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Stains of Scarlet
He’s in it for the story…
She just wants revenge.
Sylvia Baskerville’s life was a blend of dark secrets and sweet distractions. But now, talk of murder fills Edwardian London’s headlines, and false rumours about her family begin to spread. Undaunted by what is deemed unsavoury, Sylvia is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the guilty don’t get away free. Time is dwindling. She cannot risk putting trust in anyone, especially not the boy who shamelessly finds his way under her skin.
Felix Jones has a taste for the macabre. It doesn’t take much for him to be drawn into the town’s latest mystery. But something in the details doesn’t feel right, and he’s determined to dig up the truth. Adding in the allure of a woman with storm-cloud eyes and a penchant for threatening his life, Felix becomes insatiable for more than just solving a crime.
There is more on the table than what meets the eye. Felix and Sylvia’s methods may not align, but the scars of the past certainly do. And once the heart gets involved in their precarious game, even the best of intentions might come to a bitter end.
She just wants revenge.
Sylvia Baskerville’s life was a blend of dark secrets and sweet distractions. But now, talk of murder fills Edwardian London’s headlines, and false rumours about her family begin to spread. Undaunted by what is deemed unsavoury, Sylvia is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the guilty don’t get away free. Time is dwindling. She cannot risk putting trust in anyone, especially not the boy who shamelessly finds his way under her skin.
Felix Jones has a taste for the macabre. It doesn’t take much for him to be drawn into the town’s latest mystery. But something in the details doesn’t feel right, and he’s determined to dig up the truth. Adding in the allure of a woman with storm-cloud eyes and a penchant for threatening his life, Felix becomes insatiable for more than just solving a crime.
There is more on the table than what meets the eye. Felix and Sylvia’s methods may not align, but the scars of the past certainly do. And once the heart gets involved in their precarious game, even the best of intentions might come to a bitter end.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 6, 2025
I’ve got conflicting feelings on this book, because I think the plot was interesting and the romance story was REALLY good, but I had a really hard time with the author’s writing style, so it was hard to stay engaged. I found myself re reading sentences multiple times through the book, but the rating went up because she wrote the romance well, and made Felix and Sylvia very real characters who were easy to root for and love!
So overall, 4 stars👍🏻
🔥NO SPICE
🤬NO LANGUAGE
So overall, 4 stars👍🏻
🔥NO SPICE
🤬NO LANGUAGE
June 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
age rating: 14+
spice: none
language: none
calling all fans of stalking jack the ripper, enola holmes, and baked goodies!! 🍰🔎
this book was incredible, and i need you to drop everything and read it.
i found the writing to be quite wordy and descriptive, but it absolutely worked for me. it almost reminded me of rebecca ross’s storytelling. all of the confectionary details were so lushly described- fair warning, if you don’t have a pastry in your hand while reading this, you’re very much going to be wishing you did.
both main characters were well developed and fleshed out. their emotions and vulnerabilities felt so real. their romance though?? UGH, it was just perfection. 🥹 felix was utterly ✨smitten✨ with sylvia, so if you’re a fan of the ‘he falls first’ trope, you’re going to eat this up. not to mention his first reaction to sylvia holding a dagger to his face was to grin and begin flirting right off the bat. never mind that his life was in potential peril. 🤭
the mystery and foreshadowing in this book kept me on my toes, and every twist had me SHOOK. what a ride!
🎵: dear reader - taylor swift
sweet nothing - taylor swift
the prophecy - taylor swift
(sylvia is SO midnights coded) 🌙 🌌
age rating: 14+
spice: none
language: none
calling all fans of stalking jack the ripper, enola holmes, and baked goodies!! 🍰🔎
this book was incredible, and i need you to drop everything and read it.
i found the writing to be quite wordy and descriptive, but it absolutely worked for me. it almost reminded me of rebecca ross’s storytelling. all of the confectionary details were so lushly described- fair warning, if you don’t have a pastry in your hand while reading this, you’re very much going to be wishing you did.
both main characters were well developed and fleshed out. their emotions and vulnerabilities felt so real. their romance though?? UGH, it was just perfection. 🥹 felix was utterly ✨smitten✨ with sylvia, so if you’re a fan of the ‘he falls first’ trope, you’re going to eat this up. not to mention his first reaction to sylvia holding a dagger to his face was to grin and begin flirting right off the bat. never mind that his life was in potential peril. 🤭
the mystery and foreshadowing in this book kept me on my toes, and every twist had me SHOOK. what a ride!
🎵: dear reader - taylor swift
sweet nothing - taylor swift
the prophecy - taylor swift
(sylvia is SO midnights coded) 🌙 🌌
February 12, 2026
High stakes Edwardian romantic mystery set in London?
SIGN. ME. UP!
I went into this book completely blind and am THRILLED with the result. I can't say enough good things about this book. I just can't. There's too much. The mystery, the characters, the setting, the desserts. This is one of those books you can not only see but feel, touch, and--yes-- even taste. I was there with Sylvia, taste testing Cordelia's experiment desserts--at least it felt that way!
The prose was outstanding. Lyrical but not overdone. The dialogue was snappy and clever. The romance was sweet, swoony, yet slow. I didn't want to put this book down. Ever.
Seriously, I could not get enough of these two. Felix the golden retriever hero who yearned like no other. And aloof black cat Sylvia who stood no chance against those dimples.
As much as I LOVED the slow burn romance, the mystery of the story was what really gripped me. There were twists and turns that had my head spinning.
The balance between the mystery and romance was masterfully done. This is one of those books that perfectly has you at the edge of your seat, giggling, all while biting your fingernails. You'll feel all the things. And you'll love every single second.
This book was free of language and spice. The story was about as clean as a redrum mystery can be but some violence and injuries were described tactfully.
A 100/10 recommendation for anyone who loves mystery and romance. It was downright perfect.
RATINGS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
15+
💋
SIGN. ME. UP!
I went into this book completely blind and am THRILLED with the result. I can't say enough good things about this book. I just can't. There's too much. The mystery, the characters, the setting, the desserts. This is one of those books you can not only see but feel, touch, and--yes-- even taste. I was there with Sylvia, taste testing Cordelia's experiment desserts--at least it felt that way!
The prose was outstanding. Lyrical but not overdone. The dialogue was snappy and clever. The romance was sweet, swoony, yet slow. I didn't want to put this book down. Ever.
Seriously, I could not get enough of these two. Felix the golden retriever hero who yearned like no other. And aloof black cat Sylvia who stood no chance against those dimples.
As much as I LOVED the slow burn romance, the mystery of the story was what really gripped me. There were twists and turns that had my head spinning.
The balance between the mystery and romance was masterfully done. This is one of those books that perfectly has you at the edge of your seat, giggling, all while biting your fingernails. You'll feel all the things. And you'll love every single second.
This book was free of language and spice. The story was about as clean as a redrum mystery can be but some violence and injuries were described tactfully.
A 100/10 recommendation for anyone who loves mystery and romance. It was downright perfect.
RATINGS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
15+
💋
September 26, 2025
⭐️6
If you haven’t read this yet THEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?
I don’t even know where to begin…I AM FULLY ON OBSESSED with this book!!!🥹 it’s now my favorite book EVER!!!😭
The story was so captivating, I didn’t want to but it down! And it’s safe to say that I sacrificed a few hours of sleep for this🤭🫣
I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning🥹 I absolutely love both of them and they will always hold a special place in my heart🩷
I loved Sylvia, her boldness and bravery. She was such a strong character and I loved how she found comfort and a safe place with Felix 🥹
And don’t even get me started on this man🤭 because Felix Jones is now on the top of my favorite MMCs🤭🤭🤭 this man had me giggling at midnight and shedding a few tears🥰 I seriously don’t even know how to describe how much I love both of these characters🥹 I loved how the author balanced both perspectives and gave us all the yearning🥹
The writing was so so beautiful and even poetic!
Seriously, I wish I could frame every single page of this book and put it on my walls!!!🥹
The cozy mystery of this book was also so so good! There were so many plot twists I did not see coming and had me staring at the wall. It was very clever and very well planned out🥰
This book is now my most favorite book of all time!
I am so excited to get into more of Shawna’s books😆 she now is one of my most favorite authors ever!
🗡️tropes:
- Edwardian England time
- black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC
- dagger to the throat scene
- he takes care of her
- all the YEARNING
- he’s obsessed with her
- cozy mystery with whimsical details
- he reads to her
- reversed grumpy x sunshine
- messy artist MMC
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
TW: grief, death, consumption of food and drinks that alter the mind, ptsd, depression, adhd, assau/t, violence, blood (mild, not gory)
If you haven’t read this yet THEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?
I don’t even know where to begin…I AM FULLY ON OBSESSED with this book!!!🥹 it’s now my favorite book EVER!!!😭
The story was so captivating, I didn’t want to but it down! And it’s safe to say that I sacrificed a few hours of sleep for this🤭🫣
I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning🥹 I absolutely love both of them and they will always hold a special place in my heart🩷
I loved Sylvia, her boldness and bravery. She was such a strong character and I loved how she found comfort and a safe place with Felix 🥹
And don’t even get me started on this man🤭 because Felix Jones is now on the top of my favorite MMCs🤭🤭🤭 this man had me giggling at midnight and shedding a few tears🥰 I seriously don’t even know how to describe how much I love both of these characters🥹 I loved how the author balanced both perspectives and gave us all the yearning🥹
The writing was so so beautiful and even poetic!
Seriously, I wish I could frame every single page of this book and put it on my walls!!!🥹
The cozy mystery of this book was also so so good! There were so many plot twists I did not see coming and had me staring at the wall. It was very clever and very well planned out🥰
This book is now my most favorite book of all time!
