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Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl
Young Charles Elliot, future earl of Wiltshire, and Henry Thomas come from two very different circumstances. When an unforeseen event throws them together, they become inseparable. More than inseparable, they are nearly identical in appearance.
Now bachelors, the introverted Charles and his outgoing friend Henry discover that a loved one has been murdered. They switch identities in London society to better investigate, putting strict rules in place. The most important Do not form any romantic attachments while in disguise.
Charles is met with a dilemma when he is thrown into a peculiar circumstance with Lily Mason, a young lady who is restless in London society. Lily’s sister, Jane, has been working hard to claim what she feels is most a title in the form of marriage to Lord Frederick Fletcher.
When Henry tests everything Jane has worked so hard to achieve, she will have to choose to either hold fast to the security of her well-crafted plans, or be daring and try something new.
Now bachelors, the introverted Charles and his outgoing friend Henry discover that a loved one has been murdered. They switch identities in London society to better investigate, putting strict rules in place. The most important Do not form any romantic attachments while in disguise.
Charles is met with a dilemma when he is thrown into a peculiar circumstance with Lily Mason, a young lady who is restless in London society. Lily’s sister, Jane, has been working hard to claim what she feels is most a title in the form of marriage to Lord Frederick Fletcher.
When Henry tests everything Jane has worked so hard to achieve, she will have to choose to either hold fast to the security of her well-crafted plans, or be daring and try something new.
719 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2025
22 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 17, 2025
"𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮...𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮, 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮?"
How can a book that is so big, still just...not be enough? It could've been twice as big and I still would've loved every bit of it. 😍
Every aspect of it was just amazing. I think my favorite thing about it, (aside from all the fall vibes 😉) was the classic feel to it. It really put off The Prince and the Pauper vibes, and that's always been a favorite classic. Just like in the classic, this book is all about found family and the love between close friends, turned into family.
The romance also was so perfect. 🩷 I've only read one book before this one that had two romance stories, and I forgot how much I loved it! I couldn't even tell you which couple was my favorite, they both really touched my heart.
The murder mystery really had my attention the whole time, and definitely had me surprised by the end. I'm really anxious to see where this series goes!
The message I got from this book, was you're right where you are, and who you are, for a reason. Don't close off to it, embrace it. 🩷
*I received an e-ARC copy for review, all opinions are my own
How can a book that is so big, still just...not be enough? It could've been twice as big and I still would've loved every bit of it. 😍
Every aspect of it was just amazing. I think my favorite thing about it, (aside from all the fall vibes 😉) was the classic feel to it. It really put off The Prince and the Pauper vibes, and that's always been a favorite classic. Just like in the classic, this book is all about found family and the love between close friends, turned into family.
The romance also was so perfect. 🩷 I've only read one book before this one that had two romance stories, and I forgot how much I loved it! I couldn't even tell you which couple was my favorite, they both really touched my heart.
The murder mystery really had my attention the whole time, and definitely had me surprised by the end. I'm really anxious to see where this series goes!
The message I got from this book, was you're right where you are, and who you are, for a reason. Don't close off to it, embrace it. 🩷
*I received an e-ARC copy for review, all opinions are my own
August 25, 2025
This was such a delightful read!🩷
At first, the length felt a little daunting, but once I got into it, I honestly wished it had been longer.🥲❤️
Every character had their own personality, and I adored them all. As well as different storylines, which I loved seeing come together.🥰
Henry and Jane's side of the story had that wonderful Regency feel with all the elegance, balls, and charm. ;)
Their relationship was so sweet and full of moments that made me smile. (😁<-that's me.🤪
Charles and Lily's story, on the other hand, leaned more into the mystery and sleuthing, which was such a fun change of pace.! Their relationship was AWESOME.
(Seriously loved these two😍🤭)
I especially loved the brothers' little skill of slipping things away, whether from a pocket, a table, or even right off someone's hand. (iykyk xD) I'd smile like a fool when Charles did it with Lily or Henry with Jane.
Such a cute, endearing detail made me love them even more.❤️🥺
Now, I will say the romance is definitely the focus here.
(Maybe even overshadowed the mystery a little), But I didn't mind.!🤷♀️It was adorable to read and never felt
overdone.
(I will tell you, these may be the most "in love" characters l've ever read❤️😂) The first kisses don't
happen till you're past the 400pg mark, so a little after halfway. Which I actually liked. But don't be dismayed because even before then, the story was full of all the sweet moments like, hand holding, forehead kisses, and little secret touches..see? Worth it! 😉😆🤪
I also appreciated how a few of the longer kisses stayed clean and were never overly descriptive.
Overall, this was such a wonderful book.! I'm so happy I got to be part of the ARC team, and I can't wait to see what Jana writes next. ❤️
TW: death of a parent, alcoholic abusive father, grief, attempted SA, murder, violence
At first, the length felt a little daunting, but once I got into it, I honestly wished it had been longer.🥲❤️
Every character had their own personality, and I adored them all. As well as different storylines, which I loved seeing come together.🥰
Henry and Jane's side of the story had that wonderful Regency feel with all the elegance, balls, and charm. ;)
Their relationship was so sweet and full of moments that made me smile. (😁<-that's me.🤪
Charles and Lily's story, on the other hand, leaned more into the mystery and sleuthing, which was such a fun change of pace.! Their relationship was AWESOME.
(Seriously loved these two😍🤭)
I especially loved the brothers' little skill of slipping things away, whether from a pocket, a table, or even right off someone's hand. (iykyk xD) I'd smile like a fool when Charles did it with Lily or Henry with Jane.
Such a cute, endearing detail made me love them even more.❤️🥺
Now, I will say the romance is definitely the focus here.
(Maybe even overshadowed the mystery a little), But I didn't mind.!🤷♀️It was adorable to read and never felt
overdone.
(I will tell you, these may be the most "in love" characters l've ever read❤️😂) The first kisses don't
happen till you're past the 400pg mark, so a little after halfway. Which I actually liked. But don't be dismayed because even before then, the story was full of all the sweet moments like, hand holding, forehead kisses, and little secret touches..see? Worth it! 😉😆🤪
I also appreciated how a few of the longer kisses stayed clean and were never overly descriptive.
Overall, this was such a wonderful book.! I'm so happy I got to be part of the ARC team, and I can't wait to see what Jana writes next. ❤️
TW: death of a parent, alcoholic abusive father, grief, attempted SA, murder, violence
August 26, 2025
3.75⭐️/5
A cozy regency romance. This book is long! It’s really good though.
I would say that this is a romance character driven book and the mystery is very much on the back burner. We follow five different character POVs and they switch very quickly so it’s hard to keep straight sometimes.
Jane is the eldest of the Mason sisters and she has her heart set on advancing her family in society by marrying a man with a title and wealth. She is beautiful and turns heads where ever she goes. She is a typical damsel and wasn’t my favorite.
Lily is the younger Mason sister and has a stubborn streak. Lily was my favorite character. She is capable and determined while also being kind and smart.
Charles is an Earl and has carried the weight of his title and responsibilities on his shoulders. He is serious and brooding. He didn’t always used to be that way.
Henry has a complicated past and has become an Elliot in all the ways but blood. He is charming and outgoing. He is teasing and banter. He pined after a certain Mason sister and I felt like had to work too much for attention and affection.
Charles and Henry’s Father died six months ago and they just recently learned that it was murder instead of the stated natural causes. They decide to switch places in society to try and gather more information on what actually transpired. They make a list of rules to follow in the mean time when they switch places.
Of course they meet women and of course the women are sisters. And of course they meet them the same night. Connections are made hearts are swooned and they all embark on a dramatic romantic adventure.
Something’s I had problems with: nobody ever questioned that there were two of them and they looked identical… I think Lily out of anyone had the most contact with both Charles and Henry - didn’t even question or suspect or figure it out when she had figured out so much with the mystery. Even though the first night they met she knew Charles wasn’t who he introduced himself as… then she meets Henry who looks exactly like Charles and dances many times with him never suspects!!? I felt like that was a huge blow to her character. I didn’t believe it. Especially when they were in their home town of Wilton surround by their peers who they grew up with Henry and Charles… nobody questioned them??? My other problem was when something happened with one sister it happened immediately after with the other sister. One got kissed one night and then the other got kissed on the same night? And the POVs were back to back with the same encounters. I felt like I was reading the same story even though it was supposed to be different characters. My last and biggest problem was that the men switching places didn’t make any sense and was never fully explained or clarified. It was mentioned once at the beginning initially and then they switched and we never really read about it again until the end. And then the men didn’t really explain it to the women why they switched.
I did get swept away with the stories and adored the characters. I liked their developments and their journeys. The intense scene at the end was so dramatic. All in all a really fun book, but could have been more polished.
Thank you Jana for the arc and the honor it was to read it. All opinions expressed are my own.
Favorite things:
🪙Pick pocketing
🪨Pebble to the cheek
🥺Father son reconciliation
🧥Nicholas Wimblebopper & Samuel Shortstacker 😂
💋Kisses
🍁Leaf wishes
💐Leaf bouquet
🐴Carriage ride
Favorite quotes:
“If you can find the magic in everything, then you will always find success.”
“I can smell mischief a mile away and you stink of it.”
“I will yearn for you, the one who makes me whole, without an end in sight. And you…” He looked back and forth at my eyes. “You will haunt my every waking thought, just to know I will still never imagine your eyes exactly right. I will dream of you by night, realizing I can never have you when I wake.”
“Show Lord Fletcher what happens when he plays with fire. Show him what an Elliot is made of. And above all else, make sure you return to tell me all about it.”
“I dream of you, the one I love, by night, and crave to have you next to me when I wake.”
A cozy regency romance. This book is long! It’s really good though.
I would say that this is a romance character driven book and the mystery is very much on the back burner. We follow five different character POVs and they switch very quickly so it’s hard to keep straight sometimes.
Jane is the eldest of the Mason sisters and she has her heart set on advancing her family in society by marrying a man with a title and wealth. She is beautiful and turns heads where ever she goes. She is a typical damsel and wasn’t my favorite.
Lily is the younger Mason sister and has a stubborn streak. Lily was my favorite character. She is capable and determined while also being kind and smart.
Charles is an Earl and has carried the weight of his title and responsibilities on his shoulders. He is serious and brooding. He didn’t always used to be that way.
Henry has a complicated past and has become an Elliot in all the ways but blood. He is charming and outgoing. He is teasing and banter. He pined after a certain Mason sister and I felt like had to work too much for attention and affection.
Charles and Henry’s Father died six months ago and they just recently learned that it was murder instead of the stated natural causes. They decide to switch places in society to try and gather more information on what actually transpired. They make a list of rules to follow in the mean time when they switch places.
Of course they meet women and of course the women are sisters. And of course they meet them the same night. Connections are made hearts are swooned and they all embark on a dramatic romantic adventure.
Something’s I had problems with: nobody ever questioned that there were two of them and they looked identical… I think Lily out of anyone had the most contact with both Charles and Henry - didn’t even question or suspect or figure it out when she had figured out so much with the mystery. Even though the first night they met she knew Charles wasn’t who he introduced himself as… then she meets Henry who looks exactly like Charles and dances many times with him never suspects!!? I felt like that was a huge blow to her character. I didn’t believe it. Especially when they were in their home town of Wilton surround by their peers who they grew up with Henry and Charles… nobody questioned them??? My other problem was when something happened with one sister it happened immediately after with the other sister. One got kissed one night and then the other got kissed on the same night? And the POVs were back to back with the same encounters. I felt like I was reading the same story even though it was supposed to be different characters. My last and biggest problem was that the men switching places didn’t make any sense and was never fully explained or clarified. It was mentioned once at the beginning initially and then they switched and we never really read about it again until the end. And then the men didn’t really explain it to the women why they switched.
I did get swept away with the stories and adored the characters. I liked their developments and their journeys. The intense scene at the end was so dramatic. All in all a really fun book, but could have been more polished.
Thank you Jana for the arc and the honor it was to read it. All opinions expressed are my own.
Favorite things:
🪙Pick pocketing
🪨Pebble to the cheek
🥺Father son reconciliation
🧥Nicholas Wimblebopper & Samuel Shortstacker 😂
💋Kisses
🍁Leaf wishes
💐Leaf bouquet
🐴Carriage ride
Favorite quotes:
“If you can find the magic in everything, then you will always find success.”
“I can smell mischief a mile away and you stink of it.”
“I will yearn for you, the one who makes me whole, without an end in sight. And you…” He looked back and forth at my eyes. “You will haunt my every waking thought, just to know I will still never imagine your eyes exactly right. I will dream of you by night, realizing I can never have you when I wake.”
“Show Lord Fletcher what happens when he plays with fire. Show him what an Elliot is made of. And above all else, make sure you return to tell me all about it.”
“I dream of you, the one I love, by night, and crave to have you next to me when I wake.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
I would recommend this to fans of regency of course but maybe more so to those who do not regularly pick up this historical period, or might be new to it. I can't put my finger on it but it had a contemporary flair to it that I really liked and read differently than most regency romances I have read. It's not written in a traditional regency style but the atmosphere itself still lived up to the period and shined. A unique autumnal regency tale overall.
The page length is daunting. This felt slightly more character-driven than plot-driven, woven amidst multiple alternating POVs. The author shows the reader everything and the writing is certainly three-dimensional. I did feel as if some of the rehashing from POV to POV was unnecessary but I appreciated that all the dots connected. This is mostly a romance with a family mystery gluing things together. The epilogue was tied happily with an intriguing twist.
How this author managed to craft TWO distinctly perfect protective heroes in one story...I do not know. Definitely touch-her-and-die vibes. Henry and Charles were both giving "looks like a cinnamon roll, is a cinnamon roll, BUT could kill you." They were both swoon-worthy. I have to mention I was absolutely partial to Lily and Charles's story over Jane and Henry's story, especially in the first half. The second half however, did have me in a bit of chokehold on all fronts. It got dark with that danger! And I had not expected that nor the villain, but it was exciting and I was sat. There is a certain monologue in part two that made me sob the entire time and it really tied in the beginning of the book nicely. I enjoyed the humor and banter. The butler getting a POV was a great contribution as well.
main grievances that did reflect in my rating:
-I do think this was a little too long by 100 pages or so
-Jane stuck out to me as significantly less dynamic in comparison to the rest of the main characters, which all felt very lively and vibrant. I wanted a little more from her for her to make sense with Henry in juxtaposition to how much sense Lily made for Charles, in my opinion. Some of her chapters felt unnecessary too
I was sent an eARC to read and review but these are my honest thoughts.
In this book:
-surrogate brothers/found family
-identity swap/hidden identities
-protective heroes
-animosity to more
-amateur sleuthing
-multi-POV
-murder mystery
-parallel slow burn romances
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - semi-frequent and semi-graphic
faith - light and in the second half
Potential Content Warnings:
-attempted murder of a child (very brief, repented of)
-alcohol abuse
-on-page violence with various weapons resulting in serious injury or murder
-hostage/abduction situation
-attempted SA/unwanted advances
-villainous dialogue/euphemistic language for intent to sexually force/harm
-recounted past emotional and physical DV (repented of)
-grief for parental loss
The page length is daunting. This felt slightly more character-driven than plot-driven, woven amidst multiple alternating POVs. The author shows the reader everything and the writing is certainly three-dimensional. I did feel as if some of the rehashing from POV to POV was unnecessary but I appreciated that all the dots connected. This is mostly a romance with a family mystery gluing things together. The epilogue was tied happily with an intriguing twist.
How this author managed to craft TWO distinctly perfect protective heroes in one story...I do not know. Definitely touch-her-and-die vibes. Henry and Charles were both giving "looks like a cinnamon roll, is a cinnamon roll, BUT could kill you." They were both swoon-worthy. I have to mention I was absolutely partial to Lily and Charles's story over Jane and Henry's story, especially in the first half. The second half however, did have me in a bit of chokehold on all fronts. It got dark with that danger! And I had not expected that nor the villain, but it was exciting and I was sat. There is a certain monologue in part two that made me sob the entire time and it really tied in the beginning of the book nicely. I enjoyed the humor and banter. The butler getting a POV was a great contribution as well.
main grievances that did reflect in my rating:
-I do think this was a little too long by 100 pages or so
-Jane stuck out to me as significantly less dynamic in comparison to the rest of the main characters, which all felt very lively and vibrant. I wanted a little more from her for her to make sense with Henry in juxtaposition to how much sense Lily made for Charles, in my opinion. Some of her chapters felt unnecessary too
I was sent an eARC to read and review but these are my honest thoughts.
In this book:
-surrogate brothers/found family
-identity swap/hidden identities
-protective heroes
-animosity to more
-amateur sleuthing
-multi-POV
-murder mystery
-parallel slow burn romances
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - semi-frequent and semi-graphic
faith - light and in the second half
Potential Content Warnings:
-attempted murder of a child (very brief, repented of)
-alcohol abuse
-on-page violence with various weapons resulting in serious injury or murder
-hostage/abduction situation
-attempted SA/unwanted advances
-villainous dialogue/euphemistic language for intent to sexually force/harm
-recounted past emotional and physical DV (repented of)
-grief for parental loss
September 19, 2025
3.25🌟
Crimson leaves: death of an earl
By Jana L. Perkins
Crimson seasons serie: 1
I received an E-arc copy to give this an honest review. (I know, I'm late)
Jane Austen x murder mystery
When I found out that this book was above 700 pages I was honestly a bit taken aback😅
But as I was a bit behind, I could see that friends of mine loved this book.
So I continued reading this book with an open and exciting mind.
The book follows 4 main characters (Charles, Henry, Jane and Lily) but it also switched pov once in awhile with Lawrence (Charles and Henry's butler)
I liked Charles and Lily as a couple and individual, but for some reason I was a bit annoyed by Jane😅
But I do like her together with Henry.
I also liked Henry, I have laughed out loud with the singing scene, iykyk.
The storyline itself has Jane Austen vibes but with a murder mystery.
I loved the moments to try and discover clues for the murder.
There is also a secret identity trope as Henry and Charles switched places, I may or may not be confused at some times.
The main genre is definitley romance, it is sweet and swoony. I did hope that there was a bit more mystery in it. The ball scenes and dinner party's were a bit too repetitive. But I can't deny that I enjoyed them once in awhile🙃
At some point I couldn't stop reading, and at times I wished the scene would be over. You can probably tell that I have mixed feelings for this book.
The action scene that takes place at the end of the book was unexpected and thrilling. Would have loved more of it.🙂
So for short: I loved certain scenes and couldn't stop reading, while there are also scenes which felt unnecesary.
The mystery element was good, but I hoped that it was more prominent.
The characters were fun and diverse. Even though I was a bit annoyed by some.
There is a beautiful moment of forgiveness and repentence.
Thank you Yana for the opportunity.
* Attempting of SA (sexual assault)
* loss of parents
* murder
* fighting and blood
* child abuse (at the beginning of the book)
* alcohol addiction (side character)
Crimson leaves: death of an earl
By Jana L. Perkins
Crimson seasons serie: 1
I received an E-arc copy to give this an honest review. (I know, I'm late)
Jane Austen x murder mystery
When I found out that this book was above 700 pages I was honestly a bit taken aback😅
But as I was a bit behind, I could see that friends of mine loved this book.
So I continued reading this book with an open and exciting mind.
The book follows 4 main characters (Charles, Henry, Jane and Lily) but it also switched pov once in awhile with Lawrence (Charles and Henry's butler)
I liked Charles and Lily as a couple and individual, but for some reason I was a bit annoyed by Jane😅
But I do like her together with Henry.
I also liked Henry, I have laughed out loud with the singing scene, iykyk.
The storyline itself has Jane Austen vibes but with a murder mystery.
I loved the moments to try and discover clues for the murder.
There is also a secret identity trope as Henry and Charles switched places, I may or may not be confused at some times.
The main genre is definitley romance, it is sweet and swoony. I did hope that there was a bit more mystery in it. The ball scenes and dinner party's were a bit too repetitive. But I can't deny that I enjoyed them once in awhile🙃
At some point I couldn't stop reading, and at times I wished the scene would be over. You can probably tell that I have mixed feelings for this book.
The action scene that takes place at the end of the book was unexpected and thrilling. Would have loved more of it.🙂
So for short: I loved certain scenes and couldn't stop reading, while there are also scenes which felt unnecesary.
The mystery element was good, but I hoped that it was more prominent.
The characters were fun and diverse. Even though I was a bit annoyed by some.
There is a beautiful moment of forgiveness and repentence.
Thank you Yana for the opportunity.
* Attempting of SA (sexual assault)
* loss of parents
* murder
* fighting and blood
* child abuse (at the beginning of the book)
* alcohol addiction (side character)
Read
December 5, 2024This book had all the elements of a perfect story (in my humble opinion.) A murder mystery, enemies to lovers trope, 1800s setting? Sign me up.
I absolutely adored how the romance is portrayed in every historical fiction- there is a yearning that can't be replicated in contemporary novels since everything is so much more taboo in this setting. And this book delivered! My heart would race when either of the brothers even looked at one of the girls' hands. And if they were in the same vicinity without a chaperone? Scandalous!
The main characters of this novel were Henry Thomas and Charles Elliot, two men (who must be brothers in some way but it has not been revealed yet) who are raised as brothers and look so strikingly similar that they are able to switch places when they decide to investigate a murder.
This is not, by any means, a riveting mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat, it's a very cozy mystery. It serves more as a catalyst to these romances. Because when the men switch places in London, they meet these sisters whom they begin to form attachments with, even though it goes against the rules they have set for themselves.
Jane and Lily Mason were the highlight of this novel for me. I adored every moment I got to be in their heads. Jane is the wise older sister to her carefree sister, Lily. Jane is a by the books woman who wants to be respected in polite society and strives to form a match that will solve all her life's problems. She feels responsible for her family, and consistently ponders which choices would best serve her future. As we come to understand her, we feel her doubts and worries and we understand why exactly she is desperate to stay away from "Charles"(who is actually Henry) when her feelings for him begin to disrupt her perfectly planned life. Lily, on the other hand, is feisty and only cares to be respected for her sister's sake. She is hoping to make a love match, but feels at a loss until she meets the elusive and enigmatic, "Henry"(who is actually Charles).
This has been the most romantic book I've read in 2024. It was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read the second part.
I received this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
I absolutely adored how the romance is portrayed in every historical fiction- there is a yearning that can't be replicated in contemporary novels since everything is so much more taboo in this setting. And this book delivered! My heart would race when either of the brothers even looked at one of the girls' hands. And if they were in the same vicinity without a chaperone? Scandalous!
The main characters of this novel were Henry Thomas and Charles Elliot, two men (who must be brothers in some way but it has not been revealed yet) who are raised as brothers and look so strikingly similar that they are able to switch places when they decide to investigate a murder.
This is not, by any means, a riveting mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat, it's a very cozy mystery. It serves more as a catalyst to these romances. Because when the men switch places in London, they meet these sisters whom they begin to form attachments with, even though it goes against the rules they have set for themselves.
Jane and Lily Mason were the highlight of this novel for me. I adored every moment I got to be in their heads. Jane is the wise older sister to her carefree sister, Lily. Jane is a by the books woman who wants to be respected in polite society and strives to form a match that will solve all her life's problems. She feels responsible for her family, and consistently ponders which choices would best serve her future. As we come to understand her, we feel her doubts and worries and we understand why exactly she is desperate to stay away from "Charles"(who is actually Henry) when her feelings for him begin to disrupt her perfectly planned life. Lily, on the other hand, is feisty and only cares to be respected for her sister's sake. She is hoping to make a love match, but feels at a loss until she meets the elusive and enigmatic, "Henry"(who is actually Charles).
This has been the most romantic book I've read in 2024. It was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read the second part.
I received this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
September 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!!
This was one of the most beautiful stories I’ve read this year 😭💖. The first in a series, this is a kisses-only regency romance with a sprinkle of mystery you won’t want to miss! Although I was initially lured in by both the beautiful cover and the synopsis, I had no idea how heartfelt and emotional this book would actually be. It is more than just a regency romance with a side of mystery — it is a story of parental loss, perseverance, found family, self discovery, redemption, and forgiveness. Although this book is longer than any regency romance I’ve read, it sets a high precedence with being uniquely its own. There aren’t many books that make me laugh, cry, kick my feet, and swoon all within the first 100 pages — but this one certainly did! It will hook you from page one, and not let you go until it’s over!
This story follows two young men, Henry & Charles, who come from completely different social and economical backgrounds and are thrust together at a very young age and become like brothers in every way that matters. Uncannily enough, they are even identical in appearance. When a loved one dies, they decide to switch places to solve the murder. This story follows these two brothers as they navigate this new terrain in society and meet the unparalleled Mason sisters, Jane and Lily. This story is unique in that it follows two love stories and 5 POVs. Although it may seem like a lot at first, it never feels slow or boring. The pacing keeps you hooked and the characters keep you invested. Each character is so well-fleshed out and enduring that you literally want to consume every possible piece of information about them! Especially Henry *cough cough* not that I’m biased to any certain character at all!! 🤣🤣
Honestly, both the love stories are so different that it never feels repetitive or too much for one story. While Charles and Lily have a more playful, mysterious romance, Henry and Jane feel more passionate and high stakes. Trust me, no matter which couple you ship more, you will love them each so much!!! 😍
What you’ll find:
- Magic tricks ✨
- witty banter
- slow burn romance 🔥
- murder mystery
- identity swap
- found family
- autumnal vibes 🍁
- redemption arc 😩💖
- some light faith elements
Please do yourself a favor and pick up this beautiful story!! This author has officially made it on my auto-buy list and from henceforth, I will read literally everything she puts out! 💖
This was one of the most beautiful stories I’ve read this year 😭💖. The first in a series, this is a kisses-only regency romance with a sprinkle of mystery you won’t want to miss! Although I was initially lured in by both the beautiful cover and the synopsis, I had no idea how heartfelt and emotional this book would actually be. It is more than just a regency romance with a side of mystery — it is a story of parental loss, perseverance, found family, self discovery, redemption, and forgiveness. Although this book is longer than any regency romance I’ve read, it sets a high precedence with being uniquely its own. There aren’t many books that make me laugh, cry, kick my feet, and swoon all within the first 100 pages — but this one certainly did! It will hook you from page one, and not let you go until it’s over!
This story follows two young men, Henry & Charles, who come from completely different social and economical backgrounds and are thrust together at a very young age and become like brothers in every way that matters. Uncannily enough, they are even identical in appearance. When a loved one dies, they decide to switch places to solve the murder. This story follows these two brothers as they navigate this new terrain in society and meet the unparalleled Mason sisters, Jane and Lily. This story is unique in that it follows two love stories and 5 POVs. Although it may seem like a lot at first, it never feels slow or boring. The pacing keeps you hooked and the characters keep you invested. Each character is so well-fleshed out and enduring that you literally want to consume every possible piece of information about them! Especially Henry *cough cough* not that I’m biased to any certain character at all!! 🤣🤣
Honestly, both the love stories are so different that it never feels repetitive or too much for one story. While Charles and Lily have a more playful, mysterious romance, Henry and Jane feel more passionate and high stakes. Trust me, no matter which couple you ship more, you will love them each so much!!! 😍
What you’ll find:
- Magic tricks ✨
- witty banter
- slow burn romance 🔥
- murder mystery
- identity swap
- found family
- autumnal vibes 🍁
- redemption arc 😩💖
- some light faith elements
Please do yourself a favor and pick up this beautiful story!! This author has officially made it on my auto-buy list and from henceforth, I will read literally everything she puts out! 💖
August 28, 2025
Shortly after joining Instagram Jana reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in being an arc reader for this novel. I jumped at the opportunity and said yes. I started reading this about a week ago and finally managed to finish it on top of my other books. Let me tell you the good thing about recovering from knee surgery is that I have all the time in the world to read. I will say that despite its long length this book is a work of art. The plot is interesting and the characters are divine. I look forward to reading more of Jana's work.
This captivating historical fiction novel tells the story of two men named Charles and Thomas who decide to switch places with each other to solve a murder. While on this mystery quest they meet two sister's Lily and Jane. When it comes to the intital meeting Jane is the sensible and mature one as she does not want tonget her hopes up and end up with a broken heart. However as time goes by it will become impossible to part ways.
This captivating historical fiction novel tells the story of two men named Charles and Thomas who decide to switch places with each other to solve a murder. While on this mystery quest they meet two sister's Lily and Jane. When it comes to the intital meeting Jane is the sensible and mature one as she does not want tonget her hopes up and end up with a broken heart. However as time goes by it will become impossible to part ways.
September 3, 2025
Ok I absolutely adored this story! Had all the twist and turns, along with all the swoon! So many fun characters! It is the longest book I’ve read this far but honestly I’m so excited for the next book! Will have more of a review to come!
October 11, 2025
Content: kissing only (passionate), no language, some violence (attempted sexual assault, not graphic)
Genre/tropes: historical romance (Regency) and mystery (kind of on the cozy side?). Hidden identities, enemies to lovers and friends to lovers (there are two couples), multiple POV (5)
My thoughts: This book is quite a bit longer (like double or triple the size) of the norm in this genre, but the pacing is insane! At about 1/4 through the book I did not want to put it down. With both the romances, the murder investigation, and the multiple POV, it was so easy to stay up late reading. I may or may not have been up until 2:30 am one night 😅😬
The characters are fun and their interactions are a blast, but you also get heavier themes of grieving lost parents and sacrificial love.
The book ends with a multi-pov epilogue, introducing some new POV characters to lead into the next book in the series. This book has a satisfying ending on its own though, and the series will maybe work as interconnected standalones? 🤷🏼♀️
Some favorite moments:
🍁Horseback riding
🍁The balls
🍁Picking out ribbons
🍁Getting stuck in the bushes
🍁The flower bouquet
🍁Raiding the kitchen for pastries
🍁All the fall imagery!
Genre/tropes: historical romance (Regency) and mystery (kind of on the cozy side?). Hidden identities, enemies to lovers and friends to lovers (there are two couples), multiple POV (5)
My thoughts: This book is quite a bit longer (like double or triple the size) of the norm in this genre, but the pacing is insane! At about 1/4 through the book I did not want to put it down. With both the romances, the murder investigation, and the multiple POV, it was so easy to stay up late reading. I may or may not have been up until 2:30 am one night 😅😬
The characters are fun and their interactions are a blast, but you also get heavier themes of grieving lost parents and sacrificial love.
The book ends with a multi-pov epilogue, introducing some new POV characters to lead into the next book in the series. This book has a satisfying ending on its own though, and the series will maybe work as interconnected standalones? 🤷🏼♀️
Some favorite moments:
🍁Horseback riding
🍁The balls
🍁Picking out ribbons
🍁Getting stuck in the bushes
🍁The flower bouquet
🍁Raiding the kitchen for pastries
🍁All the fall imagery!
November 24, 2024
Set in the 1800’s, Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl is a regency novel full of lovable characters, an identity swap, the mysterious death of a beloved father, “magical” tuppence, clandestine meetings, fancy balls, an estranged father, and a plot twist at the end!
I really enjoyed this book and seeing the different POVs of the various characters, of course Henry, Charles, Jane, and Lily were my favorites! It was fun to see Henry and Charles trade places (which helped Charles get back to his old self!) and watch them as they fell for sweet Jane and spunky Lily! Watching their love stories unfold was just the best! I found myself rooting for both couples throughout the entire book!
Aside from my favorite part, the love stories, I was so intrigued to find out who would have killed the Earl. As the clue started to unfold, I can honestly say, I would never would’ve guessed what they discovered!
If you love regency books, you’re definitely going to want to grab Part 1 & 2 of this book to see how it all ends!
I really enjoyed this book and seeing the different POVs of the various characters, of course Henry, Charles, Jane, and Lily were my favorites! It was fun to see Henry and Charles trade places (which helped Charles get back to his old self!) and watch them as they fell for sweet Jane and spunky Lily! Watching their love stories unfold was just the best! I found myself rooting for both couples throughout the entire book!
Aside from my favorite part, the love stories, I was so intrigued to find out who would have killed the Earl. As the clue started to unfold, I can honestly say, I would never would’ve guessed what they discovered!
If you love regency books, you’re definitely going to want to grab Part 1 & 2 of this book to see how it all ends!
September 8, 2025
4.5 stars
This regency romance was a perfect cozy fall read with just the right amount of mystery and action. While the book is a longer read, the two relationships that happen throughout the story are intriguing and unique enough to keep your attention throughout.
Henry and Charles become brothers as Henry’s father was volatile and dangerous and Henry is rescued by Charles’s father and taken in by his parents. It is quickly apparent that Henry and Charles look almost identical and they find out that they are actually distantly related. They become best friends and brothers in every way but blood.
As time passes Charles and Henry’s mother passes away, and a few years later their father dies as well. It comes to light that someone has murdered their father, and Charles and Henry come up with a plan to switch places to investigate his murder. The two men put a few rules in place during their switch, but the most important one is to not fall in love while pretending to be each other.
While switching places, Henry is captivated by Jane but she isn’t impressed with his charms. Jane quickly puts Henry in his place but that only makes him more determined to prove to her that he is worthy of her attention. Charles meets Lily by mistake as she ends up walking into a conversation where Charles is trying to get information about his father’s murder. Lily proves to not only be intelligent and insightful, but she captures Charles’s attention even though he promised to fall in love while investigating.These two romances become intertwined and eventually they all become a part of the plan of the people who were responsible for Charlie and Henry’s father’s death.
This story has no spice swoon worthy romance, mystery, fall vibes, secret societies, and themes of found family, loyalty, redemption and light faith elements. This book finishes with some unanswered questions, and I am looking forward to reading book two.
I received a complimentary copy from the author Jana L. Perkins. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This regency romance was a perfect cozy fall read with just the right amount of mystery and action. While the book is a longer read, the two relationships that happen throughout the story are intriguing and unique enough to keep your attention throughout.
Henry and Charles become brothers as Henry’s father was volatile and dangerous and Henry is rescued by Charles’s father and taken in by his parents. It is quickly apparent that Henry and Charles look almost identical and they find out that they are actually distantly related. They become best friends and brothers in every way but blood.
As time passes Charles and Henry’s mother passes away, and a few years later their father dies as well. It comes to light that someone has murdered their father, and Charles and Henry come up with a plan to switch places to investigate his murder. The two men put a few rules in place during their switch, but the most important one is to not fall in love while pretending to be each other.
While switching places, Henry is captivated by Jane but she isn’t impressed with his charms. Jane quickly puts Henry in his place but that only makes him more determined to prove to her that he is worthy of her attention. Charles meets Lily by mistake as she ends up walking into a conversation where Charles is trying to get information about his father’s murder. Lily proves to not only be intelligent and insightful, but she captures Charles’s attention even though he promised to fall in love while investigating.These two romances become intertwined and eventually they all become a part of the plan of the people who were responsible for Charlie and Henry’s father’s death.
This story has no spice swoon worthy romance, mystery, fall vibes, secret societies, and themes of found family, loyalty, redemption and light faith elements. This book finishes with some unanswered questions, and I am looking forward to reading book two.
I received a complimentary copy from the author Jana L. Perkins. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
September 24, 2025
This is a lovely story that cleverly combines two regency romance stories with a murder mystery. Charles and Henry come from vastly different circumstances but form an inseparable brotherly bond. Now grown men and uncannily similar in appearance, Charles and Henry decide to temporarily switch places and follow a strict set of rules to investigate a murder. While switched, Charles and Henry meet Jane and Lily, two sisters who threaten to upend their carefully made plans.
When will we ever learn? If "don't fall in love" is one of the rules, that rule is 100% going to get broken! I was blown away by how invested I became in both sets of romances. While both relationships are unique and have their own charm, they are equally swoony and heartwarming! I also loved the brotherly and sisterly relationships between the main characters.
Don't let the length of this book scare you away! The pacing is very well done, and the story is completely engaging throughout. I was always eager to find out what would happen next, especially with the investigation woven into the story, adding excitement and intrigue while moving the plot forward.
Some Favorite Things:
🍁 Leaf wishes
🪄 Magic
💐 Unique bouquet
🪙 Tuppence
🌿 Secret garden dance
🐴 Carriage ride
🥸 Disguises
📜 Secret notes
🦅 Golden eagle
🐥 Gold finch
💍 The ring
😎 "Not Henry"
Content:
💕: kisses
⚠️: bad family relationship, violence, death, unwanted advances
When will we ever learn? If "don't fall in love" is one of the rules, that rule is 100% going to get broken! I was blown away by how invested I became in both sets of romances. While both relationships are unique and have their own charm, they are equally swoony and heartwarming! I also loved the brotherly and sisterly relationships between the main characters.
Don't let the length of this book scare you away! The pacing is very well done, and the story is completely engaging throughout. I was always eager to find out what would happen next, especially with the investigation woven into the story, adding excitement and intrigue while moving the plot forward.
Some Favorite Things:
🍁 Leaf wishes
🪄 Magic
💐 Unique bouquet
🪙 Tuppence
🌿 Secret garden dance
🐴 Carriage ride
🥸 Disguises
📜 Secret notes
🦅 Golden eagle
🐥 Gold finch
💍 The ring
😎 "Not Henry"
Content:
💕: kisses
⚠️: bad family relationship, violence, death, unwanted advances
September 8, 2025
CRIMSON LEAVES: DEATH OF AN EARL
by: Jana L. Perkins
@thecrimsonarchives24
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~From two very different circumstances, an unforeseen event throws two boys together, and they become inseparable. More than inseparable, they are nearly identical in appearance. Now bachelors, the introverted Charles and his outgoing friend Henry discover that a loved one has been murdered. They switch identities in London society to better investigate, putting strict rules in place…
-My friends, CRIMSON LEAVES: DEATH OF AN EARL is a beautifully, captivating blend of both regency romance and murder mystery, that’s beautifully weaved of love, romance, delightful humor, and wit, Immediately, this story whisked me into the 1800’s and I did not want to put this book down. I was thoroughly captivated by the beautiful writing, vivid details, swoony moments, and such dear characters. I thoroughly enjoyed how suspense and danger lurking abounds and the depth this dear story has, which evoked all the feels. My heartstrings were completely unraveled and put back with the beauty, magic, and hope so beautifully within against the hard. I loved seeing how this story flowed and the multiple povs. With such a unique plot and mystery hidden within, there is just so much to love. The connections, character growth, redemption, the value on what matters most, and how love changes all things beautifully shines within. I absolutely loved this story and I am not eagerly waiting more to come from this dear author. This beautiful masterpiece of a story is worth reading! Well-done!📚❤️💯
“Although station and circumstance often shapes and molds a man, it’s clear we each carve our own path.”
•Content: Identity swapping, Kidnapping, Murder, Attempted SA, Alcoholic Abusive Parent, Death of Parent, Grief, loss, drinking, mild peril, suspense and danger, no language, kisses only. Closed-door!
“The truth is that I have never met someone quite like you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“It’s your heart that has made all the difference.”
#allaboutthebestreads
by: Jana L. Perkins
@thecrimsonarchives24
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~From two very different circumstances, an unforeseen event throws two boys together, and they become inseparable. More than inseparable, they are nearly identical in appearance. Now bachelors, the introverted Charles and his outgoing friend Henry discover that a loved one has been murdered. They switch identities in London society to better investigate, putting strict rules in place…
-My friends, CRIMSON LEAVES: DEATH OF AN EARL is a beautifully, captivating blend of both regency romance and murder mystery, that’s beautifully weaved of love, romance, delightful humor, and wit, Immediately, this story whisked me into the 1800’s and I did not want to put this book down. I was thoroughly captivated by the beautiful writing, vivid details, swoony moments, and such dear characters. I thoroughly enjoyed how suspense and danger lurking abounds and the depth this dear story has, which evoked all the feels. My heartstrings were completely unraveled and put back with the beauty, magic, and hope so beautifully within against the hard. I loved seeing how this story flowed and the multiple povs. With such a unique plot and mystery hidden within, there is just so much to love. The connections, character growth, redemption, the value on what matters most, and how love changes all things beautifully shines within. I absolutely loved this story and I am not eagerly waiting more to come from this dear author. This beautiful masterpiece of a story is worth reading! Well-done!📚❤️💯
“Although station and circumstance often shapes and molds a man, it’s clear we each carve our own path.”
•Content: Identity swapping, Kidnapping, Murder, Attempted SA, Alcoholic Abusive Parent, Death of Parent, Grief, loss, drinking, mild peril, suspense and danger, no language, kisses only. Closed-door!
“The truth is that I have never met someone quite like you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“It’s your heart that has made all the difference.”
#allaboutthebestreads
September 14, 2025
This beauty is massive, at over 700 pages and is the longest book I’ve ever read, but I found myself so fully immersed that I didn’t notice/feel daunted.
Two different love stories intertwined with a mystery.
I was captivated by every page. The writing was beautiful, descriptive, and emotional. Moments that broke my heart. Humor interspersed among blossoming romances and secretive sleuthing.
Henry Thomas and Lord Charles Elliot were both dashing heroes. We get to see them grow from mischievous little boys to grown men dealing with the heartbreak of losing their beloved father. I loved the Elliot family and how they took Henry in as one of their own.
Jane and Lily Mason were the perfect complements, bringing out the romantic and flirty sides to these men.
Enchanting and emotional. Prepare to get whisked away into the splendor, romance, and mystery of Crimson Leaves.
Thank you to Jana L. Perkins for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Two different love stories intertwined with a mystery.
I was captivated by every page. The writing was beautiful, descriptive, and emotional. Moments that broke my heart. Humor interspersed among blossoming romances and secretive sleuthing.
Henry Thomas and Lord Charles Elliot were both dashing heroes. We get to see them grow from mischievous little boys to grown men dealing with the heartbreak of losing their beloved father. I loved the Elliot family and how they took Henry in as one of their own.
Jane and Lily Mason were the perfect complements, bringing out the romantic and flirty sides to these men.
Enchanting and emotional. Prepare to get whisked away into the splendor, romance, and mystery of Crimson Leaves.
Thank you to Jana L. Perkins for the copy. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
Set in the 1800’s, Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl is a regency novel full of lovable characters, an identity swap, the mysterious death of a beloved father, “magical” tuppence, clandestine meetings, fancy balls, an estranged father, and a plot twist at the end!
I really enjoyed this book and seeing the different POVs of the various characters, of course Henry, Charles, Jane, and Lily were my favorites! It was fun to see Henry and Charles trade places (which helped Charles get back to his old self!) and watch them as they fell for sweet Jane and spunky Lily! Watching their love stories unfold was just the best! I found myself rooting for both couples throughout the entire book!
Aside from my favorite part, the love stories, I was so intrigued to find out who could have killed the Earl. As the clues started to unfold, I can honestly say, I never would’ve guessed what they discovered!
If you love regency books, especially those with a little mystery involved, you’re definitely going to want to grab this book to see how it all ends!
I really enjoyed this book and seeing the different POVs of the various characters, of course Henry, Charles, Jane, and Lily were my favorites! It was fun to see Henry and Charles trade places (which helped Charles get back to his old self!) and watch them as they fell for sweet Jane and spunky Lily! Watching their love stories unfold was just the best! I found myself rooting for both couples throughout the entire book!
Aside from my favorite part, the love stories, I was so intrigued to find out who could have killed the Earl. As the clues started to unfold, I can honestly say, I never would’ve guessed what they discovered!
If you love regency books, especially those with a little mystery involved, you’re definitely going to want to grab this book to see how it all ends!
November 30, 2024
When Charles Elliot, the Earl of Wiltshire and his cousin, Henry discover that Charles’ father was murdered, they decide to swap identities as they are near identical in appearance. Soon, they find themselves involved with sisters’ Lily and Jane, who are not who they initially believe them to be.
Not only were the romances between Jane and Henry as well as Lily and Charles interesting, so was the unraveling of the murder of Charles’s father. This was quite a surprise that had me engaged until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Not only were the romances between Jane and Henry as well as Lily and Charles interesting, so was the unraveling of the murder of Charles’s father. This was quite a surprise that had me engaged until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2025
This was a fabulous read for me. It is set in one of my favorite historical eras and seasons (it's an autumn read!), has mystery, intrigue and danger, along with a fantastic cast of characters and a clever plot. It's a longer book but it really didn't feel long as far as the story went. The only thing that felt a bit long was reading several pages and not making a ton of progress percentage wise. It did take me several days to finish, but it was time well spent in my opinion. I am excited for more to come in this series and with the characters we met in Crimson Leaves.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
October 22, 2025
3.5 stars
•
This is yearning done right! I liked the banter between all the characters, and thought Henry/Jane and Charles/Lily suited each other well and brought out the best in each other. The detective mystery was a cool aspect of the story, and I truly didn’t see that reveal coming towards the end of the book! I did feel as though the book itself was a bit long for the plot, hence the half-star rating. The regency romance was definitely the star of the plot, with the mystery aspect falling a bit more to the wayside. The action scene toward the end was gripping! Overall, it was enjoyable. I may or may not pick up the sequel when it comes out, that is TBD!
•
This is yearning done right! I liked the banter between all the characters, and thought Henry/Jane and Charles/Lily suited each other well and brought out the best in each other. The detective mystery was a cool aspect of the story, and I truly didn’t see that reveal coming towards the end of the book! I did feel as though the book itself was a bit long for the plot, hence the half-star rating. The regency romance was definitely the star of the plot, with the mystery aspect falling a bit more to the wayside. The action scene toward the end was gripping! Overall, it was enjoyable. I may or may not pick up the sequel when it comes out, that is TBD!
September 7, 2025
I am obsessed with this book! It is long, but so incredibly worth it! I love that it's a cozy murder mystery romance with Christian themes and morals. I have SO many lines highlighted.
Henry and Charles are close as brothers and nearly identical. When new information is brought to light, they are confronted with the need to investigate a murder. They create rules of conduct to safeguard their identities...and their hearts. The Mason sisters disrupt their carefully laid plans in the best possible way.
Henry and Charles are close as brothers and nearly identical. When new information is brought to light, they are confronted with the need to investigate a murder. They create rules of conduct to safeguard their identities...and their hearts. The Mason sisters disrupt their carefully laid plans in the best possible way.
August 26, 2025
Crimson Leaves is a regency mystery following two romances. Perkins did a great job with the tone and research needed for a historical book. I had no issues with her writing style or any of the historical settings/world she built, which takes lots of work and skill.
What I liked:
-Lily. She immediately appealed to me and was easily my favorite character. I loved following her story and her character. She is fun and relatable and easy to root for the whole way through
-The romances ended up sweet and there were several swoony scenes with both couples. I really struggled to like Jane most of the book but she won me over in the end
-Did I mention TWO romances?
-The mystery has some surprises. Some things I guessed but I was impressed by some of the other ways it surprised me at the end
What I struggled with:
-pacing. This book is slow and in my opinion, significant chunks of it could have been cut and it would be better for it. If you're into a slow read, where we follow a large cast of characters at once and receive far more backstory than necessary, this is for you
-suspension of disbelief: I had to overlook quite a lot. For example, the reasons for Henry and Charles switching places felt flimsy and their rules were a nuisance to them both yet they... kept it up the full two weeks? There were several instances I just didn't find it realistic or necessary, and it pushed my suspension of disbelief a little too far
-the miscommunication trope. This is purely personal taste but it was used and I didn't like it
What I liked:
-Lily. She immediately appealed to me and was easily my favorite character. I loved following her story and her character. She is fun and relatable and easy to root for the whole way through
-The romances ended up sweet and there were several swoony scenes with both couples. I really struggled to like Jane most of the book but she won me over in the end
-Did I mention TWO romances?
-The mystery has some surprises. Some things I guessed but I was impressed by some of the other ways it surprised me at the end
What I struggled with:
-pacing. This book is slow and in my opinion, significant chunks of it could have been cut and it would be better for it. If you're into a slow read, where we follow a large cast of characters at once and receive far more backstory than necessary, this is for you
-suspension of disbelief: I had to overlook quite a lot. For example, the reasons for Henry and Charles switching places felt flimsy and their rules were a nuisance to them both yet they... kept it up the full two weeks? There were several instances I just didn't find it realistic or necessary, and it pushed my suspension of disbelief a little too far
-the miscommunication trope. This is purely personal taste but it was used and I didn't like it
September 22, 2025
This regency romance and murder mystery all in one is one of my most favorite reads this year so far!
Lord Charles Elliot and his adoptive brother Henry Thomas finds themselves in an unexpected situation-a mysterious stranger believes that the late earl, James Elliot, was murdered. In order to further investigate these claims, Charles and Henry make a bold decision. They will switch places to scope out any gossip or leads from both the main events of society and behind the scenes. It should be easy as both look extremely alike. There are several rules that must be followed with the most crucial being to not form any attachments, i.e, fall in love, while in disguise as each other. When chance and a misunderstanding throws Lily Mason into sleuthing with Henry, who happens to be, well, not Henry 😉 and a unforeseen connection blossoms between Lord Charles Elliott (who is actually Henry) and her older sister, Jane, it seems that both men won’t be able to follow any of the rules. With leads in multiple directions, both Charles and Henry realize that following their hearts might lead them to discovering the truth that they both so desperately need.
This story was so captivating, and had every aspect of a regency romance and a murder mystery that I absolutely love. The connections, the depth of character development, to the witty banter of the regency era, to the sinister dealings of the ton in the midst of a sparkling London season, was so satisfying to read and experience in this story! I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Romantic Content: Closed Door
TW: Kidnapping, Murder, Attempted SA, Alcoholic Abusive Parent, Death of Parent, Grief
Lord Charles Elliot and his adoptive brother Henry Thomas finds themselves in an unexpected situation-a mysterious stranger believes that the late earl, James Elliot, was murdered. In order to further investigate these claims, Charles and Henry make a bold decision. They will switch places to scope out any gossip or leads from both the main events of society and behind the scenes. It should be easy as both look extremely alike. There are several rules that must be followed with the most crucial being to not form any attachments, i.e, fall in love, while in disguise as each other. When chance and a misunderstanding throws Lily Mason into sleuthing with Henry, who happens to be, well, not Henry 😉 and a unforeseen connection blossoms between Lord Charles Elliott (who is actually Henry) and her older sister, Jane, it seems that both men won’t be able to follow any of the rules. With leads in multiple directions, both Charles and Henry realize that following their hearts might lead them to discovering the truth that they both so desperately need.
This story was so captivating, and had every aspect of a regency romance and a murder mystery that I absolutely love. The connections, the depth of character development, to the witty banter of the regency era, to the sinister dealings of the ton in the midst of a sparkling London season, was so satisfying to read and experience in this story! I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Romantic Content: Closed Door
TW: Kidnapping, Murder, Attempted SA, Alcoholic Abusive Parent, Death of Parent, Grief
October 19, 2025
This was a long book but I never got bored. The last 30% of the book I couldn’t put down! The men in this book are unreal. They are definitely men written by a woman, but I am here for a good romance and that is what I got haha. Henry and Jane were cute but Charles and Lily were top tier and by far my favorite. There were so many cute moments in this book. I loved the magic the guys performed and the autumn leaf wishes. There were hilarious disguises too. The prince and the pauper switch was very entertaining. I loved the protective moments and the jealousy haha. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. I did notice the use of the word “smirk” was used often enough that it stood out to me. Overall it was a cute, entertaining book and worth reading!
SPOILERS and book notes:
1801
Henry Thomas 8yo mom died and his dad is terrifying. So he and Katie (young nursemaid) get saved by the neighbor Lord Elliot. Charles Elliot is same age and identical and they get along so well. The Elliot’s welcome Henry like a son and Henry embraces lady Eliot like his own mom. “It was autumn when I made my first friend. His name was Charles Elliot and he liked frogs and soldiers. The doctor didn’t lie, and Mother’s soul lived in two people now: Lady Elliot and me. Shortly after that day, Charles became my brother; James Elliot, a father to me. And Lady Elliot became Mama. And I breathed it in. All of it.”
Eight years later 16yo 1809
They are so cute together! Their banter and kind hearted sibling rivalry. Now 17yo they go to Cambridge. Henry can be carefree and have fun while still working hard. But Charles for the weight of the earldom and being future earl. So he doesn’t do that anymore. Now they are 18yo. Charles is broody and serious and Henry more sunshine. Their mother died.
1816 23yo
Now their father died. Charles the earl. I love the last words of the mom to Henry: ““Promise me you won’t give up on Charles. I hope you’ll never stop teasing him. I want to see him smile and wink the way he used to, all the way from heaven.” The dad was murdered!!! And they need to solve it. Charles where’s a beard and hair a little longer .they are switching places!! They are playing to their strengths: Charles will meet with the mysterious letter sender and Henry will find out gossip at parties. JANE: 20yo she is responsible and more logical then care for love. Little sister 18yo Lily doesn’t care for propriety. I like the magic of the tumpance with their dad. Sleight of hand. I love this family secret: “ It quickly became an unspoken challenge between Henry and me that one of us would become the best at “Papa’s magic.” Making objects vanish became a daily pastime, and eventually we all made a game of it. We would pick each other’s pockets and later return the stolen items to a different pocket without the victim’s notice. Whoever successfully moved the most items was named “victor of the thieves.” Pretending to be henry is helping Charles feel more carefree and more his old self. I love the banter between the two brothers. That Charles is an inch taller. I love that Henry still keeps in contact with Katie! She just had her fourth kid. I love the letter the boys dad sent. He taught them how to punch: “God’s hand is powerful and just. With one wave he can crush the mighty. Yet he is merciful. Just because we can use a fist, doesn’t always mean we should. God protected his people. Everything I teach you and Henry is to help protect. Not to plow down when offense has been taken. Be selective where your fists meet so they don’t have to meet mine. You can find other ways to put people in their place.” I love Lily and Charles meet cute!!! She made him laugh genuinely so hard for the first time in forever. They use their Christian names!!! And he steals her ring and replaces it with a tumpance! Why is that so romantic?? She tries to grab it! Hehe they are both so humble and quick to apologize. He is checking her injury! She will investigate with him! Henry only asked Jane to dance to slight and annoy his rival Frederick whom Jane is trying to catch for a husband lol. Jane call him out on it. Later Henry protects Jane from the vile Jacob who was grabbing her! He threatens to take him out!! Hehe Henry is making Jane feeeeeel. Aw! The old Charles is coming back and Henry is so joyous! And it’s bc of this: ““As Henry Thomas, when someone treats me with respect, I know it’s sincere. If someone slanders me, I can fight back knowing the odds are fair. If I won a lady’s heart . . . ” He looked down at his hands. “I would know it was something real.” Aw! The spider scene with Charles and Lily is so cute!! I like that the sisters made wishes on autumn leaves and if they fell, then their wishes would come true. Jane wanted to be a princess and Lily a pirate. And then at a tense dinner party Charles secretly gave Lily the leaf under the table!! Aww so romantic! Charles has a beautiful voice but Henry has a terrible one and he was forced to sing and it was hilarious. I absolutely love the bouquet of flowers that Henry brings Jane! Flowers with autumn leaves he found surround it, his hideous ribbon from earlier and then a fork and spoon he stole from last nights dinner haha. I’ve decided knowing magic tricks is a great way to woo a lady. And dancing in a garden um yes!! And Charles being so protective of his woman! Henry punches Mr Hughes when he forces Jane on him. Aw Charles magic! “He chuckled then brought his hand back in front of him. He was no longer holding a blade of grass but a bouquet of wildflowers. I opened my mouth in surprise then smiled. “Are magic tricks a requirement to becoming an investigator? Or,” I grinned, “are you simply magic and can find me whenever I wish for it?” “Only the wickedly handsome ones are magic,” he winked.” I love watching Henry and the girls younger brothers connect so well! I love the scene of them all working together to steal pastry from cook! Aw! I lcoe that when Charles comes as Henry to the girls house the little brother Oliver finds him and Lily alone. Oliver is ready to defend his sister against him and Charles is proud of him! Charles teaches him how to fight! And Charles is the only one capable of handling the most ornery of cooks. Henry forgives his father bc his father had a change of heart. He built a legacy and wealth for his son that Henry can now claim! The men’s disguises are cracking me up. Oh my flippin heck!!!!!!! The girls get kidnapped by fletcher and me Campbell and Jacob!! They are running a prostitution house for the elite of society!!! So nasty!! And James Eliot found out about it. Aww! The Calvery has come to the rescue!! ““Henry,” she whispered into the darkness. My heart ached as Jane said my name . . . my real name. I would kill Frederick. My eyes moved to his. “Only a coward would put a knife to a lady’s throat,” I seethed.” Henry had to sword fight with Fredrick in the rain!! Haha Jane thinks it is so attractive. And Charles saves Lily too!! I love that Henry’s dad is such a changed man! Marriage!!! The author uses the word “smirk” every other sentence and it is driving me nuts.
SPOILERS and book notes:
1801
Henry Thomas 8yo mom died and his dad is terrifying. So he and Katie (young nursemaid) get saved by the neighbor Lord Elliot. Charles Elliot is same age and identical and they get along so well. The Elliot’s welcome Henry like a son and Henry embraces lady Eliot like his own mom. “It was autumn when I made my first friend. His name was Charles Elliot and he liked frogs and soldiers. The doctor didn’t lie, and Mother’s soul lived in two people now: Lady Elliot and me. Shortly after that day, Charles became my brother; James Elliot, a father to me. And Lady Elliot became Mama. And I breathed it in. All of it.”
Eight years later 16yo 1809
They are so cute together! Their banter and kind hearted sibling rivalry. Now 17yo they go to Cambridge. Henry can be carefree and have fun while still working hard. But Charles for the weight of the earldom and being future earl. So he doesn’t do that anymore. Now they are 18yo. Charles is broody and serious and Henry more sunshine. Their mother died.
1816 23yo
Now their father died. Charles the earl. I love the last words of the mom to Henry: ““Promise me you won’t give up on Charles. I hope you’ll never stop teasing him. I want to see him smile and wink the way he used to, all the way from heaven.” The dad was murdered!!! And they need to solve it. Charles where’s a beard and hair a little longer .they are switching places!! They are playing to their strengths: Charles will meet with the mysterious letter sender and Henry will find out gossip at parties. JANE: 20yo she is responsible and more logical then care for love. Little sister 18yo Lily doesn’t care for propriety. I like the magic of the tumpance with their dad. Sleight of hand. I love this family secret: “ It quickly became an unspoken challenge between Henry and me that one of us would become the best at “Papa’s magic.” Making objects vanish became a daily pastime, and eventually we all made a game of it. We would pick each other’s pockets and later return the stolen items to a different pocket without the victim’s notice. Whoever successfully moved the most items was named “victor of the thieves.” Pretending to be henry is helping Charles feel more carefree and more his old self. I love the banter between the two brothers. That Charles is an inch taller. I love that Henry still keeps in contact with Katie! She just had her fourth kid. I love the letter the boys dad sent. He taught them how to punch: “God’s hand is powerful and just. With one wave he can crush the mighty. Yet he is merciful. Just because we can use a fist, doesn’t always mean we should. God protected his people. Everything I teach you and Henry is to help protect. Not to plow down when offense has been taken. Be selective where your fists meet so they don’t have to meet mine. You can find other ways to put people in their place.” I love Lily and Charles meet cute!!! She made him laugh genuinely so hard for the first time in forever. They use their Christian names!!! And he steals her ring and replaces it with a tumpance! Why is that so romantic?? She tries to grab it! Hehe they are both so humble and quick to apologize. He is checking her injury! She will investigate with him! Henry only asked Jane to dance to slight and annoy his rival Frederick whom Jane is trying to catch for a husband lol. Jane call him out on it. Later Henry protects Jane from the vile Jacob who was grabbing her! He threatens to take him out!! Hehe Henry is making Jane feeeeeel. Aw! The old Charles is coming back and Henry is so joyous! And it’s bc of this: ““As Henry Thomas, when someone treats me with respect, I know it’s sincere. If someone slanders me, I can fight back knowing the odds are fair. If I won a lady’s heart . . . ” He looked down at his hands. “I would know it was something real.” Aw! The spider scene with Charles and Lily is so cute!! I like that the sisters made wishes on autumn leaves and if they fell, then their wishes would come true. Jane wanted to be a princess and Lily a pirate. And then at a tense dinner party Charles secretly gave Lily the leaf under the table!! Aww so romantic! Charles has a beautiful voice but Henry has a terrible one and he was forced to sing and it was hilarious. I absolutely love the bouquet of flowers that Henry brings Jane! Flowers with autumn leaves he found surround it, his hideous ribbon from earlier and then a fork and spoon he stole from last nights dinner haha. I’ve decided knowing magic tricks is a great way to woo a lady. And dancing in a garden um yes!! And Charles being so protective of his woman! Henry punches Mr Hughes when he forces Jane on him. Aw Charles magic! “He chuckled then brought his hand back in front of him. He was no longer holding a blade of grass but a bouquet of wildflowers. I opened my mouth in surprise then smiled. “Are magic tricks a requirement to becoming an investigator? Or,” I grinned, “are you simply magic and can find me whenever I wish for it?” “Only the wickedly handsome ones are magic,” he winked.” I love watching Henry and the girls younger brothers connect so well! I love the scene of them all working together to steal pastry from cook! Aw! I lcoe that when Charles comes as Henry to the girls house the little brother Oliver finds him and Lily alone. Oliver is ready to defend his sister against him and Charles is proud of him! Charles teaches him how to fight! And Charles is the only one capable of handling the most ornery of cooks. Henry forgives his father bc his father had a change of heart. He built a legacy and wealth for his son that Henry can now claim! The men’s disguises are cracking me up. Oh my flippin heck!!!!!!! The girls get kidnapped by fletcher and me Campbell and Jacob!! They are running a prostitution house for the elite of society!!! So nasty!! And James Eliot found out about it. Aww! The Calvery has come to the rescue!! ““Henry,” she whispered into the darkness. My heart ached as Jane said my name . . . my real name. I would kill Frederick. My eyes moved to his. “Only a coward would put a knife to a lady’s throat,” I seethed.” Henry had to sword fight with Fredrick in the rain!! Haha Jane thinks it is so attractive. And Charles saves Lily too!! I love that Henry’s dad is such a changed man! Marriage!!! The author uses the word “smirk” every other sentence and it is driving me nuts.
August 8, 2025
A cute romance involving two couples, set for the most part in the autumn of 1816 in London.
A little mystery is sprinkled into the swapped identity story that also includes a (forbidden) romance.
The story is driven by alternating POVs, which adds pace to the narrative. Nevertheless, the premises of the story are partly very flimsy, even for the genre. It starts of course with the twin-likeliness of the two male MC. A very big coincidence (even given the rather unconvincing and unconvinced excuse about the family ties). Also, why the swap? It is of course explained, but the reasoning does not make any sense, at least in light of the goal of obtaining information addressing the mystery.
Similarly, the male and female MC are supposed to be mirrored opposites, which is kind of a bit too “on the nose”.
The “investigation” parts seem random, and the randomness of the information gathering is even pointed out by the MC (the overhearing of the discussion with the doctor, e.g.; even Lily finds it rather an expected coincidence). Several other plot decisions do not make a lot of sense, but for the sake of the romance and the mystery it is still possible read pass them. And while the villains are a bit overdrawn in their villainous features, the book leaves you waiting for part II.
All in all, the mystery provides a rather rarely visible background to the romances. While Charles and Lily hit it off on both accounts, Henry and Jane seem to play almost no part in the mystery solving in this book. They just simmer for no visible reason in each other’s company. Maybe it changes in part II? So far, with the progress of the “investigation” their roles and the swapping ruse become more questionable.
A light, cozy read for the fans of historical mystery romance genre, who do not look too closely on
the plotting decisions and focus on the “feeling good” illusion of the book. And isn’t it the whole purpose?
I received a free copy of this book provided by netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
A little mystery is sprinkled into the swapped identity story that also includes a (forbidden) romance.
The story is driven by alternating POVs, which adds pace to the narrative. Nevertheless, the premises of the story are partly very flimsy, even for the genre. It starts of course with the twin-likeliness of the two male MC. A very big coincidence (even given the rather unconvincing and unconvinced excuse about the family ties). Also, why the swap? It is of course explained, but the reasoning does not make any sense, at least in light of the goal of obtaining information addressing the mystery.
Similarly, the male and female MC are supposed to be mirrored opposites, which is kind of a bit too “on the nose”.
The “investigation” parts seem random, and the randomness of the information gathering is even pointed out by the MC (the overhearing of the discussion with the doctor, e.g.; even Lily finds it rather an expected coincidence). Several other plot decisions do not make a lot of sense, but for the sake of the romance and the mystery it is still possible read pass them. And while the villains are a bit overdrawn in their villainous features, the book leaves you waiting for part II.
All in all, the mystery provides a rather rarely visible background to the romances. While Charles and Lily hit it off on both accounts, Henry and Jane seem to play almost no part in the mystery solving in this book. They just simmer for no visible reason in each other’s company. Maybe it changes in part II? So far, with the progress of the “investigation” their roles and the swapping ruse become more questionable.
A light, cozy read for the fans of historical mystery romance genre, who do not look too closely on
the plotting decisions and focus on the “feeling good” illusion of the book. And isn’t it the whole purpose?
I received a free copy of this book provided by netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
January 22, 2025
Book Review:
Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl is a duology by debut author, Jana L. Perkins. It is a riveting mystery that keeps you reading until the end. If you are looking for a cozy mystery with TWO sweet romances, then I recommend these books.
With multiple POVs, you get to see all the sides of the story. And with four main characters, there was no shortage of details as the stories progressed and grew.
Henry and Charles were the ultimate cinnamon roll characters. When they decided to switch places to find out more information about the death of Charles' father, they put some rules into place. One being, not to fall in love. While they tried to keep their feelings inside, they did not stand the chance with the two delightful sisters, Jane and Lily.
I really enjoyed both of these books. While the second one did have some darker elements towards the end, it did make the whole story come together. Jana can really write a wicked character that can give you the heebie jeebies.
CW: In Part 2: Retelling of DV, attempted assault
Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl is a duology by debut author, Jana L. Perkins. It is a riveting mystery that keeps you reading until the end. If you are looking for a cozy mystery with TWO sweet romances, then I recommend these books.
With multiple POVs, you get to see all the sides of the story. And with four main characters, there was no shortage of details as the stories progressed and grew.
Henry and Charles were the ultimate cinnamon roll characters. When they decided to switch places to find out more information about the death of Charles' father, they put some rules into place. One being, not to fall in love. While they tried to keep their feelings inside, they did not stand the chance with the two delightful sisters, Jane and Lily.
I really enjoyed both of these books. While the second one did have some darker elements towards the end, it did make the whole story come together. Jana can really write a wicked character that can give you the heebie jeebies.
CW: In Part 2: Retelling of DV, attempted assault
September 12, 2025
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl
Series: Revised Edition
Author: Jana L. Perkins
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance (Clean/Regency)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
📝 My Thoughts:
Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl is a clean, faith-tinged Regency tale that blends grief, identity, and mystery with heartfelt family bonds. This newly revised edition is actually a restructure of two previously released books from 2024, now combined into one cohesive narrative.
Strengths :
• Emotional core: The childhood chapters with Henry losing his mother and being pulled into the Elliots’ world are genuinely moving. The “found family” theme is heartfelt and gives the book its strongest emotional anchor.
• Premise: The identity-swap / twin-like resemblance, combined with Regency setting + mystery about the Earl’s death, is a strong hook. Readers like me who like gentle intrigue and emotional bonds appreciate it.
• Clean and faith-tinged: There’s a clear target audience for clean, wholesome historical fiction with light romance and moral undertones.
Weaknesses (where the book lost me) :
• Pacing: The opening is heavy with memoir-like narration and long emotional reflection. It sets mood, but slows the story down. Instead of pulling me into a Regency mystery, it felt like wading through grief and exposition for too long before the plot moves.
• Prose style: The writing is earnest but often stiff and over-explained. Sentences can be formal or awkward, and the rhythm doesn’t flow naturally. It reads more like someone recounting their feelings than immersing the reader in lived scenes.
• Dialogue: Sometimes slips into modern phrasing (“catty,” “don’t go there,” etc.), which jars against the Regency illusion. That makes it hard for a historical-fiction reader to stay in the period.
• Repetition: The motif of “breathing in” last breaths and grief imagery is powerful once, but becomes overused. It starts to feel heavy-handed rather than poignant.
• Balance of narrative vs. action: There’s a lot of telling, internal reflection, and narration. Scenes often stop to explain feelings instead of letting dialogue and action carry the emotion.
💬 What stayed with me most:
The way the author wrote Henry’s longing for love and safety felt deeply personal. That sense of wanting to belong, of being seen and chosen.
📌 Final Verdict:
This has the bones of a touching, heartfelt Regency family-and-mystery story, but the writing doesn’t yet have the smoothness or ease that keeps a reader fully immersed. The sincerity is there, but the prose lacks the ease and cadence that keeps readers turning pages. I’d call it earnest, overlong, and in need of sharper editing. If you’re a patient reader who values emotional payoff and clean moral themes over style and pace, it might resonate. But for me personally, it dragged, and the stiffness of the writing kept me at arm’s length. I didn’t enjoy it the way I hoped. For me, this one was a miss. It lands at 3 stars, not a favorite, but not without value either.
💐 Thank you to the author for the early opportunity to read this story. This is my personal and unbiased opinion.
Title: Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl
Series: Revised Edition
Author: Jana L. Perkins
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance (Clean/Regency)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
📝 My Thoughts:
Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl is a clean, faith-tinged Regency tale that blends grief, identity, and mystery with heartfelt family bonds. This newly revised edition is actually a restructure of two previously released books from 2024, now combined into one cohesive narrative.
Strengths :
• Emotional core: The childhood chapters with Henry losing his mother and being pulled into the Elliots’ world are genuinely moving. The “found family” theme is heartfelt and gives the book its strongest emotional anchor.
• Premise: The identity-swap / twin-like resemblance, combined with Regency setting + mystery about the Earl’s death, is a strong hook. Readers like me who like gentle intrigue and emotional bonds appreciate it.
• Clean and faith-tinged: There’s a clear target audience for clean, wholesome historical fiction with light romance and moral undertones.
Weaknesses (where the book lost me) :
• Pacing: The opening is heavy with memoir-like narration and long emotional reflection. It sets mood, but slows the story down. Instead of pulling me into a Regency mystery, it felt like wading through grief and exposition for too long before the plot moves.
• Prose style: The writing is earnest but often stiff and over-explained. Sentences can be formal or awkward, and the rhythm doesn’t flow naturally. It reads more like someone recounting their feelings than immersing the reader in lived scenes.
• Dialogue: Sometimes slips into modern phrasing (“catty,” “don’t go there,” etc.), which jars against the Regency illusion. That makes it hard for a historical-fiction reader to stay in the period.
• Repetition: The motif of “breathing in” last breaths and grief imagery is powerful once, but becomes overused. It starts to feel heavy-handed rather than poignant.
• Balance of narrative vs. action: There’s a lot of telling, internal reflection, and narration. Scenes often stop to explain feelings instead of letting dialogue and action carry the emotion.
💬 What stayed with me most:
The way the author wrote Henry’s longing for love and safety felt deeply personal. That sense of wanting to belong, of being seen and chosen.
📌 Final Verdict:
This has the bones of a touching, heartfelt Regency family-and-mystery story, but the writing doesn’t yet have the smoothness or ease that keeps a reader fully immersed. The sincerity is there, but the prose lacks the ease and cadence that keeps readers turning pages. I’d call it earnest, overlong, and in need of sharper editing. If you’re a patient reader who values emotional payoff and clean moral themes over style and pace, it might resonate. But for me personally, it dragged, and the stiffness of the writing kept me at arm’s length. I didn’t enjoy it the way I hoped. For me, this one was a miss. It lands at 3 stars, not a favorite, but not without value either.
💐 Thank you to the author for the early opportunity to read this story. This is my personal and unbiased opinion.
September 8, 2025
‘𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓷. 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓲𝓽.’
First, I want to say thank you to Jana! I am thrilled I got the chance to read the second edition of this book early! It was originally two books and I am so happy she combined them into one book. Second, where do I even begin???? My connection to the characters was instant and I am still thinking about this story weeks later. Do not let the length of this book deter you away from reading it. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down and the pace of the book is written so well. The overlapping timelines and multiple POVs were easy to follow and I was immediately pulled in.
The balls, society functions, dinners, lost bets/singing, bouquets-including dinner silverware and fall leaves, Tuppence, disguises, carriage rides, the names: Nicholas Wimblebopper and Samuel Shortstacker, standoffs with the cook, stealing of pastries, picnics, and how both couples share equal book time are just SOME of the reasons I cannot get enough of this book!! Do. Not. Miss. Out on this book and dive in as soon as you can!! I would love to chat with any and all of you who have finished or are reading this book. My inbox is open!
I LOVED Charles and Henry’s relationship! Though not blood brothers, they could not be any closer, in appearances or connection. Charles’s father took Henry in as a child, treated him as his own son, saving him from his own wretched father. Charles and Henry’s relationship was forged from their youth. When they learn their father’s death was not from natural causes, they create a plan to uncover the truth, with the help of their loyal butler, they switch identities and make strict rules to follow to ensure the switch back to themselves is seamless…
Jane and Lily, although sisters, could not be any more different. Jane is the eldest Mason sister and has the weight of the Ton on her shoulders. She has become serious and reserved as she feels all eyes of the Ton are on her.
Lily is the youngest Mason sister and is known to find herself unchaperoned, walking in gardens, and is always up for a lark, especially if it includes her brothers and their unforgiving cook. Jane cares deeply for her family and wants to protect them, including marrying for title. Lily aspires to love the person she is to marry and has a sweet adventurous spirit.
When Jane meets ‘Charles’ at a ball, she knows that she is only a pawn in his game and confronts him. Their meet-cute is anything but cute. ‘Charles’ is disgusted with himself once he realizes how much he hurt Jane, using her as he did, and is determined to make her see who he truly is, name and title aside.
Lily quite literally runs into ‘Henry’ in the gardens at a ball after overhearing a most clandestine meeting…. after Lily shows ‘Henry’ how she can help in his investigation, she finds herself hired and must find ways to meet up with him to divulge all she has learned. She finds herself falling for this man, who she knows is not really ‘Henry’, but must wait 2 weeks until his true identity can be revealed.
Lawrence, the loyal butler, is the only one who knows of the switched identities-taking all precautions within the townhouse and other staff members. He is in charge of keeping these men on track…but they are making it very difficult when they keep breaking the rules designed to protect them both….
“𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔.”
Thank you to Jana for my early ebook of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First, I want to say thank you to Jana! I am thrilled I got the chance to read the second edition of this book early! It was originally two books and I am so happy she combined them into one book. Second, where do I even begin???? My connection to the characters was instant and I am still thinking about this story weeks later. Do not let the length of this book deter you away from reading it. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down and the pace of the book is written so well. The overlapping timelines and multiple POVs were easy to follow and I was immediately pulled in.
The balls, society functions, dinners, lost bets/singing, bouquets-including dinner silverware and fall leaves, Tuppence, disguises, carriage rides, the names: Nicholas Wimblebopper and Samuel Shortstacker, standoffs with the cook, stealing of pastries, picnics, and how both couples share equal book time are just SOME of the reasons I cannot get enough of this book!! Do. Not. Miss. Out on this book and dive in as soon as you can!! I would love to chat with any and all of you who have finished or are reading this book. My inbox is open!
I LOVED Charles and Henry’s relationship! Though not blood brothers, they could not be any closer, in appearances or connection. Charles’s father took Henry in as a child, treated him as his own son, saving him from his own wretched father. Charles and Henry’s relationship was forged from their youth. When they learn their father’s death was not from natural causes, they create a plan to uncover the truth, with the help of their loyal butler, they switch identities and make strict rules to follow to ensure the switch back to themselves is seamless…
Jane and Lily, although sisters, could not be any more different. Jane is the eldest Mason sister and has the weight of the Ton on her shoulders. She has become serious and reserved as she feels all eyes of the Ton are on her.
Lily is the youngest Mason sister and is known to find herself unchaperoned, walking in gardens, and is always up for a lark, especially if it includes her brothers and their unforgiving cook. Jane cares deeply for her family and wants to protect them, including marrying for title. Lily aspires to love the person she is to marry and has a sweet adventurous spirit.
When Jane meets ‘Charles’ at a ball, she knows that she is only a pawn in his game and confronts him. Their meet-cute is anything but cute. ‘Charles’ is disgusted with himself once he realizes how much he hurt Jane, using her as he did, and is determined to make her see who he truly is, name and title aside.
Lily quite literally runs into ‘Henry’ in the gardens at a ball after overhearing a most clandestine meeting…. after Lily shows ‘Henry’ how she can help in his investigation, she finds herself hired and must find ways to meet up with him to divulge all she has learned. She finds herself falling for this man, who she knows is not really ‘Henry’, but must wait 2 weeks until his true identity can be revealed.
Lawrence, the loyal butler, is the only one who knows of the switched identities-taking all precautions within the townhouse and other staff members. He is in charge of keeping these men on track…but they are making it very difficult when they keep breaking the rules designed to protect them both….
“𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔.”
Thank you to Jana for my early ebook of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2025
Crimson Leaves is the first book in the Crimson Seasons series by Jana L. Perkins. Charles Wiltshire is the Earl of Wiltshire and Henry Thomas comes from very different upbringing. Charles and Henry are brothers in every sense of the word, but blood. They grew up inseparable and often switched places while they were young because they looked so similar and could get away with it. When someone close to them dies under questionable circumstances, they decide to investigate and switch identities once more. Charles puts strict rules into place and one of them is not to form any romantic attachments while acting as the other. As Charles and Henry make their way to London to find answers, they each have run ins with a special set of sisters, Jane and Lily Mason. Jane is everything London society dictates where Lily is opinionated and restless. Will Charles and Henry be able to continue their investigation without their hearts getting involved?
Crimson Leaves is probably one of the longest books I’ve ever read, but it was one that flowed effortlessly, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved the main characters as their lives became intertwined with each other. While Crimson Leaves is focused on the death of a loved one, it was well balanced with humor, redemption, and romance. Charles is broody and a grump and would rather not be around people. Henry is carefree and charming but carries around a lot of sorrow. Jane is a rule follower and is determined to marry well for her family. Lily is sassy, opinionated, and a free spirit who doesn’t want to follow society’s rules. I enjoyed how each character didn’t necessarily change who they were but allowed their true self to shine through who they had become. The relationships and bonds between brothers and sisters and love interests were heartfelt and strong. There is so much to love about Crimson Leaves, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Favorite things:
- Sibling camaraderie
- The secret notes
- The dual romances
- Tuppence
- The ring
- Lawrence and the Masons
- The wishing tree
- Bringing the best out in others
Tropes:
- Regency romance
- Charming men
- Delightful women
- Found family
- Forbidden love
- Mystery
- Secret Identities
- Swoony kisses
Happy reading!
Crimson Leaves is probably one of the longest books I’ve ever read, but it was one that flowed effortlessly, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved the main characters as their lives became intertwined with each other. While Crimson Leaves is focused on the death of a loved one, it was well balanced with humor, redemption, and romance. Charles is broody and a grump and would rather not be around people. Henry is carefree and charming but carries around a lot of sorrow. Jane is a rule follower and is determined to marry well for her family. Lily is sassy, opinionated, and a free spirit who doesn’t want to follow society’s rules. I enjoyed how each character didn’t necessarily change who they were but allowed their true self to shine through who they had become. The relationships and bonds between brothers and sisters and love interests were heartfelt and strong. There is so much to love about Crimson Leaves, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Favorite things:
- Sibling camaraderie
- The secret notes
- The dual romances
- Tuppence
- The ring
- Lawrence and the Masons
- The wishing tree
- Bringing the best out in others
Tropes:
- Regency romance
- Charming men
- Delightful women
- Found family
- Forbidden love
- Mystery
- Secret Identities
- Swoony kisses
Happy reading!
October 7, 2025
Y’all this book has some of the most deliciously romantic writing ever 🥰 it came out last month and I’ve been savoring it, not ready to say goodbye to these characters 🥹 I already NEED the next book, the epilogue has me hooked 📖
Now this book has 2 couple 👀 which was super fun 🤭 it gives princess and the pauper 🤭
Jane. She’s out on a mask for society for the past couple years 😶🌫️ but when she meets Lord Elliot, the mask falls away, whether she wants it to or not 😏 I loved watching her rediscover who she was 🥹 “I want to love and be loved” was 🥹😭💗
Henry. After escaping his abusive father at a young age, Henry Thomas has grown up as an Elliot in all but blood ❤️🩹 After the death of “Papa”, he disguises himself as Lord Elliot, quickly falling into Jane’s orbit and falling in love 😍 This MAN OH MY GOSH. He was exactly what Jane needed, and MAN can he flirt 🫠 and the ENDING 🤺 👏🏻 S 👏🏻 O 👏🏻 O 👏🏻 N 👏🏻
Lily. After watching her sister Jane suffocate her spark in society 😔 Lily pushes against all restraints. Restless and shining ✨ she runs into a handsome stranger 💐 and soon finds herself deep in a mystery of murd*r and intrigue 🔍 And head over heels for “not-Henry” 🤭 This girl is such a tease and I found myself so happy every time we got her POV 💗 definitely my favorite character
Charles. Weighed down by his title, Charles, quite simply, had a stick up his butt 😂 But when disguised as Henry, the weight lifts and he lets himself rediscover who he truly is ❤️🩹 Now I said Henry can flirt, but “Not-Henry” as Charles calls himself 👀 WOAHHHHH this man could burn down a house with the sparks between him and Lily 🔥 🪭
The romance? IMPECCABLE 🌟
Now this book is LONG (hence my review coming a bit late, I underestimated my time 😂) and there were points in the middle I thought dragged, but BOY OH BOY WAS IT WORTH IT 😮 I hit 70% and could not put the book down. The climax? The way everything came together 🤯 I was loosing my MIND screaming 😱
⚠️ CW: abusive father with vague (but present) descriptions of child abuse, alcoholism, murd*r, attempted SA (multiple times), innuendo from NASTY RAKE JERK-FACE(s) ⚠️
‼️ PLEASE READ: there are other CW that I could list BUT would be spoilers so pls DM me if you want them ‼️
Now this book has 2 couple 👀 which was super fun 🤭 it gives princess and the pauper 🤭
Jane. She’s out on a mask for society for the past couple years 😶🌫️ but when she meets Lord Elliot, the mask falls away, whether she wants it to or not 😏 I loved watching her rediscover who she was 🥹 “I want to love and be loved” was 🥹😭💗
Henry. After escaping his abusive father at a young age, Henry Thomas has grown up as an Elliot in all but blood ❤️🩹 After the death of “Papa”, he disguises himself as Lord Elliot, quickly falling into Jane’s orbit and falling in love 😍 This MAN OH MY GOSH. He was exactly what Jane needed, and MAN can he flirt 🫠 and the ENDING 🤺 👏🏻 S 👏🏻 O 👏🏻 O 👏🏻 N 👏🏻
Lily. After watching her sister Jane suffocate her spark in society 😔 Lily pushes against all restraints. Restless and shining ✨ she runs into a handsome stranger 💐 and soon finds herself deep in a mystery of murd*r and intrigue 🔍 And head over heels for “not-Henry” 🤭 This girl is such a tease and I found myself so happy every time we got her POV 💗 definitely my favorite character
Charles. Weighed down by his title, Charles, quite simply, had a stick up his butt 😂 But when disguised as Henry, the weight lifts and he lets himself rediscover who he truly is ❤️🩹 Now I said Henry can flirt, but “Not-Henry” as Charles calls himself 👀 WOAHHHHH this man could burn down a house with the sparks between him and Lily 🔥 🪭
The romance? IMPECCABLE 🌟
Now this book is LONG (hence my review coming a bit late, I underestimated my time 😂) and there were points in the middle I thought dragged, but BOY OH BOY WAS IT WORTH IT 😮 I hit 70% and could not put the book down. The climax? The way everything came together 🤯 I was loosing my MIND screaming 😱
⚠️ CW: abusive father with vague (but present) descriptions of child abuse, alcoholism, murd*r, attempted SA (multiple times), innuendo from NASTY RAKE JERK-FACE(s) ⚠️
‼️ PLEASE READ: there are other CW that I could list BUT would be spoilers so pls DM me if you want them ‼️
September 20, 2025
Crimson Leaves, Death of an Earl, is the first in a series of four by Jana L. Perkins. This is a second edition with a beautiful new cover releasing September 10th, DO Not Miss this! I loved being a part of this ARC team.
Oh man, what can I say about this beautifully woven story? First of all do not be intimidated thinking this is a really long story. Because it will suck you in like a Netflix binge watching series and if you’re like me you will end up finishing it within a few days. I was sucked in from chapter 1 and couldn’t put it down. It’s a stay up until three am read for sure. So clear the schedule for September 10 and snuggle up for a sweet, fall read. This is set in the 1800’s, a regency romance, but is not slow moving at all like sometimes a historical fiction can be, but still gives you a good feel of the time era. Side note: I actually do enjoy those slow moving historical fictions. This one is full of suspense, mystery, and of course the most swoon worthy of all moments. I love a good clean, closed door, swoony story. I’m also not a fan of reading just a romance and this one did not disappoint. Two sisters,the oldest trying to live up to her own set of expectations of marrying up and helping her family climb the society ladder. She has a plan and plans to stick to it no matter what, but can she after meeting the new, handsome, and absolutely irritating Earl of Wiltshire. Cousins who find themselves trying to solve the murder of a father and dare I say fall hard for the unsuspecting twist of meeting these two sisters who seem different from the rest of the high society ladies. This story is so sweet and fun, even full of a little magic. I love the deep dive into each character’s background and it felt like extra mini stories within the whole, connecting all together in the end. The strong family bonds make it even more enjoyable to read.
I would like to make one note of a possible trigger warning as the main female characters are put in a possible attack a couple of times. SO overall I think everyone should read this story and I give it a ten stars out of five. Anxiously awaiting book two!
Oh man, what can I say about this beautifully woven story? First of all do not be intimidated thinking this is a really long story. Because it will suck you in like a Netflix binge watching series and if you’re like me you will end up finishing it within a few days. I was sucked in from chapter 1 and couldn’t put it down. It’s a stay up until three am read for sure. So clear the schedule for September 10 and snuggle up for a sweet, fall read. This is set in the 1800’s, a regency romance, but is not slow moving at all like sometimes a historical fiction can be, but still gives you a good feel of the time era. Side note: I actually do enjoy those slow moving historical fictions. This one is full of suspense, mystery, and of course the most swoon worthy of all moments. I love a good clean, closed door, swoony story. I’m also not a fan of reading just a romance and this one did not disappoint. Two sisters,the oldest trying to live up to her own set of expectations of marrying up and helping her family climb the society ladder. She has a plan and plans to stick to it no matter what, but can she after meeting the new, handsome, and absolutely irritating Earl of Wiltshire. Cousins who find themselves trying to solve the murder of a father and dare I say fall hard for the unsuspecting twist of meeting these two sisters who seem different from the rest of the high society ladies. This story is so sweet and fun, even full of a little magic. I love the deep dive into each character’s background and it felt like extra mini stories within the whole, connecting all together in the end. The strong family bonds make it even more enjoyable to read.
I would like to make one note of a possible trigger warning as the main female characters are put in a possible attack a couple of times. SO overall I think everyone should read this story and I give it a ten stars out of five. Anxiously awaiting book two!
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