He’d carry the weight of duty until it broke him—but even duty has its limits.
Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley, never wavered. Not when his father died, not when the estate crumbled, and certainly not when society whispered about his cold resolve. He restored his family’s honor, protected his people, and buried his heart beneath the ruins of his past. Love? Legacy? He wanted neither. The world didn’t need more of his blood. Until she arrived—and set everything aflame.
Winning hearts was child’s play. Uncovering the truth could cost her everything.
Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux had the life every young woman dazzling fortune, noble name, adoring parents, and a dog more loyal than any suitor. But it was all smoke and mirrors. Except the dog, of course. Her name was a lie. Her mission, deadly serious. Her beloved brother was murdered in cold blood—and the glittering world of the London Season was her only way to discover who had done so.
She didn’t expect Christian. And he never expected her.
When he finds her rifling through secrets best left buried, he’s determined to expose her deception. But each stolen glance and forbidden kiss tangles them further in a web of longing and mistrust. Alexandra is playing a dangerous game—and Christian’s heart might be the final casualty.
Can love survive when the truth is a blade? Or will finding the killer tear them apart forever?
Lady’s Match: Opposites Attract Regency Romance (The Lady’s Rouge Companion, #1) by C.K. Mackenzie
4 ⭐️| 1.5 🌶️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a delightful novella, and a fun read. It very much reads as a novella – jumping straight into the thick of the story without much background on the characters or prior events. While I wasn’t expecting a quick novella, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this even without reading C.K. Mackenzie’s previous work. After finishing, I dug deeper into her Goodreads profile and uncovered that some of the characters in Lady’s Match appear in other works.
Alexandra de Garmeaux is out to solve a murder. She’s narrowed down her list of suspects and to find the person responsible for her brother’s death she’ll enter the world of London’s high society. At least she has her loyal furry sidekick, Winnie. At one of the social dinners, Alexandra finds herself seated next to Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley and British Intelligence officer in His Majesty’s Army. Their dinner conversation leaves her wondering if there is more to the Earl than his stoic facade. Christian has rebuilt his family’s honor. Coming from a broken home, he’s built-up walls to protect his dignity and ultimately his heart from further ruin. His entire life has revolved around duty, not caring that it’s earned him a reputation of being unapproachable and cold-hearted. Something about Lady Alexandra’s quick mind and introspective gaze leaves a lasting impression on him. The two are magnetically drawn to each other. When Chistian catches Alexandra rifling through a potential suspect’s desk, they discover they both have aligning priorities that would benefit from a strategic alliance. Alexandra is determined to uncover the murderer, and Christian has had rising suspicions that a group of gentlemen have participated in illegal activities.
Plot & Characters: Because this is a novella, the reader is not provided with a thorough backstory into the past. As far as novellas go, Lady’s Match has a great deal of character depth for our FMC & MMC. Without disclosing too much information, some of my favorite parts: I enjoyed the brotherly bonding. There were some very sweet moments between the siblings, and I was happy to see their connection grow. I also enjoyed the ‘found family’ aspect between some of our female characters. There is also a ‘F**K It’ moment, which who doesn’t love?!
A few things stood out to me that made it a 4 instead of 5-star read for me. Most of the novella is centered around the murder investigation alongside the building of the romantic spark between Alexandra and Christian, but the plot takes a drastic turn as it wraps up all events in the last few chapters. It felt cramped and rushed compared to the wonderful progression throughout most of the story. There are also a lot of characters that are mentioned in passing. I felt that the number of additional names referenced throughout the short novel took away from the main storyline and led to some confusion when I was trying to follow along with the investigation.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fun Historical Romance read.
Lady’s Match is the thrilling first installment in C.K. Mackenzie’s Lady's Rogue Companion Stories, delivering a blend of mystery, intrigue, and slow-burn romance. It’s a story brimming with secrets, suspense, and the kind of familial undercurrents that elevate a historical romance into something truly captivating.
Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux is living a lie, passing herself off as a wealthy noblewoman to pursue a dangerous mission: uncover the truth behind her beloved brother’s murder and ensure the culprit pays. Her single-minded determination leads her into perilous situations—and straight into the path of Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley.
