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Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #2

Pippa and the Prince of Secrets

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Will a lady from London's high society and a brute from its darkest streets defy destiny and find everlasting love?

A Widow Gone Wild

After the tragic ending to her marriage, Pippa, the widowed Countess of Longmere, vows never to fall in love again. The former paragon decides to live life by her own rules, finding new purpose as an agent with Lady Charlotte Fayne’s investigative society. As Pippa embarks on a dangerous mission, she encounters a man from her past who reawakens her youthful dreams and ignites her deepest desires…

A Brute with a Noble Heart

After surviving brutal beginnings, Timothy Cullen has become the powerful leader of the mudlarks, a gang of scavengers dealing in goods and information. Known as the Prince of Larks, Cull is a feared and mythical figure in the London underworld, and he lives in the shadows, using his mystique to protect those under his care. Yet beneath his scarred façade beats a secret longing: to be seen by the woman he has loved from afar since he was a lad…

A Love that Defies Destiny

Brought together by a deadly mystery, Pippa and Cull discover fiery passion and all-consuming love. Yet their enemies, past and present, are closing in. In order to survive, they must surrender their secrets and trust in love…before time runs out.

Grace's books feature hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can also be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2021

110 people are currently reading
1593 people want to read

About the author

Grace Callaway

53 books1,085 followers


Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!

Put it on your "To Read" shelf ➤
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...

Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.

The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.

Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.

As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.

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About Grace

USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger*.
587 reviews774 followers
October 23, 2021
4.25 steamy & suspenseful second chance stars

I love everything that Grace Callaway writes because it always hits on my "must have" list for a good story: 1. Actual Plot 2. Some kind of mystery/intrigue to keep things interesting 3. Likeable characters with depth 4. STEAM... And this book delivered on all of those! I also love that her series link with each other (common characters, off-shoot of a book into a separate series, children of couples from earlier stories).

Pippa is the daughter of previous main characters from the Mayhem in Mayfair series (book 2 - Her Wanton Wager) that was widowed a year ago and is still technically in mourning, though she had fallen out of love with her husband well before his passing. When they first met, she was a starry-eyed young woman who romanticized a relationship with a fellow artist, but after they wed, she realized he was not the man she believed him to be. One of the areas of their marriage that she felt disappointment in was their marital relations: Pippa is a passionate woman, but her husband insisted she suppress her desires as it was not "ladylike;" thus, Pippa's sex life was very dissatisfying. She longs to feel like she did once as a teenager when she kissed a boy under the care of her parents: Timothy Cullen. In that one moment, she felt more passion in a single kiss than she felt during her entire marriage. But "Cull" (as he is known now) assumed the role of Prince of Larks, caring for children without homes just as he was in his youth. As a societal lady, it is expected that Pippa either continue in the role of the demure Countess of Longmere or she remarry an upstanding member of the ton. There is no chance she could ever explore the attraction for the man that makes his living trading in the secrets of her peerage.

A street urchin in his youth, Cull felt compelled to assume the role of the Prince of Larks when his predecessor passed away to ensure that the larks had a safe place to call home. The timing, however, was unfortunate as Cull had just shared the most passionate kiss of his life with Pippa Hunt, the daughter of the man that took him in when he was injured and helped him recover. Though Pippa has not seen Cull in many years, he has always kept tabs on her whereabouts (it is his job, after all) and has protected her from afar when necessary. One of the main reasons he has remained hidden is the very visible scars that he received when protecting his charges, and though some mystery is good for business, it is not the only reason he always wears a mask.

But since Pippa decided to join Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels, a charity organization that secretly accepts "missions" from women in need of investigative help, Cull has been more concerned than ever that Pippa will be harmed and has stayed even more involved in her protection than usual. When she chases down the children that unexpectedly rescue her from discovery by a mark, she spies them returning to their leader.... Cull. When she confronts him, the passion between them reignites, but their social standing remains the same. Will they be able to find common ground? Will Cull allow Pippa to see his internal and external scars? And can they unravel the mysterious death of Pippa's client before it's too late for either of them?

What I liked:
--- As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, this book hit all of my "must haves"
--- The mystery was definitely engaging and kept me interested in finding out what would happen next
--- I love that the characters connect back with previous stories so I can revisit some of my fave couples!
--- Steamy goodness!

What I didn't like as much:
--- Sometimes the love scenes were a little over the top for my taste
--- The ending seemed to wrap very quickly; I kind of wanted a little more "connect the dots"

Overall, this was another fun and interesting story with likeable characters, intrigue, and steam!

(Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.)

Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing overly graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Profile Image for romancelibrary.
1,372 reviews587 followers
September 9, 2021
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Pippa and the Prince of Secrets is book 2 in the Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels series. While the events in book 1 involved Pippa and her now late husband, book 2 can still be read as a standalone.

For longtime Grace Callaway fans: Pippa is the daughter of Gavin and Percy from Her Wanton Wager. Timothy Cullen AKA Cull first appeared in Never Say Never to an Earl. Fanny and Griers from The Gentleman Who Loved Me appear as supporting characters in this book. Harry and Tessa from The Duke Identity also have a brief appearance. These characters are included into the story seamlessly, so readers don't need to be familiar with their books in order to read Pippa and the Prince of Secrets.

As a widow, Pippa has a lot more freedom and she is now working as an agent for Lady Charlotte AKA Charlie AKA the Victorian version of Charlie's Angels. Cull is the Prince of Larks, the leader of mudlarks in the underworld. Cull also deals in secrets and information. Pippa and Cull first met a long time ago when they were teenagers. Their paths finally cross again during one of Pippa's missions, and that's how they get reunited as adults.

Cull has always wanted Pippa and he's been pining for her for years. He is head over heels in love with Pippa and he has no problem showing her how much he wants her 😏 As for Pippa, her disastrous marriage has left her a disillusioned and cynical widow. Cull and Pippa have their own challenges to overcome. Cull is convinced that his position as the Prince of Larks dooms him to a solitary life, while Pippa is carrying a lot of anger, guilt, and self-hatred inside.

I love the way Pippa's journey unfolded. She is quite the complicated heroine. Her circumstances in life have changed her and she acts recklessly as a coping mechanism. I love that Cull is blunt and straightforward with Pippa, while also being loving and caring toward her. There is open and clear communication between the two. Pippa's interactions with Cull help her face her demons and she slowly learns to start enjoying life again.
"You listen to me, and you're honest. When I'm with you, I feel like I'm...enough."
I also enjoyed Cull's arc, but perhaps not as much as I enjoyed Pippa's journey. My favourite thing about Cull's side of the story? The mudlarks!! I loved exploring the Nest and getting to know the loyal mudlarks under Cull's responsibility. I loved every single one of Cull's interaction with his little mudlarks. So swoonworthy ❤️ I loved all of the supporting characters; I especially loved re-visiting beloved characters.

I've said this before and I'll say it again: Grace Callaway is always reliable when it comes to delivering a historical romance filled with heart ❤️❤️❤️ and heat 🔥🔥🔥 I am really liking this fun take on Charlie's Angels. And I love the way Grace Callaway has written this second generation series. She brings in older characters without allowing them to take over the story, which is something that other historical romance authors fail to do. I loved Pippa and Cull and I am super excited for Fiona's book!!

P.S. I lowkey ship Hawker and Mrs. Peabody.
Profile Image for Melanie THEE Reader.
462 reviews67 followers
July 5, 2025
The plot: Widow Pippa has reconnected with her childhood sweetheart Timothy Cullen aka "Cull" after 14 years because they've both become crime fighters in different organizations. Tale as old as time. In one corner we have Pippa: a member of the "Society of Angels" which is basically the historical romance version of "Charlie's Angels." Seriously, the founder of the Angels is named Charlie. In the other corner we have Cull, also known as "The Prince of Larks," who's the head of a band of crime fighting youths known as the Mudlarks. They're both trying to get to the bottom of the murder of an unhappily married woman named Lady Julianna Hastings. As the Mudlarks and the Angels form a wary alliance, Pippa and Cull realize that while distance makes the heart grow fonder (and the smexy times, smexier), will they be able to truly let down their walls and trust each other? Only time will tell.....*DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN.

*Obviously, they will since they get an HEA 😂

"The last thing she needed was another man in her life. Even if that man looked after urchins who clearly adored him. Even if he had come to her aid. Even if he looked at her with soulful yearning and his touch made her come alive with desire. Gah."


Overall, this was a solid romance. Pippa and Cull were both well written, complex characters who made choices that made sense with who they were as people. On the surface, Pippa appears as if she's in her ✨RECKLESS GIRLBOSS ERA✨but she's grieving the loss of her husband. And even though her late husband was horrible; she's grappling with complicated feelings about her marriage and her guilt regarding his death. Cull appears to be the typical overprotective historical romance MMC; but his overprotectiveness stems from the loss of multiple loved ones, along with his responsibility towards his band of young vigilantes. HE ALSO NURSES WOUNDED BIRDS WHICH IS VERY SEXY OF HIM. They're great characters separately but they're even better together. And just like the first book in this series, the crime fighting antics don’t take away from the romance, in fact it adds to it and helps Pippa and Cull connect BUT THAT'S JUST MY OPINION. GIF.

My main issue with this book was the pacing. I've realized that I enjoy Callaway's novellas way more than her full-length romances because her novellas don't drag the way her full length novels tend to drag in that third act. Once the main couple gets together, you have around a hundred pages of them being blissfully happen until there's the expected conflict that BRIEFLY separates them and you know that conflict/misunderstanding/drama is happening because they keep talking about how happy they are. The conflict in this book was frustrating because 1) All Cull had to do was USE HIS WORDS and 2) The conflict is resolved so quickly that I was left wondering if it was even necessary.

Would I recommend this book? Yeah, especially if you're into childhood friends to lovers, scarred heroes and found family. Also, Grace Callaway writes really great love scenes. The end.


I'm also on my knees begging Grace to write a prequel novella about Mrs. Q and her husband Mr. Q. A badass seamstress who makes clothing for The Society of Angels-SHE BASICALLY DESIGNS STAB PROOF CORSETS-and her adoring husband who helps make these fabulous outfits. WHERE IS THEIR BOOK? MORE OF THEM, PLEASE.

Pippa and Cull’s song: Love The Hell Out of You by Lewis Capaldi


CW: emotional abuse, drug use
Profile Image for ABookNook.
149 reviews147 followers
February 23, 2022
✨secret agents and pinning heroes make for the spiciest of times 😏✨

At this point, I should just put I direct transfer clause into my bank account as follows: “when Grave Callaway comes out with new book, give her all my money.”

This book gave me a refreshing HEA for characters whose chemistry was sparked in a previous book . . . and know we got to watch that chemistry burst into a flame.

Tropes:
🕵🏼‍♀️secret agent, badass heroine
💍widowed heroine
🙍🏻‍♂️pinning hero
🤝 second chance
👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻 second gen MC (heroine is the daughter of a previous GC couple)
🔥 sizzling chemistry
📚 beauty and the beast retelling (phantom of the opera vibes almost)
🤫 secret bodyguard hero
💃🏽 s*xually repressed heroine finds her liberation through him
🥵hero who takes care of children

All those tropes and you still haven’t picked this up? 😩✋🏼

The absolute GRIP Callaway’s books have on me are simply unfair 😩😩

In typical Callaway fashion, we are given a deviously delicious romance chalk full of engaging mystery, simmering angst, enthralling excitement, intrigue, badass heroines, a slew of side characters to fall in love with, a hero made of book boyfriend material, and decadent STEAM 😩🤤

As we all are, I am a sucker for a scarred hero, head over heels in love with the strong, independent heroine who he believes is out of his reach only for her to slap some sense into him and show him he’s her HEA 😍🥺

And I don’t know what it is about street urchins turned charitable men (especially those who are good with kids 🥵), but I was clutching my heart in attempt to not fall love with Cull at every turn of the page. . . clearly I failed 😌🥴

We learn that Cull has been in love with Pippa for years. And out of protective instinct and love for her, he keeps her safe from afar, acting like her secret bodyguard. Would I think something like this is a little stalker-ey in real life? Yes 😅 Was I absolutely gushing over it when Cull did it? ABSOLUTELY 😏😉

I love when a s*xually repressed heroine finds liberation and unconditional support in the arms of the sensual hero who wants nothing more than to love her 😍🙌🏽

Pippa and Cull were a pair fulled by their fiery chemistry that had not died down after their scandalous rendezvous of their youth and I enjoyed every single moment of their romance 😩🙌🏽

As expected of a GC book, Callaway introduced many mystery subplots and somehow balanced and unraveled them for the reader with a satisfying snap 😍😍 I will say, there were some parts of the mystery that were very vaguely touched upon, but I understand that there are only so many pages in a book. If Callaway had made the book longer to fully flesh every. single. aspect of every mystery, I would have lost my mind. So I thought she did a great job 🙌🏽🙌🏽

I wish osmosis worked for books because I want nothing more than to absorb everything Grace Callaway has ever written right into my starved brain 😂😂 I needed her next book in my hands like yesterday, I am desperate 😩😩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars | 🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5 steam

Thank you to Grace Callaway for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion ❤️
Profile Image for b.andherbooks.
2,357 reviews1,274 followers
January 30, 2024
what a breath of fresh, bonkers historical air to read! the audiobook narrator was absolutely delightful, and this was bonkers and hot enough to fully capture my listening. I love the Charlie's Angels Historical version concept. Pippa as a widow who fully loved her jerk of a husband (before he proved himself a total jerk) was cool to see, as well as her discovering her wants and desires are not "unwifely" or "ungodly"

Super hot, lots of fun, reminded me of a lighter Maiden Lane with the orphans, the "Mud Larks" and the hero who is the king of them.

also, this is book 2 and because i was told book 1 wasn't as fun for my trusted readers, i just jumped in. there was a little that was like, what?? but i didn't feel lost.

thank you to my beautiful pals who recommended this to me!
Profile Image for Emilia Redington.
269 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2022
2.5
I couldn't really get myself into this story. Maybe myself and Miss GC aren't meant to be after all.

I also don't plan to read the other books in the series as it involves teenage girls and grown ass men in their 30s.
Profile Image for Juliana Philippa.
1,031 reviews989 followers
September 6, 2021
4 stars
I really enjoyed Pippa and the Prince of Secrets and found it to be a nice and quiet romance, despite the fact that the mystery in this romance actually is a mystery and is quite well-done. Nevertheless, although the story backdrop is multiple-murder mysteries and actually has quite a lot of excitement and adventure, the core is quite sweet and steady. I so appreciated how honest Pippa and Cull were with one another; there are some stumbles along the way, of course, but for the most part, they're both trying to be open and honest. It was such a nice change from when characters keep everything inside and misunderstandings don't get worked out for chapters at a time.

Cull is just like that—he's forthright and straightforward, and I loved it, just as much as Pippa does. For Pippa, this takes more effort, but it's part of the transformation of her character that we get to witness. She's so used to pushing her own feelings and desires down, to trying to mold herself into the person she thinks she needs to be for her now-dead husband, that she's now on a mission to live life as herself and to stop curtailing her own needs and wants for the sake of others. It's great seeing her come out of a sort of hiding and reclaim herself. And let's face it, Cull is pretty perfect; as Pippa describes him at one point: "this man who held her hand and planned surprises for her, protected children and wounded birds, and treated her like a princess." ::sigh:: If you like romances where the hero is clearly head-over-heels for the heroine and knows it, you'll love this one!

Overall, a really lovely read, though I do recommend starting at the beginning of the series ( Olivia and the Masked Duke ) so you're properly introduced to the Angels and get more of the backstory on Pippa and what happened with her husband. Loved seeing Percy and Gavin again (their story is featured in Her Wanton Wager )!!!

*This review is of an ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
Profile Image for belle ☆ミ (thisbellereadstoo).
2,592 reviews173 followers
January 13, 2022
i always love when the story starts with the characters knowing each other at a younger age and then meeting when they're older. it just adds so much history between them. this is the case for cull and pippa. the weeks they spent together as teenagers while cull was recovering from a heavy beating was tender and sweet. though they shared something, cull disappeared after the kiss they had. 14 years later, they meet once again and the attraction is stronger than ever.

though cull deals with secrets, he's extremely straightforward when it comes to pippa. both of them were open about how they feel but required a little bit of push sometimes. pippa was once burned by her ex-husband whose death she feels extreme guilt for. her unwillingness to fall in love again is dashed once she met cull again. pippa is headstrong and fearless which often puts herself in dangerous situation. her kind heart is what drew cull in right from the beginning.

it was a joy reading pippa and cull's story. i can't wait for the next~

books in the series:
1. olivia and the masked duke: ✰✰✰✰
2. pippa and the prince of secrets: ✰✰✰✰
3. fiona and the enigmatic earl
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,382 reviews92 followers
September 5, 2021
I loved that this was a Beauty and the Beast re-telling and Pippa and Cull have sort of a 2nd chance/reunion relationship romance. This one is full of mystery as same as the first book, and I love we get a bit of every aspect I look forward to in a book ie. the story, the characters, the pace, and the romance. I'm really loving Grace's writing as I'm currently working my way through her backlist. I look forward to the next one in the series.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for sadiereads_.
390 reviews24 followers
September 9, 2021
At this point I trust Grace Callaway with anything she plans to write. Even if she has included one of my lease favorite tropes (love triangle i.e. h cant make up their mind on who they want to be with).

Pippa and Cull met during Never Say Never to an Earl when Cull was resting at the Hunt Academy. During that time they started a friendship that ended in a kiss with Cull disappearing the next morning. 15+ years later Cull shows back up in Pippa's life one night when she's on a case for the Society of Angels.

I loved this one so much. This is my first time reading a book from the second gen of GC characters and I'm so happy it was with Percy and Gavin's daughter.

Cull has the perfect scent of pinning hero and Pippa has the perfect spine of an independent heroine. Pippa is experiencing a life change after loosing her husband and Cull is in a turf war but the two of them can't stop the need they have for the other. It's palpable. It's combustible. It's steamy.

