This book had me hooked from the first chapter. What I thought would be a quiet, slow-burn historical romance turned out to be a layered, atmospheric mystery full of secrets, tension, and emotional depth.
Lady Bridget McConnell arrives at Alastair Court expecting a dull country gathering and instead walks straight into a storm of lies, hidden motives, and one very frustratingly magnetic war hero. Captain Thomas Grenville is brooding, guarded, and carrying more secrets than anyone else in the house—which, as it turns out, is saying a lot. Their dynamic is everything I love in a historical romance: sharp banter, mutual suspicion, and an undeniable pull that keeps tightening as the mystery unfolds.
The writing captures that perfect gothic feel—cold halls, whispered rumors, candlelight secrets—but it never drags. Every chapter reveals another piece of the puzzle, and I found myself just as invested in the unraveling conspiracy as in Bridget and Thomas’s slow, careful dance toward each other. The chemistry between them simmers beautifully beneath all the danger and restraint, making the emotional payoff at the end feel earned.
If you like your historical romance with atmosphere, intrigue, and just the right touch of angst, this one’s a winner. Perfect for a rainy weekend read with a blanket and a cup of tea.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.