I am so excited to get into more of Shawna’s books😆 she now is one of my most favorite authors ever!
🗡️tropes:
- Edwardian England time
- black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC
- dagger to the throat scene
- he takes care of her
- all the YEARNING
- he’s obsessed with her
- cozy mystery with whimsical details
- he reads to her
- reversed grumpy x sunshine
- messy artist MMC
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
TW: grief, death, consumption of food and drinks that alter the mind, ptsd, depression, adhd, assau/t, violence, blood (mild, not gory)
November 3, 2025
"So he let her walk, let her think she could run from she had seen and lock it away behind her.
Because he was behind her.
And he'd keep it safely locked within himself." 🗡
This writing style and setting was wonderful!
I loved how it was set in London.
The chapter art was also really pretty.
I don't know why I thought going into this that Felix was going to be the cinnamon roll type. I have no idea where I got that impression, but that's okay, I just had to adjust my expectations.
I also loved how this book hid things from the reader as well! You don't see that very often, and it kinda gives off slight unreliable narrator vibes. About halfway through, we realize that both Slyvia and Felix were hiding things from the audience, which was really neat. The reveals hit harder when you don't know every waking thought of our characters.
Sylvia is a badass. This is exactly how you write strong female characters. Media has had such a difficult time writing the "strong badass female lead" type for years. This was so refreshing. Sylvia struggled and was able to show weakness. That's part of where the media gets it wrong. They think these characters can't make mistakes, or struggle, or fall down sometimes. But Sylvia had the perfect balance.
There was way more focus on the romance than I expected as well. The romance wasn't my favorite, but I didn't hate it. There were a couple of moments I really liked, but it seemed pretty insta love at times. It was slow burn in the sense that they didn't kiss for almost the entire book.
This book is just further proof that there are so many unique underrated books out there that have yet to be published and recognized.
Because he was behind her.
And he'd keep it safely locked within himself." 🗡
This writing style and setting was wonderful!
I loved how it was set in London.
The chapter art was also really pretty.
I don't know why I thought going into this that Felix was going to be the cinnamon roll type. I have no idea where I got that impression, but that's okay, I just had to adjust my expectations.
I also loved how this book hid things from the reader as well! You don't see that very often, and it kinda gives off slight unreliable narrator vibes. About halfway through, we realize that both Slyvia and Felix were hiding things from the audience, which was really neat. The reveals hit harder when you don't know every waking thought of our characters.
Sylvia is a badass. This is exactly how you write strong female characters. Media has had such a difficult time writing the "strong badass female lead" type for years. This was so refreshing. Sylvia struggled and was able to show weakness. That's part of where the media gets it wrong. They think these characters can't make mistakes, or struggle, or fall down sometimes. But Sylvia had the perfect balance.
There was way more focus on the romance than I expected as well. The romance wasn't my favorite, but I didn't hate it. There were a couple of moments I really liked, but it seemed pretty insta love at times. It was slow burn in the sense that they didn't kiss for almost the entire book.
This book is just further proof that there are so many unique underrated books out there that have yet to be published and recognized.
Did Not Finish
March 23, 2026i’ll probably try to read it another time, it’s been two months since i’ve first started it and i can’t get into it no matter how hard i try. i don’t know if it’s the author’s writing or that i’m simply not in the mood. the plot itself wasn’t bad at all
April 18, 2026
One problem i have with books is spice this book had none of that so i should probably give this 5 stars but I don't know it wasn't that good
July 17, 2025
DNF at 74% due to unbearable writing.
I genuinely tried. Going into this book, I thought I'd have an Edwardian romantic (even gothic!) mystery; essentially my favourite genre.
What I got was a completely unresearched amalgamation of internet tropes (she holds a dagger to his throat and he falls in love, hello princess mononoke 🙄 the list goes on).
The only indication that this occurs in a historical setting is the word 'Edwardian' in the synopsis. The story occurs almost entirely in a white box - little to no description or inclusion of appearances, clothing, setting, historical mannerisms and language, etc. The only element of this story written in any depth whatsoever was the food.
A personal favourite which stood out among many similar instances:
"He bit into the fruit and tossed it again. As it landed heavy in his hand, he was reminded of a certain jar he’d been treating the same way. With the next toss, he threw the apple into a nearby bin and sauntered deeper into the room."
What bin? Why would an upper class Edwardian home have wastebaskets in every room? Is there a rotting apple core in some decorative basket? Why? Why not hand it to a servant if his family is well to do? Instances like these wrenched me out of the story ⁸so often it became a painful ordeal.
I genuinely tried. Going into this book, I thought I'd have an Edwardian romantic (even gothic!) mystery; essentially my favourite genre.
What I got was a completely unresearched amalgamation of internet tropes (she holds a dagger to his throat and he falls in love, hello princess mononoke 🙄 the list goes on).
The only indication that this occurs in a historical setting is the word 'Edwardian' in the synopsis. The story occurs almost entirely in a white box - little to no description or inclusion of appearances, clothing, setting, historical mannerisms and language, etc. The only element of this story written in any depth whatsoever was the food.
A personal favourite which stood out among many similar instances:
"He bit into the fruit and tossed it again. As it landed heavy in his hand, he was reminded of a certain jar he’d been treating the same way. With the next toss, he threw the apple into a nearby bin and sauntered deeper into the room."
What bin? Why would an upper class Edwardian home have wastebaskets in every room? Is there a rotting apple core in some decorative basket? Why? Why not hand it to a servant if his family is well to do? Instances like these wrenched me out of the story ⁸so often it became a painful ordeal.
February 23, 2026
You know those books that you’re unsure about at first? It’s a new-to-you author and you’re not sure what to expect…then you end up LOVING IT??!! This is one of those books.
You know those books that you can’t stop thinking about eight months after you’ve read it? This is one of those books.
You know those books that you feel compelled to share until you can convince everyone you know to read it?? THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS.
First, let me clarify that this is not a *dark* book. It’s a moody mystery with a hint of the macabre. It’ll make your heart race (from the romance and the suspense 😉) but no gloomy, dark feelings accompany this book.
In the aftermath of a murder, false rumors invade Sylvia’s life and eat at the unreachable peace and safety she wants for her family. She’s not the only one determined to find the guilty. Drawn in by the mystery—and Sylvia—Felix wants to help find the truth. But Sylvia can’t let him get too close. She can’t let him discover her flaws…and she definitely can’t let him discover her secrets.
Felix is one of my favorite MMCs ever. I love his pure adoration of Sylvia. Yes, he’s intrigued with her, but it’s more than curiosity or admiration—it’s yearning on an entirely new level.
It’s raw.
It’s artful.
It’s unabashed.
Sylvia recognizes that Felix sees her—and she is helplessly drawn to that but resists it because she’s scared. She’s scared of becoming who she wants to be because it doesn’t like up with who she thinks she should be. Her arc is beautiful.
The murder plot in this book was stunning and intriguing.
The combination of suspense and romance was breathtaking.
The WRITING in this book is poetic and vivid and will leave your jaw hanging open.
One of my ALL-TIME favorites.
✨ Gems ✨
Felix 🥹
THE YEARNING
Felix’ parents 😂
The chains painting
Dual POV 💕
He takes care of her
The alleyway ❤️🔥
Delicious mystery
The greenhouse 🔥 🫠 ❤️
The achingly beautiful metaphors
The plot twists 😱
You know those books that you can’t stop thinking about eight months after you’ve read it? This is one of those books.
You know those books that you feel compelled to share until you can convince everyone you know to read it?? THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS.
First, let me clarify that this is not a *dark* book. It’s a moody mystery with a hint of the macabre. It’ll make your heart race (from the romance and the suspense 😉) but no gloomy, dark feelings accompany this book.
In the aftermath of a murder, false rumors invade Sylvia’s life and eat at the unreachable peace and safety she wants for her family. She’s not the only one determined to find the guilty. Drawn in by the mystery—and Sylvia—Felix wants to help find the truth. But Sylvia can’t let him get too close. She can’t let him discover her flaws…and she definitely can’t let him discover her secrets.
Felix is one of my favorite MMCs ever. I love his pure adoration of Sylvia. Yes, he’s intrigued with her, but it’s more than curiosity or admiration—it’s yearning on an entirely new level.
It’s raw.
It’s artful.
It’s unabashed.
Sylvia recognizes that Felix sees her—and she is helplessly drawn to that but resists it because she’s scared. She’s scared of becoming who she wants to be because it doesn’t like up with who she thinks she should be. Her arc is beautiful.
The murder plot in this book was stunning and intriguing.
The combination of suspense and romance was breathtaking.
The WRITING in this book is poetic and vivid and will leave your jaw hanging open.
One of my ALL-TIME favorites.
✨ Gems ✨
Felix 🥹
THE YEARNING
Felix’ parents 😂
The chains painting
Dual POV 💕
He takes care of her
The alleyway ❤️🔥
Delicious mystery
The greenhouse 🔥 🫠 ❤️
The achingly beautiful metaphors
The plot twists 😱
May 8, 2025
I have so much I could say about this book and only so many words to say it with.
But my main word is: WOW!!!
Stains of Scarlet is written with heart. You can practically feel the vulnerability screaming from the pages. Felix and Sylvia have so much depth---have so much expression. It's like getting to know an old friend on an entirely new level.
The mystery, the romance, and the decadent dessert descriptions flew from the pages. I can't even mention how many times I gasped, squealed, or found myself with a sharp craving for sweets while reading. (DO NOT read if you're on a diet---I promise, it won't end well!)
And while the storyline was enrapturing on its own, I've found the staple of any Shawna Woodland book to be the healing. My goodness, Stains of Scarlet contained a lot! (I thought Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake had me crying... Well, in Stains of Scarlet, I was bawling!!)
With every turning page, Sylvia's vulnerabilities were my vulnerabilities. Her heart was my heart. And the breaking and mending along the way was, I swear, more healing than therapy. Because She. Was. Me.
Her fractured memories and silenced dreams. The concrete wall and glistening talons staunchly guarding her heart. ...And the beautiful flowers that grew between the cracks and crevices. All thanks to a murder mystery and an adorable boy with ADHD. (*Cough cough* Felix, I love you! Please, fall for me instead. *Cough cough*)
Now, I'm absolutely awful at ending reviews, so I'll just leave this here.
And if you pick it up...well, so be it, I guess.
It's 100% worth the healing. <3
But my main word is: WOW!!!
Stains of Scarlet is written with heart. You can practically feel the vulnerability screaming from the pages. Felix and Sylvia have so much depth---have so much expression. It's like getting to know an old friend on an entirely new level.
The mystery, the romance, and the decadent dessert descriptions flew from the pages. I can't even mention how many times I gasped, squealed, or found myself with a sharp craving for sweets while reading. (DO NOT read if you're on a diet---I promise, it won't end well!)
And while the storyline was enrapturing on its own, I've found the staple of any Shawna Woodland book to be the healing. My goodness, Stains of Scarlet contained a lot! (I thought Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake had me crying... Well, in Stains of Scarlet, I was bawling!!)
With every turning page, Sylvia's vulnerabilities were my vulnerabilities. Her heart was my heart. And the breaking and mending along the way was, I swear, more healing than therapy. Because She. Was. Me.
Her fractured memories and silenced dreams. The concrete wall and glistening talons staunchly guarding her heart. ...And the beautiful flowers that grew between the cracks and crevices. All thanks to a murder mystery and an adorable boy with ADHD. (*Cough cough* Felix, I love you! Please, fall for me instead. *Cough cough*)
Now, I'm absolutely awful at ending reviews, so I'll just leave this here.
And if you pick it up...well, so be it, I guess.
It's 100% worth the healing. <3
March 7, 2026
Is his obsession over her mildly concerning? Yes. Is it cute? Also yes.
This was what I'd call an escapist read, in the most respectful, enjoyable sense. Sweet, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth… oh wait. I'm describing a cake. There's something decadent in how many baked goods get screen time in this production.
Definitely moody (love). At times felt a little fever-dream when the plot wasn’t moving super fast, or it was being ignored for the sake of romance. Without spoiling anything, nobody's family is that chill. These two are Romeo and Juliet with daggers and a happy ending. That said, I would still read it again on a dark and stormy night.
FMC Sylvia is the coolest. This was definitely her story, despite the dual POV. Felt a little disconnected from the action at times, being in 3rd person POV, but that could be personal preference. The twists were nicely executed, not super predictable. You could say the twists each have their own… twist. The mystery element anchors the story well, and kept it from going off the rails every time Felix opened his sonnet-spinning mouth😆
Overall, it was fun! And Felix is iconic. 4/5 stars.
This was what I'd call an escapist read, in the most respectful, enjoyable sense. Sweet, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth… oh wait. I'm describing a cake. There's something decadent in how many baked goods get screen time in this production.
Definitely moody (love). At times felt a little fever-dream when the plot wasn’t moving super fast, or it was being ignored for the sake of romance. Without spoiling anything, nobody's family is that chill. These two are Romeo and Juliet with daggers and a happy ending. That said, I would still read it again on a dark and stormy night.
FMC Sylvia is the coolest. This was definitely her story, despite the dual POV. Felt a little disconnected from the action at times, being in 3rd person POV, but that could be personal preference. The twists were nicely executed, not super predictable. You could say the twists each have their own… twist. The mystery element anchors the story well, and kept it from going off the rails every time Felix opened his sonnet-spinning mouth😆
Overall, it was fun! And Felix is iconic. 4/5 stars.
June 12, 2025
What a fun, intriguing, somewhat twisted romp through the streets of Edwardian London! Sherlock-esque in tone, this book makes you want to curl up in an overstuffed leather chair under a buttery soft blanket, a strong cup of coffee by your side, as you disappear into its lyrically dark mystery. A fast paced story filled with stabby characters who have an acute taste for the macabre and plenty of twisty turns and unexpected moments to keep one thoroughly captivated.
Stylistically rich, lushly descriptive, and deliciously wordy, this author’s writing just really worked for me. This was my first book by her, and I’m so glad I read it! Absolutely lovely.
SYLVIA. Such a complex character with her own monsters to face. Whip-smart and adept at
handling a blade, she constantly strove for perfection yet yearned to be seen and known as more. She had a remarkable capacity to love fiercely those around her, and we see as she continues to learn how to do so throughout the story.
FELIX. JONES. I cannot describe the ways I adore this man. He’s like a golden retriever but also like a lovable cat? With his ink stained fingers and deep mind, he sees things most others miss. Is it any wonder he saw Sylvia from the first? He wasn’t afraid of her darkness; rather, he embraced it. He was the perfect mix of scatterbrained, sincere, intelligent, flirty, and charming.
And when they’re TOGETHER? What. A. Pair. They’re a force to be reckoned with and balance each other perfectly!
A few things I loved♥️
-The masque. “I came for you.” *faints*
-Watson the cat
-His chocolate caramel pistachio tart eyes
-His dimple
-Them in the greenhouse
-Every kiss😭
-THE EPILOGUE🫠
Stylistically rich, lushly descriptive, and deliciously wordy, this author’s writing just really worked for me. This was my first book by her, and I’m so glad I read it! Absolutely lovely.
SYLVIA. Such a complex character with her own monsters to face. Whip-smart and adept at
handling a blade, she constantly strove for perfection yet yearned to be seen and known as more. She had a remarkable capacity to love fiercely those around her, and we see as she continues to learn how to do so throughout the story.
FELIX. JONES. I cannot describe the ways I adore this man. He’s like a golden retriever but also like a lovable cat? With his ink stained fingers and deep mind, he sees things most others miss. Is it any wonder he saw Sylvia from the first? He wasn’t afraid of her darkness; rather, he embraced it. He was the perfect mix of scatterbrained, sincere, intelligent, flirty, and charming.
And when they’re TOGETHER? What. A. Pair. They’re a force to be reckoned with and balance each other perfectly!
A few things I loved♥️
-The masque. “I came for you.” *faints*
-Watson the cat
-His chocolate caramel pistachio tart eyes
-His dimple
-Them in the greenhouse
-Every kiss😭
-THE EPILOGUE🫠
March 16, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Felix was a likeable character and his unwavering loyalty and honesty captured me. Sylvia was relatable, all of us having our own inner monsters we need to come to terms with.
I did fleetingly partially guess the ending then mentally reneged, but the twists had me hooked. I felt the end was a bit longer than it needed to be, but that may have been because of my sheer refusal to put the book down in the wee hours of the morning until it was complete.
I like the writer's style of writing and was somehow continuously surprised throughout by the persistence of their love of bakery goods. It helped with descriptions and lightening the mood, and gave them treats to investigate over. Some of the author's metaphors and similes though were so abstract I could not understand them, especially at the beginning of the story, but I just skipped those. I'd rather have some over-descriptions than a book on straight dialog.
I did fleetingly partially guess the ending then mentally reneged, but the twists had me hooked. I felt the end was a bit longer than it needed to be, but that may have been because of my sheer refusal to put the book down in the wee hours of the morning until it was complete.
I like the writer's style of writing and was somehow continuously surprised throughout by the persistence of their love of bakery goods. It helped with descriptions and lightening the mood, and gave them treats to investigate over. Some of the author's metaphors and similes though were so abstract I could not understand them, especially at the beginning of the story, but I just skipped those. I'd rather have some over-descriptions than a book on straight dialog.
February 22, 2026
Rate: 4,8 stars
Omgg this was soooo goodd! I couldnt stop reading it, i genuinely enetered flow state. It was so fun to read and i enjoyed every moment. I LOVEDDD the charachters i feel like theyre soo fun. AND ESPECIALLY Felix, this man omg i might cry like he is the definiton of a smart cute nerd. I NEED HIM SO BADDD!! I also adored Sylvia she was such a girl boss and i love that for her, she didnt NEED felix in her life and i loved that he also knew that like yes u gotta know ur place.
The romance was too die for, the story was soo good, the vibes were sooo cozy historical AND the plots were insane, BUT the end was quite rushed, especially because its a short book so the author was just throwing all the plots together and hoped for the best. I really think that if it was a bit longer IT WOULD BE AMAZINGGG. Also it felt like everyone already knew everything and apparently I was behind, they also really started to realize the craziest things and I was thinking how did you come up with this?! or at the most not expected plots nobody was really shocked, like for example SPOILER ALERT: when Alexander was still alive nobody was really questioning it, LIKE WHATTT girl my jaw was on the ground. I was soo lost sometimes, but other then that it was SOOO good i loveeeedd this book and the most important part was that i enjoyed reading it.
Omgg this was soooo goodd! I couldnt stop reading it, i genuinely enetered flow state. It was so fun to read and i enjoyed every moment. I LOVEDDD the charachters i feel like theyre soo fun. AND ESPECIALLY Felix, this man omg i might cry like he is the definiton of a smart cute nerd. I NEED HIM SO BADDD!! I also adored Sylvia she was such a girl boss and i love that for her, she didnt NEED felix in her life and i loved that he also knew that like yes u gotta know ur place.
The romance was too die for, the story was soo good, the vibes were sooo cozy historical AND the plots were insane, BUT the end was quite rushed, especially because its a short book so the author was just throwing all the plots together and hoped for the best. I really think that if it was a bit longer IT WOULD BE AMAZINGGG. Also it felt like everyone already knew everything and apparently I was behind, they also really started to realize the craziest things and I was thinking how did you come up with this?! or at the most not expected plots nobody was really shocked, like for example SPOILER ALERT: when Alexander was still alive nobody was really questioning it, LIKE WHATTT girl my jaw was on the ground. I was soo lost sometimes, but other then that it was SOOO good i loveeeedd this book and the most important part was that i enjoyed reading it.
February 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book!
If you love the movie Enola Holmes then I think you'd really like this. The main character is allot like Enola herself and the love interest is a hard core yearner.
They meet in a very...... interesting circumstance. They were both sloothing when they shouldnt have been, and just happened to almost be caught. And from then on, their paths crossed everywhere at every turn.
As they both go to solve the same murder, they keep crossing paths, and eventually just decide to team up.
Also. The ending was phenomenal.
When Felix looked past his kidnapper and Sylvia come out of the dark with a knife, EXCUSE ME!!!!
It was a really great read!
If you enjoy:
🔪 Touch him and die
🔪 he gives her a nickname
🔪 forced proximity
🔪 he takes care of her
🔪 plot twists
🔪 banter
Then this book is 💯 for you!!
If you love the movie Enola Holmes then I think you'd really like this. The main character is allot like Enola herself and the love interest is a hard core yearner.
They meet in a very...... interesting circumstance. They were both sloothing when they shouldnt have been, and just happened to almost be caught. And from then on, their paths crossed everywhere at every turn.
As they both go to solve the same murder, they keep crossing paths, and eventually just decide to team up.
Also. The ending was phenomenal.
When Felix looked past his kidnapper and Sylvia come out of the dark with a knife, EXCUSE ME!!!!
It was a really great read!
If you enjoy:
🔪 Touch him and die
🔪 he gives her a nickname
🔪 forced proximity
🔪 he takes care of her
🔪 plot twists
🔪 banter
Then this book is 💯 for you!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
🍰🗡️Stains of Scarlet🗡️🍰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨
First, I have a quick question - where do I sign up for the Shawna Woodland fan club?! Oh my lanta. I was in the biggest reading slump before I started this book & by golly I think this was the cure. Simply & dangerously delicious.
The banter, the mystery, the swoon, the “touch him & die” - I could go on & on. The twists & turns kept me firmly planted on the edge of my seat. Well, until I was up pacing & gasping for the whole ending.
I laughed, I cried, I made the Chris Pratt in Parks & Rec meme face (you know the one). You need to read this book. Period. You’re welcome. Kthanks loveyoubye.
No spice (kisses only).
No foul language.
It is a murder mystery so check content for that.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨
First, I have a quick question - where do I sign up for the Shawna Woodland fan club?! Oh my lanta. I was in the biggest reading slump before I started this book & by golly I think this was the cure. Simply & dangerously delicious.
The banter, the mystery, the swoon, the “touch him & die” - I could go on & on. The twists & turns kept me firmly planted on the edge of my seat. Well, until I was up pacing & gasping for the whole ending.
I laughed, I cried, I made the Chris Pratt in Parks & Rec meme face (you know the one). You need to read this book. Period. You’re welcome. Kthanks loveyoubye.
No spice (kisses only).
No foul language.
It is a murder mystery so check content for that.
February 10, 2026
Loved it. Will be rereading at some point. Felix is 😍. Like seriously with the leaning and curly hair, I can't.
Okay, but also the writing is so magical and musical and whimsical and other -cal words.
How did SW write something about solving a murder and stabby scenes seem so cozy? It was probably all the desserts.
This is a somewhat random and nonsensical (another -cal word!) review, but these are my raw and unfiltered thoughts after just finishing it, so maybe something more cultivated and cohesive will be written later after my heart rate slows down from how amazing this was.
Chef kiss 😘
Okay, but also the writing is so magical and musical and whimsical and other -cal words.
How did SW write something about solving a murder and stabby scenes seem so cozy? It was probably all the desserts.
This is a somewhat random and nonsensical (another -cal word!) review, but these are my raw and unfiltered thoughts after just finishing it, so maybe something more cultivated and cohesive will be written later after my heart rate slows down from how amazing this was.
Chef kiss 😘
March 3, 2026
Five stars all around. This is definitely one of the best books I've read in a very long time. The prose was stunning. The characters were perfectly written. The themes of redemption, growth, love, and light outshining darkness were beautiful. Felix and Sylvia were both so complex and nuanced and wow! is that rare to find nowadays. I adore them both. The epilogue was everything an epilogue should be. THANK YOU for writing a good one.
This book reads like a classic (think Sherlock Holmes and Jane Austen combined), and is perfect for a cozy, rainy day curled up with a cup of earl grey tea and something sweet. Warning: it will make you crave cake.
This book reads like a classic (think Sherlock Holmes and Jane Austen combined), and is perfect for a cozy, rainy day curled up with a cup of earl grey tea and something sweet. Warning: it will make you crave cake.
July 26, 2025
“Loving you is elementary. Upon it, everything in my life has fallen into place.”
I loved Felix and Sylvia and their romance was PERFECT. I’ll eat up the “he falls first” trope every time
A few moments did give me pause in regard to the meaning of a few sentences (though I feel like this improved as I read more) as well as some historical details. That said, I really did enjoy this and I think it’s perfect for a romantic, fast-paced mystery!!
An honourable quotes mention:
- “I’m scared.” / “then do it scared.”
4✨
I loved Felix and Sylvia and their romance was PERFECT. I’ll eat up the “he falls first” trope every time
A few moments did give me pause in regard to the meaning of a few sentences (though I feel like this improved as I read more) as well as some historical details. That said, I really did enjoy this and I think it’s perfect for a romantic, fast-paced mystery!!
An honourable quotes mention:
- “I’m scared.” / “then do it scared.”
4✨
June 27, 2025
So perfect
Ahhh I’m upset that half way through the book I realize that this was Felix’s and Sylvia’s. Molly’s favorite (only) cousin! So silly of me. Anyway I really enjoyed this story. I love how Shawna doesn’t shy away from heavy topics and this one was pretty HEAVY. But there is also a cute and sweet romance. Felix is was so good to Sylvia and they balanced each other really well. Also I love how strong Sylvia was despite of what she had been through.
Ahhh I’m upset that half way through the book I realize that this was Felix’s and Sylvia’s. Molly’s favorite (only) cousin! So silly of me. Anyway I really enjoyed this story. I love how Shawna doesn’t shy away from heavy topics and this one was pretty HEAVY. But there is also a cute and sweet romance. Felix is was so good to Sylvia and they balanced each other really well. Also I love how strong Sylvia was despite of what she had been through.
May 10, 2025
I loved this book! Shawna is such a brilliant writer. Her descriptions and imagery are so beautiful and poignant. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Felix and Sylvia. The mystery and intrigue in this book had me on edge in the best way. I also loved getting little peeks at characters from her previous books. I highly recommend you add all of Shawna's books to your TBR!
August 25, 2025
The writing of this book was rich and wonderful. The mystery…one of the best I have read in a long time. It was to the point that I was reading a bit too quickly to see if I was right (I was!!!) that I feel like I want to go back and reread to appreciate the style and details of the story soon. Excellent read.
January 30, 2026
- he's obsessed
- she's stabby
- amazing food
- mystery
- banter
- no spice, kisses only
there’s a such thing as beautifully written, but there were so many times i caught myself saying, “wow, this is exquisite.” not to mention the mystery, the fun banter, the...well, everything. Felix and Sylvia feel like they should never go together and that’s the only place they belong at the same time. also, the epilogue may perhaps be one of my all time favorites – would not change a single word of those final pages. MUST READ!!! *add to tbr*
- beautiful writing style
- quirky and edgy characters
- lots of fun food, so foodies rejoice
- Sherlock style mystery
- so much banter 😍
- adorable character art
- she's stabby
- amazing food
- mystery
- banter
- no spice, kisses only
there’s a such thing as beautifully written, but there were so many times i caught myself saying, “wow, this is exquisite.” not to mention the mystery, the fun banter, the...well, everything. Felix and Sylvia feel like they should never go together and that’s the only place they belong at the same time. also, the epilogue may perhaps be one of my all time favorites – would not change a single word of those final pages. MUST READ!!! *add to tbr*
- beautiful writing style
- quirky and edgy characters
- lots of fun food, so foodies rejoice
- Sherlock style mystery
- so much banter 😍
- adorable character art
June 7, 2025
OH MY GOSH! I’d been waiting for like a year for this book. I knew it was going to be great, but it was simply phenomenal. Loved it, loved the characters, loved everything about it. Sylvia and Felix have my heart. And the epilogue 🤭🤭🤭🤭 beautiful. Yet another masterpiece by Mrs. Woodland🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
December 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It is one of my favorites now. I mean, it is so underrated, i think this book should be more popular. And I would recommend this book specially for those who read and liked OUABH series!!!
April 20, 2026
Felix, the man you are!
First darker romance I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed it!! Someone on booktok recommended this and I’m so glad they did! A crazy journey full of mystery and adventure!!
First darker romance I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed it!! Someone on booktok recommended this and I’m so glad they did! A crazy journey full of mystery and adventure!!
July 14, 2025
This was a cute mystery, I dont know if this was supposed to be cute but it felt like that to me
July 24, 2025
When I started this book, I knew it would be a 5 star. I wish I could read this book for the first time again. I can now retire from reading because this was THE book!
December 1, 2025
This was such a cute and cozy mystery read!! Shawna’s writing is just delicious and I loved all the baking references mixed in this.
January 9, 2026
Loved it!
The no spice element attracted me. The story made me stay.
The no spice element attracted me. The story made me stay.
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