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The Muses' Salon #5
Brazen in Blue
The fifth in Rachael Miles' The Muses' Salon series, about ladies with unique skills and the noblemen who love them.
Lady Emmeline Hartley has overcome every obstacle life has thrown her way. A spinster, disappointed in love, Em is on the brink of a marriage of convenience, when the man who rejected her heart reappears in need of her help. It gives Em a chance to escape, put to use one her most unusual talents—and perhaps convince him once and for all to risk his heart...
Adam Montclair—one of the most successful agents at the Home Office—rubs elbows with the highest levels of society. Even so, he wasn’t to the manor born. No matter how much he desires Em, as a match he is completely unsuitable. While it pains him to be near her, it’s a punishment he richly deserves. Now on a mission to uncover a plot against the government, Adam knows Em's uncanny ability to recall voices will be essential. Yet as the two thwart the dangers in their path, it may become impossible to deny that Em is essential to happiness itself...
Lady Emmeline Hartley has overcome every obstacle life has thrown her way. A spinster, disappointed in love, Em is on the brink of a marriage of convenience, when the man who rejected her heart reappears in need of her help. It gives Em a chance to escape, put to use one her most unusual talents—and perhaps convince him once and for all to risk his heart...
Adam Montclair—one of the most successful agents at the Home Office—rubs elbows with the highest levels of society. Even so, he wasn’t to the manor born. No matter how much he desires Em, as a match he is completely unsuitable. While it pains him to be near her, it’s a punishment he richly deserves. Now on a mission to uncover a plot against the government, Adam knows Em's uncanny ability to recall voices will be essential. Yet as the two thwart the dangers in their path, it may become impossible to deny that Em is essential to happiness itself...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
26 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Miles
9 books301 followersRachael Miles has always loved a good romance, especially one with a bit of suspense and preferably a ghost. She was also a professor of book history and nineteenth-century literature whose students frequently found themselves reading the novels of Ann Radcliffe and other gothic tales. A native Texan, Rachael lives in upstate NY with her indulgent husband, three rescued dogs and an ancient cat.
Rachael loves to hear from her readers: find her at her website: rachaelmiles.com, on Facebook (rachaelmilesauthor) or twitter (rachael_miles1)
Rachael loves to hear from her readers: find her at her website: rachaelmiles.com, on Facebook (rachaelmilesauthor) or twitter (rachael_miles1)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 11, 2020
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up ***
Series: The Muses’ Salon #5
Publication Date: 8/25/20
Number of Pages: 352
This fifth book in The Muses Salon series brings us another Home Office agent, Adam Montclair, in search of the arch-villain known as Charters. They are getting closer to identifying him – they even think he might be an aristocrat, but they still don’t know who he really is. Only one person, Lady Emmeline Hartley, has the talent to recognize him from his voice. She has an odd talent for being able to recognize any voice she’s ever heard, and she heard the villain speak at a reform meeting. Adam and Em have a history and he certainly doesn’t want to involve her in this dangerous pursuit – except the Home Office gives him no choice.
Adam met and fell in love with Em a year ago on another mission, but he was convinced there could be no future for them because of the differences in their stations. She didn’t feel that the differences mattered – but he did – and so he left her. After she waited, she finally accepted a proposal from her childhood friend. Neither of them was in love with the other, they actually each loved someone else, but …
Adam arrives at Em’s estate just in time to help her flee her wedding. Em realizes that she cannot marry her betrothed because he now has a chance to marry the woman he really loves, but won’t break his betrothal to Em. Adam and Em take off on a journey where they must remain hidden in order to assure that Em’s betrothed doesn’t find her because he’ll surely come looking for her. The Home Office knows Adam is with Em – and his mission is supposed to be to convince her to help them identify Charters. Em believes Adam is a scoundrel of the first order and doesn’t trust him as far as she can see him. Convincing her to trust him again will be an impossible task.
Their journey takes them across England, to a lovely island that seems like a faery’s home, then to London where they run into the real danger. Can Adam keep his heart safe and protect Em at the same time. Will Adam ever realize that he and Em can have a future together or will he wait until it is too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and visiting with the recurring characters. There is plenty of danger and intrigue within a lovely, moving, and sensual story. However, to me, there was a big hole in the plot. Maybe I missed something. Em identified Charters to Adam – but – then we never heard any more about it. Nobody at the Home Office went to work on the information. It was like the whole plot of the story was based on getting Em to identify Charter and when she did – Pfffffft – nothing more. Maybe some of that will be explained in the next book, but it sure left a hole in this one for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Muses’ Salon #5
Publication Date: 8/25/20
Number of Pages: 352
This fifth book in The Muses Salon series brings us another Home Office agent, Adam Montclair, in search of the arch-villain known as Charters. They are getting closer to identifying him – they even think he might be an aristocrat, but they still don’t know who he really is. Only one person, Lady Emmeline Hartley, has the talent to recognize him from his voice. She has an odd talent for being able to recognize any voice she’s ever heard, and she heard the villain speak at a reform meeting. Adam and Em have a history and he certainly doesn’t want to involve her in this dangerous pursuit – except the Home Office gives him no choice.
Adam met and fell in love with Em a year ago on another mission, but he was convinced there could be no future for them because of the differences in their stations. She didn’t feel that the differences mattered – but he did – and so he left her. After she waited, she finally accepted a proposal from her childhood friend. Neither of them was in love with the other, they actually each loved someone else, but …
Adam arrives at Em’s estate just in time to help her flee her wedding. Em realizes that she cannot marry her betrothed because he now has a chance to marry the woman he really loves, but won’t break his betrothal to Em. Adam and Em take off on a journey where they must remain hidden in order to assure that Em’s betrothed doesn’t find her because he’ll surely come looking for her. The Home Office knows Adam is with Em – and his mission is supposed to be to convince her to help them identify Charters. Em believes Adam is a scoundrel of the first order and doesn’t trust him as far as she can see him. Convincing her to trust him again will be an impossible task.
Their journey takes them across England, to a lovely island that seems like a faery’s home, then to London where they run into the real danger. Can Adam keep his heart safe and protect Em at the same time. Will Adam ever realize that he and Em can have a future together or will he wait until it is too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and visiting with the recurring characters. There is plenty of danger and intrigue within a lovely, moving, and sensual story. However, to me, there was a big hole in the plot. Maybe I missed something. Em identified Charters to Adam – but – then we never heard any more about it. Nobody at the Home Office went to work on the information. It was like the whole plot of the story was based on getting Em to identify Charter and when she did – Pfffffft – nothing more. Maybe some of that will be explained in the next book, but it sure left a hole in this one for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2020
I feel like I've been hit by a bad-luck spell when it comes to historical romances lately. I've loved only one out of the four books I tried (if you're curious, I'm talking about A Proper Charade). I'm so sad about it since I know how wonderful historical romances can be. I haven't lost hope but maybe I'm going to take a step back from that genre and take a little break. I'll go back to it eventually.
Edit: I just checked and I have a bunch of ARCs that need to be read and reviewed soon-ish so my "break" will probably only last a couple of weeks max.
Anyway, let's talk about Brazen in Blue. I honestly don't have a lot of things to say about this story because the book never managed to grab my attention and hook me. I was waiting and waiting for that to happen but it never did and that left me really bored with the whole thing. I also didn't really find her escaping her husband-to-be very exciting. I didn't feel any sparks or chemistry which also didn't help matters. I didn't really care about the characters and the fact that I didn't know what to make of them and their relationship for a while frustrated me. They clearly had a past but it wasn't really explained and I just wanted to know without waiting I don't know how many pages/hours. That left me thinking that maybe you would enjoy this book more if (unlike me) you'd also read the entire series. Don't quote me on that though. I'm clearly not an expert on this series.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
Edit: I just checked and I have a bunch of ARCs that need to be read and reviewed soon-ish so my "break" will probably only last a couple of weeks max.
Anyway, let's talk about Brazen in Blue. I honestly don't have a lot of things to say about this story because the book never managed to grab my attention and hook me. I was waiting and waiting for that to happen but it never did and that left me really bored with the whole thing. I also didn't really find her escaping her husband-to-be very exciting. I didn't feel any sparks or chemistry which also didn't help matters. I didn't really care about the characters and the fact that I didn't know what to make of them and their relationship for a while frustrated me. They clearly had a past but it wasn't really explained and I just wanted to know without waiting I don't know how many pages/hours. That left me thinking that maybe you would enjoy this book more if (unlike me) you'd also read the entire series. Don't quote me on that though. I'm clearly not an expert on this series.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
September 12, 2020
I'll admit, I am new to this author's work but I was craving a historical romance with diverse rep and was excited to see a heroine with a physical disability. That sure sounds grim and weird, I know. But, I enjoy reading about diverse heroines, and Miles certainly delivered with Lady Emmeline. After a horrific carriage accident that resulted in the passing of her mother and siblings, Emmeline is left with a brain injury and a mangled leg. The addition of a support animal, Queen Bess, was so much fun to see. Honestly, I loved Bess the most. Adam was every bit the chameleon you would expect from an agent of the Home Office. A former lover of Em's while he was undercover, there is plenty of tension between the two when they reconnect.
Unfortunately, I think I was expecting more intrigue going in. I was surprised, and a bit disappointed, to see it was primarily a character-driven story and light on plot. We spend a lot of time inside Adam and Emmeline's heads but this plot against the Crown was very much a secondary, or even tertiary component. Additionally, I didn't particularly care for either of the characters. Miscommunication was rampant on both sides of this relationship with flimsy reasoning to boot. It drove me up the wall each time they chose to keep something from the other party needlessly. I loved Em's recall ability and I wish it played a bigger roll. I found myself forgetting this remarkable ability repeatedly, especially during an unnecessary tutorial in crafting. I'm a knitter and have dabbled in spinning but I just didn't think it fit this story and it threw off the pace.
I would definitely try the author's work in the future but unfortunately, this story just didn't work for this reader. I do recommend for fans of character-driven historical romance with fade to black intimate scenes and lovers of the second-chance trope.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I think I was expecting more intrigue going in. I was surprised, and a bit disappointed, to see it was primarily a character-driven story and light on plot. We spend a lot of time inside Adam and Emmeline's heads but this plot against the Crown was very much a secondary, or even tertiary component. Additionally, I didn't particularly care for either of the characters. Miscommunication was rampant on both sides of this relationship with flimsy reasoning to boot. It drove me up the wall each time they chose to keep something from the other party needlessly. I loved Em's recall ability and I wish it played a bigger roll. I found myself forgetting this remarkable ability repeatedly, especially during an unnecessary tutorial in crafting. I'm a knitter and have dabbled in spinning but I just didn't think it fit this story and it threw off the pace.
I would definitely try the author's work in the future but unfortunately, this story just didn't work for this reader. I do recommend for fans of character-driven historical romance with fade to black intimate scenes and lovers of the second-chance trope.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2020
Brazen in Blue by Rachael Miles
The Muses Salon #5
Second chances to get it right in love don’t come as often as we might like. Lady Emmeline Hartley is willing to try again and leave a man she admires, but does not love passionately, at the altar to pursue her true happiness while allowing Colin to do the same.
What I liked:
* Emmeline: a woman that overcame so much to become all that she did. Giving, kind, and true she does have injuries that impede her in some ways but don’t impinge on her ability to run her estate, provide for those that count on her and love truly and deeply. Her skill with voices is…interesting, too.
* Adam: a great man but I did get tired of his woes about station and not being good enough for Em. Otherwise he was charming, able, a chameleon, etc.
* Queen Bess & Persis: canines that added a great deal to the story
* Jeffreys: I good friend and mentor to Emmeline
* The sisters and cousins of Adam – I can see them starring in books of their own in perhaps a spin off series
* That Colin & Lucy get their HEA
* Wondering about Mr. James and Joe Pasten – wonder if more will come out about them in the future.
* The concept of the stories revolving around The Muses Salon but also dealing with Agents of the Home Office
* That the series is not over even though Emmeline and Adam have found their HEA.
What I did not like:
* Cousin Stella: spoiled rotten woman who was mean in the way spoiled stepsisters in fairy tales are. Would have loved to see her get her comeuppance and seen her reaction.
* Charters & Flute: evil men that were identified but not dealt with finally
* Having to wait for more books in the series.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
The Muses Salon #5
Second chances to get it right in love don’t come as often as we might like. Lady Emmeline Hartley is willing to try again and leave a man she admires, but does not love passionately, at the altar to pursue her true happiness while allowing Colin to do the same.
What I liked:
* Emmeline: a woman that overcame so much to become all that she did. Giving, kind, and true she does have injuries that impede her in some ways but don’t impinge on her ability to run her estate, provide for those that count on her and love truly and deeply. Her skill with voices is…interesting, too.
* Adam: a great man but I did get tired of his woes about station and not being good enough for Em. Otherwise he was charming, able, a chameleon, etc.
* Queen Bess & Persis: canines that added a great deal to the story
* Jeffreys: I good friend and mentor to Emmeline
* The sisters and cousins of Adam – I can see them starring in books of their own in perhaps a spin off series
* That Colin & Lucy get their HEA
* Wondering about Mr. James and Joe Pasten – wonder if more will come out about them in the future.
* The concept of the stories revolving around The Muses Salon but also dealing with Agents of the Home Office
* That the series is not over even though Emmeline and Adam have found their HEA.
What I did not like:
* Cousin Stella: spoiled rotten woman who was mean in the way spoiled stepsisters in fairy tales are. Would have loved to see her get her comeuppance and seen her reaction.
* Charters & Flute: evil men that were identified but not dealt with finally
* Having to wait for more books in the series.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
August 18, 2020
I really tried to get into the book. I found the introduction to the story choppy. The description of the characters wasn’t clearly explained. The story is a very slow start. The beginning used to much time of Em thinking of faults in her past. The book missed the catch the readers attention in ten pages or less. The story runs flat. 
August 25, 2020
Lady Emmeline Hartley has overcome every obstacle life has thrown her way. A spinster, disappointed in love, Em is on the brink of a marriage of convenience, when the man who rejected her heart reappears in need of her help. It gives Em a chance to escape, put to use one her most unusual talents. Adam Montclair--one of the most successful agents at the Home Office--rubs elbows with the highest levels of society. Even so, he wasn’t to the manor born. No matter how much he desires Em, as a match he is completely unsuitable. While it pains him to be near her, it’s a punishment he richly deserves. Now on a mission to uncover a plot against the government, Adam knows Em's uncanny ability to recall voices will be essential.
This is the fifth book in the series & it could just be read on its own but to more fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading from the beginning. A well written book with strong characters. The pace was good & I was drawn in from the start. I really liked both Em & Adam & that they had their second chance. I also liked the recurring characters & I love a romance with a mystery, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the book I wasn’t totally engrossed but I do want to find out what happens
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fifth book in the series & it could just be read on its own but to more fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading from the beginning. A well written book with strong characters. The pace was good & I was drawn in from the start. I really liked both Em & Adam & that they had their second chance. I also liked the recurring characters & I love a romance with a mystery, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the book I wasn’t totally engrossed but I do want to find out what happens
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 6, 2020
I rarely read historical romance but with this book, I am definitely going to be reading a lot more of them. This book starts with Lady Emmaline who is about to get her future locked away in an arranged marriage. But little does she know that the man who had rejected her heart would be knocking on her door for help. This is when we meet Adam Locksley who although likes and wants Emmaline, believes he shouldn't be with her because of his social standing and his lack of land ownership. Anyways, Emmaline takes his request as a way out of her pending marriage. With both of them needing each other, they come up with a compromise and we follow them on a journey to uncover a plot against the government.
With Emmaline's ability to recall people's voices, they set out to find the villain whose voice she had heard before. They run away from home and travel around England, trying to find the arch-villans, the Charters, and also hide from her betrothed.
There are several romantic scenes that were just tasteful. I quite enjoyed it but the ending left me so annoyed and I need the next book as soon as possible!
With Emmaline's ability to recall people's voices, they set out to find the villain whose voice she had heard before. They run away from home and travel around England, trying to find the arch-villans, the Charters, and also hide from her betrothed.
There are several romantic scenes that were just tasteful. I quite enjoyed it but the ending left me so annoyed and I need the next book as soon as possible!
September 27, 2020
This is a good story, however I recommend reading the books previous to this in the series as you miss important details. Good sexual tension but romantic scenes are short, closed door, not detailed enough for my liking. I was left saying “that was it!?”
August 24, 2020
I love second-chance romances and this one pulled me in with high emotional stakes from the get-go. Em is on the brink of a marriage to her childhood best friend, a marriage that is set to move forward the day this book opens even though both the bride and the groom are in love with other people. When Adam, the undercover Home Office agent Em believes is a criminal, is unable to stay away from watching the woman he loves marry his best friend, the sight of him outside the chapel gives the nervous bride the courage she needs to do the right thing. With Adam's help, Em runs, setting the groom free to marry the woman he loves. But while Em's heart still belongs to Adam, she's a long way from trusting him enough to put her feelings on the line again and Adam knows full well he's not worthy of her love. Especially with those secrets he's still keeping...
One of the things I most enjoy about Miles' books are her multi-layered, complex characters. Fully formed and vibrantly depicted, they leap from the page, pulling me into their emotions, their fears, their hopes, and love. The passionate push and pull between Adam and Em is visceral, immersing me in their adventure, and their relationship, almost immediately. I liked them individually and I loved them together. Em is a character to respect and admire (I love how she stands her ground, going toe to toe with Adam as well as his Home Office superiors) and Adam is her heart and mind match, if only he's able to put his class worries aside long enough to realize it, and if Em's willing to forgive him once all his secrets are revealed.
Another aspect of this series that I've enjoyed is the ongoing search for the devious criminal known as Charters. The mystery continues in this book, with new leads to Charters' real identity and Em taking a pivotal role in the search. This is one nasty villain who keeps escaping the net of the Home Office. I am gleefully looking forward to him being caught and justice finally being served.
The secondary cast in this book are much more than window dressing, propelling the story forward in a variety of ways. Adam's Home Office superior continues to pull strings in his agents' lives while maintaining anonymity. His story has been gradually unveiled over the course of the series and I am very curious to see what Miles has in store for him as revealing himself would cause ripple effects far and wide. Miles also introduces a group of new characters, six women, relatives of Adam's, who live a secluded life on a piece of property surrounded by water and with whom I am very intrigued. They have me hoping for more stories. I adored Em's majordomo, Mr. Jeffreys, who has been more father than employee to her since she was a child. And I fell head over heels in love with Em's faithful canine companion, Queen Bess. How she discovers the puppy, Persis who joins their little entourage had me in tears. In fact, Bess had me in tears multiple times. She is one special dog.
If you enjoy well-paced and impeccably researched historical romance with witty dialog, a mystery thread, cross-class romance, and plenty of adventure, give Brazen in Blue a try. Keep in mind, however, that this is the fifth book in a series that has a large cast of characters and a continually evolving mystery. For that reason, there may be some confusion jumping into the series in the middle.
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
One of the things I most enjoy about Miles' books are her multi-layered, complex characters. Fully formed and vibrantly depicted, they leap from the page, pulling me into their emotions, their fears, their hopes, and love. The passionate push and pull between Adam and Em is visceral, immersing me in their adventure, and their relationship, almost immediately. I liked them individually and I loved them together. Em is a character to respect and admire (I love how she stands her ground, going toe to toe with Adam as well as his Home Office superiors) and Adam is her heart and mind match, if only he's able to put his class worries aside long enough to realize it, and if Em's willing to forgive him once all his secrets are revealed.
Another aspect of this series that I've enjoyed is the ongoing search for the devious criminal known as Charters. The mystery continues in this book, with new leads to Charters' real identity and Em taking a pivotal role in the search. This is one nasty villain who keeps escaping the net of the Home Office. I am gleefully looking forward to him being caught and justice finally being served.
The secondary cast in this book are much more than window dressing, propelling the story forward in a variety of ways. Adam's Home Office superior continues to pull strings in his agents' lives while maintaining anonymity. His story has been gradually unveiled over the course of the series and I am very curious to see what Miles has in store for him as revealing himself would cause ripple effects far and wide. Miles also introduces a group of new characters, six women, relatives of Adam's, who live a secluded life on a piece of property surrounded by water and with whom I am very intrigued. They have me hoping for more stories. I adored Em's majordomo, Mr. Jeffreys, who has been more father than employee to her since she was a child. And I fell head over heels in love with Em's faithful canine companion, Queen Bess. How she discovers the puppy, Persis who joins their little entourage had me in tears. In fact, Bess had me in tears multiple times. She is one special dog.
If you enjoy well-paced and impeccably researched historical romance with witty dialog, a mystery thread, cross-class romance, and plenty of adventure, give Brazen in Blue a try. Keep in mind, however, that this is the fifth book in a series that has a large cast of characters and a continually evolving mystery. For that reason, there may be some confusion jumping into the series in the middle.
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
August 29, 2020
Spinser Lady Emmeline Hartley has valiantly overcome the various trials life has thrown at her but now, rejected by the man she loves, she's just about to enter a marriage of convenience with her oldest friend. But when she realizes she can't go through with the it, the man she truly loves is their to help her escape. Em decides to accept his help and perhaps convince him to take a chance on their love.
As one of the best agents the Home Office has, Adam Montclair is used to filling many roles. But as often as he associates with the aristocracy, he is painfully aware of his own lowly status as the son of a clergyman. No matter how much he loves Em, he believes he could never be worthy of marrying her. His latest mission to uncover the identity of a nobleman plotting against the government requires Em's talent for recognizing voices and, though he despises telling her only half-truths, he agrees to help her knowing it will suit his purposes as well. It's torture for Adam to spend so much time around Em and the more dangers they face, the more Adam's priorities begin to shift as regards their relationship and his position.
Boy this was a convoluted plot. I've only read one other book in this series, so that's likely the problem but there were so many loose threads here that I struggled to follow where we were going. I'm wondering if perhaps the books in this series are all occurring concurrently or at least close to it; they must be as I kept feeling like I was missing large chunks of story throughout the book. Adam and Em's past relationship wasn't ever fully explained so I felt a bit adrift from the start and struggled at times to keep all the secondary characters straight. I did like the overall vibe of the book, but it was a struggle to get through because the flow was so choppy and Em was so hot and cold all the time, while Adam was mostly just fatalistic and too lacking in self-worth. I also found this to be rather lacking in steam, intimate scenes were very vague and left me questioning just how close Em and Adam had really gotten, making their relationship development confusing to follow. After all that struggle, Adam still wound up being pretty disgraced and the story line of the villain was left unresolved, though I'm guessing that's being left for a later book. Overall, I liked the mystery and subterfuge aspects here, but the book left me feeling like I'd just been dumped into a party at which I knew no one. It was just a bit disorienting. I think for me the dogs were the best characters here and this series must be read as a whole, and presumably in order, to be enjoyed fully. This was an okay read, but wound up just a bit anticlimactic for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As one of the best agents the Home Office has, Adam Montclair is used to filling many roles. But as often as he associates with the aristocracy, he is painfully aware of his own lowly status as the son of a clergyman. No matter how much he loves Em, he believes he could never be worthy of marrying her. His latest mission to uncover the identity of a nobleman plotting against the government requires Em's talent for recognizing voices and, though he despises telling her only half-truths, he agrees to help her knowing it will suit his purposes as well. It's torture for Adam to spend so much time around Em and the more dangers they face, the more Adam's priorities begin to shift as regards their relationship and his position.
Boy this was a convoluted plot. I've only read one other book in this series, so that's likely the problem but there were so many loose threads here that I struggled to follow where we were going. I'm wondering if perhaps the books in this series are all occurring concurrently or at least close to it; they must be as I kept feeling like I was missing large chunks of story throughout the book. Adam and Em's past relationship wasn't ever fully explained so I felt a bit adrift from the start and struggled at times to keep all the secondary characters straight. I did like the overall vibe of the book, but it was a struggle to get through because the flow was so choppy and Em was so hot and cold all the time, while Adam was mostly just fatalistic and too lacking in self-worth. I also found this to be rather lacking in steam, intimate scenes were very vague and left me questioning just how close Em and Adam had really gotten, making their relationship development confusing to follow. After all that struggle, Adam still wound up being pretty disgraced and the story line of the villain was left unresolved, though I'm guessing that's being left for a later book. Overall, I liked the mystery and subterfuge aspects here, but the book left me feeling like I'd just been dumped into a party at which I knew no one. It was just a bit disorienting. I think for me the dogs were the best characters here and this series must be read as a whole, and presumably in order, to be enjoyed fully. This was an okay read, but wound up just a bit anticlimactic for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2020
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Brazen in Blue turned out to be a nice historical romance with interesting characters.
The main highlight of the story was the characters. I enjoyed Emmeline and Adam in the lead role and liked that they were not stereotyped. Emmeline seems to be the more stable one in the relationship, while Adam is the conflicted one facing issues. Adam feels inferior to Em because of their status, and I liked their dynamic. Also, it was refreshing to see Em mature and grow in the story. Similarly, I loved the supporting characters like Adam’s sisters. Miriam, Augusta, Caroline and Deborah are all unique and interesting, and have their own talents.
Moreover, I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. She writes the tale in a captivating manner that makes you easily visualize the characters and settings of that era. At the same time, I loved the chemistry between the characters and thought this would be an amazing story.
However, as this is the fifth book in the series, the author dives right into Adam and Em’s relationship. Since I have not read the previous book in the series, I was hoping the author would provide a quick recap of their relationship. However, the story does not detail this properly. Instead, the author makes multiple references of incidents which I could not relate to. Hence, I would not recommend to read this as a standalone unless you have read the previous books. Also, the story-line starts off with a bang, but staggers a bit in between. Moreover, there is also a villain in the story which I felt was unnecessary and sidetracked from the plot.
Overall, this book had all the right elements to be perfect, but missed its mark because of the above reasons. Otherwise, it is very entertaining.
June 13, 2020
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Romance novels provide an escape with their predictability - you know everything will end up right in the end, no matter how long it takes to get there. While Brazen in Blue is part of a series, I wasn't deterred from picking it up as many romance series are also successful as standalones; however, this was not the case.
The story begins with Lady Emmeline running from the altar with her sometime lover and Home Office agent, Adam Montclair. They journey to his home where Emmeline meets his cousins and sisters and learns new skills. From there, they are called to London where Emmeline must identify the nemesis of the Home Office, Charters, in exchange for help in saving her estate from claims by her grasping cousin.
Tension lacked throughout the book and it made it extremely difficult to finish because there was nothing to drive the multiple plot lines. There were lots of characters that were hard to keep straight and pieces of the plot seemed to be unnecessary due to underdevelopment. Emmeline was involved in a carriage accident as a child that left her with a leg injury, but it doesn't seem to matter much. She also can see voices, which is why the Home Office needs her help, but this never comes up in other storylines. Adam's female relations have an interesting philosophy about finding joy in work, but it seems random and not be addressing any specific conflict - Emmeline isn't some philistine that champions progress or industrialization that needs to take time to appreciate the art of doing. A fire at the end of the book still didn't bring me to care about the characters and, while there was resolution, and the plot didn't feel buttoned up nicely at the end, most likely as a dangle for next books in the series. Perhaps if I had read the previous books and was looking for a series I would have been more invested, but unfortunately this book did not hit the mark for me and I mostly skimmed through the second half.
Romance novels provide an escape with their predictability - you know everything will end up right in the end, no matter how long it takes to get there. While Brazen in Blue is part of a series, I wasn't deterred from picking it up as many romance series are also successful as standalones; however, this was not the case.
The story begins with Lady Emmeline running from the altar with her sometime lover and Home Office agent, Adam Montclair. They journey to his home where Emmeline meets his cousins and sisters and learns new skills. From there, they are called to London where Emmeline must identify the nemesis of the Home Office, Charters, in exchange for help in saving her estate from claims by her grasping cousin.
Tension lacked throughout the book and it made it extremely difficult to finish because there was nothing to drive the multiple plot lines. There were lots of characters that were hard to keep straight and pieces of the plot seemed to be unnecessary due to underdevelopment. Emmeline was involved in a carriage accident as a child that left her with a leg injury, but it doesn't seem to matter much. She also can see voices, which is why the Home Office needs her help, but this never comes up in other storylines. Adam's female relations have an interesting philosophy about finding joy in work, but it seems random and not be addressing any specific conflict - Emmeline isn't some philistine that champions progress or industrialization that needs to take time to appreciate the art of doing. A fire at the end of the book still didn't bring me to care about the characters and, while there was resolution, and the plot didn't feel buttoned up nicely at the end, most likely as a dangle for next books in the series. Perhaps if I had read the previous books and was looking for a series I would have been more invested, but unfortunately this book did not hit the mark for me and I mostly skimmed through the second half.
September 29, 2020
This book started out really slow for me, and maybe that was just the thing that killed it for me. I think this author has a lot of potential, and I will read her again, but this one wasn't for me. I was never sold on their second chance romance and that's something I need to be if I'm going to root for them. I think jumping into the middle of this series might have not been a good idea even though I seen that this could be a stand alone book. This is probably a "it's not you it's me" case here and I get that. I will try her again though.
ARC in exchange for an honest review
ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 16, 2020
Brazen in Blue
Series: Book 5 in the The Muses' Salon Series
Rating:2.5 (rounded to a 3) stars
Thank you the the publisher for providing the ARC through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Brazen in Blue is the first book I read by this author and is the first book in the series I have read. It is a second chance romance that follows our to MCs trying to solve the mystery of finding a man who's caused trouble to the Home Office. Adam comes back in to her life the day she is getting married, but she gets cold feet and asks his help to run away. She's a little reluctant to have his help but she is in dire need and she feels he is the only one that can. He agrees, but he then asks for assistance in finding a man the Home Office has been looking for. Adam and Emmeline's story takes us on an adventure in the search for this man. Em is good at recognizing voices and Home Office believes this talent will help them find this man faster. They had previously been involved in a very short affair which was broken off when he left her.
I don't know if it's because I have not read the previous four books in this series, I felt that I started this story in the middle. Characters appear that I have no idea how they relate to them and the case they are trying to solve. Another thing that I felt about this story was not much happened. Some parts were a little boring and dragged. The romance aspect was barely there. Throughout most of the book Adam feels he's not worthy of Em, because he's not on the same social standing as her. It took her a while to convince him otherwise. Their romantic scenes together were bland, especially since their sexy times were low steam.
Overall, it was just an okay read.
Series: Book 5 in the The Muses' Salon Series
Rating:2.5 (rounded to a 3) stars
Thank you the the publisher for providing the ARC through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Brazen in Blue is the first book I read by this author and is the first book in the series I have read. It is a second chance romance that follows our to MCs trying to solve the mystery of finding a man who's caused trouble to the Home Office. Adam comes back in to her life the day she is getting married, but she gets cold feet and asks his help to run away. She's a little reluctant to have his help but she is in dire need and she feels he is the only one that can. He agrees, but he then asks for assistance in finding a man the Home Office has been looking for. Adam and Emmeline's story takes us on an adventure in the search for this man. Em is good at recognizing voices and Home Office believes this talent will help them find this man faster. They had previously been involved in a very short affair which was broken off when he left her.
I don't know if it's because I have not read the previous four books in this series, I felt that I started this story in the middle. Characters appear that I have no idea how they relate to them and the case they are trying to solve. Another thing that I felt about this story was not much happened. Some parts were a little boring and dragged. The romance aspect was barely there. Throughout most of the book Adam feels he's not worthy of Em, because he's not on the same social standing as her. It took her a while to convince him otherwise. Their romantic scenes together were bland, especially since their sexy times were low steam.
Overall, it was just an okay read.
August 26, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Brazen in Blue by Rachel Miles is the fifth book in the authors The Muses Salon Series. I chose this book to read because of the cover; it’s gorgeous not realizing that it was the fifth book and while the author does do a reasonably good job of covering the backstory Ithink I would have enjoyed it more had I read the previous novels because there were a few times I felt just a bit confused. Lady Emmeline Hartley is about to get married to her best friend whom she loves but not in the right way when she decides that marrying without love would only lead to heartache for both of them especially when her betrothed will now have the opportunity to marry the woman he truly loves if she does not go through with the wedding.
She sends a note to home office agent Adam Montclair the man who broke her heart seeking a scoundrel to help her escape unnoticed. In a plot with lots of twists and turns where there are dastardly villains and even the good guys are not that trustworthy the only one Beth can count on is Adam but he’s been keeping secrets too. I enjoyed reading this book and now will have to go back and read the first four to answer the questions I still have. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: August 25, 2020. #BrazenInBlue #RachelMiles #KensingtonBooks #HistoricalRomance #bookstagram #bookstagramer
She sends a note to home office agent Adam Montclair the man who broke her heart seeking a scoundrel to help her escape unnoticed. In a plot with lots of twists and turns where there are dastardly villains and even the good guys are not that trustworthy the only one Beth can count on is Adam but he’s been keeping secrets too. I enjoyed reading this book and now will have to go back and read the first four to answer the questions I still have. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: August 25, 2020. #BrazenInBlue #RachelMiles #KensingtonBooks #HistoricalRomance #bookstagram #bookstagramer
August 30, 2020
I wanted to like this book more, but it left me with a disjointed feeling and a lack of finality in the end… There are many side stories going on in this book, which makes me believe that if I had stared the series at the beginning, it would have flowed better for me.
Somethings that I enjoyed about Brazen in blue was the dogs included almost as supporting characters, Queen Bess the heroines dog and companions was a delight. I also love a good second chance romance and a road trip, which this book had both!
In general the side story and the switching of the narrative was just too jarring and left me not enjoying the HEA for Emma and Adam as much as I should have.
I highly recommend starting this series from the start in order to fully enjoy it. This book had some great characters which I wish I could have appreciated more.
Brazen in Blue by Rachael Miles was released August 25th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zebra, Kensington Book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#BrazeninBlue #RachaelMiles #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads
Somethings that I enjoyed about Brazen in blue was the dogs included almost as supporting characters, Queen Bess the heroines dog and companions was a delight. I also love a good second chance romance and a road trip, which this book had both!
In general the side story and the switching of the narrative was just too jarring and left me not enjoying the HEA for Emma and Adam as much as I should have.
I highly recommend starting this series from the start in order to fully enjoy it. This book had some great characters which I wish I could have appreciated more.
Brazen in Blue by Rachael Miles was released August 25th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zebra, Kensington Book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#BrazeninBlue #RachaelMiles #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads
September 20, 2020
Brazen in Blue by Rachael Miles is book 5 in The Muses' Salon Series. This is the story of Adam Montclair and Emmeline Hartley. I have read the previous books which of courses added to my enjoyment of this one, but I do feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Adam is an agent for the Home Office which dictates his life and who can know who he really is. Which is why when he meet Em he couldn't be honest with her and had to leave. But now he is back needing her help with an assignment using her special talents. Em lost her heart to Adam but he had left when he reappears at her wedding of convenience she asked him to help her leave it. This opens them up to adventure and a second chance at their feelings.
Adam is an agent for the Home Office which dictates his life and who can know who he really is. Which is why when he meet Em he couldn't be honest with her and had to leave. But now he is back needing her help with an assignment using her special talents. Em lost her heart to Adam but he had left when he reappears at her wedding of convenience she asked him to help her leave it. This opens them up to adventure and a second chance at their feelings.
April 20, 2022
This was really good, i enjoyed Emmie and Adam. How their relationship and their characters grew throughout the book.
I got this eARC from Netgalley.
I got this eARC from Netgalley.
October 23, 2020
When Colin, her best friend had shown up needing help, she had to help him. A few months later she got a note from Adam Locksley/ Montclair to meet at the old oak, He told her there was too much distance in the classes between them and he was not worthy of her. Emmeline Hartley had been getting ready for the wedding. She loved Colin but not enough and he loved Lucy. Em had decided to run. Em had scars on parts of her body and now she walked with a limp. She also lost that day, her mother and all of her sisters, in a carriage accident. Her leg was badly broken and they were not sure she would live. She had watched him cross the cemetery to the chapel, to say goodbye. Maybe, just maybe he could forget her. All Adam wanted was to hear her vows and realize that she never be there for him again. He worked for the Home Office and was a spy. His sisters, cousins, and children lived on a small property up towards the North of England. He had not exactly honest with Em. He knew she would not trust him.
This is a love and spy story. There are a few twists to the plot. The tale is excellent and well written. The characters are warm and engrossing. She was one of those people who liked to help out and felt it was their duty. He would do anything for country and duty.
I received this ArC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is a love and spy story. There are a few twists to the plot. The tale is excellent and well written. The characters are warm and engrossing. She was one of those people who liked to help out and felt it was their duty. He would do anything for country and duty.
I received this ArC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 6, 2020
An ok read, but not a stand out. The characters of Emmeline and Adam were flat and one dimensional and the story was forgettable.
August 26, 2020
Brazen in Blue is part of the Muses Salon Series. I feel that not having read the earlier books in the series put me at a disadvantage. There were a lot of characters and backstory I was not clear on and some impacted the actions of the characters in this book.
The hero, Adam Montclair is an agent for the Home Office and in one of his roles he and Em met and fell in love.
He had infiltrated some farmers with revolutionary inclinations and Em feels that he betrayed and used her when people she knew were hung for their part. She also believed that Adam was hung for his part.
Some time later, Em agrees to marry Colin, who she loves but more as a brother. Her cousin, Stella, calls Colin out on a long ago promise to marry her and he feels he needs to go along. Adam is invited to the wedding-he and Colin both work at the Home Office and he can't keep away and Em realizes he hadn't died after all. Colin still loves another woman but he insists on marrying Em so she decides to run away from her wedding so Colin can marry her. His brothers support that decision and ask Adam to find her and keep her away from Colin until he comes to his senses. They do not know that Em has already asked Adam to help her escape. The Home office is also involved-Colin had bragged about Em's ability to identify people based on their voices and they wanted her to help identify the man who was instigating the people to revolt.
Thus begins a road trip to Adam's estate, meeting his family and learning of his/their situation and then back to London to try to identify the villain. They've always been in love, but Adam's pride prevents their being together. But eventually there is an HEA.
.I'd rate this a 3.5. I enjoyed it enough to go back and read others in the series and feel the author is talented at telling a story, but it was a bit convoluted as a standalone.
I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
The hero, Adam Montclair is an agent for the Home Office and in one of his roles he and Em met and fell in love.
He had infiltrated some farmers with revolutionary inclinations and Em feels that he betrayed and used her when people she knew were hung for their part. She also believed that Adam was hung for his part.
Some time later, Em agrees to marry Colin, who she loves but more as a brother. Her cousin, Stella, calls Colin out on a long ago promise to marry her and he feels he needs to go along. Adam is invited to the wedding-he and Colin both work at the Home Office and he can't keep away and Em realizes he hadn't died after all. Colin still loves another woman but he insists on marrying Em so she decides to run away from her wedding so Colin can marry her. His brothers support that decision and ask Adam to find her and keep her away from Colin until he comes to his senses. They do not know that Em has already asked Adam to help her escape. The Home office is also involved-Colin had bragged about Em's ability to identify people based on their voices and they wanted her to help identify the man who was instigating the people to revolt.
Thus begins a road trip to Adam's estate, meeting his family and learning of his/their situation and then back to London to try to identify the villain. They've always been in love, but Adam's pride prevents their being together. But eventually there is an HEA.
.I'd rate this a 3.5. I enjoyed it enough to go back and read others in the series and feel the author is talented at telling a story, but it was a bit convoluted as a standalone.
I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 9, 2020
This story was full of intrigue and spies and secrets. The heroine, a strong lady in spirit and character, had a childhood injury that left her with a limp and a slight facial scar. The hero is a man who works for the government. When they initially met, it was perfect and the heroine gave the hero her greatest gift, her heart. After he abused it by lying about himself, he returns to ask for help. She refuses. The next scene is right before her wedding to a friend. She flees the wedding with the hero and he has to pretend that the groom's family hired him when actually she requested his help to get away. And the story just gets more action, intrigue and danger from there. The heroine is slightly based on modern women, in her acts and deeds. The hero is just your normal hero who thinks he isn't good enough, but can't stay away. All together, a powerful story that the reader will not forget anytime soon. The story is very well written and just flies by. It is so smooth and over before the reader realizes it. I read it twice and it is a good story that will stay with you. This is a well written, cohesive story with likeable characters. There are no danglers and I like the characters very much. There were very many supporting characters and sub stories going that will probably be the main story in another book. This type of writing where the stories meld together instead of moving in a jerky pattern needs a very precise style of writing and this author achieves what most just hope to accomplish. I recommend this story with 5 stars.
August 28, 2020
Emmeline had agreed to get married to her best friend, but it was kind of an agreement under duress... When the day came for the wedding, she saw an opportunity to run and did it.
Adam came to his best friend's wedding to see if witnessing the vows would purge the bride from his mind. He never counted on her coming to him to help her run away.
Emmeline and Adam had meet and fallen in love. But while they fell in love, Adam was on a mission for the Home Office. Emmeline didn't even know his real name. When the mission was over and Adam had to leave, it was played out that Emmeline and everyone else thought he was dead.
But when Adam shows up at her wedding, Emmeline knows that he is the only one that can help her. Adam agrees to help. But then when it is learned that Emmeline has run, Adam is tasked with finding her and the man that she ran off with.
Adam and Emmeline are still in love, but with everything against them, can they get their HEA?
While I really did enjoy the story, I was a bit confused at times. They would mention things that had happened in the past and while I've read all the other books in the series, it still left me perplexed at times. It was just a little too nonlinear to me.
But having said that, I really enjoyed watching Adam and Emmeline finding their way back to one another. Adam was in role when he fell for Emmeline, so while he knew her, she couldn't say the same of him. She needs to know the man that he was without the act that he is putting on for the job. Overall, this was a great addition to the Muses' Salon series.
Adam came to his best friend's wedding to see if witnessing the vows would purge the bride from his mind. He never counted on her coming to him to help her run away.
Emmeline and Adam had meet and fallen in love. But while they fell in love, Adam was on a mission for the Home Office. Emmeline didn't even know his real name. When the mission was over and Adam had to leave, it was played out that Emmeline and everyone else thought he was dead.
But when Adam shows up at her wedding, Emmeline knows that he is the only one that can help her. Adam agrees to help. But then when it is learned that Emmeline has run, Adam is tasked with finding her and the man that she ran off with.
Adam and Emmeline are still in love, but with everything against them, can they get their HEA?
While I really did enjoy the story, I was a bit confused at times. They would mention things that had happened in the past and while I've read all the other books in the series, it still left me perplexed at times. It was just a little too nonlinear to me.
But having said that, I really enjoyed watching Adam and Emmeline finding their way back to one another. Adam was in role when he fell for Emmeline, so while he knew her, she couldn't say the same of him. She needs to know the man that he was without the act that he is putting on for the job. Overall, this was a great addition to the Muses' Salon series.
May 17, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I think my overall enjoyment of this book was hurt by the fact that I have not read the prior books in the series. Although there are many references to the events in past books I felt like I was definitely missing something. This is also one of those books that would have been about 20 pages long had the main characters just talked to one another about what they were thinking and feeling. I liked Em and Adam both as individuals and as a couple, but they could be so so frustrating at times! I enjoyed following Em's story as she spread her wings and learned to find more enjoyment in life. I would have liked to have gotten just one scene between Em and Colin after their lives settled down - just to show that their friendship survived everything that had happened.
At times I felt like there was too much going on and a lot of plotlines were left unresolved. So much of this story revolved around Adam having to convince Em to help the Home Office, and then when she finally identifies the bad guy it jumps to something else and it wasn't clear if that information was ever relayed to anyone who would need to know. I got the impression that this mystery is one that has carried over several books, so it is possible that it will be resolved in a later book. The villain's connection to Em's father is also never explained or examined further.
I think my overall enjoyment of this book was hurt by the fact that I have not read the prior books in the series. Although there are many references to the events in past books I felt like I was definitely missing something. This is also one of those books that would have been about 20 pages long had the main characters just talked to one another about what they were thinking and feeling. I liked Em and Adam both as individuals and as a couple, but they could be so so frustrating at times! I enjoyed following Em's story as she spread her wings and learned to find more enjoyment in life. I would have liked to have gotten just one scene between Em and Colin after their lives settled down - just to show that their friendship survived everything that had happened.
At times I felt like there was too much going on and a lot of plotlines were left unresolved. So much of this story revolved around Adam having to convince Em to help the Home Office, and then when she finally identifies the bad guy it jumps to something else and it wasn't clear if that information was ever relayed to anyone who would need to know. I got the impression that this mystery is one that has carried over several books, so it is possible that it will be resolved in a later book. The villain's connection to Em's father is also never explained or examined further.
August 9, 2020
Brazen in Blue
Adam & Em seem to be at cross purposes at every point. She almost marries her good friend. Adam appears as if a out of the night, and this is how Em has finally figured out that Adam is an agent of the Crown. It still does not seem to help heal the initial pain of the lies told by Adam at their first meeting.
Em is so insecure about being loved for herself because of the way her father has viewed her as “broken” in her heart and mind. Whether he does or not she has no clue because he left her when she needed him most as most people have done is leave her.
Adam is a sole provider for his mother and sisters and he feels he is not Em’s equal. What could he possibly offer to her? He is truly a man of great principles and honor, but not land or monies. He cannot give Em the life she deserves or what he thinks she should have befitting her place in society. But, has he ever asked her what does she want? He might be surprised by the answer!
Who is plotting against who because remember Adam is an undercover agent and there are some devious things going on that involves these two! Someone is not only maneuvering against the government, but could they be after Em for her skills or wanting Tony because he is an efficient agent,
Star-crossed lovers will the two ever come together? Will the obstacles being thrown in their way be thwarted. Get this book it has lots of twists and turns!
Adam & Em seem to be at cross purposes at every point. She almost marries her good friend. Adam appears as if a out of the night, and this is how Em has finally figured out that Adam is an agent of the Crown. It still does not seem to help heal the initial pain of the lies told by Adam at their first meeting.
Em is so insecure about being loved for herself because of the way her father has viewed her as “broken” in her heart and mind. Whether he does or not she has no clue because he left her when she needed him most as most people have done is leave her.
Adam is a sole provider for his mother and sisters and he feels he is not Em’s equal. What could he possibly offer to her? He is truly a man of great principles and honor, but not land or monies. He cannot give Em the life she deserves or what he thinks she should have befitting her place in society. But, has he ever asked her what does she want? He might be surprised by the answer!
Who is plotting against who because remember Adam is an undercover agent and there are some devious things going on that involves these two! Someone is not only maneuvering against the government, but could they be after Em for her skills or wanting Tony because he is an efficient agent,
Star-crossed lovers will the two ever come together? Will the obstacles being thrown in their way be thwarted. Get this book it has lots of twists and turns!
August 25, 2020
‘Brazen in Blue‘ is the fifth title in ‘The Muses’ Salon‘ series, and while I’ve read the earlier books (but not yet reviewed-I’d purchased and did a binge read of the series up to this point this past weekend, the reviews are still to come) – I still had some trouble with Adam and Em’s romance. I enjoyed the second chance romance aspect of this story. The special talent of recognizing any voice that Em has heard at least once before is, frankly, fascinating. Yet, for me, there were places that were left empty, questions asked but the answers not delivered.
So, I’m torn in many ways on ‘Brazen in Blue‘. It’s a good story, I enjoyed my time back in this world once again. It simply didn’t blow me away. There are a lot of familiar faces in Adam’s and Em’s story. This is a series that, in my opinion, really needs to be read in order. This was a 3.5-star story for me, and I’ll round-up on the various sites where I leave reviews. I’m going to leave this review at this point. A good story, an enjoyable visit with previous book friends… and perhaps those spots that gave me pause will be addressed in the next title in the series. As with any review, these are my thoughts – you should make up your own mind.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
So, I’m torn in many ways on ‘Brazen in Blue‘. It’s a good story, I enjoyed my time back in this world once again. It simply didn’t blow me away. There are a lot of familiar faces in Adam’s and Em’s story. This is a series that, in my opinion, really needs to be read in order. This was a 3.5-star story for me, and I’ll round-up on the various sites where I leave reviews. I’m going to leave this review at this point. A good story, an enjoyable visit with previous book friends… and perhaps those spots that gave me pause will be addressed in the next title in the series. As with any review, these are my thoughts – you should make up your own mind.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
October 6, 2024
Brazen in Blue (The Muses’ Salon). By Rachael Miles. 2020. Zebra. (ARC eBook).
As Lady Emmeline Hartley readies herself to call off the morning’s ceremony to bind her to her friend Colin in a marriage of convenience, she sees a dead man walking across the churchyard. Adam Montclair, an agent of the Home Office, knows he shouldn’t be attending the wedding, but he can’t resist seeing Em one last time. But when she asks him to help her hide while the scandal of jilting Colin dies down, Adam finds himself in a real conundrum. As the man who loves Em he wants to whisk her away with him and forget about their differences in station. But as an agent he’s been tasked with recruiting her for a dangerous mission and he’s afraid there are too many lies between them to ever gain her forgiveness.
I really liked Em and Adam. The animals, Queen Bess and Persis, really helped deliver some heartwarming scenes. While the spy work elements wove in some intrigue. This is the first book I’ve read by Miles and I look forward to reading more by her. Brazen in Blue is a definite recommend for a Regency second-chance romance.
*Zebra ARC via NetGalley
As Lady Emmeline Hartley readies herself to call off the morning’s ceremony to bind her to her friend Colin in a marriage of convenience, she sees a dead man walking across the churchyard. Adam Montclair, an agent of the Home Office, knows he shouldn’t be attending the wedding, but he can’t resist seeing Em one last time. But when she asks him to help her hide while the scandal of jilting Colin dies down, Adam finds himself in a real conundrum. As the man who loves Em he wants to whisk her away with him and forget about their differences in station. But as an agent he’s been tasked with recruiting her for a dangerous mission and he’s afraid there are too many lies between them to ever gain her forgiveness.
I really liked Em and Adam. The animals, Queen Bess and Persis, really helped deliver some heartwarming scenes. While the spy work elements wove in some intrigue. This is the first book I’ve read by Miles and I look forward to reading more by her. Brazen in Blue is a definite recommend for a Regency second-chance romance.
*Zebra ARC via NetGalley
June 17, 2020
💛💛Romance Review💛💛
Brazen in Blue is a new story in the series by Racheal Miles and comes to you from Kensington Books this August! Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early copy!
Before we start let me disclaim that I did not finish this one. I couldn’t connect with the MCs at all and whilst the idea of a brazen, faerie loving heroine and her criminal lover seems dreamy in the imagination, on paper it just didn’t woo me like I’d have liked. Alas, this may have been simply because I couldn’t connect with the characters.
Another problem I had was the actual story, for the first 12% of the book I seemed to be reading and reading and yet I didn’t feel like I was actually learning anything and everything felt just as distant as when I first started to read.
What I did like was the heroine walked with a walking stick and had some disability with her leg. I didn’t read enough to find out what was wrong but it stuck out to me as inclusive and interesting that she had this debonair walk with stick in hand. I also liked the connection between the hero and the Peterloo protests, again I didn’t read enough to find out what he exactly did but having such an important piece of history within the story made it appealing.
Overall, whilst I couldn’t connect and enjoy at this time, the good points were good enough to make me want to try this one again at another time - hopefully I’ll enjoy it more a second time around.
Brazen in Blue is a new story in the series by Racheal Miles and comes to you from Kensington Books this August! Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early copy!
Before we start let me disclaim that I did not finish this one. I couldn’t connect with the MCs at all and whilst the idea of a brazen, faerie loving heroine and her criminal lover seems dreamy in the imagination, on paper it just didn’t woo me like I’d have liked. Alas, this may have been simply because I couldn’t connect with the characters.
Another problem I had was the actual story, for the first 12% of the book I seemed to be reading and reading and yet I didn’t feel like I was actually learning anything and everything felt just as distant as when I first started to read.
What I did like was the heroine walked with a walking stick and had some disability with her leg. I didn’t read enough to find out what was wrong but it stuck out to me as inclusive and interesting that she had this debonair walk with stick in hand. I also liked the connection between the hero and the Peterloo protests, again I didn’t read enough to find out what he exactly did but having such an important piece of history within the story made it appealing.
Overall, whilst I couldn’t connect and enjoy at this time, the good points were good enough to make me want to try this one again at another time - hopefully I’ll enjoy it more a second time around.
August 13, 2020
Brazen in Blue by Rachel Miles is the fifth book in the Muses’ Salon. The books all can be read as standalones. The books are about the various women in the groups.
Lady Emmeline Hartley lost her heart years ago to a rogue. A man who seemed to have many faces and names. She finally was almost trapped into a marriage of convenience when on the day of her wedding, he came back. She knew he would help her.
Adam Montclair, an agent for the country is a man who could be many people and do many jobs. The only person who he ever loved, he lost due to his lack of social standing. Adam helps her escape and stays with her while she hides. Adam helps cover her path, but he knows that their time together is limited.
Emmeline and Adam were a great couple. The storyline of a love that cannot transcend societal lines was heartfelt, but felt the storyline of the criminal that Emmeline was supposed to help find was never clearly finished. This bothered me. Having a good ending was helpful to my enjoyment. Brazen in Blue by Rachel Miles was a new author and series for me to read. I found the book was okay.
Lady Emmeline Hartley lost her heart years ago to a rogue. A man who seemed to have many faces and names. She finally was almost trapped into a marriage of convenience when on the day of her wedding, he came back. She knew he would help her.
Adam Montclair, an agent for the country is a man who could be many people and do many jobs. The only person who he ever loved, he lost due to his lack of social standing. Adam helps her escape and stays with her while she hides. Adam helps cover her path, but he knows that their time together is limited.
Emmeline and Adam were a great couple. The storyline of a love that cannot transcend societal lines was heartfelt, but felt the storyline of the criminal that Emmeline was supposed to help find was never clearly finished. This bothered me. Having a good ending was helpful to my enjoyment. Brazen in Blue by Rachel Miles was a new author and series for me to read. I found the book was okay.
August 17, 2020
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I liked this book. It took me a while to get into this book and I felt like there were pieces that I was missing throughout the book. The past relationship between Adam and Em wasn't fully explained and so I felt somewhat lost. This is the fifth book in the series and I belive that has a significant impact. There are so many secondary characters that the book seems to lose itself in parts. Again this maybe because I haven't read any other books in the series.
Adam was sweet but I felt like the book dragged on too long with him feeling inferior and not enough for Em. The plot about Em working for the Home Office also felt weak and not developed enough. Em was a strong character, having survive a life threatening accident that killed her family and being abandoned by her father. It did feel like Em forgave Adam to fast and jumped into bed with him. This is a good book but I think you might have to read the other books to really enjoy this one. (I'm not a hundred percent sure the bad guy was caught).
Adam was sweet but I felt like the book dragged on too long with him feeling inferior and not enough for Em. The plot about Em working for the Home Office also felt weak and not developed enough. Em was a strong character, having survive a life threatening accident that killed her family and being abandoned by her father. It did feel like Em forgave Adam to fast and jumped into bed with him. This is a good book but I think you might have to read the other books to really enjoy this one. (I'm not a hundred percent sure the bad guy was caught).
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