Christian has returned to London after a decade away, intent on repairing his strained relationship with his brother. Stoic and reserved, he is a man steeped in shadows and reluctant to let anyone breach his defenses. When he discovers Alexandra rifling through the office of a mutual suspect, their lives intertwine. Realizing they share a common goal, they join forces, cautiously navigating a world of secrets and danger.
The dynamic between the two is magnetic. Christian, a man who thought he needed no one, finds himself captivated by Alexandra’s intelligence, courage, and unflinching ability to see the man beneath his armor. Their evolving partnership—reluctant allies turned unexpected lovers—is both heartfelt and thrilling. Alexandra’s boldness and resilience perfectly counterbalance Christian’s quiet intensity, and their chemistry smolders as trust slowly replaces suspicion.
Mackenzie excels at weaving drama, danger, and romance into a seamless endearing story. From clever banter to high-stakes scenes, each chapter deepens the suspense while allowing the characters to grow in authentic, satisfying ways. Christian’s transformation from a guarded loner to a man willing to open his heart is beautifully rendered, while Alexandra’s journey is equally compelling.
The book has everything: secret investigations, danger, clever banter, romance, endearing family, high-stakes scenes, each chapter deepens the suspense. Christian’s transformation from a guarded loner to a man willing to open his heart is beautifully rendered, while Alexandra’s journey is equally compelling. By the end, I was completely invested in both of them and ready for to jump into the next adventure in the Rogue Companion series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After their mother died, Alexandra and her brother Frederick were left living on the streets. When Frederick attempted to pick solicitor Finley Osbourne’s pocket, the man took the two of them home, and they soon became an addition to his family. Fast forward and Frederick had joined Finley and his son Daniel it their law practice. When Finley died from a fever, Frederick took on a courier job to make extra money. Frederick was concerned that something shady was going on and read one of the letters. Shortly thereafter he was stabbed to death. Alexandra vowed to find his killer and bring him to justice. Certain that the man pulling the strings was a member of the ton, Alexandra Osbourne transformed herself into Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux, a person many desired to know. At a dinner party, which she attended because she wanted to question a guest named Lurgan, she was seated next to Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley. She intrigued the Earl and after an unexpected meeting in the host’s study at a ball they both attended, she told Christian her true story. They then worked together to find the culprit. There is more to this story than just finding a killer. A rather endearing substory is the one about two brothers renewing their relationship after a decade apart. In many aspects, family drives this tale. You will find witty banter, strained relationships, strong intelligent women, lurking danger and steamy encounters. Christian’s metamorphosis from loner to lover is very attractive and fun to watch, as is Alexandra’s transformation. This exciting story will hold your interest from beginning to end and leave you wanting more.
I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
An enjoyable strangers to lovers romance with added hidden identity, revenge, murder mystery, class disparity and opposites attract tropes - a great start to this new companion series! The well written plot is fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful, intriguing and spicy. The protagonists are very likable. Landra is a strong, determined and charming heroine, and Christian is an honorable, reserved former spy. I really liked the instant chemistry between the two and their collaboration. I was also very happy to see Yara and Alec again.
Landra Osbourne, née Alexandra Evenou, fled France as a child with her brother Freddie and lived on the streets before they were both adopted by the Osbournes. Frédéric was working as a courier when he was brutally murdered, and Landra is determined to solve the murder of her brother, who had uncovered a conspiracy. As Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux, she swindles her way into high society to scout out the suspects and meets reserved Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley. Christian spent the last decade working as a spy on the continent. Now he is back in England and attending a dinner party hosted by his estranged brother Alec and his wife Yara. There he meets the enigmatic Landra, to whom he is immediately attracted. He soon realises that there is more to her than meets the eye, and together they set out to find the traitor behind her brother's murder...
All in all, an entertaining, quick read with lovable characters, action, a dash of suspense and heat, which I am happy to recommend.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a story of hidden identities and the search for justice, and unexpected love.
Lady Alexandra is anything but a lady in truth, but she has vowed to seek justice after the murder of her brother, and her best suspects are members of the aristocracy. So with the help of her adopted family and good friends, she takes on the guise of foreign aristocracy travelling to London for the Season, gaining a foothold into the houses of the Ton, and hopefully seeking out the proof she needs to pinpoint the murderer.
Christian von Stein finds no joy in the superficial trappings of Society. He is firmly focused on restoring the Earldom and his family honour, and protecting those left who are important to him, and does not care to waste him time on frivolous entertainments, let alone seeking love and marriage. Especially now that his brother has married. He cannot account for why he is suddenly fascinated by Lady Alexandra, after one meeting.
But after catching her snooping about at an affair, Christian is determined to expose her, but ends up finding himself sympathetic to her goals after discovering more of the truth of them. They become unexpected allies who grow more attracted and closer as they conspire together to discover who is behind the crimes that lead to the murder of her brother.
A rather gentle intrigue with two strangers from very different backgrounds, but neither of who appear to fit into Society anyways, and unexpectedly find love and desire as they work together to reveal the truth and seek justice.
Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley, a former intelligence officer in His Majesty’s Army, resolved to restore his family’s honor, despite being perceived as "cold" by others. Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux is likewise on a mission, pretending to be of the wealthy class in order to blend in so she can investigate her brother Freddie’s murder and find justice for him. Even if she didn't find the actual killer, finding the man who ordered Fred's murder would still be satisfying since he was no less guilty of the crime. She needs to uncover Lurgan, Dwight, and Gardner’s secrets (and later Greenfield is added to the list). Her brother had been messengering communications among those men, and told her he feared the last batch of papers contained traitorous secrets. With his subsequent murder, she made sure to attend the functions where she could gain valuable information in her search, definitely not looking to find a husband like the other ladies, but diligent in her pursuit of the murderer. In the process, she comes to the attention of the Earl of Raveley as she arrives to go through office files of the same suspect he is investigating. She knew he was hiding in the dark office, so when he "discovers" her activities, they agree to work together. Will they uncover the guilty parties? Will Christian learn to finally open up and actually care for the intelligent lady who has captured his heart? Or will they be putting themselves in danger of becoming victims of something bigger than they realized?
Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley was not keen to take on his new role after his father died. Preferring to let things slide is not his way though. Especially when he meets her. He knows he has to stand for what is right. Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux is set on finding who killed her beloved brother. Freddie was murdered in cold blood and someone in the ton is responsible. Their worlds collide when he finds her rifling through secret documents. He is looking for a traitor whilst she is looking for a murderer. He knows that she is not what she presents as and suspects her motives, initially he’s determined to expose her. But as they share truths and work closer together they find themselves in passion filled scenarios that have them building a relationship from their initial mistrust of one another. This is a romantic whodunit about family drama for both main characters and the intertwining connections that lead to more secrets and intrigue. This is a well written tale full of drama and mystery that will keep you turning the pages to the satisfying HEA for these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a strong mix of romance, mystery, and emotional depth. From the start, Christian von Stein is a brooding, duty-bound hero who has closed himself off from the world. I really enjoyed watching his walls slowly crack as the story unfolded. His sense of responsibility felt heavy and real, and it made his internal struggle easy to understand.
Lady Alexandra was just as compelling. On the surface she’s charming and confident, but underneath she’s grieving and determined to uncover the truth about her brother’s murder. Her secret identity added tension, and I liked how clever and focused she was, even when her feelings for Christian complicated everything.
The romance is slow-burn and full of longing, with plenty of mistrust keeping things interesting. The mystery thread adds stakes without overwhelming the love story, and the emotional payoff is satisfying. Overall, this is an engaging historical romance with strong characters, real tension, and a touch of danger. A great pick if you enjoy heartfelt stories with secrets, intrigue, and love hard-won.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Well written, full of drama, mystery, murder, society, secrets, family, love, action, steam, danger, intrigue and suspense. Lady Alexander is now in London for a reason that only her close family is aware of. Her brother was stabbed to death while carrying some messages for "A". They are there for the season to find the person or persons that killed him. Being accepted into society gives Alexander the chance to explore and look for the clues and answers needed. Lord Christian is also looking into other issues that could prove treason for England. They come across each other at different gatherings until they both end up in a library looking for the same information. So they decide to join together to find the truth to both of their questions. Has lots of action and togetherness. Can't wait for the next book in this series to find out who did it and how they solve the mystery. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have not so much opposites but two sides of a coin! We have Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley, never wavered. Not when his father died, he was steadfast and resolved in restoring his crumbling estates! But he had never encountered Lady Alexandra De Garmeaux! Alexandra aka Landra is beautiful, intelligent and fulll of secrets and she is determined to unmask a murderer. When searching for clues she and Christian are both somewhere they shouldn’t be! If discovered she would be compromised! Christian has never had anyone disconcert him this way! He was a very talented spy for the crown so how did she get the drop on him? Now he’s even more intrigued then by their first meeting! Landra knows instinctively she can trust him and trust is a very fragile and fleeting thing! But they have a treacherous group to unmask! Can they work together and keep their hearts safe! Not a change! This is a very fast moving novella with a HEA! Do try to keep up! Bravo I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!
So I just finished reading “Lady’s Match” written by C.K. Mackenzie, book one in the series The Lady’s Rogue Companion. This is a historical romance that involves a mystery to be solved. Landra (aka Lady Alexandra) reinvented herself to solve the murder of her brother. I liked this character. She was smart, crafty, and a survivor. Her quest put her on the path of Christian, the Earl of Raveley. I wanted to know more about him, there were glimpses, such as his abusive father and his estrangement from his brother and sister. I guess I’m nosy and wanted more whys answered. I did like the plot and the interactions between Landra and Christian. I liked their overall chemistry and that they were on equal footing, that’s what drew Christian to Landra. There is some open door spice. The story is good, I think it needs more development to make it flow better. A little work and this four star novella could become a five star novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Lady’s Match: An Opposites Attract Romance by C.K. Mackenzie is a captivating blend of historical intrigue and slow‑burn passion. Landra enters the glittering ballrooms of London under the guise of Lady Alexandra, determined to uncover her brother’s killer. Her deception draws the attention of Christian, a confirmed bachelor whose sharp instincts quickly unravel her secret.
As the two are forced to work together to apprehend a dangerous enemy, their partnership evolves into something far deeper. Lies, suspense, and danger intertwine with unexpected tenderness, leading to a romance that feels both earned and heartwarming.
Mackenzie delivers a story rich with ballroom elegance, mystery, and emotional depth. It’s a perfect read for historical romance lovers who enjoy a dash of suspense alongside a compelling love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This historical romance stands out thanks to its delightful mix of heartfelt romance and cozy mystery elements. The combination works beautifully and gives the story a very distinct, engaging atmosphere that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are well developed and feel authentic, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. The story flows smoothly, with a well-paced plot and a satisfying story arc that ties everything together nicely. The mystery elements add an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the romance, which makes the book feel fresh and unique. Overall, this was an enjoyable and comforting read that offers something a little different from a standard historical romance. If you enjoy romance with a touch of mystery and a cozy, immersive feel, this book is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the first book in this new series. The main characters, Christian and Alexandra, both had hurt in their lives and secrets they carried, but they instantly saw something in one another. They connected through witty banter and honest dialogue. They realized they had common goals and trusted one another and decided to work together, which led to them falling in love. I really liked both characters, and while they kept secrets from some, there were open and honest with one another. That made the relationship believable. This novel was a story with several things happening within the love story unfolding. It contained espionage, possible treason, murder, romance, great friendships, politics, suspense and mystery, one steamy scene, and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Alexandra de Garmeaux, a refugee from war torn France, Is determined to find her brother’s kíller. In searching an office of one of her suspects, Christian von Stein, the Earl of Raveley, comes in also intending to search for evidence of his own. Comparing notes, they decide to work together to solve the puzzles they are working on. I found myself engaged with the characters early on. Their relationship quickly became heated as love developed between the two. There were a few subsidiary plots that had to be worked out in addition to finding out who killed Alexandra’s brother. By the end, they are planning their HEA, and we are to assume it will occur. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did she find her match? Everything is fake in Landra’s life, her name, her fortune, her story. Only one thing is real. Her brother has been murdered in cold blood, and she will find who did this, at any cost. When Christian comes across her searching through the study of one of the peers she suspects, he is determined to unmask her. Some secrets are better left buried. Discovering that their interests converge toward the same suspects, they join forces. Their animosity is fast replaced by curiosity, then attraction… if they live long enough. Danger is everywhere. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella has everything a reader could want.Some novellas have a tendency to leave many details out or don’t develop the characters much, but this story is rich in character development, mystery, romance and love. The main characters have great chemistry that melts your heart, the brothers reconnecting was sweet and the banter was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing some characters from the author’s previous books and though not much action, the sleuthing was well plotted and written well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think this title is a bit misleading. This story was about so much more. Christian and Landra couldn't be more different, but with time, close proximity, and shared goals
(who thought!) . They found a common goal and their relationship dynamics changed by the story's end. It was warm and inspirational to take on the " task" Landra did, but with fortitude and tenacity, perseverance and good friend sleuths the truth was unearthed. More depth than I expected!! Looking forward to more. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
In this game of car and mouse, who do you think will win? Of course love!! You cant help where You come from neither can you help who has your heart. At the end of the day, Alexandra and Christian are about to find out how far attraction can blossom into love. Oh let's not forget solving a murder to spice things up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Landra is determined to find those responsible for killing her beloved brother and bringing them to justice despite the overwhelming hurdles she faces. Fortunately, she manages to find a well placed gentleman investigating the same men to join forces with. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This murder mystery detective story is folded together with a steamy romance that held my interest.
This was such a good regency romance mystery book. The balance between building intrigue with Alexandra's quest in finding out the truth surrounding her brother's death as well as the budding attraction between her and Christian made this such an addictive read.
If you are looking for a regency romance read, with a slow burn romance and mystery, then this is definitely one to pick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Landra is determined to find those responsible for her brother's death, and intends to do so by infiltrating London's high society. What she did not intend is finding an unintended partner in the Earl of Raveley. Both are looking at the same shady men hiding in plain sight, so they agree to team up in order to achieve their ends. Neither intended to fall in love with the other, either.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an enjoyable short read. Alexandra and Christian made a good investigating team and also a good romantic team. The plot flowed well and the chemistry was good between the two MCs. I did think the whole build up throughout the novel was good but that the ending felt rushed. I would liked to have had the conclusion elaborated upon further.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This first book in The Lady's Rogue Companion series was an exciting, fast-paced opposites attract historical romance. It had drama, mystery, intrigue, suspense, a murder, interesting characters, humor, wit, secrets, and other twists that were very engaging. I enjoyed the strong chemistry and slow burn romance. I highly recommend reading!
A fast paced, engaging story! The story has a clear plot with some intrigue to make it even more interesting. Alexandra is a strong female lead willing to do what is necessary to find justice. Christian is a protector. I enjoyed the story as it kept my interest.
Excellent story as part of an ongoing series. The blend of suspense, mystery, romance, secrets and so much more are woven into this captivating plot. The characters will win you over as you absorb each aspect of their personality and regard.
Alexandra is a clever wrecking ball in a ball gown. She’s trying to find her brothers murderer, with her sidekick dog. Christian, a solidly upstanding guy, but he has secrets. Secrets tied to her brother.
Landra and Christian’s story completely stole my heart. I felt every moment of their journey and absolutely loved this new series. I am counting down until the next book.
I received this as a arc and I'm freely writing a review. I lived this book it reminded me of a Amanda quick style romance. It had a good murder mystery and ends happily ever after
An exciting lighthearted whodunit more focused on family and connection than on the crime solving. No worries, the mystery is still solved, but not before some clever sleuthing, instant female bonding, brothers reconnecting and spilling all her secrets.
Orphaned by the French revolution, Alexandra and her brother found their way to London where they were eventually adopted by a solicitor and his family. A safe and loving nest until her brother was brutally unalived – and now she’s on a mission to avenge him. Christian fled his father’s cold cruel clutches young, joined the army and became a spy. Rusticated by an injury, he returned home to rebuild his family’s estates. Society and the title could rot for all he cared, but his dependants could not – and neither could his estranged brother.
While she’s busy infiltrating the ton to ferret out answers, he wants nothing more than sticking to the shadows. Until a meddling friend seats them together at a political dinner, and his instinct kicks in. She has secrets, and then there’s this other troublemaker...
Even though this novella is short, it feels complete, rich in detail and well-rounded. It starts with mistrust, but there was no unnecessary subterfuge complicating things which was sooooo lovely! She simply doesn’t want to deceive her new-found friends, and I adored her cheek and candour! They melt his guarded heart, and before he knows it he’s switched from defence to offence, ready to move mountains, fix this mess and live happily ever after. And this broody loner isn’t afraid to seize the moment and charm her socks – and all other layers – off!
A charming, captivating and delicious quick read. Sometimes nice and easy is so wonderfully relaxing! And remembering Godred’s dry wit and sarcasm from The Lady's Rogue , I’m eager for what’s next!