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Potions and Passions #2
Not a Mourning Person
A determined widow.
Rachael Fasching doesn’t shy away from scandal. But living her whole life with the name of her murderous late husband? Intolerable. Her solution: find the most passionate, romantic man in all of England and marry him. When she discovers that “dull and disagreeable” historian Avery Cantrell is the secret author of warrior love poems, she takes the risk and sets out to woo him.
An ancient curse.
Avery has spent his entire life researching, in the hopes of finding a cure to the ancient affliction that has made potions deadly to every male of the Cantrell family line. He needs to marry, but he wants the matter addressed efficiently: no fuss, no delays, no timid virgins. Beautiful, enigmatic Rachael seems the perfect candidate.
Crime and passion.
When news of a murder interrupts their wedding plans, Rachael and Avery stumble upon a mystery of long-forgotten magic and deadly secrets. Plots and poisons threaten their marriage-of-convenience, but as they delve into the intrigue together these unlikely heroes might discover they have what it takes to hunt down a killer—and to find true love along the way.
Rachael Fasching doesn’t shy away from scandal. But living her whole life with the name of her murderous late husband? Intolerable. Her solution: find the most passionate, romantic man in all of England and marry him. When she discovers that “dull and disagreeable” historian Avery Cantrell is the secret author of warrior love poems, she takes the risk and sets out to woo him.
An ancient curse.
Avery has spent his entire life researching, in the hopes of finding a cure to the ancient affliction that has made potions deadly to every male of the Cantrell family line. He needs to marry, but he wants the matter addressed efficiently: no fuss, no delays, no timid virgins. Beautiful, enigmatic Rachael seems the perfect candidate.
Crime and passion.
When news of a murder interrupts their wedding plans, Rachael and Avery stumble upon a mystery of long-forgotten magic and deadly secrets. Plots and poisons threaten their marriage-of-convenience, but as they delve into the intrigue together these unlikely heroes might discover they have what it takes to hunt down a killer—and to find true love along the way.
- GenresSteampunk
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stein
28 books169 followersAward-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 26, 2020
Do you love a flawed heroine? When "mean girl" Rachael first appeared in How to Seduce a Spy, I knew there was more to her than snobbery and fashion. Now in Not a Mourning Person she gets to reveal her history and experience her own journey to happiness, because you don't have to be perfect to deserve Happily Ever After.
November 22, 2020
NOT A MOURNING PERSON by Catherine Stein was absolutely delightful! I loved Avery and he was truly perfect for Rachel. ❤️ NOT A MOURNING PERSON is bk#2 in the Potions & Passions series. It can be read as a standalone title but HOW TO SEDUCE A SPY, #1 was equaling as wonderful. I am quickly becoming a fan of Catherine Stein’s writing. Again, I love the cover art.
London, May 1884.
Professor Avery Cantrell/MMC is a learned historian and nobleman with an unknown and perplexing family curse/allergy which he is attempting to resolve. In addition, his aunt died recently and he has just been informed that her Will states he must marry before gaining his inheritance.
Rachel Fasching/FMC is a young, spoiled and headstrong widow. She has been properly grieving her dead husband (a wealthy American) in London for the past 2 yrs. Knowing her husband was controlling, a cad, and a crook, Rachel decides that 2 yrs is enough. The final step in planning for a new life for herself is the changing of her surname through a suitable marriage - one better than her last. Once marriage has been achieved, Rachel believes, she will not only be free of her past but also free to be herself. And so, she begins her search for a new, entertaining, and suitable husband. Hence Rachel’s adventure begins.
I absolutely loved Avery. Rachel grew on me as she began to appreciate Avery for the great guy he was. There were many witty and fun lines of dialogue (poems, ditties, & bar songs) in this book. A quote by Avery - “She’s an unusual woman. But as I am an unusual man, I can’t find fault with her for that.” ❤️
NOT A MOURNING PERSON is a delightful slow burn Steampunk novel with a feisty heroine and a nerdy, smart, sexy, loyal, gem of a guy. I recommend NOT A MOURNING PERSON to readers who like a bit of intrigue/mystery combined with fun action & adventure together in a unique story, an interesting cast of characters in a Steampunk/historical setting, with low angst, and a swoon-worthy HEA ending.
READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - Minimal.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language used occasionally.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Brief on-scene intimacy.
London, May 1884.
Professor Avery Cantrell/MMC is a learned historian and nobleman with an unknown and perplexing family curse/allergy which he is attempting to resolve. In addition, his aunt died recently and he has just been informed that her Will states he must marry before gaining his inheritance.
Rachel Fasching/FMC is a young, spoiled and headstrong widow. She has been properly grieving her dead husband (a wealthy American) in London for the past 2 yrs. Knowing her husband was controlling, a cad, and a crook, Rachel decides that 2 yrs is enough. The final step in planning for a new life for herself is the changing of her surname through a suitable marriage - one better than her last. Once marriage has been achieved, Rachel believes, she will not only be free of her past but also free to be herself. And so, she begins her search for a new, entertaining, and suitable husband. Hence Rachel’s adventure begins.
I absolutely loved Avery. Rachel grew on me as she began to appreciate Avery for the great guy he was. There were many witty and fun lines of dialogue (poems, ditties, & bar songs) in this book. A quote by Avery - “She’s an unusual woman. But as I am an unusual man, I can’t find fault with her for that.” ❤️
NOT A MOURNING PERSON is a delightful slow burn Steampunk novel with a feisty heroine and a nerdy, smart, sexy, loyal, gem of a guy. I recommend NOT A MOURNING PERSON to readers who like a bit of intrigue/mystery combined with fun action & adventure together in a unique story, an interesting cast of characters in a Steampunk/historical setting, with low angst, and a swoon-worthy HEA ending.
READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - Minimal.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language used occasionally.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Brief on-scene intimacy.
April 11, 2020
I love the characters Catherine Stein creates. The foibles, interesting hobbies, and personal growth. I love that Rachael isn't perfect, and that she grows and comes into herself. (and I randomly love that one of the ways she and Avery bond is by bitching about the outdoors--I saw the "Great Outdoors" song performed online before I got the book and it was awesome to meet the song in the story.)
This book, and the series in general, reminds me of when I started reading Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz books from the '90s or so: characters who are interesting and witty and trying to figure themselves and each other out, plus mystery and a dash of fantasy. Love it. So glad to have found this series.
This book, and the series in general, reminds me of when I started reading Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz books from the '90s or so: characters who are interesting and witty and trying to figure themselves and each other out, plus mystery and a dash of fantasy. Love it. So glad to have found this series.
September 28, 2019
Review originally posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
Not a Mourning Person is an absolutely delightful second full-length installment of the Potion and Passions series, it’s just as brilliant as the others. And while the heroes were the standouts in the prior books (not that the heroines aren’t memorable), I was very much reading this one to see how Rachael developed from the sort-of “mean girl” she was in the last book, especially in the aftermath of her husband’s mysterious passing, and her lack of good memories of him, as hinted at in the title. In the hands of a lesser author, I feel like Rachael could have been very one-note, but I like that, in addition to actively flouting convention with her more ostentatious behavior, there is a vulnerability to her, especially as she finds herself falling in love with Avery, and is uncertain, given the trials they’ve faced, whether he loves her.
And of course, Avery is another winning Stein hero. I love how in some ways he is very much the opposite of Rachael, such as preferring scholarly pursuits and not necessarily being a social person, but I love that they bond over said scholarship, with them being brought together due to his warrior love poems. And as the story progresses, I loved seeing her take on a literary project of her own and seeing it come to fruition.
This one also has the strongest arc of suspense of the series, with both the hopes of breaking a Cantrell family curse and a related hunt for a murderer, with a shockingly personal revelation as to the killer’s identity.
I This is a great book in what’s shaping up to be fabulous romance series, from an author I hope I can keep up with in the future. I very much recommend this one in particular to romance fans who love either steampunk or a somewhat unlikely heroine.
Not a Mourning Person is an absolutely delightful second full-length installment of the Potion and Passions series, it’s just as brilliant as the others. And while the heroes were the standouts in the prior books (not that the heroines aren’t memorable), I was very much reading this one to see how Rachael developed from the sort-of “mean girl” she was in the last book, especially in the aftermath of her husband’s mysterious passing, and her lack of good memories of him, as hinted at in the title. In the hands of a lesser author, I feel like Rachael could have been very one-note, but I like that, in addition to actively flouting convention with her more ostentatious behavior, there is a vulnerability to her, especially as she finds herself falling in love with Avery, and is uncertain, given the trials they’ve faced, whether he loves her.
And of course, Avery is another winning Stein hero. I love how in some ways he is very much the opposite of Rachael, such as preferring scholarly pursuits and not necessarily being a social person, but I love that they bond over said scholarship, with them being brought together due to his warrior love poems. And as the story progresses, I loved seeing her take on a literary project of her own and seeing it come to fruition.
This one also has the strongest arc of suspense of the series, with both the hopes of breaking a Cantrell family curse and a related hunt for a murderer, with a shockingly personal revelation as to the killer’s identity.
I This is a great book in what’s shaping up to be fabulous romance series, from an author I hope I can keep up with in the future. I very much recommend this one in particular to romance fans who love either steampunk or a somewhat unlikely heroine.
May 5, 2020
Professor Avery Cantrell is an historian specialising in the Anglo-Saxon era, he spends his time researching for a cure to an ancient family curse, but he is need of a wife, if he is to gain his inheritance. But this lovely and handsome man has a life that is quiet and orderly, until the extremely beautiful, intelligent and outspoken Rachel Fasching decides she needs a new surname to rid her of her first horrible husband and sets her sights on Avery.
She knows that despite his protests, he has a very romantic heart filled with passion, he might just have the key to unlocking her heart too, and so this pair of lonely, quirky, people come together in a pact to marry.
This very humorous, warm, emotional and enchanting adventure begins quickly.
Plots, potions, poisons, villains and murder threaten their happy future life together and so they decide to track down the murderer.
Catherine Stein writes this wonderfully entertaining, romantic and passionate adventure in such a charming way, that you are captivated from the moment you start this book, until it ends.
The characters, conversation and description of the era are all spot on. I absolutely loved it!
She knows that despite his protests, he has a very romantic heart filled with passion, he might just have the key to unlocking her heart too, and so this pair of lonely, quirky, people come together in a pact to marry.
This very humorous, warm, emotional and enchanting adventure begins quickly.
Plots, potions, poisons, villains and murder threaten their happy future life together and so they decide to track down the murderer.
Catherine Stein writes this wonderfully entertaining, romantic and passionate adventure in such a charming way, that you are captivated from the moment you start this book, until it ends.
The characters, conversation and description of the era are all spot on. I absolutely loved it!
April 29, 2019
I love the unique characters Cat Stein creates – they are fresh and entertaining.
Rachael Fasching is a widow that enjoys treading the lines of propriety. Having lived abroad she returns to London to find a husband that is passionate and a romantic after her disastrous first marriage. With the help of friends, she uncovers the identity of the man who penned the warrior love poems.
Avery Cantrell regrets writing the love poems that are the talk of society until he meets Rachael. When Rachael is not in the least put off by his admission of a family curse that affects his day-to-day activities, he begins to view Rachael as the perfect candidate to wed.
The witty dialogue and the smoldering passion kept me turning the pages until the murderer was revealed.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rachael Fasching is a widow that enjoys treading the lines of propriety. Having lived abroad she returns to London to find a husband that is passionate and a romantic after her disastrous first marriage. With the help of friends, she uncovers the identity of the man who penned the warrior love poems.
Avery Cantrell regrets writing the love poems that are the talk of society until he meets Rachael. When Rachael is not in the least put off by his admission of a family curse that affects his day-to-day activities, he begins to view Rachael as the perfect candidate to wed.
The witty dialogue and the smoldering passion kept me turning the pages until the murderer was revealed.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2019
What do you get when you mix a dash of mystery, an ancient curse, a world filled with magical potions,one marriage of convenience between a reclusive scholar and a scandalous fashionable widow, repressed passions, and the fastest cars that 1884 can offer?
A stay-up-to-read mystery-romance that isn't a clone of hundreds of others, and is definitely going on my read it again later shelf!
Like Catherine Stein's first novel in this series, it is well written, centered on characters that I could connect with (despite, in this case, the characters being not like me at all), and full of the advertised passion. Keep them coming, please!
A stay-up-to-read mystery-romance that isn't a clone of hundreds of others, and is definitely going on my read it again later shelf!
Like Catherine Stein's first novel in this series, it is well written, centered on characters that I could connect with (despite, in this case, the characters being not like me at all), and full of the advertised passion. Keep them coming, please!
May 3, 2019
The second book in the Potions and Passion series and the first book I have read in the series. Rachael Fasching is a widow that had a murderous husband she wants to marry someone toget away from her late husband's name. Historian Avery Cantrell has penned the warrior love poems and Rachael decides he is who she wants. Avery carries a family curse but can he find a way to counteract it? There is suspense, drama, danger, murder, attempted murder, a love that grows between the two, a madman, hidden writers, and something that happens by chance. A book I enjoyed reading and would recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2020
I loved this delightful steam-punk novel. Racheal is a fantastic merry widow, who had me charmed from the first page--lady drivers for the win! I also adored Avery, as scholarly heroes are my catnip, and he had just the right level of complexity and awkwardness to really give the story depth. I also enjoyed how these characters played together and negotiated their relationship in such an authentic way. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a light read with unforgettable characters.
May 3, 2019
This was such a wonderful book! I loved everything about it, except that it unfortunately came to an end, as all great books must do eventually. And the poetry was a delicious bonus. I can’t wait to read more works by this author :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2020
A MUST read! Another fabulous tale from the Potions and Passions world. Ms. Stein crafts an action-packed story with intrigue, interesting characters, and of course love! Do yourself a favor and get this book, you won't regret it.
March 3, 2020
Sarcasm and suspense. The perfect combo.
Once again, Catherine Stein delivers a richly detailed world filled with complex leading ladies and roguish gentlemen. Plenty of action, romance and mystery to keep you entertained until they very end. Excellent!
Once again, Catherine Stein delivers a richly detailed world filled with complex leading ladies and roguish gentlemen. Plenty of action, romance and mystery to keep you entertained until they very end. Excellent!
January 13, 2025
This is the third book by Catherine Stein I've read and I deeply enjoyed it. Watching two people grow together while solving a rash of murders kept me enthralled from stary to finish.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews