One confident Duchess. One broken hero. With danger looming, will they uncover more than they bargained for?
A determined Duchess... Lady Anna Trevallyn, Duchess Wrexford, does not possess the typical qualities of the Boston elite. Confident and strong, she refuses to accept her place as a second-class citizen in a man's world--especially when her best friend, Libby, unexpectedly disappears without a trace. Unwilling to leave it to the men to uncover, she's determined to get answers.
A damaged Prince... His Royal Highness, Prince Penforth Armstrong-Leeds, will do anything to locate his sister, Libby. Sharing resources, knowledge, and time with the beautiful and intelligent Lady Anna is an added advantage. Pen has secretly admired Anna from afar for years, but his war wound forces him to remain at bay.
An unlikely pair... As Pen and Anna delve for answers beneath high society's gilded exterior, their feelings for one another intensify. Now, they must navigate their strong feelings while locating Libby before her reputation is permanently destroyed. With time running out, will they uncover the truth before lives are lost and hearts broken?
This is the first in a Victorian Romance series featuring strong and feisty heroines at the forefront of the new age in 1890s America.
Read each story as a stand-alone, or read the series in order.
Fun story about two headstrong people working together to find someone they both care about. I enjoyed the characters and the plot that kept me engaged. A great read.
Very cringey. Almost read like a novella, so I didn't like it as much. The prince is a damaged, broken boy (how stereotypical of him) and the girl is fiercely determined (again, how stereotypical). I guess I just didn't like the plot, and the romance wasn't good enough to make up for it.
Romance: CLEAN. No curse words (besides "blast") and no explicit scenes.
♦️♦️ONE OUTSTANDING THRILL♦️♦️ Tripping! Ava hit the ground running full throttle, delivering this artfully spun debacle, breaking the rules, hard decisions and tracking clues, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, launching this jewel to a whole new level. One skillfully composed action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping dynamo, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, propelling this baby to life brilliantly. Bound, wound and tightly tangled, showcasing the soaring ups and agonizing downs inspiring in it's simplicity and beautiful in it's depth, putting our characters through their paces, fusing this gem together flawlessly. A tumultuous vortex chocked-full of arduous struggles and staggering triumphs, observing the dangerous twists and dramatic turns, clocking the adorable quirks and defying bents, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never imagined. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Ava, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
This was one of those Stuff You Kindle Day finds, and I have been slacking on the historical romances this year. But this one was so much fun. Anna reminds me so much of what I wanted for Eloise in Bridgerton. In the book, Eloise eventually conforms to society, marries, and becomes a stepmom. But in the show, I have so much hope for her to be a spinster or go out and forge her own path. I really love the newspaper person she meets. Anyway, Eloise isn't your typical lady. She follows her own path and is a tomboy. Meanwhile, Anna in this book is super independent; she has the means to live her life however she chooses, and again, she has plans of being sinister and never marrying or even having kids. She ends up with Pen because they go on a mystery/rescue mission to save his sister/her best friend, and they go through so much in this short book. These two were grump meets sunshine, and I loved every second. I wish it was a little bit longer because there is so much happening here, and I feel like it could've been a little bit more insane or even more detailed. But I really want to read more in this series. This one isn't in London; it is more Victorian and in the States, so it's a different setup than what we have seen since I have minimal experience in the historical romance world. I really need to read more, especially more of this series.
Sorry this one was just not for me but if you're looking for a sweet story line, this could be a good match for you. It wasn't the sweetness that threw me off - it was lethargic plot and the lack of any real sense that the book was set in the time period and location it was in. Give Still Life With Murder a read and you'll see what I mean (set in a similar time period, also in Boston).
And speaking of Boston, what in the world was a duchess doing living there? That was never really explained. It is extremely unlikely that her father would have been able to let his daughter inherit the duchy (as opposed to a male heir) but given that he did, wouldn't it make sense for her to be in England somehow managing her estate? As a persnickety side note, I couldn't help notice that she is addressed as Duchess Wrexford when it should have been Duchess OF Wrexford. Similarly I wondered why Prince Penforth was living in Boston too. Why not just make them both Boston Brahmins?
The plot just meandered along and the two of them appear to have just spontaneously realized that far from disliking each other, they actually loved each other. At 75% in, I simply didn't care what happened to Libby or how they were going to find her.
I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters. The two main characters were Lady Anna Trevallyn the Duchess Wrexford and Prince Penforth Armstrong- Leeds.
Lady Anna Trevallyn, the Duchess Wrexford is quite different than most Boston elites. When her best friend go missing during a party that she having at her home. She has decided that she doesn't want to stand around and wait to find her best friend. Instead she starts to look around and be involved. But her best friend brother is in the way.
Prince Penforth Armstrong- Leeds will do anything to get his sister back. She has gone missing during a party that her best friend is throwing. He is quite surprised when her best friend want to involve herself in finding her friend.
This was a fun short story to read. It has action, adventure, suspense, and a little bit of mystery. It also had a few funny parts that had me laughing or giggling to.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
I liked that this was more mystery focused and that was what brings the couple together.
Duchess Anna Wexford is unusual because her father named her his heir, she moves to Boston and is best friends with Elizabeth "Libby", a princess while often meeting her broody brother, Penforth at events she hosts. Both women feel strongly about women's equality which I liked. Pen used to be in the navy. He is sullen over his injury which causes him to limp and have pain in his leg and has pushed away everyone close to him.
Initially, he is controlling and refuses to allow Anna to help in the search for his missing sister but she proves that she is a valuable ally. I did think the way he threw money around to get information and things done was abit too convenient. But the writing was good and story length just right.
Why would a British duchess be living in Boston? How would her father have been able to give her the title, is that even possible? And what good is the title if she isn't able to take her place in the House of Lords? Who is running the massive estates that would come with being a duchess--back in England?
I think the story in itself was quite interesting without the weirdness of her being a "duchess." I also think the Prince didn't need to be a prince (again, why wouldn't he be living in his own country?). The two could have been well-to-do Bostonians who were fighting crime and trying to find their friend/sister. The whole treating the servants like serfs also didn't work in Boston.
But by the by, an interesting story with intrigue. Just don't be as picky as I am and you'll enjoy it more. :)
Anna, Duchess Wrexford is searching for her friend Libby who has gone missing at her party. Prince Penforth Armstrong-Leeds at first doesn't want her to help him find his sister, but Anna discovers clues that he and the police have not. They head out on a search together for Libby and discover they have feelings for each other and something bigger than her disappearance. I was surprised Pen kept being called Sir Pen when he has a baron title, which usually involves calling someone lord and not sir along with the honorary prince one. Anna is a strong proponent of women's rights and independence and Pen doesn't agree with her in the beginning of the book, but he changes his tune during the search. The story ends with a cliffhanger leading into the next book.
Anna Trevallyn (Duchess of Wrexford) Penforth ( His Royal Highness Prince Penworth)
Anna is hosting a soirée when her friend Libby disappears after going upstairs to change her dress. Upon finding out Libby is gone she joins Penforth in finding her before she is discovered missing by society. Anna and Penforth have both been hiding feelings for the other and while trying to find Libby they reveal their feelings to each other. Anna is resourceful and straightforward. Penforth wounded in battle has spent years keeping people at a distance. As they work together they discover each other’s strengths and grow emotionally. This is a good first book. I liked both Anna and Penforth. I would read other books by this author and read more books in this series.
Anna is from a very forward thinking family having had a Ducal title passed down to her thru her father's passing and not to a male heir! Fenworth aka Fen has closed himself aloof from his family until disaster strikes! Libby his older sister is kidnapped and taken from Anna's home after a ball! Following clues in Libby journal they work together to avoid a scandal that could affect Margaurite future! Things don't go as planned and Fen and Anna discover they are more alike than different! This plot affects Libby and several other young ladies will they rescue Libby in time? The ruthlessness of the kidnappers is chilling!! Can their be hope for a HEA?
What an interesting story! I love that Anna was given the duchy by her father over any male cousins since he had no sons. That doesn't happen very often in stories and I love that the author chose to do that! Penforth drove me crazy throughout the story, but I loved him by the end. I'm so glad things worked out after the kidnapping of Libby and that she is safe. But yet, I'm extremely livid that the police think Libby is a suspect after everything she's been through. It's ridiculous. I can't wait to see what's in store for Libby in the next book. She deserves to be happy. And I want to see more of Anna and Penforth!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Prince Penforth "Pen" and Lady Anna race to find his sister, Princess Elizabeth "Libby", who disappeared during a house party. But has she just eloped or is there an undertone of danger in her rapid departure? Pen and Anna must race against the clock to save Libby's virtue, and perhaps her life.
A sweet historical romance, this story pairs an adventurous rescue with a slow burning love blossoming between the headstrong Anna and the reclusive Penforth. What a fun story to follow along and I enjoyed seeing Anna and Pen slowly realise the depth of their feelings.
I’ll admit this wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it was good! I liked the main character interactions, the mystery was exciting and suspenseful, and the I enjoyed the character personalities.
Whilst the story arc for the main characters is finished, the story itself ends in a cliffhanger for the overarching story, so be aware.
The story is dual POV, well written and edited, and I truly enjoyed meeting these characters, especially the females working for women’s rights.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for a voluntary honest review.
A well-written Regency story, unusual enough in that it is set in Massachusetts, not London. In 1890, this makes me wonder a lot about the use of titles and the associated classism, not that classism has disappeared in Boston to this day, but ...
It's good to see strong women, and especially good to see those whose pigheadedness doesn't cause them to misinterpret every situation. Anna is wise and strong; she is willing to learn. That alone makes her worth reading about.
I wasn't thrilled with the writing style. The first half often put me to sleep. It wasn't until the second half, or 2/3 in that I finally turned pages, and that was a good section, but I also thought it a little predictable. The writing was cheesy and I often wondered about the attention to accurately writing for the time period. But I did read it all and finish it.
The title is somewhat misleading, for our independently-minded protagonist is indeed a duchess in her own right. Naturally, when her best friend turns up missing at one of her own soirees, will she complacently accept the verdict of the police that her friend has eloped? Or will she stand by and let her friend's brother do all the leg work in tracking down his sister? What do you think?
My first historical romance. I really liked it. Seemed realistic, and I liked the character development of the ML. It was a quick read, but I got wrapped in it so it didn't feel unsatisfying. I liked the mystery of it too. I liked the writing style and older vocabulary. The title doesn't equate to the story because the FL is a duchess. The ending had me with a big gasp. So excited to read the next.
Titled, but not near a throne, these characters add sparkle to Boston society. Anna Trevallyn has known Penforth, brother of her best friend, for ages. Since he was injured and left the Navy, he’s been sour, depressed, and anything but a pleasure as an associate. However, Anna insists on being included in the active investigation when Penforth’s sister disappears. The search leads them into some unsavory places and tests their skills. Ms. Rose writes a nice little Victorian romance with an American backdrop.
Anna and Pen do not get along. He is the brother of her best friend Libby so she tolerates him. The two girls have sworn an oath not to marry unless they fall in love. Anna is having a ball when the lights go out. After everyone tries to leave Anna searches for Libby and when she can’t find her fears the worst. I hey set out to search for Libby from a clue that Anna found. It is an exciting story.
Light and almost silly even given the plot. Not consistent with how things really were during that time. No character depth beyond some cringey inner dialogue. It seemed like the author was trying to show off by using big words which didn’t fit with the simple writing style. It ended with a cliff hanger, but I had gotten this for free and my library doesn’t have either (and not worth spending money to read).
A sweet romance with a strong independent heroine who makes it impossible for the hero to see her as anything but his equal. I liked how they were forced to in close proximity in working together to find Libby so they really got to see another side to each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just to let you know I read maybe 25 books a months+. I really enjoy books of the Regency era also, although I read lots of others. So...My saying that this was one of the best of that genre I’ve read in a while: smart injured hero with a need to be in charge, heroine’s need to be respected, kidnappings, forced marriages, murder, .... WhooHoo!
Takes place in Boston,: however, many of the upper class are called by their titles. This is not explained in the book very well. Maybe you will find this side mystery. All I came up with was that those people with titles born and lived in England till reaching 18 and moved to America. The Boston Tea took care of that issue
Anava a posar 3/5 perquè és una història curta i senzilla amb un nivell de misteri baix. Normalment prefereixo històries una mica més complexes.
Tret d’això el final és molt bàsic, tot és perfecte i UF aquests llibres no són per mi. Com que el típic broken boy es arreglat per la noia en 0, MANDRA extrema.
Superficial i clixes a més no poder. Li poso 2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Prince Penforth's sister, Libby, and best friend to Duchess Anna, goes missing and it brings these two opposite personalities together to find her. Lots of twist and turns and suspense in this sweet and clean Victoria-era mystery with a lovely cover in a Boston setting.
This was more of a mixture of romance and mystery sleuthing, but I enjoyed it. I don't think I have read another book quite like this one before, so it was very entertaining.
Somewhat predictable plot but consistently paced action . Period descriptions were accurate, interesting character development and who wouldn’t like a duchess who could pick a lock, knock a man out with a bottle to his head and fire a pistol.
This is a quick, satisfying read. There’s no depth to it, but there rarely is in these historical romances. Sometimes we just need a bit of an escape and this one is decent junk food for the brain.