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Protocols for Gentility #2
A Lady's Guide to Mystery and Mischief
She’ll do anything for love—even track down a thief.
It is the summer of 1847, and love-obsessed herbalist Farah Rafiq has made a that taciturn solicitor Grey Montgomery is the only thing standing between her and blissful matrimony. It has been two years since she agreed to a marriage of convenience with Francis Beaumont in hopes of squeezing a life-altering romance out of him, and with three to go, she is determined to take matters into her own hands. Knowing they cannot marry unless Francis’s inheritance is released, she packs her bags and makes her way to London to convince Mr. Montgomery to hand Francis the key to the family coffers—a task that would be made all the easier if Francis were anyone other than the cousin that Mr. Montgomery seems to harbor an intense hatred for…
Refusal comes easy to Grey Montgomery, who has emerged from decades of misery at the hands of his grandfather and cousin a disciplined, withdrawn man. To him, Farah is nothing more than a stubborn whirlwind who threatens to upend the fragile peace he’s surrounded himself with. A stubborn whirlwind with a dazzling smile and an irritating, unflappable cheer—and one he soon believes deserves far, far more than Francis could ever offer.
When a portion of Francis’s inheritance is stolen, Farah convinces Mr. Montgomery to help her solve the case. But their newfound proximity brings with it unexpected surprises, and Farah begins to wonder if her lifelong fixation on romance has been leading her astray. With matters growing more complicated by the moment, she must re-examine friendships, challenge her own views on love and, finally, find the courage to face the truth of her own heart.
Tropes you'll Opposites attractForced proximityScarred heroSlow burnMystery
Protocols for Gentility Series
Book 1 - A Lady's Guide to Subterfuge and Science
Book 2 - A Lady's Guide to Mystery and Mischief
Book 3 - A Gentleman's Guide to Duty and Devotion
It is the summer of 1847, and love-obsessed herbalist Farah Rafiq has made a that taciturn solicitor Grey Montgomery is the only thing standing between her and blissful matrimony. It has been two years since she agreed to a marriage of convenience with Francis Beaumont in hopes of squeezing a life-altering romance out of him, and with three to go, she is determined to take matters into her own hands. Knowing they cannot marry unless Francis’s inheritance is released, she packs her bags and makes her way to London to convince Mr. Montgomery to hand Francis the key to the family coffers—a task that would be made all the easier if Francis were anyone other than the cousin that Mr. Montgomery seems to harbor an intense hatred for…
Refusal comes easy to Grey Montgomery, who has emerged from decades of misery at the hands of his grandfather and cousin a disciplined, withdrawn man. To him, Farah is nothing more than a stubborn whirlwind who threatens to upend the fragile peace he’s surrounded himself with. A stubborn whirlwind with a dazzling smile and an irritating, unflappable cheer—and one he soon believes deserves far, far more than Francis could ever offer.
When a portion of Francis’s inheritance is stolen, Farah convinces Mr. Montgomery to help her solve the case. But their newfound proximity brings with it unexpected surprises, and Farah begins to wonder if her lifelong fixation on romance has been leading her astray. With matters growing more complicated by the moment, she must re-examine friendships, challenge her own views on love and, finally, find the courage to face the truth of her own heart.
Tropes you'll Opposites attractForced proximityScarred heroSlow burnMystery
Protocols for Gentility Series
Book 1 - A Lady's Guide to Subterfuge and Science
Book 2 - A Lady's Guide to Mystery and Mischief
Book 3 - A Gentleman's Guide to Duty and Devotion
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2026
About the author
Isabella Kamal
5 books36 followersIsabella Kamal is an Iraqi Muslim historical romance author. Growing up in the Middle East, she had very little access to romance novels—but once she got hold of one, she never looked back.
Isabella is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Now calling Pasadena home, she can usually be found in independent bookstores or reading under her heated blanket after long days spent developing stem cell-based therapies.
Isabella is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Now calling Pasadena home, she can usually be found in independent bookstores or reading under her heated blanket after long days spent developing stem cell-based therapies.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: MC's team up to solve a mystery; grumpy/sunshine
Steam level: 3
A handful of "f-bombs" if that offends you.
Second book in the series, but works fine as a standalone.
There's a lot to like about this HR by a writer who is fairly new to the genre (this is only her second book). I didn't have a chance to read the first entry in this series but had no problem jumping in with this one. The plot is lowkey, focused more on humor than mystery. The writing style is smooth and engaging and the author has a way with witty dialog and description. The biggest strength, though, is characterization, as MFC Farah's boisterous family members and MMC Grey's crochety but loving grandmother shine. I also appreciated that this storyline features characters of Middle Eastern background. A unique sense of culture comes through. Extra points for the body positivity featured; Farah is a curvy MFC who doesn't feel down about her looks.
However, Grey was, for me, the star. A sweet, growly, rough-around-the-edges solicitor, he's experienced loneliness most of his life, starting with his upbringing. He's faced prejudice and has had no luck in love. He's so easy to root for that I wanted more scenes to allow him to express his feelings about his past. With all of the secondary characters, it was hard for him and Farah to get enough quality time in the last 25% of the book.
Farah was outspoken and energetic, focused on trying to please people who just wanted her to be happy. It was hard for me to understand, though, why she was so intent on marrying the absolutely unappealing Francis, since she was under no pressure to marry by her family. I felt that she clung onto that idea too long, especially with the hints about the kind of person he was and the reality that started to emerge (he got off too easily, I thought).
Overall, this is an engaging HR with a lot of wit and heart. I recommend it.
This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Thanks to the author, Net Galley, and Dragonblade.
Steam level: 3
A handful of "f-bombs" if that offends you.
Second book in the series, but works fine as a standalone.
There's a lot to like about this HR by a writer who is fairly new to the genre (this is only her second book). I didn't have a chance to read the first entry in this series but had no problem jumping in with this one. The plot is lowkey, focused more on humor than mystery. The writing style is smooth and engaging and the author has a way with witty dialog and description. The biggest strength, though, is characterization, as MFC Farah's boisterous family members and MMC Grey's crochety but loving grandmother shine. I also appreciated that this storyline features characters of Middle Eastern background. A unique sense of culture comes through. Extra points for the body positivity featured; Farah is a curvy MFC who doesn't feel down about her looks.
However, Grey was, for me, the star. A sweet, growly, rough-around-the-edges solicitor, he's experienced loneliness most of his life, starting with his upbringing. He's faced prejudice and has had no luck in love. He's so easy to root for that I wanted more scenes to allow him to express his feelings about his past. With all of the secondary characters, it was hard for him and Farah to get enough quality time in the last 25% of the book.
Farah was outspoken and energetic, focused on trying to please people who just wanted her to be happy. It was hard for me to understand, though, why she was so intent on marrying the absolutely unappealing Francis, since she was under no pressure to marry by her family. I felt that she clung onto that idea too long, especially with the hints about the kind of person he was and the reality that started to emerge (he got off too easily, I thought).
Overall, this is an engaging HR with a lot of wit and heart. I recommend it.
This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Thanks to the author, Net Galley, and Dragonblade.
October 3, 2026
What a delightful read. Farah is looking for love and that "magic" in her life. She wants it so badly that she is willing to try to force it to happen. She sees it all around her in her life with her family and cousin. Then she meets Grey a grumpy goose who is unwilling to bend to her will. She forces interaction between them and they both learn things about themselves. They were so cute! I laughed a lot at their interactions. I loved both their families so much (except for the cousin who on the scale of 1 to what I have read felt like not that bad). The way the small things each of them do for each other builds their love for the other and what happens when they each accept and voice that love. Gosh I love them so much. Her brother was HILARIOUS in this volume. As a half egyptian woman, I am just loving the insertion of non-european white in stories. This author made it feel so effortless and ingrained in their lives.
I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author.
6/6 stars
I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author.
6/6 stars
October 13, 2026
Guys, I really, really loved these mmcs. Farah was a beautiful person inside and out. She was fearless and would kind of do first and think later. But it worked!! Grey was a wonderful teddy bear of a man and ALL the green flags. Great story!!
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
October 6, 2026
As always, Isabella Kamal has delivered exactly what she promises. A Lady's Guide to Mystery and Mischief is the perfect companion to A Lady's Guide to Subterfuge and Science.
Where Kalila was science-minded, Farah is more focused on magic. Not real witch and warlock magic, but the kind of magic you find in everyday life. Magic moments and magic feelings. And she's determined to find magic in her love life. This leads her to a few questionable decisions that ultimately work out in her favor, but first she has to realize she's not responsible for creating the magic.
Farah's love interest, Grey, is the softest man ever, though you wouldn't know it at first. Luckily, it doesn't take him long to melt under Farah's friendship. His story isn't just about accepting the softer side of himself, but accepting his cultural identity, and I thought it was the loveliest plot point.
The book is rounded out with an excellent cast of characters, and a mystery that wraps up in the most bittersweet way.
Once again, Isabella Kamal has delivered the perfect mix of a fun adventure and a sweet love story between emotionally mature characters.
I've got my fingers crossed we'll see Dameer's story next.
Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for the ARC.
Where Kalila was science-minded, Farah is more focused on magic. Not real witch and warlock magic, but the kind of magic you find in everyday life. Magic moments and magic feelings. And she's determined to find magic in her love life. This leads her to a few questionable decisions that ultimately work out in her favor, but first she has to realize she's not responsible for creating the magic.
Farah's love interest, Grey, is the softest man ever, though you wouldn't know it at first. Luckily, it doesn't take him long to melt under Farah's friendship. His story isn't just about accepting the softer side of himself, but accepting his cultural identity, and I thought it was the loveliest plot point.
The book is rounded out with an excellent cast of characters, and a mystery that wraps up in the most bittersweet way.
Once again, Isabella Kamal has delivered the perfect mix of a fun adventure and a sweet love story between emotionally mature characters.
I've got my fingers crossed we'll see Dameer's story next.
Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 2, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
In the book “A Lady’s Guide to Mystery and Mischief (Protocols for Gentility Book 2)” by Isabella Kamal, we find the heroine, Farah Rafiq, has wanted what her family has had, magical romances. She has wanted the magic so much that she has agreed to a marriage of convenience in which she thinks the magic will eventually happen. There are impediments to the marriage, so she takes herself on a journey to London to sort things out. In the process of trying to start the life she dreams of, she may find the life she needs.
I enjoyed this book. The female lead is strong and does not rush into her actions. She thoughtfully thinks them out and figures out what is best to do, growing and learning about herself along the way. I like that she doesn’t think only of herself, but also thinks about how her actions will affect her family and friends.
The book is the second in the Protocols for Gentility series. I did not read the first book in the series, but after reading this book, I will be doing so soon.
In the book “A Lady’s Guide to Mystery and Mischief (Protocols for Gentility Book 2)” by Isabella Kamal, we find the heroine, Farah Rafiq, has wanted what her family has had, magical romances. She has wanted the magic so much that she has agreed to a marriage of convenience in which she thinks the magic will eventually happen. There are impediments to the marriage, so she takes herself on a journey to London to sort things out. In the process of trying to start the life she dreams of, she may find the life she needs.
I enjoyed this book. The female lead is strong and does not rush into her actions. She thoughtfully thinks them out and figures out what is best to do, growing and learning about herself along the way. I like that she doesn’t think only of herself, but also thinks about how her actions will affect her family and friends.
The book is the second in the Protocols for Gentility series. I did not read the first book in the series, but after reading this book, I will be doing so soon.
October 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing I can think of that would have made it better was more background on the characters. I knew some about Farah from the previous book but I would have loved more details about Grey. Both characters were very likeable and fun. It was a little frustrating that Farah didn’t realize what Francis was really like sooner because the hints were there but people do make stupid decisions about love.
I liked that her family was very involved and that we saw cameos of characters from the first book. It’s nice to read about a family that isn’t dysfunctional and where the FMC is forced into a marriage because of her father’s gambling debts or something like that. Grey’s family is dysfunctional but it’s necessary to the plot.
Something that I noticed in this book and A Lady’s Guide to Subterfuge and Science is that both FMCs are confident and not shy about intimacy. They choose what they want and aren’t timid. It’s refreshing compared to many other historical romances. Honestly, they are both very confident in most aspects of their lives and are very strong FMCs.
I liked that her family was very involved and that we saw cameos of characters from the first book. It’s nice to read about a family that isn’t dysfunctional and where the FMC is forced into a marriage because of her father’s gambling debts or something like that. Grey’s family is dysfunctional but it’s necessary to the plot.
Something that I noticed in this book and A Lady’s Guide to Subterfuge and Science is that both FMCs are confident and not shy about intimacy. They choose what they want and aren’t timid. It’s refreshing compared to many other historical romances. Honestly, they are both very confident in most aspects of their lives and are very strong FMCs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2026
STEM FMC: herbalist
This is book 2 in the series, and while I think you can get away with reading this as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading them in order. There are some key characters that overlap, and having the background from the first book will pack a punch for what happens in this one.
His yearning is so good, and the way he melts when she gives him some flowers as a thank you is incredibly sweet. I loved him.
I loved the FMC also, but I struggled to really understand why she decided to give up on finding a love match? She wasn’t being pressured to get married but she just gave up and decided to marry someone who was clearly not well suited for her. I did love her as a character though.
You also get some nice cameos of the first book’s MCs in this book, which were great.
This series is great so far, and I’m hoping that we get a third book and it’s Dameer and Amelia!
This is book 2 in the series, and while I think you can get away with reading this as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading them in order. There are some key characters that overlap, and having the background from the first book will pack a punch for what happens in this one.
His yearning is so good, and the way he melts when she gives him some flowers as a thank you is incredibly sweet. I loved him.
I loved the FMC also, but I struggled to really understand why she decided to give up on finding a love match? She wasn’t being pressured to get married but she just gave up and decided to marry someone who was clearly not well suited for her. I did love her as a character though.
You also get some nice cameos of the first book’s MCs in this book, which were great.
This series is great so far, and I’m hoping that we get a third book and it’s Dameer and Amelia!
October 10, 2026
Farah is a love obsessed herbalist who agreed to a marriage of convenience, certain romance would eventually bloom, and I adored her boisterous, determined spirit as she marched to London to pry Francis’s inheritance loose. Then she met Grey Montgomery, the growly, withdrawn solicitor who guards those family coffers, and her plans began to unravel. Grey completely stole my heart. His loneliness and the scars from his miserable past made every small softening, like the way he melted over her flowers, hit hard. When part of the inheritance was stolen and they teamed up to solve the case, their grumpy and sunshine chemistry sparkled. I did wonder why Farah clung to Francis for so long, and I wanted more quiet time for these two near the end, but the humor, her lively family, and Grey’s gruff grandmother made this a delight.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 10, 2026
There was a lot of humor in this story. Also it had a great cast of secondary characters. It was hard to understand the FMC’s obsession for her “fiancé”. Was she in love with the concept of love? The MMC was much more suitable for her even though first impressions are of a grumpy man. There was a little mystery to solve regarding missing inheritance.
October 10, 2026
Incredible
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews