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Arias and Alibies #1
Garden of Thorns
Wanted – Respectable gentleman to wed an American heiress. No rakehells.
Myrtle Gray and her sisters have but one job. To aid in the expansion of their family’s assets, prestige, and influence by securing husbands with respectable titles. But Myrtle is not sure whether or not she can. With five years on the American marriage mart behind her, how can she be sure she’ll have more luck in London than she’s had in Texas?
Despite receiving the queen’s blessing, she’s had no suitors come forth. Not for her, anyway, and as such, Myrtle has found herself on the verge of spinsterhood. Enter Viscount Fredericks. By all accounts, he’s not worthy of her interest. He is rakish, with rumors abounding that he’s more interested in bedding women than wedding anyone. Add to that his issue of dubious parentage, and he is out of the question. At least he should be…
Samuel Fredericks is in a bind. Some cowards amongst his cousins have challenged his right to his inheritance. He must find someone to wed with haste. Miss Gray, his attractive new American neighbor, is intriguing, but she deserves better than him, a fact he knows from the moment he lays eyes on her.
When a murder victim lands at their feet, will they find the killer before they become the primary suspects? Only time shall tell the tale… but working together to catch a killer forces them closer, and their passion for one another only burns brighter.
Tropes you'll Fish Out of WaterForbidden LoveTouch Her and DieFrenemies to LoversThe Rake Next DoorWhodunit
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Arias and Alibies
Book 1 - Garden of Thorns
Book 2 - Fields of Briar
Book 3 - House of Scoundrels
Myrtle Gray and her sisters have but one job. To aid in the expansion of their family’s assets, prestige, and influence by securing husbands with respectable titles. But Myrtle is not sure whether or not she can. With five years on the American marriage mart behind her, how can she be sure she’ll have more luck in London than she’s had in Texas?
Despite receiving the queen’s blessing, she’s had no suitors come forth. Not for her, anyway, and as such, Myrtle has found herself on the verge of spinsterhood. Enter Viscount Fredericks. By all accounts, he’s not worthy of her interest. He is rakish, with rumors abounding that he’s more interested in bedding women than wedding anyone. Add to that his issue of dubious parentage, and he is out of the question. At least he should be…
Samuel Fredericks is in a bind. Some cowards amongst his cousins have challenged his right to his inheritance. He must find someone to wed with haste. Miss Gray, his attractive new American neighbor, is intriguing, but she deserves better than him, a fact he knows from the moment he lays eyes on her.
When a murder victim lands at their feet, will they find the killer before they become the primary suspects? Only time shall tell the tale… but working together to catch a killer forces them closer, and their passion for one another only burns brighter.
Tropes you'll Fish Out of WaterForbidden LoveTouch Her and DieFrenemies to LoversThe Rake Next DoorWhodunit
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Arias and Alibies
Book 1 - Garden of Thorns
Book 2 - Fields of Briar
Book 3 - House of Scoundrels
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
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August 4, 2026I think I had specific expectations going in that this book didn't meet I have read other books in the Mystery line of Dragon blade and they were mysteries with a side of romance so that is what I was expecting there. Instead, I got a mystery that really started half way through. That was my biggest disappointment. I also just feel like this kind of had a cozy mystery setup, as it was stated that she had helped the law solve crimes in Texas but we were never really told much about it. It was stated as a fact but never elaborated. This felt like it happened a lot in the book. Events or things would be stated and then we are just somewhere else. The end of the fox hunt is a good example of this, we are there then we aren't...
I love the cover though, I was drawn to this story as it featured an african american woman in the role of american heiress but it wasn't my fav.
3/6 stars
I love the cover though, I was drawn to this story as it featured an african american woman in the role of american heiress but it wasn't my fav.
3/6 stars
July 31, 2026
The cover caught my attention, but the story is what kept me reading. Myrtle and Samuel's chemistry and banter had me smiling and kicking my feet the entire time. ❤️
If you're a fan of Beverly Jenkins or Bridgerton and enjoy a historical romance with a touch of mystery, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
If you're a fan of Beverly Jenkins or Bridgerton and enjoy a historical romance with a touch of mystery, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
July 28, 2026
Wanted – Respectable gentleman to wed an American heiress. No rakehells.
Myrtle Gray and her sisters have but one job. To aid in the expansion of their family’s assets, prestige, and influence by securing husbands with respectable titles. But Myrtle is not sure whether or not she can. With five years on the American marriage mart behind her, how can she be sure she’ll have more luck in London than she’s had in Texas?
Despite receiving the queen’s blessing, she’s had no suitors come forth. Not for her, anyway, and as such, Myrtle has found herself on the verge of spinsterhood. Enter Viscount Fredericks. By all accounts, he’s not worthy of her interest. He is rakish, with rumors abounding that he’s more interested in bedding women than wedding anyone. Add to that his issue of dubious parentage, and he is out of the question. At least he should be…
Samuel Fredericks is in a bind. Some cowards amongst his cousins have challenged his right to his inheritance. He must find someone to wed with haste. Miss Gray, his attractive new American neighbor, is intriguing, but she deserves better than him, a fact he knows from the moment he lays eyes on her.
When a murder victim lands at their feet, will they find the killer before they become the primary suspects? Only time shall tell the tale… but working together to catch a killer forces them closer, and their passion for one another only burns brighter.
I loved the premise of this book and definitely want to read the other two, but a few things didn’t quite land for me. The family matriarch is from England, yet she marries and raises a family in Texas with a formerly enslaved man—a detail I appreciated, but their place in either society felt muddled. The book hints at a “Bridgerton”-style social order, yet some details of this book contradict what would have been appropriate there. I wish it had been longer to better establish how this family existed in America and how they fit into Victorian England’s hierarchy. As it is, it feels like “what’s understood doesn’t need to be explained,” but I would have preferred more context—maybe future books will provide that. What drew me most was the promise of a whodunit, and I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and wrapped up. Still, the reasons for the two main characters investigating together didn’t feel important enough, especially without a clearer understanding of the social rules. For example, Myrtle and Samuel, who are of different ranks, spend unchaperoned time in a garden, find a dead body, and face no consequences or suspicion. Both have valid reasons to investigate, but not necessarily together. In a stricter social structure, Myrtle’s reputation might be at risk, prompting marriage to Samuel, or suspicion of the death could motivate Samuel to solve it to protect himself—something along those lines. There is a bit of spice at the end, but it feels tacked on. That said, don’t let my nitpicks stop you from reading it.
Myrtle Gray and her sisters have but one job. To aid in the expansion of their family’s assets, prestige, and influence by securing husbands with respectable titles. But Myrtle is not sure whether or not she can. With five years on the American marriage mart behind her, how can she be sure she’ll have more luck in London than she’s had in Texas?
Despite receiving the queen’s blessing, she’s had no suitors come forth. Not for her, anyway, and as such, Myrtle has found herself on the verge of spinsterhood. Enter Viscount Fredericks. By all accounts, he’s not worthy of her interest. He is rakish, with rumors abounding that he’s more interested in bedding women than wedding anyone. Add to that his issue of dubious parentage, and he is out of the question. At least he should be…
Samuel Fredericks is in a bind. Some cowards amongst his cousins have challenged his right to his inheritance. He must find someone to wed with haste. Miss Gray, his attractive new American neighbor, is intriguing, but she deserves better than him, a fact he knows from the moment he lays eyes on her.
When a murder victim lands at their feet, will they find the killer before they become the primary suspects? Only time shall tell the tale… but working together to catch a killer forces them closer, and their passion for one another only burns brighter.
I loved the premise of this book and definitely want to read the other two, but a few things didn’t quite land for me. The family matriarch is from England, yet she marries and raises a family in Texas with a formerly enslaved man—a detail I appreciated, but their place in either society felt muddled. The book hints at a “Bridgerton”-style social order, yet some details of this book contradict what would have been appropriate there. I wish it had been longer to better establish how this family existed in America and how they fit into Victorian England’s hierarchy. As it is, it feels like “what’s understood doesn’t need to be explained,” but I would have preferred more context—maybe future books will provide that. What drew me most was the promise of a whodunit, and I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and wrapped up. Still, the reasons for the two main characters investigating together didn’t feel important enough, especially without a clearer understanding of the social rules. For example, Myrtle and Samuel, who are of different ranks, spend unchaperoned time in a garden, find a dead body, and face no consequences or suspicion. Both have valid reasons to investigate, but not necessarily together. In a stricter social structure, Myrtle’s reputation might be at risk, prompting marriage to Samuel, or suspicion of the death could motivate Samuel to solve it to protect himself—something along those lines. There is a bit of spice at the end, but it feels tacked on. That said, don’t let my nitpicks stop you from reading it.
July 28, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you love Beverly Jenkins' the Women Who Dare series, or Laura Lee Guhrke's An American Heiress in London books, you'll almost certainly enjoy this one.
After the death of their father, Myrtle, her sisters, and their mother leave their hometown in Texas for a fresh start in 1889 London, hoping to build a new life and perhaps find husbands along the way.
Things don't exactly go according to plan. The first time Myrtle meets the devastatingly handsome Viscount next-door, she trips and falls in spectacularly embarrassing fashion. Instead of catching her, he laughs before finally offering her a hand. Needless to say, she can't stand him. So yes... they're off to a fantastic start. Am I right?
Unfortunately, an infuriatingly attractive, thoroughly ungentlemanly duke with an irresistible grin and dreamy eyes isn't Myrtle's biggest problem. She begins receiving threatening messages that grow increasingly sinister. Then she stumbles upon the body of a murdered woman, with a chilling note left at the scene: "You're next." The message is unmistakably meant for Myrtle.
Once Samuel learns about the threats, he's determined to protect her and uncover whoever is trying to harm her before it's too late. But Myrtle, determined to not be left out of the search, joins him on his search and soon they're working together to find the killer before it's too late.
Ooooo, this was so much fun! I was completely hooked from the very first chapter. The chemistry between Myrtle and Samuel was entertaining from the start, and the mystery kept me turning the pages. It struck a satisfying balance between romance, humour, and suspense, making it an engaging read from beginning to end.
A splendid debut, I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
If you love Beverly Jenkins' the Women Who Dare series, or Laura Lee Guhrke's An American Heiress in London books, you'll almost certainly enjoy this one.
After the death of their father, Myrtle, her sisters, and their mother leave their hometown in Texas for a fresh start in 1889 London, hoping to build a new life and perhaps find husbands along the way.
Things don't exactly go according to plan. The first time Myrtle meets the devastatingly handsome Viscount next-door, she trips and falls in spectacularly embarrassing fashion. Instead of catching her, he laughs before finally offering her a hand. Needless to say, she can't stand him. So yes... they're off to a fantastic start. Am I right?
Unfortunately, an infuriatingly attractive, thoroughly ungentlemanly duke with an irresistible grin and dreamy eyes isn't Myrtle's biggest problem. She begins receiving threatening messages that grow increasingly sinister. Then she stumbles upon the body of a murdered woman, with a chilling note left at the scene: "You're next." The message is unmistakably meant for Myrtle.
Once Samuel learns about the threats, he's determined to protect her and uncover whoever is trying to harm her before it's too late. But Myrtle, determined to not be left out of the search, joins him on his search and soon they're working together to find the killer before it's too late.
Ooooo, this was so much fun! I was completely hooked from the very first chapter. The chemistry between Myrtle and Samuel was entertaining from the start, and the mystery kept me turning the pages. It struck a satisfying balance between romance, humour, and suspense, making it an engaging read from beginning to end.
A splendid debut, I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed the story of Samuel and Myrtle. This was not your traditional plot. There was a mystery throughout as women from the wrong side of town went missing and Myrtle received anonymous threats to her life. Myrtle and her sisters came to London with their mother who wanted to return home and find good, titled matches for her three American heiress daughters. Samuel, born to a servant and viscount, is granted the title after his father dies even though there are some people that opposed it. Both main characters had obstacles to conquer within the ton. They became friends working together to solve a murder and protect Myrtle and her sisters. Even though they both tried to fight their feelings for different reasons, they fell in love anyway. After several misunderstandings and a bit of danger, they find their HEA. This story has several issues. There was class discrimination, race issues, mentions of slavery in America, questionable parentage, prejudice, self worth, sibling love, romantic love, charity, some steam, and a HEA. This was my first time reading this author, and I normally don’t like when my romance is overshadowed my a mystery but I still really enjoyed this. There were also some typos throughout, including names changing, that were a bit distracting. That plus the strong mystery storyline that led to a lot of time that the main characters were apart led to 4 stars instead of 5.
I received an ARC of this from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an ARC of this from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
September 9, 2026
Myrtle Gray and her sisters have arrived in London from the wilds of Texas in America. They have been presented to the Queen and now hope to find suitable husbands in order to maintain their allowance from their uncle. Myrtle would rather not have to find a husband or adhere to society’s expectations for the behavior and interests of her gender, but she does find the entirely unsuitable Viscount Fredericks intriguing. Threats of danger begin arriving to Myrtle at her home and soon she and the Viscount stumble over a body. She knows this is somehow connected to the threats and she must work with Samuel to bring the killer to justice.
Myrtle is a forthright and intriguing character and through her eyes the reader sees the cutthroat marriage mart in London. The story explores issues of race, gender roles, and class in society. It is the first in a series where I assume the other two volumes will focus on each of Myrtle’s sisters.
This book is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and Victorian historical mysteries. For most of the book the relationship between Myrtle and Samuel is more like an angsty slow-burn romance, but there is some spice at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Myrtle is a forthright and intriguing character and through her eyes the reader sees the cutthroat marriage mart in London. The story explores issues of race, gender roles, and class in society. It is the first in a series where I assume the other two volumes will focus on each of Myrtle’s sisters.
This book is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and Victorian historical mysteries. For most of the book the relationship between Myrtle and Samuel is more like an angsty slow-burn romance, but there is some spice at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bridgerton meets murder mystery! Between the glamorous social season, a swoony romance, threatening letters, and a killer on the loose, I had a great time following the clues alongside Myrtle.
Myrtle and Samuel were adorable together. I loved the yearning, witty banter, and the slow build of their relationship. Samuel also turned out to be much more than the rake society believed him to be, and I appreciated getting to discover the compassionate man beneath his reputation.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Samuel and his half-brother, Barrett. Their different experiences navigating race, colorism, and class added depth to the story, making their dynamic one of the most compelling aspects of the book.
I guessed the culprit before the reveal, so it was a little predictable, but I still had fun watching everything unfold. Overall, this was an entertaining historical romance with an engaging mystery, lovable characters, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. As the first installment in a three-book series, I'm curious to see what's next.
Bridgerton meets murder mystery! Between the glamorous social season, a swoony romance, threatening letters, and a killer on the loose, I had a great time following the clues alongside Myrtle.
Myrtle and Samuel were adorable together. I loved the yearning, witty banter, and the slow build of their relationship. Samuel also turned out to be much more than the rake society believed him to be, and I appreciated getting to discover the compassionate man beneath his reputation.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Samuel and his half-brother, Barrett. Their different experiences navigating race, colorism, and class added depth to the story, making their dynamic one of the most compelling aspects of the book.
I guessed the culprit before the reveal, so it was a little predictable, but I still had fun watching everything unfold. Overall, this was an entertaining historical romance with an engaging mystery, lovable characters, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. As the first installment in a three-book series, I'm curious to see what's next.
July 31, 2026
I received an advance reader copy at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Read for: A romance featuring a fish out of water Texan navigating the London marriage mart with her spirited sisters, a deadly mystery, and a handsome rake who walks a tightrope due to race and class among the ton.
The standout moments for me include the bond with Myrtle and her two younger sisters, who are ushered to London by their mother and must navigate the ton as young, Black American heiresses. Their bond and personalities are sweet and funny together even when the tone is serious due to the looming mystery.
Samuel, the rake with his own way of doing things, has great chemistry with Myrtle as they clash and misunderstand one another, while fighting their attraction.
Without giving anything away: I loved the mystery reveal. Felt very fitting.
Read for: A romance featuring a fish out of water Texan navigating the London marriage mart with her spirited sisters, a deadly mystery, and a handsome rake who walks a tightrope due to race and class among the ton.
The standout moments for me include the bond with Myrtle and her two younger sisters, who are ushered to London by their mother and must navigate the ton as young, Black American heiresses. Their bond and personalities are sweet and funny together even when the tone is serious due to the looming mystery.
Samuel, the rake with his own way of doing things, has great chemistry with Myrtle as they clash and misunderstand one another, while fighting their attraction.
Without giving anything away: I loved the mystery reveal. Felt very fitting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I do think this story has promise, but there's so many places where things just aren't cohering well--the mystery falls in and out (this is where the story flourishes, when it's just concentrating on the romance part), the quick setting changes (there's a fox hunt, but they're only at the country house for a couple of days? where is it?), and the introduction of characters that don't really need to be there. It's a lot of tropes that are more often found in Regency romances rather than Victorian, all smashed in here for the sake of the trope rather than actually usefulness in driving the story forward. A really solid edit could have brought this into shape. Utterly gorgeous cover, though, that evokes the fun, older histrom vibes that are present here.
September 14, 2026
Thank you for allowing me to read this story NetGalley. The story wasn't exactly what I expected. It didn't really seem like it was placed in the past. Some actions and depictions of backgrounds seemed more present era. At least how I envisioned. The storyline had a good premise. Strong sisters coming to a new world looking for a fresh start and finding love as well as independence. The racial "experiment" of that time period is what interested me and wanted to see how the characters would see through the barriers. The mystery aspect fell a little short for me. It seemed to wrap itself up quicker that I wanted. I also solved the mystery before it's end and I wished for the love affair to go on longer. However, I really did enjoy reading Garden of Thorns.
July 31, 2026
A scrumptious blend of romance, drama, and cozy mystery that will leave you craving more of this delicious story... and perhaps a little more of the Viscount, too!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews