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The Mad Morelands #2
Το Κουτί με τα Μυστικά
Λονδίνο, 1876
Παρ’ όλο που η Κύρια Μόρλαντ είναι τόσο όμορφη ώστε να έχει κερδίσει το προσωνύμιο «Η Θεά», αλλά και τόσο πλούσια ώστε να προσελκύει τους πιο περιζήτητους εργένηδες του Λονδίνου, δεν έχει ποτέ νιώσει έρωτα για κάποιον και αρνείται να παντρευτεί χωρίς αγάπη. Όταν θα λάβει ένα παράξενο πακέτο κάτω από μυστηριώδεις συνθήκες, θα βρεθεί αντιμέτωπη με τον κίνδυνο, το φόνο κι έναν ακαταμάχητα ωραίο Αμερικανό, που η μοίρα του είναι συνδεδεμένη με τη δική της…
Ο Ρέιφ Μάκινταϊρ διαθέτει αρκετή γοητεία για να σαγηνεύσει οποιαδήποτε γυναίκα, αλλά το ευχάριστο προσωπείο που δείχνει σε όλους κρύβει ένα πικρό παρελθόν. Ωστόσο, αντιλαμβάνεται ότι η Κύρια βρίσκεται σε κίνδυνο και αρνείται να την αφήσει να λύσει μόνη της το γρίφο αυτού του πακέτου. Αλλά ακόμα κι εκείνος τα χάνει από τα γεγονότα που εξελίσσονται καθώς η Κύρια αρχίζει να ξεδιαλύνει το μυστήριο. Ποιος της έστειλε αυτόν το φορτωμένο με τόσους θρύλους θησαυρό; Και ποιος είναι διατεθειμένος ακόμα και να σκοτώσει για να κάνει δικά του τα μυστικά που κρύβει;
Παρ’ όλο που η Κύρια Μόρλαντ είναι τόσο όμορφη ώστε να έχει κερδίσει το προσωνύμιο «Η Θεά», αλλά και τόσο πλούσια ώστε να προσελκύει τους πιο περιζήτητους εργένηδες του Λονδίνου, δεν έχει ποτέ νιώσει έρωτα για κάποιον και αρνείται να παντρευτεί χωρίς αγάπη. Όταν θα λάβει ένα παράξενο πακέτο κάτω από μυστηριώδεις συνθήκες, θα βρεθεί αντιμέτωπη με τον κίνδυνο, το φόνο κι έναν ακαταμάχητα ωραίο Αμερικανό, που η μοίρα του είναι συνδεδεμένη με τη δική της…
Ο Ρέιφ Μάκινταϊρ διαθέτει αρκετή γοητεία για να σαγηνεύσει οποιαδήποτε γυναίκα, αλλά το ευχάριστο προσωπείο που δείχνει σε όλους κρύβει ένα πικρό παρελθόν. Ωστόσο, αντιλαμβάνεται ότι η Κύρια βρίσκεται σε κίνδυνο και αρνείται να την αφήσει να λύσει μόνη της το γρίφο αυτού του πακέτου. Αλλά ακόμα κι εκείνος τα χάνει από τα γεγονότα που εξελίσσονται καθώς η Κύρια αρχίζει να ξεδιαλύνει το μυστήριο. Ποιος της έστειλε αυτόν το φορτωμένο με τόσους θρύλους θησαυρό; Και ποιος είναι διατεθειμένος ακόμα και να σκοτώσει για να κάνει δικά του τα μυστικά που κρύβει;
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
312 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Candace Camp
128 books1,254 followersCandace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 30, 2024
This one didn’t age well oof the story was fine but there wasn’t much at all to the romance. And frankly he was just too close to a confederate to ever root for him.
August 22, 2019
I'm going with 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars on this one!
It wasn't terrible and it wasn't amazing. It was safe and didn't really make me feel a lot for the characters except for the twins. I loved those little guys!
Beyond Compare is the 2nd book in the Moreland Family series. The series follows all the eccentric family members and siblings that are interested in more then just parties and being posh while living in London during the 1700s.
This could be debunking seances, to antiquities, to traveling to foreign countries, to performing interesting scientific experiments. Each family member seems to be into something a bit different then what typical interests that the ton were into those days. I do like that type of plot theme in the first 2 books that I've read.
The main characters of Kyria Moreland and American Rafe McIntyre were fine. They both were "okay" characters that didn't evoke either love or hate. I thought the chemistry and friendship was good between the two.
The mystery of the strange package that was sent to Kyria was okay but not earth shattering. And the book was longer then I would have liked. It could have cut around 100 pages from it.
Damn, it sounds like this book was boring but it wasn't. I obviously finished it and it entertained me while I read a chapter here or there.
Will I finish up the Moreland Family series? I think I'll read a few more and see if it gets a bit better besides just being "okay".
It wasn't terrible and it wasn't amazing. It was safe and didn't really make me feel a lot for the characters except for the twins. I loved those little guys!
Beyond Compare is the 2nd book in the Moreland Family series. The series follows all the eccentric family members and siblings that are interested in more then just parties and being posh while living in London during the 1700s.
This could be debunking seances, to antiquities, to traveling to foreign countries, to performing interesting scientific experiments. Each family member seems to be into something a bit different then what typical interests that the ton were into those days. I do like that type of plot theme in the first 2 books that I've read.
The main characters of Kyria Moreland and American Rafe McIntyre were fine. They both were "okay" characters that didn't evoke either love or hate. I thought the chemistry and friendship was good between the two.
The mystery of the strange package that was sent to Kyria was okay but not earth shattering. And the book was longer then I would have liked. It could have cut around 100 pages from it.
Damn, it sounds like this book was boring but it wasn't. I obviously finished it and it entertained me while I read a chapter here or there.
Will I finish up the Moreland Family series? I think I'll read a few more and see if it gets a bit better besides just being "okay".
December 14, 2022
With her stunning beauty Lady Kyria Moreland could have any gentleman she wants, but she hasn’t met anyone she loves, and she won’t marry for anything less. When she is sent an odd package under rather nefarious circumstances, she is thrown into an elaborate mystery, one that includes murder and puts her own life in danger. Luckily, she has a handsome American by her side to help.
Rafe McIntyre is known for his effusive charm, but that suaveness is merely a cover for the bitterly painful past he keeps to himself. He’s worldly-wise enough to see that Kyria is in grave danger and steps up to help her uncover the truth about the mysterious package. Even he is drawn in by the elaborate mystery that begins to unfold around them, and he’s determined to stay by Kyria’s side as they work to learn who wants the package enough to do murder to get it.
This was a nice refreshing read for me. It was heavily based in the historical fiction and mystery aspect of the plot, and yet I didn’t feel like the romance suffered. This was certainly a slow burn, but the chemistry and connection between Kyria and Rafe was clear from the get-go and it made since that after having so many suitors mainly just interested in her looks, Kyria needed some time to get to know Rafe and realize what they could have together was something special. The mystery here was pretty wild, but it kept me invested and I loved that Kyria and Rafe were thrown together to work on solving it as a team. I very much enjoyed that Rafe was so protective of Kyria while also giving her space to be a full partner in working to solve the various challenges and mysteries they faced together. Since Kyria is the sibling most known for her stunning good looks, I think it was great to have her story be something so steeped in this elaborate mystery, having her hero fall for her because of who she was as he got to know her, rather than simply wanting her for her beauty. Having a couple work together to deal with some sort of external conflict, and thereby strengthening a romantic relationship, is a plot device I nearly always love, and it definitely worked here.
This would be a great option especially for a historical fiction reader who would like to try dipping their toe into romance. I found Kyria and Rafe’s story very interesting and I’m eager to read the rest of the Morelands’ stories as I catch up on this series.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Rafe McIntyre is known for his effusive charm, but that suaveness is merely a cover for the bitterly painful past he keeps to himself. He’s worldly-wise enough to see that Kyria is in grave danger and steps up to help her uncover the truth about the mysterious package. Even he is drawn in by the elaborate mystery that begins to unfold around them, and he’s determined to stay by Kyria’s side as they work to learn who wants the package enough to do murder to get it.
This was a nice refreshing read for me. It was heavily based in the historical fiction and mystery aspect of the plot, and yet I didn’t feel like the romance suffered. This was certainly a slow burn, but the chemistry and connection between Kyria and Rafe was clear from the get-go and it made since that after having so many suitors mainly just interested in her looks, Kyria needed some time to get to know Rafe and realize what they could have together was something special. The mystery here was pretty wild, but it kept me invested and I loved that Kyria and Rafe were thrown together to work on solving it as a team. I very much enjoyed that Rafe was so protective of Kyria while also giving her space to be a full partner in working to solve the various challenges and mysteries they faced together. Since Kyria is the sibling most known for her stunning good looks, I think it was great to have her story be something so steeped in this elaborate mystery, having her hero fall for her because of who she was as he got to know her, rather than simply wanting her for her beauty. Having a couple work together to deal with some sort of external conflict, and thereby strengthening a romantic relationship, is a plot device I nearly always love, and it definitely worked here.
This would be a great option especially for a historical fiction reader who would like to try dipping their toe into romance. I found Kyria and Rafe’s story very interesting and I’m eager to read the rest of the Morelands’ stories as I catch up on this series.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
June 12, 2018
I really enjoyed book 2 in the Mad Moreland series. Rage is an American who came from the civil war, mentally scared and made his fortune in the silver mines. He comes to England for his friend and former business partners’s marriage to Olivia Moreland. Kyria Moreland, is a rare beauty that has had princes, dukes, earls.... ever male breathing basically coveting her. She wants nothing to do with marriage, even though she believes in love. When these two meet sparks fly and they find themselves involved in a mystery neither could have imagined. The Moreland family is so much fun with each one unique and so lovely to read. I was gifted with an ARC, but I so enjoy this series that also offers a touch of the supernatural in its telling.
April 30, 2022
not bad.
December 12, 2022
Under normal circumstances this book would get three stars from me, which I consider a neutral rating. Historical romance is my guilty pleasure, and I would read a book, rate it three stars, and never think about it again. I don't normally review them, but this book did something that irked me. It features the main characters running around London trying to figure out why everybody wants a near eastern religious artifact. It has supernatural elements, but they aren't pronounced enough to be considered a paranormal romance. This is the Victorian era, and the hero is from the American South. Did you catch that? I haven't read the first book, so when they mentioned he fought in the war, I was like which war? The war of 1812? The Mexican-American war? But no, they are talking about the Civil War, and this is the part that really, really annoyed me because this book mischaracterizes the Civil War to justify falling in love with a man from the American South. Most people know that the Civil War was fought over slavery. As in the Confederacy fought to keep the institution of slavery. This does not mean that Union fought to abolish slavery. The Union fought for nationalism, to preserve the Union. Most white people in the North were apathetic about the issue of slavery, unless they were abolitionists. Freeing the slaves was incidental. The Emancipation Proclamation explicitly "freed" slaves that were in the territory of the Confederate States, which means that when it was issued no slaves in those territories were actually free. The issue of slavery is brought up in the clumsiest way, where the protagonist asks her love interest if he owned slaves. The protagonist's parents are very progressive, which, ok. He acts really offended about this, because as it turns out he turned his back on his family to fight for the Union because owning slaves is wrong. The two protagonists bond over this, and this is part of the reason why the love story is so weak. This would ring true if he was specifically depicted as, like, an abolitionist, which if that is the case why is he still in London? The cause isn't over just because the 13th amendment was passed. The author clearly included this to reassure the white reader that even though slavery is very much a thing, that he isn't a bad guy. My advice, as a black reader, would be to not touch this issue with a 40 ft pole if this is how you are going to handle it. It wasn't necessary. We know from his actions in the book he is a good guy. Fighting for the Union doesn't make him any less complicit in the institution of slavery and racialized subjugation than the female protagonist is complicit in colonialist imperialism whenever she drinks tea. Why wasn't his struggle with PTSD or something to that effect? Tl:DR this book was trying to be woke, but it just called attention to how hard we were trying not to be racist.
November 6, 2019
Series: The Mad Morelands #2
Publication Date: January 8th, 2018 by HQN Books (first published April 1st, 2004)
Number of Pages: 416
**4.5 Stars
Rafe McIntyre had the love of his life drop right into his lap – literally. He didn’t know she was the love of his life at the time, but goodness, what an introduction. This book starts off with a fun-filled, antics laden visit at the home of the Morelands. Their home is filled with guests who are attending Olivia and Stephen’s (Mesmerized) wedding and what a varied lot of misfits we have.
We met Rafe in the last book when he was helping his best friend and partner solve a mystery at his estate. Now, he’s at the Moreland home to attend his friend’s wedding and then he’ll head on to the continent for a tour – and beyond that, well he doesn’t have any plans. We learn more of Rafe’s past and why he feels that his emotions, especially love, are long dead and buried.
Kyria Moreland is the middle daughter of the Duke of Broughton. She’s not scientific like her older sister, Thisbe, and she’s not a born investigator like her younger sister, Olivia. Kyria is the organizer, she’s the one who keeps the household operating smoothly – even down to planning and executing every step of Olivia’s wedding. Whatever happens domestically with the Morelands, Kyria is the one to handle it. So, when her younger twin brothers parrot escapes, she’s the one to climb the tree to rescue it. But – well – she didn’t count on the limb breaking from beneath her.
The adventure begins on the night of the wedding. As Rafe is taking a smoke break outside the house, he notices a man walking up the drive – holding to the shadows. Then, another man dashes out of the shadows and stabs the first man. Rafe runs to the rescue, but he’s too late. The man is dying. He is carrying a small bag tied to his waist and begs Rafe to get it to. . . well – Kyria. Kyria has no clue who has sent the object, but guesses it might be from their older brother Theo.
People who want the object start coming out of the woodwork – they are everywhere – and they seem to be willing to do absolutely anything to get it – even kidnapping and murder.
Note that all of these books contain a bit of mysticism along with the ‘oddities’ of the Moreland family. Also, be aware that this author butchers – absolutely and totally butchers – titles and forms of address. That really aggravates me because there is absolutely no excuse for it – it is the easiest thing in the world to research titles and forms of address.
At any rate, I really enjoyed the read and hope you will as well.
Publication Date: January 8th, 2018 by HQN Books (first published April 1st, 2004)
Number of Pages: 416
**4.5 Stars
Rafe McIntyre had the love of his life drop right into his lap – literally. He didn’t know she was the love of his life at the time, but goodness, what an introduction. This book starts off with a fun-filled, antics laden visit at the home of the Morelands. Their home is filled with guests who are attending Olivia and Stephen’s (Mesmerized) wedding and what a varied lot of misfits we have.
We met Rafe in the last book when he was helping his best friend and partner solve a mystery at his estate. Now, he’s at the Moreland home to attend his friend’s wedding and then he’ll head on to the continent for a tour – and beyond that, well he doesn’t have any plans. We learn more of Rafe’s past and why he feels that his emotions, especially love, are long dead and buried.
Kyria Moreland is the middle daughter of the Duke of Broughton. She’s not scientific like her older sister, Thisbe, and she’s not a born investigator like her younger sister, Olivia. Kyria is the organizer, she’s the one who keeps the household operating smoothly – even down to planning and executing every step of Olivia’s wedding. Whatever happens domestically with the Morelands, Kyria is the one to handle it. So, when her younger twin brothers parrot escapes, she’s the one to climb the tree to rescue it. But – well – she didn’t count on the limb breaking from beneath her.
The adventure begins on the night of the wedding. As Rafe is taking a smoke break outside the house, he notices a man walking up the drive – holding to the shadows. Then, another man dashes out of the shadows and stabs the first man. Rafe runs to the rescue, but he’s too late. The man is dying. He is carrying a small bag tied to his waist and begs Rafe to get it to. . . well – Kyria. Kyria has no clue who has sent the object, but guesses it might be from their older brother Theo.
People who want the object start coming out of the woodwork – they are everywhere – and they seem to be willing to do absolutely anything to get it – even kidnapping and murder.
Note that all of these books contain a bit of mysticism along with the ‘oddities’ of the Moreland family. Also, be aware that this author butchers – absolutely and totally butchers – titles and forms of address. That really aggravates me because there is absolutely no excuse for it – it is the easiest thing in the world to research titles and forms of address.
At any rate, I really enjoyed the read and hope you will as well.
January 8, 2020
A really stupid book. They wander around London with a priceless item and occasionally someone makes the effort to break into their home and kidnaps one of them. The bad guys, being even dumber than the good guys, never just grab the reticle holding the item as they wander the streets. Stupid. I only gave it two stars because the twins were worth one by themselves.
July 31, 2014
I like many of Ms. Camp's novels, but I have to say that I didn't particularly care for this one. It had a good premise, a mysterious reliquary box with a legendary tale behind it, along with the fact that a murderer is afoot trying to gain it. My issue was the poor romance aspect, along with many unbelievable, breakable rules of the time for a young lady. I found it very hard to believe, even in fiction, that an unmarried woman would hie off to the city of scandal, causing numerous blunders with a man that she barely knows, not to mention her family thinks it's alright for this foreigner, Rafe from America, to lead her about. It felt more like a mystery, rather than a romance, for the story was entirely centered on the box, as opposed to the budding relationship that eventually fell a bit flat. Put in that genre, even the outcome was a bit like a circus, especially with two, young boys hanging about that should have been sent back home in the first paragraph.
January 3, 2018
The best part of this book were the twins Alexander and Constantine, they are adorable. Rafe really irked me and Kryia seemed an absurd heroine for the most part. Opium dens, costume changes, white robed priests, sacrificing virgins cult with another insanely evil aristocrat?? Oh and there's even a Russian prince!! Sheesh....how dumb does this author think I am to buy that stuff? But the thing that really annoyed me was the scene where two London thugs go the country, walk right into a Duke's home and terrorize it's occupants without any servants around to see/bar them from the house.....come on!
August 29, 2013
This is a terribly stupid book. Anachronistic, poorly written, boring, with poorly written dialogue, this book is more of a mystery than a romance. The characters are not in the least developed, with all the time going to working out the stupid mystery. I hate mysteries, and I don't buy romances because to read them. And it would have been nice to have more than five pages dedicated to the romance. We don't see them fall in love at all, we just see them chasing this stupid relic around. Argh! Did not like this book!
January 2, 2025
I had so much fun with this, I genuinely wasn't expecting it to be quite so good.
Do not pick this up if you a really want fantastically written, thought-provoking fiction. It's very light-hearted, and to be fair it's more a mystery than it is a romance, which put me off for a while because I only started reading this because I wanted something stupid and easy to read. And this book definitely delivers. Don't think too hard about anything that happens in this book and you'll have a great time
Do not pick this up if you a really want fantastically written, thought-provoking fiction. It's very light-hearted, and to be fair it's more a mystery than it is a romance, which put me off for a while because I only started reading this because I wanted something stupid and easy to read. And this book definitely delivers. Don't think too hard about anything that happens in this book and you'll have a great time
January 8, 2018
I thought Candace Camp did a great job with this book. You could tell that Kyria Moreland and Rafe McIntyre have chemistry. I would recommend the book to anyone that wants romance, adventure, a little mystery to read the book.
June 5, 2018
This one wasn't bad, although it felt weaker than the other two I've read so far in the series (1 and 3). The supernatural elements were so subtle and vague as to be essentially useless to the plot -- the one concrete detail Kyria gets from her dreams is , and even that doesn't move them any closer to solving the mystery. In fact, they make no meaningful progress on the case at all until the answer drops itself into their laps at the climax, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine.
I also felt like the romantic plot got a bit short shrifted. While the main characters were busy running around chasing useless clues, the romance seemed to be just taken for granted. There was no stupid, manufactured conflict-for-conflict's-sake, which I appreciated, but on the other hand, romance-wise, there wasn't really a conflict at all. I could deal with the mystery being half-hearted if the romance was great, or vice-versa, but really, neither plotline here rose much above "meh".
I did like Kyria as a character very much, and the dialogue in places made me actually laugh. Con and Alex are a little over the top as a walking mischievous-twins stereotype, but I found them cute. I also appreciated the curmudgeonly relatives; they were clearly only there for comedic relief, and I don't care because it worked. So while it wasn't the greatest romance I've ever read, one could certainly do worse.
I also felt like the romantic plot got a bit short shrifted. While the main characters were busy running around chasing useless clues, the romance seemed to be just taken for granted. There was no stupid, manufactured conflict-for-conflict's-sake, which I appreciated, but on the other hand, romance-wise, there wasn't really a conflict at all. I could deal with the mystery being half-hearted if the romance was great, or vice-versa, but really, neither plotline here rose much above "meh".
I did like Kyria as a character very much, and the dialogue in places made me actually laugh. Con and Alex are a little over the top as a walking mischievous-twins stereotype, but I found them cute. I also appreciated the curmudgeonly relatives; they were clearly only there for comedic relief, and I don't care because it worked. So while it wasn't the greatest romance I've ever read, one could certainly do worse.
March 8, 2017
Having a hard time caring about these characters. The premise of the story is a little too unbelievable. I'm glad this was a library book and not one I paid for.
December 23, 2016
3,5 αστεράκια για το ρομάντζο,αλλά ΕΛΕΟΣ με την Ιερή Λειψανοθήκη. Πολύ βαρύ για την περίσταση,και βαρετό επίσης. Φωτιά θα πέσει και θα με κάψει που το λέω,σόρρυ Candace,αλλά ήμαρτον! :Ρ
November 13, 2022
**Trigger Warnings Below**
Heroine: Kyria Moreland, age unknown. Daughter of the Duke of Broughton.
Hero: Rafe McIntyre, age unknown. An American visiting England.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Rafe comes to England for his friend and former business partner’s wedding to Kyria’s sister. They first meet when Kyria has climbed a tree to rescue a bird and he catches her when she falls.
What happens: After the wedding, Rafe has stepped outside for some fresh air and witnesses a man being attacked. The injured man is brought inside. He doesn’t speak English, but indicates he is delivering a bag, presumably to Kyria. He dies before she arrives. In the bag is an intricately carved box. Kyria’s father, the duke, has an interest in antiquities and they try to determine the significance of the box and why it would have been brought to the estate.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: This book was a disappointment. The mystery aspect dragged with little information of interest being revealed with each incident. The reveal about what the box is and who it belongs to was underwhelming, and the various loose ends weren’t tied up all that well. As for the romance, it was teased as a fish-out-of-water story (an American miner suddenly interacting with British aristocrats), but ended up being more of an action-adventure story with Rafe not being all that out-of-place. Kyria was head-strong and a bit annoying to me. Rafe was the more interesting character. The chemistry between them was just so-so and not enough to make up for the dullness of the non-romance aspect of the story. The first two books in this series have been disappointing, but I know the author is capable of better so I'm planning to continue with the series. The book would read ok as a standalone, although book one does explain some of the eccentricities of the Moreland family and the wedding taking place at the beginning of this book is between the lead characters in book one.
Steam-level: steamy and moderately explicit
Rating: 2 stars
Heroine: Kyria Moreland, age unknown. Daughter of the Duke of Broughton.
Hero: Rafe McIntyre, age unknown. An American visiting England.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Rafe comes to England for his friend and former business partner’s wedding to Kyria’s sister. They first meet when Kyria has climbed a tree to rescue a bird and he catches her when she falls.
What happens: After the wedding, Rafe has stepped outside for some fresh air and witnesses a man being attacked. The injured man is brought inside. He doesn’t speak English, but indicates he is delivering a bag, presumably to Kyria. He dies before she arrives. In the bag is an intricately carved box. Kyria’s father, the duke, has an interest in antiquities and they try to determine the significance of the box and why it would have been brought to the estate.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: This book was a disappointment. The mystery aspect dragged with little information of interest being revealed with each incident. The reveal about what the box is and who it belongs to was underwhelming, and the various loose ends weren’t tied up all that well. As for the romance, it was teased as a fish-out-of-water story (an American miner suddenly interacting with British aristocrats), but ended up being more of an action-adventure story with Rafe not being all that out-of-place. Kyria was head-strong and a bit annoying to me. Rafe was the more interesting character. The chemistry between them was just so-so and not enough to make up for the dullness of the non-romance aspect of the story. The first two books in this series have been disappointing, but I know the author is capable of better so I'm planning to continue with the series. The book would read ok as a standalone, although book one does explain some of the eccentricities of the Moreland family and the wedding taking place at the beginning of this book is between the lead characters in book one.
Steam-level: steamy and moderately explicit
Rating: 2 stars
October 17, 2020
I'll hang somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars for this one. After reading the first book, which was Thisbe and Desmond's story, the second book (Olivia and Stephen) was a sad step down, but I brushed it off and kept a positive outlook for the next one.
I knew Kyria wasn't just a pretty face, she is quite smart too and just as eccentric as her family and I was really looking forward to her book, along with Rafe as well, who I really liked in the previous book. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations.
I'm not saying it was bad, but it wasn't exactly good either. The previous 2 books had a proper story mapped out about the mysterious side story taking place, however, in this book, I couldn't figure out anything till the last moment. There were small snippets about the stone and Kyria's connection and the rushed scene in the end, but the whole thing isn't addressed and is left rather u satisfactorily unsolved.
I felt it dragged a bit in the middle and I just wanted the story to move along already. Kyria and Rafe were okay characters, they had a good chemistry and even a good understanding friendship, where they respected each other. But to me, the best elements of the book were Kyria's brothers, especially the twins. They are the best. Any scene with them is enjoyable and I've really come to love these boys, who were just 3 in the first book. Reed and Theo are just as enjoyable and I'm really looking forward to reading all 4 of their books.
Overall, it was an OK book, the ending was rather predictable and for once I would like the villain to be properly punished, instead of dying. That sort of really takes out the whole justification of the story.
I knew Kyria wasn't just a pretty face, she is quite smart too and just as eccentric as her family and I was really looking forward to her book, along with Rafe as well, who I really liked in the previous book. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations.
I'm not saying it was bad, but it wasn't exactly good either. The previous 2 books had a proper story mapped out about the mysterious side story taking place, however, in this book, I couldn't figure out anything till the last moment. There were small snippets about the stone and Kyria's connection and the rushed scene in the end, but the whole thing isn't addressed and is left rather u satisfactorily unsolved.
I felt it dragged a bit in the middle and I just wanted the story to move along already. Kyria and Rafe were okay characters, they had a good chemistry and even a good understanding friendship, where they respected each other. But to me, the best elements of the book were Kyria's brothers, especially the twins. They are the best. Any scene with them is enjoyable and I've really come to love these boys, who were just 3 in the first book. Reed and Theo are just as enjoyable and I'm really looking forward to reading all 4 of their books.
Overall, it was an OK book, the ending was rather predictable and for once I would like the villain to be properly punished, instead of dying. That sort of really takes out the whole justification of the story.
December 30, 2017
Rafe McIntyre has decided to stay on in London after his friend’s wedding has come and gone, he feels inexplicably attracted to Kyria Moreland and he would like to pursue his feelings, he knows she’s not like any other woman he’s met especially since she literally fell into his lap from the tree she was dangling from. She’s beautiful, feisty, and courageous!
Kiera Moreland is beautiful and wealthy dubbed The Goddess by the ton she has no wish to marry unless she has fallen in love. The gentlemen of the ton leave her unaffected. Until the American Rafe McIntyre.
A mysterious man was murdered while trying to get an antiquated artifact to Kyria, her name the last words he whispered with his dying breath, a string of events bring danger and nefarious strangers to them. Putting Kiera and her family in the path of dangerous men all wanting the mysterious reliquary box.
An enjoyable story with plenty of excitement, intrigue mysterious cults and adventure. The scenes were well done and descriptive fast paced with exciting situations that had me holding my breath in anxiety. Candace Camp has weaved a wonderful story that blends romance with mystery a must read!
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
Kiera Moreland is beautiful and wealthy dubbed The Goddess by the ton she has no wish to marry unless she has fallen in love. The gentlemen of the ton leave her unaffected. Until the American Rafe McIntyre.
A mysterious man was murdered while trying to get an antiquated artifact to Kyria, her name the last words he whispered with his dying breath, a string of events bring danger and nefarious strangers to them. Putting Kiera and her family in the path of dangerous men all wanting the mysterious reliquary box.
An enjoyable story with plenty of excitement, intrigue mysterious cults and adventure. The scenes were well done and descriptive fast paced with exciting situations that had me holding my breath in anxiety. Candace Camp has weaved a wonderful story that blends romance with mystery a must read!
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
September 26, 2019
You definitely have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this. I was in the mood for classic romance with some mystery twists.
Could be a standalone since it follows the same family as the first book in the series, but not the same characters. Our main attractions in this are Kyria and Rafe. Kyria is a feisty female and I like her. Rafe is an American protector. Together, they worked. But they threw out all traditional courtship customs for this time period lol I don't recall the sex scenes being as detailed in the first book.. Lol but whatever. My main issue with the "relationship" is that they basically fell in love in the midst of chaos, and their little love scenes were very awkwardly timed...
The mystery aspect was long and drawn out with a lot (too many) suspects etc. I got a little bored with the "investigation". The ending was like an explosion. Action-packed and finally suspenseful, BOOM. The book is over and the 2 main characters are in love, the end. Lol what?.
So I will probably still continue this series when I'm in the mood for more romantic fluff, just hard to tell when that will happen again.
Could be a standalone since it follows the same family as the first book in the series, but not the same characters. Our main attractions in this are Kyria and Rafe. Kyria is a feisty female and I like her. Rafe is an American protector. Together, they worked. But they threw out all traditional courtship customs for this time period lol I don't recall the sex scenes being as detailed in the first book.. Lol but whatever. My main issue with the "relationship" is that they basically fell in love in the midst of chaos, and their little love scenes were very awkwardly timed...
The mystery aspect was long and drawn out with a lot (too many) suspects etc. I got a little bored with the "investigation". The ending was like an explosion. Action-packed and finally suspenseful, BOOM. The book is over and the 2 main characters are in love, the end. Lol what?.
So I will probably still continue this series when I'm in the mood for more romantic fluff, just hard to tell when that will happen again.
January 23, 2018
Book 2
Olivia is getting married from Book One, and her beautiful sister Kyria is making the preparations. The groom's best man is his American business partner, Rafe. You can see where this is going, but really not what's about to happen. During the wedding celebration, Rafe is witness to a murder of a foreign man who insisted to see Kyria and give her something. Wild happenings, abductions, opium, archaeology digs, mysterious monks, and Russian Princes all make their appearance. The mad Morelands truly have their hands full.
Great fun with this fast paced romance as this second book of the series continues the blend of danger, love, and mysterious happenings. On to the next book.
Olivia is getting married from Book One, and her beautiful sister Kyria is making the preparations. The groom's best man is his American business partner, Rafe. You can see where this is going, but really not what's about to happen. During the wedding celebration, Rafe is witness to a murder of a foreign man who insisted to see Kyria and give her something. Wild happenings, abductions, opium, archaeology digs, mysterious monks, and Russian Princes all make their appearance. The mad Morelands truly have their hands full.
Great fun with this fast paced romance as this second book of the series continues the blend of danger, love, and mysterious happenings. On to the next book.
February 26, 2019
The Mad Morelands are at it again! This time the story is about Kyria Moreland and Rafe McIntyre. Most of the story concentrates on a mysterious box that Kyria receives and next thing she knows, her life is in danger because of others wanting that box!! She and Rafe get together to try to find some answers to the mystery and have quite the adventure. Although I really enjoyed the story, I wish more time had been spent on Kyria and Rafe's romance. I found there wasn't enough development in their feelings towards each other. I do have to say I loved the twins, what a pair of rascals they are and so entertaining!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 8, 2019
Another wonderful mystery by Candace Camp! Kyria Moreland may be a girl who likes her fashion and jewelry but don't let that fool you because she can definitely hold her own in any misbegotten adventure involving murder, intrigue and love. So when a mysterious box is left to Kyria after her sister's wedding Rafe McIntyre, who is friends and former business partners with Kryia's sister's new husband, decides to stick around after the wedding to help out in solving the mystery of the box and to figure out who keeps trying to steal it at the cost of a life and a kidnapping gone awry. Not to mention falling for the girl who has sworn off marriage. I was gifted with this book I am so thrilled to be leaving this review!
November 8, 2020
I loved listening to the first book in this series and immediately ordered the rest of the series through PaperBackSwap.com. I'm not sure if it was the fact that I didn't like it as much because it wasn't audio or if this book was just harder to connect to but it took me a LONG time to finish this book.
Kyria Moreland is incredibly beautiful but still unmarried. Rafe McIntyre is a friend of her sister's husband. American and incredibly attractive, Kyria is intrigued. She gets to spend more time with him when a mysterious box is sent to her family's house and the courier dies practically on the doorstep. His last words? Kyrie.
Bullets, knife fights, and kidnapping ensue. But it does go on a little bit long with not as much movement in the romance as there is in the mystery.
Kyria Moreland is incredibly beautiful but still unmarried. Rafe McIntyre is a friend of her sister's husband. American and incredibly attractive, Kyria is intrigued. She gets to spend more time with him when a mysterious box is sent to her family's house and the courier dies practically on the doorstep. His last words? Kyrie.
Bullets, knife fights, and kidnapping ensue. But it does go on a little bit long with not as much movement in the romance as there is in the mystery.
March 11, 2018
Another awesome Mad Moreland Read! You have murder, mystery, adventure, kidnappings, rituals, all wrapped up in a great book! Kyria literally falls into Rafes lap. During Olivia’s wedding reception Rafe sees a mystery man attacked and die but not before is asks for Kyria. Believing that her brother Theo has send the mystery box found on the dead man she and her mad family try to uncover the truth. After men break into the Ducal Estate and try to harm the family Kyria and Rafe set out to London to get answers. A wonderful read!
April 24, 2022
This is a terribly stupid book. Anachronistic, poorly written, boring, with poorly written dialogue, this book is more of a mystery than a romance. The characters are not in the least developed, with all the time going to working out the stupid mystery. I hate mysteries, and I don't buy romances because to read them. And it would have been nice to have more than five pages dedicated to the romance. We don't see them fall in love at all, we just see them chasing this stupid relic around. Argh! Did not like this book!
January 9, 2023
Rubbish
Lust, premarital sex, casual sex…all set in historical eras where if this truly transpired, the guilty individuals along with the family were ruined. It just rarely happened. Of course, to offset an unhealthy, sexual lifestyle, and after just a few weeks of acquaintanceship, the couple is SO in love. That makes it all ok. Rubbish. Unless it’s greed to sell more copies, I will never understand why good authors with great storylines have to incorporate detailed, pornographic sexual acts into their stories.
Lust, premarital sex, casual sex…all set in historical eras where if this truly transpired, the guilty individuals along with the family were ruined. It just rarely happened. Of course, to offset an unhealthy, sexual lifestyle, and after just a few weeks of acquaintanceship, the couple is SO in love. That makes it all ok. Rubbish. Unless it’s greed to sell more copies, I will never understand why good authors with great storylines have to incorporate detailed, pornographic sexual acts into their stories.
November 15, 2023
She ruled the marriage market, refusing all offers from gentlemen, lords, and princes alike. No man could break through the walls that kept her heart aloof.
Then, when she was at her most foolish, when she thought that she was about to come to a terrible end, a man on a horse road to her rescue. Although she wasn't gracious in her thanks, his light hearted smile did something to her, and then they both had to go through a lot of drama, for both of them to understand what that first encounter had done.
Then, when she was at her most foolish, when she thought that she was about to come to a terrible end, a man on a horse road to her rescue. Although she wasn't gracious in her thanks, his light hearted smile did something to her, and then they both had to go through a lot of drama, for both of them to understand what that first encounter had done.
December 18, 2017
This was not as good as the other two that I have read in this series, however it did keep me guessing until the end. The relationship between the two main characters was sizzle, but I did not feel the intrigue and excitement that I felt in the other books. I enjoyed it and it did seem to read fast, the characters were interesting and Theo appeared in this book so I am guessing that he will be in the next one, I like him. A worth it read.
September 15, 2019
The plot of this novel was both literally and figuratively Byzantine. I liked both Kyria and Rafe, but the things that happened to them and their family and friends over the course of the book were outlandish and a little ridiculous. There was also an unfortunate bit of orientalism in the plot, with the threat coming from the Mysterious East. However, I’ll keep reading the series because I’m enjoying the Moreland family, especially Alex and Con.
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