of the later ones I’ve read.
The mystery will keep you guessing until the big reveal. Or at least it kept me guessing. I thought the traitor was going to be someone completely different. So impressed right there, because I find the antagonist is usually easy to spot in mystery novels.
If you know C. J. Archer’s work, than there will be know surprises here. An excellent evening’s read.
November 30, 2023
A bit of mystery, a bit of drama, a bit of heart break, a bit of love. Add in some witchcraft in a non ott/weird way - just beautifully built into a real world historical story. Absolutely loved it. Can’t wait to read the next one and see what else this author has on offer.
Thanks for a great read, if I were to add one critique it would be the ending. It’s quite rushed and just ends. Wish she has written just a tiny bit more so could find out more.
Thanks for a great read, if I were to add one critique it would be the ending. It’s quite rushed and just ends. Wish she has written just a tiny bit more so could find out more.
November 10, 2024
📖C.J. Archer writes my favorite cozy mystery series, Cleopatra Foxx. Gave this witch based book a try. Honor Bound was way too X-rated for me. Great characters and plot twists but overpowered by explicit scenes. I won’t be reading any more of the series. Her other works are rated PG, think Downton Abby. That’s why this book was such a shock for me. Recommend if you like romance novels. Overall C rating
October 18, 2019
Did not finish
I usually love this author, but really couldn't get into this book. I finally stopped due to the fact that the husband gets poisoned by an arrow and for some reason the author thinks making the husband vomit will get rid of the poison. I understand this book is fiction, but no.
I usually love this author, but really couldn't get into this book. I finally stopped due to the fact that the husband gets poisoned by an arrow and for some reason the author thinks making the husband vomit will get rid of the poison. I understand this book is fiction, but no.
February 27, 2023
Love, Mystery, Friendship, loyalty
Another great book by CJ Archer. True love last through loss, tragedy, lies, deceit, chivalry, and out right treachery. Loyalty and honest hard work lead the characters into danger and solved mystery. Revenge is evil and festers in one to cause his to literal insanity
Another great book by CJ Archer. True love last through loss, tragedy, lies, deceit, chivalry, and out right treachery. Loyalty and honest hard work lead the characters into danger and solved mystery. Revenge is evil and festers in one to cause his to literal insanity
May 29, 2023
Really wanted to like this book. A charming setting and female protagonist with talent and brains. But the author lost me with predictability of plot and the heavy application of sexuality in unrealistic Parts of the story. It was good enough for me to finish, but if I hadn’t paid for the book, I might not have bothered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews