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The Vanishing Bride: a spicy marriage of convenience, historical romantic suspense
Charlotte Townsend had tasted love before.
The price had been too high to bear.
A scandalous secret drove her into hiding on a remote family estate. True safety lay in being forgotten. When a gravely wounded man arrives on horseback, her peace is shattered. She must decide if the one who once held her heart can keep her secret safe.
Lord Peregrine Spencer never expected the woman from his fevered dreams to appear before him. Sent by his brother to expose nefarious dealings at the Spencer estate, his investigation ends with a bullet to the chest. A love-scorned widower, his horse leads him to a place from his past. Is he seeing a ghost—or the woman once thought lost? Could this tragedy reunite him with his heart’s desire?
When long hidden secrets necessitate a marriage of convenience, Charlotte must choose between guarding her heart or trusting her new husband. To secure their happiness, Peregrine must unmask his would-be killer before losing his love forever.
This is book one in the Lost Loves series, spicy regency romance books with a guaranteed happily ever after.
The price had been too high to bear.
A scandalous secret drove her into hiding on a remote family estate. True safety lay in being forgotten. When a gravely wounded man arrives on horseback, her peace is shattered. She must decide if the one who once held her heart can keep her secret safe.
Lord Peregrine Spencer never expected the woman from his fevered dreams to appear before him. Sent by his brother to expose nefarious dealings at the Spencer estate, his investigation ends with a bullet to the chest. A love-scorned widower, his horse leads him to a place from his past. Is he seeing a ghost—or the woman once thought lost? Could this tragedy reunite him with his heart’s desire?
When long hidden secrets necessitate a marriage of convenience, Charlotte must choose between guarding her heart or trusting her new husband. To secure their happiness, Peregrine must unmask his would-be killer before losing his love forever.
This is book one in the Lost Loves series, spicy regency romance books with a guaranteed happily ever after.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Mimi Gunn
7 books68 followersMimi Gunn writes from the unique perspective of an Ottawa region born French-Canadian living in Calgary, Alberta. Stories have always been an important part of her culture growing up, from hilarious tales shared around the kitchen table to ghost stories told around the campfire. She is passionate about cooking meals that bring people together and spending time with her family. In her free time, she hoards romance novels and feeds her addiction to travel and adventures, with a strong penchant for Disneyland as a destination! Mimi is delighted to share the stories that have been living in her mind with you and hopes you enjoy her strong heroines and dashing heroes.
Visit her at @mimigunnbooks for romance book recommendations and updates on the next book coming in the series. Follow her Goodreads at Mimi Gunn. Visit her website www.mimigunn.com. Happy reading!
Visit her at @mimigunnbooks for romance book recommendations and updates on the next book coming in the series. Follow her Goodreads at Mimi Gunn. Visit her website www.mimigunn.com. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 26, 2026
Arc obtained from Love notes
3.5⭐️rounded up
This book was a really nice read. It had what you wouldn’t expect when it comes to a historical romance given how scandalous their love story began. Their love story was very beautiful though I wish there was more development to it. It’s a second chance romance and while their love for each other was very strong, I would’ve preferred seeing more buildup towards it rather than it coming off as a relationship based on past feelings and lust. The writing style was done well and it rlly set you in the mood of this type of romance especially with the portrayal of how a scandal affects women. Their child will always have a special place in my heart she was so adorable. The mystery aspect to it was interesting but didn’t rlly pull me. Overall, it was a nice read and i’ll deff be keeping up with the rest of the series cuz the side characters seem very interesting to me
3.5⭐️rounded up
This book was a really nice read. It had what you wouldn’t expect when it comes to a historical romance given how scandalous their love story began. Their love story was very beautiful though I wish there was more development to it. It’s a second chance romance and while their love for each other was very strong, I would’ve preferred seeing more buildup towards it rather than it coming off as a relationship based on past feelings and lust. The writing style was done well and it rlly set you in the mood of this type of romance especially with the portrayal of how a scandal affects women. Their child will always have a special place in my heart she was so adorable. The mystery aspect to it was interesting but didn’t rlly pull me. Overall, it was a nice read and i’ll deff be keeping up with the rest of the series cuz the side characters seem very interesting to me
up-next-୨ৎ
June 27, 2026₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚
𑣲 ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴꜱ/ᴘʀᴇ-ʀᴇᴀᴅ:
thank you so much to lovenote pr and mimi gunn for the e-ARC of this one! i'm ngl i requested it based off the beauty of the cover and the words "regency marriage of convenience" sooo... i've got a real good feeling about this one 😋
the vanishing bride is out now!!
₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚
𑣲 ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴꜱ/ᴘʀᴇ-ʀᴇᴀᴅ:
thank you so much to lovenote pr and mimi gunn for the e-ARC of this one! i'm ngl i requested it based off the beauty of the cover and the words "regency marriage of convenience" sooo... i've got a real good feeling about this one 😋
the vanishing bride is out now!!
₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚
June 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Mimi Gunn for sending me this book and letting me review early.
This book was a nice breath of fresh air for the historical romance genre. It reminded me so much of Julia Quinn's "Everything and the Moon". Our couple falls in love early on while discovering adulthood and the social expectations of the time. One flirtatious summer that was meant to end on a high note had more harmful repercussions for our female protagonist. What typically in a lot of other second chance romances are loud, and ugly breakups, this one followed the lonely path. A chance encounter brings them back together. However once they do reconcile its not on either of their own terms, they instead are forced into society's expectations. They refuse to have a constructive conversation yet have several bedroom romps. It becomes almost hair ripping annoying at times. Neither person gives the other room to speak openly or honestly about what happened or their feelings about the future.
This book was a very quick and enjoyable read, but lacked the depth that I was looking for to bump it to a 5 star. There were a ton of side characters who littered the pages but barely added value. And the main mystery of the story that the Male Lead was investigating was more shoved into the plot then easily integrated. I wish we had a bit more time with the investigation in the early stages of the book, then lead the main characters to their fated meeting.
For a modern historical romance, this checked a lot of boxes for me. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. Its fun, light, and overall compelling.
This book was a nice breath of fresh air for the historical romance genre. It reminded me so much of Julia Quinn's "Everything and the Moon". Our couple falls in love early on while discovering adulthood and the social expectations of the time. One flirtatious summer that was meant to end on a high note had more harmful repercussions for our female protagonist. What typically in a lot of other second chance romances are loud, and ugly breakups, this one followed the lonely path. A chance encounter brings them back together. However once they do reconcile its not on either of their own terms, they instead are forced into society's expectations. They refuse to have a constructive conversation yet have several bedroom romps. It becomes almost hair ripping annoying at times. Neither person gives the other room to speak openly or honestly about what happened or their feelings about the future.
This book was a very quick and enjoyable read, but lacked the depth that I was looking for to bump it to a 5 star. There were a ton of side characters who littered the pages but barely added value. And the main mystery of the story that the Male Lead was investigating was more shoved into the plot then easily integrated. I wish we had a bit more time with the investigation in the early stages of the book, then lead the main characters to their fated meeting.
For a modern historical romance, this checked a lot of boxes for me. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. Its fun, light, and overall compelling.
June 26, 2026
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed The Vanishing Bride. The setting, atmosphere, and historical period were beautifully written, making it easy to get lost in the story. The plot developed naturally and became surprisingly scandalous. While I enjoyed the twists, some events felt a little too dramatic for a historical novel.
Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time reading this book. The engaging writing and immersive atmosphere more than made up for it, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of drama.
I really enjoyed The Vanishing Bride. The setting, atmosphere, and historical period were beautifully written, making it easy to get lost in the story. The plot developed naturally and became surprisingly scandalous. While I enjoyed the twists, some events felt a little too dramatic for a historical novel.
Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time reading this book. The engaging writing and immersive atmosphere more than made up for it, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of drama.
June 14, 2026
Thank you to the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Plot and Premise:-
As a huge fan of the Bridgerton series, The Vanishing Bride by Mimi Gunn transported me straight back into the rich and luxurious Regency era, complete with secrets, scandals and long-buried truths.
From the very beginning, the premise felt unique and immediately hooked me. A second-chance romance between a widowed MMC and a ‘ruined’ FMC with a secret child caught my attention right away. It felt like a refreshing twist on the historical romance genre and kept me invested throughout the story.
Characters:-
The FMC felt like a breath of fresh air in this genre. Charlotte, or Lottie, considers herself ruined after a scandalous affair, yet she refuses to let it define her entire life. Instead, she finds happiness in her quiet isolation and devotes herself to raising her daughter away from the scrutiny and gossip of the ton. She is also highly knowledgeable about botany and gardening, which added another layer to her character that I really enjoyed. Although she is content living out her days in the countryside, she still carries the memories of the summer that changed the course of her life.
Perry is the epitome of the sad lover boy. He mourns the memory of a summer that brought him both love and heartbreak. Believing he ruined Lottie’s life, he bends over backwards to make things right once the secrets of their shared past finally come to light. While he spends much of the story burdened by guilt and regret, once he learns the truth he becomes determined to set things right, even if it means entering a marriage of convenience. Throughout it all, Perry never tolerates slander against Lottie and treats both her and her daughter with unwavering care and devotion.
The side characters were equally enjoyable. Beau and Louisa, Perry’s siblings, were particularly likeable and I am very interested in seeing where their stories go in future books.
Setting:-
Mimi Gunn paints a beautiful picture of Regency England. I could vividly imagine the grand estates, lush gardens and elegant gowns while reading. The setting felt immersive and added greatly to the overall atmosphere of the novel.
Themes and Emotional Impact:-
At its core, this is a story about loss, regret, forgiveness and second chances. Both Lottie and Perry spend years carrying the weight of past decisions and missed opportunities and watching them slowly find their way back to one another was deeply satisfying.
The yearning was particularly well done. I could feel the love between them that survived a decade of separation. Their longing felt genuine and emotionally resonant throughout the story.
The book also explores the realities faced by women during the Regency era, the pressures of maintaining appearances, the burden of family expectations and the heartbreak of sacrificing love for duty. These themes added depth to the romance and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
What Didn’t Work for Me:-
The main reason my rating is not higher is the inconsistency in the writing and pacing.
The mystery subplot felt somewhat patchy throughout the novel. While the romance remained the primary focus for much of the story, the latter portion shifted more heavily toward the suspense elements. Unfortunately, the mystery did not receive enough buildup to fully hold my interest. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the romance and suspense plots had been woven together more seamlessly from the beginning.
I also found parts of the book repetitive. Repetition can be effective when emphasizing emotional beats, but some points were revisited so frequently that it occasionally felt like I was reading the same observations multiple times. This was most noticeable in the middle section of the book, which felt longer than necessary.
Final Thoughts:-
Overall, The Vanishing Bride was an enjoyable historical romance with a unique premise, compelling characters and a beautifully written second-chance love story. Lottie and Perry were easy to root for and the emotional weight of their shared history carried the story for me. While the mystery subplot and pacing issues prevented this from being a higher-rated read, I still found myself invested in their journey and look forward to continuing the series.
Ratings:-
⭐ Characters: 4/5
💞 Romance: 3.75/5
🥀 Emotional Impact: 4/5
📖 Plot & Pacing: 3.5/5
🌿 Setting & Atmosphere: 3.75/5
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars rounded up to 4 stars)
Plot and Premise:-
As a huge fan of the Bridgerton series, The Vanishing Bride by Mimi Gunn transported me straight back into the rich and luxurious Regency era, complete with secrets, scandals and long-buried truths.
From the very beginning, the premise felt unique and immediately hooked me. A second-chance romance between a widowed MMC and a ‘ruined’ FMC with a secret child caught my attention right away. It felt like a refreshing twist on the historical romance genre and kept me invested throughout the story.
Characters:-
The FMC felt like a breath of fresh air in this genre. Charlotte, or Lottie, considers herself ruined after a scandalous affair, yet she refuses to let it define her entire life. Instead, she finds happiness in her quiet isolation and devotes herself to raising her daughter away from the scrutiny and gossip of the ton. She is also highly knowledgeable about botany and gardening, which added another layer to her character that I really enjoyed. Although she is content living out her days in the countryside, she still carries the memories of the summer that changed the course of her life.
Perry is the epitome of the sad lover boy. He mourns the memory of a summer that brought him both love and heartbreak. Believing he ruined Lottie’s life, he bends over backwards to make things right once the secrets of their shared past finally come to light. While he spends much of the story burdened by guilt and regret, once he learns the truth he becomes determined to set things right, even if it means entering a marriage of convenience. Throughout it all, Perry never tolerates slander against Lottie and treats both her and her daughter with unwavering care and devotion.
The side characters were equally enjoyable. Beau and Louisa, Perry’s siblings, were particularly likeable and I am very interested in seeing where their stories go in future books.
Setting:-
Mimi Gunn paints a beautiful picture of Regency England. I could vividly imagine the grand estates, lush gardens and elegant gowns while reading. The setting felt immersive and added greatly to the overall atmosphere of the novel.
Themes and Emotional Impact:-
At its core, this is a story about loss, regret, forgiveness and second chances. Both Lottie and Perry spend years carrying the weight of past decisions and missed opportunities and watching them slowly find their way back to one another was deeply satisfying.
The yearning was particularly well done. I could feel the love between them that survived a decade of separation. Their longing felt genuine and emotionally resonant throughout the story.
The book also explores the realities faced by women during the Regency era, the pressures of maintaining appearances, the burden of family expectations and the heartbreak of sacrificing love for duty. These themes added depth to the romance and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
What Didn’t Work for Me:-
The main reason my rating is not higher is the inconsistency in the writing and pacing.
The mystery subplot felt somewhat patchy throughout the novel. While the romance remained the primary focus for much of the story, the latter portion shifted more heavily toward the suspense elements. Unfortunately, the mystery did not receive enough buildup to fully hold my interest. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the romance and suspense plots had been woven together more seamlessly from the beginning.
I also found parts of the book repetitive. Repetition can be effective when emphasizing emotional beats, but some points were revisited so frequently that it occasionally felt like I was reading the same observations multiple times. This was most noticeable in the middle section of the book, which felt longer than necessary.
Final Thoughts:-
Overall, The Vanishing Bride was an enjoyable historical romance with a unique premise, compelling characters and a beautifully written second-chance love story. Lottie and Perry were easy to root for and the emotional weight of their shared history carried the story for me. While the mystery subplot and pacing issues prevented this from being a higher-rated read, I still found myself invested in their journey and look forward to continuing the series.
Ratings:-
⭐ Characters: 4/5
💞 Romance: 3.75/5
🥀 Emotional Impact: 4/5
📖 Plot & Pacing: 3.5/5
🌿 Setting & Atmosphere: 3.75/5
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars rounded up to 4 stars)
June 27, 2026
Mi corazón jesús Mimi 😭
He descubierto que me encanta todo lo que escribe esta mujer y me atrapa completamente con sus historias, a pesar de que es el segundo libro que leo de ella y sus libros son completamente distintos.
En esta ocasión nos presenta a Charlotte y Perry, dos personas que estuvieron enamorados, pero fueron prometidos en matrimonio a otros. Sin embargo, lo que ambos desconocen es que Charlotte tenía un secreto escandaloso que la lleva a esconderse en una remota propiedad familiar luego de enterarse de que su amor habría muerto. Por otra parte, Perry quién pensó que la mujer de sus sueños había desaparecido de la faz de tierra, decide casarse sin amor, quedando viudo tiempo después. Pero las vueltas del destino son curiosas y cuando le disparan a Perry en el camino a su casa de campo, Charlotte y los sirvientes que estaban al lado de su propiedad familiar deciden auxiliarlo, sin esperar encontrarse frente a frente con el pasado y abrir una caja de pandora que lleva años cerrada. ¿Están listos para descubrir la verdad?
CON-CHA-LA-LO-RA! Aunque en el inicio estaba como que carajos está pasando (porque el inglés aún me deja procesando la información JAJAJ), una vez le agarré el ritmo estaba como NECESITO PARAR Y PROCESAR TODAS LAS REVELACIONES QUE ESTÁ SOLTANDO ESTA MUJER 🤯
El tema de los secretos, la segunda oportunidad, la dinámica de los protagonistas y el contexto de romance histórico hicieron tan atrapante la historia que no quería soltarlo y por eso me tomé casi 3 días terminarlo 😭
Por otra parte, me encantó el crecimiento que tiene Charlotte y Perry en su relación, en como a pesar de todos los obstaculos del pasado hacen frente a su presente y sanan sus heridas, así como a los secretos que ambos guardaban y la realidad detrás de todas aquellas falsedades que ambos creían verdades❤️🩹
Estoy ansiosa por seguir leyendo a esta mujer, pero desde ya muchas gracias por la oportunidad Mimi, realmente me encantó leerte 🫶🏼
He descubierto que me encanta todo lo que escribe esta mujer y me atrapa completamente con sus historias, a pesar de que es el segundo libro que leo de ella y sus libros son completamente distintos.
En esta ocasión nos presenta a Charlotte y Perry, dos personas que estuvieron enamorados, pero fueron prometidos en matrimonio a otros. Sin embargo, lo que ambos desconocen es que Charlotte tenía un secreto escandaloso que la lleva a esconderse en una remota propiedad familiar luego de enterarse de que su amor habría muerto. Por otra parte, Perry quién pensó que la mujer de sus sueños había desaparecido de la faz de tierra, decide casarse sin amor, quedando viudo tiempo después. Pero las vueltas del destino son curiosas y cuando le disparan a Perry en el camino a su casa de campo, Charlotte y los sirvientes que estaban al lado de su propiedad familiar deciden auxiliarlo, sin esperar encontrarse frente a frente con el pasado y abrir una caja de pandora que lleva años cerrada. ¿Están listos para descubrir la verdad?
CON-CHA-LA-LO-RA! Aunque en el inicio estaba como que carajos está pasando (porque el inglés aún me deja procesando la información JAJAJ), una vez le agarré el ritmo estaba como NECESITO PARAR Y PROCESAR TODAS LAS REVELACIONES QUE ESTÁ SOLTANDO ESTA MUJER 🤯
El tema de los secretos, la segunda oportunidad, la dinámica de los protagonistas y el contexto de romance histórico hicieron tan atrapante la historia que no quería soltarlo y por eso me tomé casi 3 días terminarlo 😭
Por otra parte, me encantó el crecimiento que tiene Charlotte y Perry en su relación, en como a pesar de todos los obstaculos del pasado hacen frente a su presente y sanan sus heridas, así como a los secretos que ambos guardaban y la realidad detrás de todas aquellas falsedades que ambos creían verdades❤️🩹
Estoy ansiosa por seguir leyendo a esta mujer, pero desde ya muchas gracias por la oportunidad Mimi, realmente me encantó leerte 🫶🏼
June 23, 2026
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
This was an enjoyable read. Grand settings, mystery and secrets and, a love of a lifetime lost and found.
A secret relationship and the consequences of a line crossed. Perry and Charlotte spent the last decade apart: she, hidden away in the countryside with their love child and him, married to a woman of his father’s choosing and thinking Charlotte dead. Now, a widower, Perry is back in the countryside to help his brother but on his way there, he is shot and ends up at Charlotte’s neighbouring estate. Charlotte tends to him but is determined not to reveal herself. No such luck, because not only does Perry discover she is alive, he also learns he fathered a daughter with his lost love. Determined to right his wrongs, Perry proposes to Charlotte, who assumes theirs to be a marriage of convenience, but Perry will do all he can to win over his bride.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to when they were younger and their escapades. After he finds out she is alive, though Charlotte is somewhat skeptical that their love can be easily rekindled, their attraction is palpable and they quickly prove that they were very much meant to be. Their friendship feels as if it never ceased to exist and their physical attraction is more ardent than ever.
The “killer on the loose” subplot takes a back seat for a good chunk of the book and the focus is put on the rebuilding of Perry and Charlotte’s relationship, and is only brought back in full force once they return to London. And oh the drama!
I liked their daughter Aurelia, she was a sprite and sassy child, with whom very quickly, Perry fell in love.
This was open door and I liked seeing consent being represented in a historical romance - everything they did was consenting, even in their youth.
I was hooked from the very beginning, the pace and the rich settings really set the scene. I did feel this might have been a tad bit long but I never lost interest and ultimately, wanted to see Perry and Charlotte to their HEA.
[Spice: 2.5/5]
This was an enjoyable read. Grand settings, mystery and secrets and, a love of a lifetime lost and found.
A secret relationship and the consequences of a line crossed. Perry and Charlotte spent the last decade apart: she, hidden away in the countryside with their love child and him, married to a woman of his father’s choosing and thinking Charlotte dead. Now, a widower, Perry is back in the countryside to help his brother but on his way there, he is shot and ends up at Charlotte’s neighbouring estate. Charlotte tends to him but is determined not to reveal herself. No such luck, because not only does Perry discover she is alive, he also learns he fathered a daughter with his lost love. Determined to right his wrongs, Perry proposes to Charlotte, who assumes theirs to be a marriage of convenience, but Perry will do all he can to win over his bride.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to when they were younger and their escapades. After he finds out she is alive, though Charlotte is somewhat skeptical that their love can be easily rekindled, their attraction is palpable and they quickly prove that they were very much meant to be. Their friendship feels as if it never ceased to exist and their physical attraction is more ardent than ever.
The “killer on the loose” subplot takes a back seat for a good chunk of the book and the focus is put on the rebuilding of Perry and Charlotte’s relationship, and is only brought back in full force once they return to London. And oh the drama!
I liked their daughter Aurelia, she was a sprite and sassy child, with whom very quickly, Perry fell in love.
This was open door and I liked seeing consent being represented in a historical romance - everything they did was consenting, even in their youth.
I was hooked from the very beginning, the pace and the rich settings really set the scene. I did feel this might have been a tad bit long but I never lost interest and ultimately, wanted to see Perry and Charlotte to their HEA.
[Spice: 2.5/5]
June 6, 2026
4.5*
Thank you so much to Mimi Gunn for sending me an advanced copy of The Vanishing Bride! This was my first time reading Mimi’s work, but it definitely won’t be my last.
I had such a great time reading Peregrine and Charlotte’s story. In the decade they spent apart, they both went through so much heartache; he spent all this time thinking she was dead, and she has been in seclusion hiding a scandalous secret. It’s evident that despite their time apart, they both still deeply loved each other and were happy to be reunited.
The side plot of the mystery of who is out to get Perry was interesting, though I often forgot about it to focus on the romance. I just wanted Perry and Charlotte to get their happy ending at last!
I’m so looking forward to reading about Perry’s siblings, specifically Louisa’s story with Michael. 👀
Thank you so much to Mimi Gunn for sending me an advanced copy of The Vanishing Bride! This was my first time reading Mimi’s work, but it definitely won’t be my last.
I had such a great time reading Peregrine and Charlotte’s story. In the decade they spent apart, they both went through so much heartache; he spent all this time thinking she was dead, and she has been in seclusion hiding a scandalous secret. It’s evident that despite their time apart, they both still deeply loved each other and were happy to be reunited.
The side plot of the mystery of who is out to get Perry was interesting, though I often forgot about it to focus on the romance. I just wanted Perry and Charlotte to get their happy ending at last!
I’m so looking forward to reading about Perry’s siblings, specifically Louisa’s story with Michael. 👀
June 21, 2026
Ohhhh these two 🥹 I am an absolute sucker for a second chance romance, but give me a spicy second chance romance with Bridgerton vibes, I'm completely goner. 🥵
After a sweet summer filled with flirtation and young love, Lottie and Perry are cruelly torn apart because of their families lies. Lottie disappears from Perry's life without him ever knowing the truth.
Years later, an unfortunate chance encounter brings them back together. While forced to stay at Lottie’s home, Perry finally uncovers the secrets surrounding Lottie and learns why they were separated all those years ago. His solution? A marriage of convenience. But is it really just that? 😉
The longing and yearning between these two is absolutely everything. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the flashbacks completely stole my heart. I absolutely adored how protective and obsessed Perry was with Lottie and his daughter. I was rooting for them from beginning to end, throw in some mystery and some nail biting suspense and I was hooked.
Loved it!!!
Thank you Mimi for the advanced copy to read 🫶
After a sweet summer filled with flirtation and young love, Lottie and Perry are cruelly torn apart because of their families lies. Lottie disappears from Perry's life without him ever knowing the truth.
Years later, an unfortunate chance encounter brings them back together. While forced to stay at Lottie’s home, Perry finally uncovers the secrets surrounding Lottie and learns why they were separated all those years ago. His solution? A marriage of convenience. But is it really just that? 😉
The longing and yearning between these two is absolutely everything. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the flashbacks completely stole my heart. I absolutely adored how protective and obsessed Perry was with Lottie and his daughter. I was rooting for them from beginning to end, throw in some mystery and some nail biting suspense and I was hooked.
Loved it!!!
Thank you Mimi for the advanced copy to read 🫶
June 22, 2026
This book had the perfect mix of intriguing plot, lovable characters, spice and good writing. I can honestly say I am impatient to read more from this author and this series. I can barely fault anything, I think the only thing for me was pacing (quite a slow paced book in my opinion), everything else was perfect. The writing was descriptive. The characters didn’t have the most character development but they didn’t need it because they were great, both the MC’s and side characters. It’s just overall a book I would recommend. I am grateful to have read this book as an arc and share my honest joy for it.
June 12, 2026
Thank you LoveNotesPR and Mimi for the eARC!
What to expect:
🥰 Second Chance
👑 Regency Romance
🍼 Secret Child
💍 Marriage of Convenience
Overall I enjoyed this book. The first third/half seemed to drag but the rest of it had more intrigue, twists, and action/suspense. It's a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction with spice and suspense. It was intriguing, fun, and full of mystery. Perry and Lottie were absolutely adorable together, the chemistry was great, and their love for each other was brilliant! Definitely one any fan of historical romance should read!
What to expect:
🥰 Second Chance
👑 Regency Romance
🍼 Secret Child
💍 Marriage of Convenience
Overall I enjoyed this book. The first third/half seemed to drag but the rest of it had more intrigue, twists, and action/suspense. It's a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction with spice and suspense. It was intriguing, fun, and full of mystery. Perry and Lottie were absolutely adorable together, the chemistry was great, and their love for each other was brilliant! Definitely one any fan of historical romance should read!
June 22, 2026
4⭐️ 3🌶️
I really enjoyed this book! I’m a sucker for a swoon-worthy Regency romance, and this one checked all the boxes for me. I loved that the main characters shared a connection in their youth, and despite being separated for so many years, they found their way back to each other. Watching their relationship rekindle and their feelings deepen made for a truly heartwarming romance.
I also appreciated the touch of mystery and suspense woven into the story, especially toward the end. It added an extra layer of intrigue and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
My only critique is that the beginning felt a little rushed for my taste. However, once I reached about the 40% mark, the pacing settled into a comfortable rhythm and the story flowed beautifully from there.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a charming Regency romance filled with longing, second chances, and a touch of suspense.
I really enjoyed this book! I’m a sucker for a swoon-worthy Regency romance, and this one checked all the boxes for me. I loved that the main characters shared a connection in their youth, and despite being separated for so many years, they found their way back to each other. Watching their relationship rekindle and their feelings deepen made for a truly heartwarming romance.
I also appreciated the touch of mystery and suspense woven into the story, especially toward the end. It added an extra layer of intrigue and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
My only critique is that the beginning felt a little rushed for my taste. However, once I reached about the 40% mark, the pacing settled into a comfortable rhythm and the story flowed beautifully from there.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a charming Regency romance filled with longing, second chances, and a touch of suspense.
June 23, 2026
The Vanishing Bride is a fun, historical romance that takes places in the regency era. This book gave me Bridgerton vibes with a tad more spice.
Charlotte and Perry know each other from a secret past but unfortunately they couldn’t be together because both were betrothed to others. But when an unexpected “injury” brings Perry to Charlotte’s door these two are forced to talk about the past and maybe plan for the future.
I really enjoyed this story, I loved the flashbacks of their former relationship. There is a ton of witty banter between the two main characters and that makes this book light-hearted and funny. If you are a reader who enjoys: historical romances, second-chances, witty characters, and secrets and mysteries you need to add The Vanishing Bride to your TBR.
Charlotte and Perry know each other from a secret past but unfortunately they couldn’t be together because both were betrothed to others. But when an unexpected “injury” brings Perry to Charlotte’s door these two are forced to talk about the past and maybe plan for the future.
I really enjoyed this story, I loved the flashbacks of their former relationship. There is a ton of witty banter between the two main characters and that makes this book light-hearted and funny. If you are a reader who enjoys: historical romances, second-chances, witty characters, and secrets and mysteries you need to add The Vanishing Bride to your TBR.
June 11, 2026
3.5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Vanishing Bride 🖼️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Mimi Gunn for this masterpiece of an ARC!💚
Lord Peregrine thought he was dreaming,because she cannot really be her.Sent from his brother to expose nefarious dealings ,never thought he could end up almost dead,or either see HER.
Charlotte tasted love and that was enough to set her hiding in a remote family estate for life.
Never having visitors.Never show her face.Until a wounded man arrives.
Now the need to get married,and the outcome of this one,is hers to determine.
I never in a million years thought that behind this cute cover a gut wrenching story would be hiding.I NEVER SINGED UP FOR THIS AMOUNT OF CRYING,I JUST WANTED A CUTE BOOK TO ENJOY.
But here I am,being absolutely stunned by both Charlotte and Lord Peregrine's story. Gunn described the time perfectly through her characters,with its goods and its flows,while giving us an impeccable romance to read.
Lottie,was a woman of her time,forced to bare the patriarchy around her,which eventually limited her freedom while made her feel guilty about something that not only was not her fault,but she had nothing to be ashamed for.However,she was a beautiful woman,girly and cute if I may say,and incredibly smart too.I just enjoyed reading about her to the fullest.Our Lord was literally the gentleman of all gentlemen and such a yearner and lover boy for Charlotte!I really loved his character too,and I could read 5 books about him.Most importantly,he was A MAN.Took every damn responsibility that he had and he had not and protected Charlotte,while making sure that it always was his NO1 priority.(GO🫶🏼).
Their romance,was deep,beautiful and the defintion of what you think love was at this cruel time.I just hope deep in my heart that love stories like that existed back then,and they are not just romances we have to giggle at.Thank you Charlotte and Peregrine for this story ✨
Out On June 23th 🧩
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Mimi Gunn for this masterpiece of an ARC!💚
Lord Peregrine thought he was dreaming,because she cannot really be her.Sent from his brother to expose nefarious dealings ,never thought he could end up almost dead,or either see HER.
Charlotte tasted love and that was enough to set her hiding in a remote family estate for life.
Never having visitors.Never show her face.Until a wounded man arrives.
Now the need to get married,and the outcome of this one,is hers to determine.
I never in a million years thought that behind this cute cover a gut wrenching story would be hiding.I NEVER SINGED UP FOR THIS AMOUNT OF CRYING,I JUST WANTED A CUTE BOOK TO ENJOY.
But here I am,being absolutely stunned by both Charlotte and Lord Peregrine's story. Gunn described the time perfectly through her characters,with its goods and its flows,while giving us an impeccable romance to read.
Lottie,was a woman of her time,forced to bare the patriarchy around her,which eventually limited her freedom while made her feel guilty about something that not only was not her fault,but she had nothing to be ashamed for.However,she was a beautiful woman,girly and cute if I may say,and incredibly smart too.I just enjoyed reading about her to the fullest.Our Lord was literally the gentleman of all gentlemen and such a yearner and lover boy for Charlotte!I really loved his character too,and I could read 5 books about him.Most importantly,he was A MAN.Took every damn responsibility that he had and he had not and protected Charlotte,while making sure that it always was his NO1 priority.(GO🫶🏼).
Their romance,was deep,beautiful and the defintion of what you think love was at this cruel time.I just hope deep in my heart that love stories like that existed back then,and they are not just romances we have to giggle at.Thank you Charlotte and Peregrine for this story ✨
Out On June 23th 🧩
5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC READER REVIEW ⭐️
This was for sure a 5 star read for me!! Kept me totally hooked, and I devoured the book!!
The characters are so lovable, the spice is immaculate, the mystery is intriguing!!
The book starts with longing and past heartbreaks and takes the reader through a journey of a second chance, “it’s always been you” kind of love. At moments, I found myself comparing Charlotte and Peregrine’s story to Noah and Allie from Nicholas Sparks’s “The Notebook” which is another favourite of mine. The story is also laced with irresistible temptations, whimsical young love, and beautifully described gardens. I love the way society is represented in this story as being a huge influence but ultimately it’s not everything.
Let’s talk about the mysteries… the “how did we end up here”s kind of twists. Mimi Gunn’s writing gives the perfect combination of “I saw that coming” AND “what a twist” that really does leave you wondering if you truly know what’s coming next. It’s truly engaging.
We all love a smutty little romance… the spice levels in this one are amazingggg 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Open door spice with varying levels of intensity throughout, as a real couple would experience. My favourites were the scenes of whimsical garden vibes, cat and mouse style chase. The level of description used creates such vivid imagery, I am feral. (And there was only one instance of a word that made me cringe– which is usually a hard thing for me as it takes me out of the scene… spoiler the word is “cunny”)
I also would love to point out how much this story is woven together in a way that moves from one focus to another. We start out learning about Lottie and Perry’s past, then developing their bond before really delving into the mysteries. I loved this way of story telling, it made me feel more engaged throughout the entire book.
This was for sure a 5 star read for me!! Kept me totally hooked, and I devoured the book!!
The characters are so lovable, the spice is immaculate, the mystery is intriguing!!
The book starts with longing and past heartbreaks and takes the reader through a journey of a second chance, “it’s always been you” kind of love. At moments, I found myself comparing Charlotte and Peregrine’s story to Noah and Allie from Nicholas Sparks’s “The Notebook” which is another favourite of mine. The story is also laced with irresistible temptations, whimsical young love, and beautifully described gardens. I love the way society is represented in this story as being a huge influence but ultimately it’s not everything.
Let’s talk about the mysteries… the “how did we end up here”s kind of twists. Mimi Gunn’s writing gives the perfect combination of “I saw that coming” AND “what a twist” that really does leave you wondering if you truly know what’s coming next. It’s truly engaging.
We all love a smutty little romance… the spice levels in this one are amazingggg 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Open door spice with varying levels of intensity throughout, as a real couple would experience. My favourites were the scenes of whimsical garden vibes, cat and mouse style chase. The level of description used creates such vivid imagery, I am feral. (And there was only one instance of a word that made me cringe– which is usually a hard thing for me as it takes me out of the scene… spoiler the word is “cunny”)
I also would love to point out how much this story is woven together in a way that moves from one focus to another. We start out learning about Lottie and Perry’s past, then developing their bond before really delving into the mysteries. I loved this way of story telling, it made me feel more engaged throughout the entire book.
June 23, 2026
He was a homecoming she never knew she needed.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
After years spent in the countryside avoiding a scandal Charlotte Townsend suddenly finds herself faced with a lost love from her past. And while he's wounded, will it be enough to keep her secret safe? And more importantly... should she?
This was such a sweet read. Charlotte Townsend is a girl after my own heart - her character was so great and I enjoyed how much she loved gardening. I also loved her inner strength, how she'd do anything to protect her daughter (both in living in seclusion, and then finding the courage to enter society again). The conflict she has with Perry is so well-done, you can't help but sympathize with their situation and hoping they will find a way to be together. Perry's yearning is top-notch, and I also loved how much he embraced his few family and it's so clear he would do anything for them.
There is a mystery wrapped alongside as well (the 'caretaking' moments at the beginning were also so good), I always enjoy a little mystery/suspense in my romance and was definitely hooked! There are parts I wish were a little more expanded/explored but there's definitely a lot of intrigue and action along the way.
Perry's family was so great as well, I adored Louisa and Beau and there is plenty of crumbs to get you curious about Book 2! I am definitely interested (especially wanting to find out what that was between Louisa and Michael!)
Tropes & Tags:
🌷 second chance
🤍 regency romance
🌷 widower MMC
🤍 secret child
🌷 hurt x comfort
🤍 marriage of convenience
🌷 secret garden vibes
🤍 it's always been you
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Mimi Gunn! 📖]
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
After years spent in the countryside avoiding a scandal Charlotte Townsend suddenly finds herself faced with a lost love from her past. And while he's wounded, will it be enough to keep her secret safe? And more importantly... should she?
This was such a sweet read. Charlotte Townsend is a girl after my own heart - her character was so great and I enjoyed how much she loved gardening. I also loved her inner strength, how she'd do anything to protect her daughter (both in living in seclusion, and then finding the courage to enter society again). The conflict she has with Perry is so well-done, you can't help but sympathize with their situation and hoping they will find a way to be together. Perry's yearning is top-notch, and I also loved how much he embraced his few family and it's so clear he would do anything for them.
There is a mystery wrapped alongside as well (the 'caretaking' moments at the beginning were also so good), I always enjoy a little mystery/suspense in my romance and was definitely hooked! There are parts I wish were a little more expanded/explored but there's definitely a lot of intrigue and action along the way.
Perry's family was so great as well, I adored Louisa and Beau and there is plenty of crumbs to get you curious about Book 2! I am definitely interested (especially wanting to find out what that was between Louisa and Michael!)
Tropes & Tags:
🌷 second chance
🤍 regency romance
🌷 widower MMC
🤍 secret child
🌷 hurt x comfort
🤍 marriage of convenience
🌷 secret garden vibes
🤍 it's always been you
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Mimi Gunn! 📖]
June 26, 2026
Four/Five ⭐️
Thank you to LoveNotesPR and Mimi Gunn for providing me with this ARC!💗
This was such a magically beautiful book that took me right out of the 21st century and plopped me down somewhere in the Victorian Era. Historical Romances hold a special place in my heart and their enchanting settings never fail to captivate me.
Peregrine and Charlotte are meant for each other and their love story was wholesome, even if it was quite scandalous. I felt like a rich old auntie, clutching her pearls and sipping my tea, while reading this haha
There’s a bit of a murder/threat on life- kinda mystery situation that was to be solved in this book which I quite enjoyed, and the climax was absolutely thrilling!
Although the cover looks quite innocent, the book is actually quite spicy🤭 and it was interesting to read “filthy” dialogues in such a setting lmao.
Also- I absolutely adored Aurelia, she is such a sweetheart and I love the family of the main characters💗 it’s so heartwarming to see them being supported by their loved ones🥹
This book took me right back to my episode days where I used to play such stories all day and read beautifully illustrated mangas/manhwas. It felt very nostalgic to me and that definitely elevated my reading experience!
There’s nothing better than something that takes you right back to your golden memories of the past🌸
For readers who are looking for a simple, bread & butter, feel-good type of book that is also quite spicy and with a beautiful setting, this is perfect 💗
It’s available on Kindle Unlimited and on Amazon for the Paperback versions, please check it out!!🫧
-Jade xoxo 💋
Thank you to LoveNotesPR and Mimi Gunn for providing me with this ARC!💗
This was such a magically beautiful book that took me right out of the 21st century and plopped me down somewhere in the Victorian Era. Historical Romances hold a special place in my heart and their enchanting settings never fail to captivate me.
Peregrine and Charlotte are meant for each other and their love story was wholesome, even if it was quite scandalous. I felt like a rich old auntie, clutching her pearls and sipping my tea, while reading this haha
There’s a bit of a murder/threat on life- kinda mystery situation that was to be solved in this book which I quite enjoyed, and the climax was absolutely thrilling!
Although the cover looks quite innocent, the book is actually quite spicy🤭 and it was interesting to read “filthy” dialogues in such a setting lmao.
Also- I absolutely adored Aurelia, she is such a sweetheart and I love the family of the main characters💗 it’s so heartwarming to see them being supported by their loved ones🥹
This book took me right back to my episode days where I used to play such stories all day and read beautifully illustrated mangas/manhwas. It felt very nostalgic to me and that definitely elevated my reading experience!
There’s nothing better than something that takes you right back to your golden memories of the past🌸
For readers who are looking for a simple, bread & butter, feel-good type of book that is also quite spicy and with a beautiful setting, this is perfect 💗
It’s available on Kindle Unlimited and on Amazon for the Paperback versions, please check it out!!🫧
-Jade xoxo 💋
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s the first novel I read from this author and since I enjoy historical romance, I believed I should give it a chance, and I just learned that we were from the same regional, so it’s always a plus to support a fellow Canadian writer.
The blurb resumes perfectly the book. Since it’s a romance, you can say it’s predictable, but it has a good twist. Honestly, initially, I found that Charlotte fairly annoying because she doubted Perry when he did everything he could to make sure that she could trust him. At the same time, people believed she was dead for years because of her secret, and I can understand that, under the circumstances, she thought it was the only way to get a better life.
Perry is a great character, but I also found him annoying sometimes because he was so in love with Charlotte. I’m not saying that he should be toxic, but I noticed that he was addicted to her and I wondered if he had his own identity, just like most women in that era, that all they could dream of a good marriage.
The reader can experience the Victorian period because of how the characters talk and how they think. There are also a few intimate scenes that could make the reader imagine it’s contemporary from Perry’s point of view. If you don’t like too many historical details, I recommend this one for you. History is important in the background, but I didn’t feel I followed a university class. It was just the characters that made me think that the story was happening a few centuries ago.
The blurb resumes perfectly the book. Since it’s a romance, you can say it’s predictable, but it has a good twist. Honestly, initially, I found that Charlotte fairly annoying because she doubted Perry when he did everything he could to make sure that she could trust him. At the same time, people believed she was dead for years because of her secret, and I can understand that, under the circumstances, she thought it was the only way to get a better life.
Perry is a great character, but I also found him annoying sometimes because he was so in love with Charlotte. I’m not saying that he should be toxic, but I noticed that he was addicted to her and I wondered if he had his own identity, just like most women in that era, that all they could dream of a good marriage.
The reader can experience the Victorian period because of how the characters talk and how they think. There are also a few intimate scenes that could make the reader imagine it’s contemporary from Perry’s point of view. If you don’t like too many historical details, I recommend this one for you. History is important in the background, but I didn’t feel I followed a university class. It was just the characters that made me think that the story was happening a few centuries ago.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thank you to Mimi Gunn and Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of this book. I am leaving this review for free and completely of my own thoughts and opinions.
I enjoyed some elements of this book and struggled with others. While the writing is technically fine and I did like the characters and the Regency setting of the book, I found the mystery element to be quite lacking and it detracted from the story quite a bit for me.
Mimi nailed the views of the regency period and did a good job of showing how scandal and perception changed things for women, and the difficult decisions that had to be made and how little choice they truly had in any matter, and how easily they were judged.
I thought the second chance element of the romance was good though there were parts of it I would have liked to see explored a little bit more. Mainly seeing their connection actually grow a bit more as it seemed to mostly subsist on previous feelings and lust, more than a current connection as they still shared similar tastes etc.
The mystery element of this book felt super disjointed to me, I didn't enjoy it at all really. Everytime the story circled back around to it, it felt like I was reading a completely different book and it just did not work. I would have preferred if that element had been ditched after the original mystery and have more focus on Perry connecting and growing close with his new family.
Over all it was an enjoyable read, I just wish there had been some stronger focus on the relationships being developed a bit more.
I enjoyed some elements of this book and struggled with others. While the writing is technically fine and I did like the characters and the Regency setting of the book, I found the mystery element to be quite lacking and it detracted from the story quite a bit for me.
Mimi nailed the views of the regency period and did a good job of showing how scandal and perception changed things for women, and the difficult decisions that had to be made and how little choice they truly had in any matter, and how easily they were judged.
I thought the second chance element of the romance was good though there were parts of it I would have liked to see explored a little bit more. Mainly seeing their connection actually grow a bit more as it seemed to mostly subsist on previous feelings and lust, more than a current connection as they still shared similar tastes etc.
The mystery element of this book felt super disjointed to me, I didn't enjoy it at all really. Everytime the story circled back around to it, it felt like I was reading a completely different book and it just did not work. I would have preferred if that element had been ditched after the original mystery and have more focus on Perry connecting and growing close with his new family.
Over all it was an enjoyable read, I just wish there had been some stronger focus on the relationships being developed a bit more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The vanishing Bride by Mimi Gunn was a spicy little number that packed in all kinds of fun elements: murder, mystery, family drama, judgmental Ton members, and, of course, plenty of steamy moments all wrapped up with a happily ever after.
One of the things I appreciated most was the pacing. The story didn't drag out conflicts just for the sake of creating tension. When problems arose, they were addressed and navigated fairly quickly, which kept the story moving and made for an enjoyable reading experience.
I also loved that the main characters had both been married before. It's always refreshing to read a romance featuring more mature characters rather than another story centered around teenagers. Give me grown adults with life experience and chemistry any day!
While there were several side characters I would have loved to learn more about, the heart of the story was sweet and satisfying. At its core, it's a tale about love finding a way despite chaos, misunderstandings, and life's many challenges.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I'm always a sucker for a happy ending, especially when it's paired with a healthy dose of romance and married-couple chemistry.
If you enjoy historical romances with plenty of spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this one may be right up your alley.
Thank you to Mimi Gunn and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
ps yay for Canadian authors ♡
#represent
This book releases: June 23, 2026
Check it out!
One of the things I appreciated most was the pacing. The story didn't drag out conflicts just for the sake of creating tension. When problems arose, they were addressed and navigated fairly quickly, which kept the story moving and made for an enjoyable reading experience.
I also loved that the main characters had both been married before. It's always refreshing to read a romance featuring more mature characters rather than another story centered around teenagers. Give me grown adults with life experience and chemistry any day!
While there were several side characters I would have loved to learn more about, the heart of the story was sweet and satisfying. At its core, it's a tale about love finding a way despite chaos, misunderstandings, and life's many challenges.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I'm always a sucker for a happy ending, especially when it's paired with a healthy dose of romance and married-couple chemistry.
If you enjoy historical romances with plenty of spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this one may be right up your alley.
Thank you to Mimi Gunn and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
ps yay for Canadian authors ♡
#represent
This book releases: June 23, 2026
Check it out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5★
How would you feel if you discovered that your long-lost love was still alive and had been hiding from society with a little girl who was your own flesh and blood?
Peregrine Spencer and Charlotte Townsend are two young adults who were in their early 20's, fall in love but never confess their feelings to each other. Their lives are torn apart by cruel lies created by Perry's father, family background issues, and secrets that Charlotte is determined to keep hidden. Years later, Perry unexpectedly comes face to face with the woman he believed was dead when he regains consciousness after a tragic gunshot wound and finds himself in her house. That is when Charlotte, Perry's Lottie, must finally reveal the secrets she has been hiding for the past ten years.
This is exactly the kind of story I have wanted to read for a long time; a romance about nobles living between the English countryside and London. I loved everything about this book: the settings, the beautiful landscapes, the elegant clothing, and the gardens overflowing with blossoms. I never expected a murder mystery to be hidden behind such a cute cover, which made the story even more intriguing. I'm dangerously obsessed with this book and with Perry and his Lottie.
The story is about whether Charlotte and Perry can make their second chance at love work and build the happy future they were once denied, reintroducing Charlotte and their daughter to society, and to uncover the identity of the attacker who poses a threat to Perry.
Thank you, Mimi Gunn and Love Notes PR, for giving me this opportunity ❤️✨️
How would you feel if you discovered that your long-lost love was still alive and had been hiding from society with a little girl who was your own flesh and blood?
Peregrine Spencer and Charlotte Townsend are two young adults who were in their early 20's, fall in love but never confess their feelings to each other. Their lives are torn apart by cruel lies created by Perry's father, family background issues, and secrets that Charlotte is determined to keep hidden. Years later, Perry unexpectedly comes face to face with the woman he believed was dead when he regains consciousness after a tragic gunshot wound and finds himself in her house. That is when Charlotte, Perry's Lottie, must finally reveal the secrets she has been hiding for the past ten years.
This is exactly the kind of story I have wanted to read for a long time; a romance about nobles living between the English countryside and London. I loved everything about this book: the settings, the beautiful landscapes, the elegant clothing, and the gardens overflowing with blossoms. I never expected a murder mystery to be hidden behind such a cute cover, which made the story even more intriguing. I'm dangerously obsessed with this book and with Perry and his Lottie.
The story is about whether Charlotte and Perry can make their second chance at love work and build the happy future they were once denied, reintroducing Charlotte and their daughter to society, and to uncover the identity of the attacker who poses a threat to Perry.
Thank you, Mimi Gunn and Love Notes PR, for giving me this opportunity ❤️✨️
June 26, 2026
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book, and I found it a really enjoyable read! I have marked this as spoilers to avoid accidentally ruining any surprises!
This is a Regency romance featuring secret baby, second chance romance, and marriage of convenience plots, and I loved seeing these familiar tropes translated into a historical setting, which made the story feel new and fresh.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the relationship between the two main characters, in both the present and the flashbacks. The mutual pining was lovely and made me root for them as they found their way back to one another. I also really enjoyed seeing their relationship with the child develop, which added plenty of warmth and emotional depth to the story.
The other characters were well developed. Perry's siblings were all interesting in their own right, and I'd happily read books centred around each of them. The crime subplot was also woven into the story really well, and I genuinely didn't see the twist coming.
The only reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me was that I would have loved a little more development between Perry and Aurelia (father and daughter) by the end.
Overall, this was a well-developed historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, which I’d definite recommend
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This is a Regency romance featuring secret baby, second chance romance, and marriage of convenience plots, and I loved seeing these familiar tropes translated into a historical setting, which made the story feel new and fresh.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the relationship between the two main characters, in both the present and the flashbacks. The mutual pining was lovely and made me root for them as they found their way back to one another. I also really enjoyed seeing their relationship with the child develop, which added plenty of warmth and emotional depth to the story.
The other characters were well developed. Perry's siblings were all interesting in their own right, and I'd happily read books centred around each of them. The crime subplot was also woven into the story really well, and I genuinely didn't see the twist coming.
The only reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me was that I would have loved a little more development between Perry and Aurelia (father and daughter) by the end.
Overall, this was a well-developed historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, which I’d definite recommend
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
How to get me feral for an upcoming book: tag it as a historical romantic suspense! With marriage of convenience AND spice?! HELLO! I hit Request on the ARC form so fast I think pulled a muscle.
This was a perfect combination of genres and tropes for me, so it's zero surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the first third of the book hit me the hardest, as it focused on Charlotte and Perry rediscovering each other. I cried a lot in that section of the book! From then on, the story pivoted so that it was more focused on the suspense storyline. I was waiting for the big moment when Charlotte and Perry talked about their feelings for each other and their pasts (for example, Perry telling Charlotte what his 10 year marriage to first-wife Eliza was like), but that never really happened.
I did really enjoy it though, and I am going to read the rest of the series. This first book set up the stories for Perry's brother Beau and their sister Louisa really well, so my interest is definitely piqued!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Love Notes PR, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
This was a perfect combination of genres and tropes for me, so it's zero surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the first third of the book hit me the hardest, as it focused on Charlotte and Perry rediscovering each other. I cried a lot in that section of the book! From then on, the story pivoted so that it was more focused on the suspense storyline. I was waiting for the big moment when Charlotte and Perry talked about their feelings for each other and their pasts (for example, Perry telling Charlotte what his 10 year marriage to first-wife Eliza was like), but that never really happened.
I did really enjoy it though, and I am going to read the rest of the series. This first book set up the stories for Perry's brother Beau and their sister Louisa really well, so my interest is definitely piqued!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Love Notes PR, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and foremost, thank you to Mimi Gunn and Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC of this book.
4,5⭐️
Wow! where do I even begin? This book gave me all the Bridgerton vibes I could have hoped for. The atmosphere, the setting, the sense of community, and the overall charm of the story completely swept me away.🩷🏹
I’ve been stuck in a reading slump for what feels like forever, constantly jumping between books without finishing any of them. But this one? I devoured it in just a few hours and couldn’t put it down.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the cast of characters. They were all wonderfully developed, and I loved how each person's perspective and backstory gradually unfolded throughout the story. Every character felt distinct and added something meaningful to the narrative. And that ending? The plot twist was brilliantly executed and caught me completely off guard.
If you're a fan of Bridgerton-esque stories filled with charm, intrigue, and a touch of mystery, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
A must-read for lovers of historical romance and light crime mysteries alike.
4,5⭐️
Wow! where do I even begin? This book gave me all the Bridgerton vibes I could have hoped for. The atmosphere, the setting, the sense of community, and the overall charm of the story completely swept me away.🩷🏹
I’ve been stuck in a reading slump for what feels like forever, constantly jumping between books without finishing any of them. But this one? I devoured it in just a few hours and couldn’t put it down.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the cast of characters. They were all wonderfully developed, and I loved how each person's perspective and backstory gradually unfolded throughout the story. Every character felt distinct and added something meaningful to the narrative. And that ending? The plot twist was brilliantly executed and caught me completely off guard.
If you're a fan of Bridgerton-esque stories filled with charm, intrigue, and a touch of mystery, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
A must-read for lovers of historical romance and light crime mysteries alike.
June 25, 2026
Thanks to Mimi Gunn and Love Notes PR for the opportunity.
I think this book made me understand that I totally am a regency romance girly. It was a fun and quick read (even though the current heatwave in Europe made me a very slow reader haha). I just wish there were more development in the relationship between Aurelia and Perry, this is why it's 4 stars and not 5.
Other than that, the story was very enjoyable and well developed. The flow was easy to keep track of, and the story made sense. But again, there could be a huge plot hole and I wouldn't see it because when I read, I don't think. I loved the flashbacks that were integrated in the book, we don't have all the details of the story, we discover it with each memory and lines by the characters.
This book is one of the few second chance books I've read that I actually enjoy and don't mind the second chance.
This book makes me want to read more of the author. I loved the writing style and can only hope to be able to read the rest of the series (as arcs if possible but let's not get too greedy) and other projects.
I will definitely recommend this book to some of my friends!
I think this book made me understand that I totally am a regency romance girly. It was a fun and quick read (even though the current heatwave in Europe made me a very slow reader haha). I just wish there were more development in the relationship between Aurelia and Perry, this is why it's 4 stars and not 5.
Other than that, the story was very enjoyable and well developed. The flow was easy to keep track of, and the story made sense. But again, there could be a huge plot hole and I wouldn't see it because when I read, I don't think. I loved the flashbacks that were integrated in the book, we don't have all the details of the story, we discover it with each memory and lines by the characters.
This book is one of the few second chance books I've read that I actually enjoy and don't mind the second chance.
This book makes me want to read more of the author. I loved the writing style and can only hope to be able to read the rest of the series (as arcs if possible but let's not get too greedy) and other projects.
I will definitely recommend this book to some of my friends!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This felt like the good old historical romances I used to read, romantic suspense that used to be in the prominent HR authors that I find lacking in the Bridgerton era of HRs.
I love a secret child in Historicals more than in Contemporary, the stakes are higher: keeping a child hidden, being shunned by society, labeled damaged goods. This delivered, though I wish we'd seen Perry and Aurelia bond more!
Perry knew what he wanted and went for it. Truly, he deserved that HEA >> but Charlotte needed to get in line. She second-guessed him too much even when everything was already aligned.
The side characters outshone the MCs, honestly, I'm more invested in Perry's siblings' stories now.
I appreciated the diversity and the unconventional circle Perry and Charlotte surrounded themselves with refreshing for Victorian times.
The suspense was interesting, but the romance felt a bit lacklustre. Still, I'm excited to read the other two books in the series.
Thank you, Love Notes PR & Mimi Gunn, for the ARC.
I love a secret child in Historicals more than in Contemporary, the stakes are higher: keeping a child hidden, being shunned by society, labeled damaged goods. This delivered, though I wish we'd seen Perry and Aurelia bond more!
Perry knew what he wanted and went for it. Truly, he deserved that HEA >> but Charlotte needed to get in line. She second-guessed him too much even when everything was already aligned.
The side characters outshone the MCs, honestly, I'm more invested in Perry's siblings' stories now.
I appreciated the diversity and the unconventional circle Perry and Charlotte surrounded themselves with refreshing for Victorian times.
The suspense was interesting, but the romance felt a bit lacklustre. Still, I'm excited to read the other two books in the series.
Thank you, Love Notes PR & Mimi Gunn, for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advance reader copy at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
A second chance regency romance with mystery and eventual spice to kick off this new series.
What worked: I enjoyed the early aspects of the mystery, with Perry arriving injured and unsure whether he's seeing the ghost of his first love or a flesh and blood woman. It felt very old school romance novel with the drama and passion of first love and loss.
I also liked meeting the other family and friends we were introduced to and how their own stories might play out in the future.
I would have enjoyed more time spent on re-introduction to society and navigating those waters. The time spent on Perry and Charlotte under the eyes of the ton really showed off their attraction and love in a beautiful way.
What had me skimming: Over the course of the novel, the mystery and pace both lagged. I love and enjoy long reads all the time, but this one could be daunting. There were a few repetitive sections and it felt like things could have been resolved sooner to keep the plot moving at a solid pace.
A second chance regency romance with mystery and eventual spice to kick off this new series.
What worked: I enjoyed the early aspects of the mystery, with Perry arriving injured and unsure whether he's seeing the ghost of his first love or a flesh and blood woman. It felt very old school romance novel with the drama and passion of first love and loss.
I also liked meeting the other family and friends we were introduced to and how their own stories might play out in the future.
I would have enjoyed more time spent on re-introduction to society and navigating those waters. The time spent on Perry and Charlotte under the eyes of the ton really showed off their attraction and love in a beautiful way.
What had me skimming: Over the course of the novel, the mystery and pace both lagged. I love and enjoy long reads all the time, but this one could be daunting. There were a few repetitive sections and it felt like things could have been resolved sooner to keep the plot moving at a solid pace.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC of this novel. The Vanishing Bride follows Charlotte and Percy as they are reunited 10 years after a secret summer romance. Charlotte has been living with the consequences of their summer affair - a child and the knowledge of what would happen should people find out what she did outside of wedlock while Percy has just lived his life as if the summer never happened. I don't read a lot of Historical Romance, so I may be easy to impress but I really enjoyed the way they lived and the descriptions of societal norms. I didn't love the writing style; it's very inner monologue heavy and at times felt very repetitive as Perry and Charlotte circled around the same thoughts and worries. While the author did need a solid reason to bring Percy back into Charlotte's life, I could have done without the mystery aspect of this novel. I would have rather seen Perry spend that time with Charlotte and their daughter and honestly, the mystery part made the story drag on.
June 23, 2026
happy sigh* I love a regency romance. I am a big Jane Austen fan, so I was unbelievably excited for this story. So excited! And it did not disappoint! We had scandal, drama, secrets, gardens, freckles, chases, adorable kid interactions, big feels, sorrow, joy, giggles, swoons, and intrigue. Delightful!
Charlotte is a woman hidden in the country to avoid disgrace.
Peregrine/Perry is the second son in a wealthy family.
They met in their younger years and instantly clicked. But both were promised to others. Life (and parents) conspired to keep them apart. Him marrying, her hiding away to save her family from shame. Their separation was painful and heartbreaking. Fate (and a little threat to life) brings them back together years later. And it is so good!!
I adored the romance of this story and the mystery. I loved seeing them find their way back to each other and begin to share their hearts. It was all kinds of feet kicky and sweet. With some spice thrown in to keep things interesting.
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero impact on my review.
Charlotte is a woman hidden in the country to avoid disgrace.
Peregrine/Perry is the second son in a wealthy family.
They met in their younger years and instantly clicked. But both were promised to others. Life (and parents) conspired to keep them apart. Him marrying, her hiding away to save her family from shame. Their separation was painful and heartbreaking. Fate (and a little threat to life) brings them back together years later. And it is so good!!
I adored the romance of this story and the mystery. I loved seeing them find their way back to each other and begin to share their hearts. It was all kinds of feet kicky and sweet. With some spice thrown in to keep things interesting.
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero impact on my review.
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