I desperately need to finish by GC backlist read so I can read Olivia and Ben's book and i'm so ready for Fiona's! Gabby and Adams daughter, ugh. I need some older Gabby and Adam in my life.

I received an ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for Mel.
1,708 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2024
Holy hotness. A twitter friend recommended this author to me, stating that it's super hot and boy she wasn't kidding. I also really enjoyed this book way more than the first one in the series, adored both MCs, enjoyed the lack of an age gap, and the lack of inhibitions. I also really dig a hero who has been pining for the heroine from afar for ages and in that regard, this did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Nancy.
85 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2021
I LOVE a hero that is from the streets like Cull. Gives me Derek Craven vibes. Pippa is lost since becoming a widow. Her trust in men right now is nil, including Cull, who kissed her as a teenager then disappeared from her life. She's somewhat estranged from her family, making her even more vulnerable. She blames herself for her husband's death. Cull is too secretive for Pippa after feeling betrayed by her husband's secrets. There's a lot of chemistry and attraction between the couple, but Pippa is scared of trusting Cull. Eventually they begin to trust each other with lots of sexy times, too! The mystery is really good and surprised me, too. I love a book with adventure and mayhem, where the MCs work together side by side. I also loved getting to see Gavin Hunt. He's one of my favorite Callaway heroes.
Once again, Grace Callaway has written a quality, sexy, mysterious historical romance! Don't miss this one!
Profile Image for Maria.
323 reviews47 followers
September 10, 2021
Pippa and the Prince of Secrets is the second book in Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels series. Love that this is Charlie’s Angels in a historical setting! Give me all the kickass heroine’s with gadgets!!

Tropes:
Beauty and the Beast
second chance romance
class difference
bodyguard (but she doesn’t know)
widowed heroine

Pippa and Cull’s story gripped me from the very beginning. I love second chance romances and throw that in with a murder mystery and you have me hooked.

Ever since meeting the hero, Cull, in “Never Say Never to an Earl” I just knew I was going to like him but I actually found Pippa’s character to be the most compelling and my favorite in the book. She’s a young widow who is struggling to regain her identity and sense of worth.

“The desperate fear that she wasn’t good enough, that she needed to be more, something other than who she was.”


Loved seeing her regain who she was before her terrible marriage and finding joy in exploring other pursues that weren't available before being a widow. Speaking of widows... One of my favorite storylines in historical romances is when a heroine is a widow. Okay that sounds bad but hear me out!! These type of heroines generally have more freedom in society and thus allows the writers to write steamy scenes VERY early on!! And you know Callaway delivers on the STEAM! The emotion and sensuality she writes in a simple kiss has me swooning! This book packaged so much HEAT.

“No one had ever kissed her like this, with such animal need. With such raw and honest passion.”

Overall this was such a delightful read and I can't wait to read Fi's book!!
Profile Image for Michelle Crum.
Author 4 books6 followers
September 9, 2021
There is SOOOO much to love about this story. They first met when they were teens... 14 and 15 respectively. He was injured, she helped care for him, and in the end they shared an innocent kiss. She never forgot him. He never forgot her.

Fast forward 14 years... Pippa, the Countess of Longmere, and the daughter of Gavin and Persephone Hunt (Her Wanton Wager), is newly widowed. Her short marriage taught her that secrets can kill and men are not always trustworthy. As a result Pippa joins the ranks of the Society of Angels. Publicly, this society is a 'charity'; in reality, it is an underground investigative firm that focusses on helping women when typical 'male dominated' firms will not. Having used this firm herself when uncovering her husband's secrets, Pippa is devoted to helping other ladies obtain the information they need, but sometimes her devotion makes her a bit reckless.

Enter Cull...Timothy Cullen, the Prince of Larks. At age 15 he became the leader of the Mudlarks, not because we wanted the power, but because he was willing to shoulder the responsibility; a responsibility he still carries fourteen years later. Cull is a mask-wearing man of mystery who is adept at obtaining information. Soon the Mudlarks and Angels cross paths. Cull has been keeping an eye on Pippa and intervenes when she is in a spot of trouble. Of course, Pippa sees it differently and doesn't welcome the intervention. That's when the real fun begins. They each have issues to overcome, both past and current, but their chemistry is phenomenal and very, very steamy.

There are so many things to love about this story. First, the mystery is actually a mystery. Often times I can figure out the mystery well before the end of the story. Not this time. Grace Callaway has delivered a plot that keeps you engaged the entire time! Next, the MCs are both flawed, but likeable people that you can't help but cheer for from the beginning. Finally, I absolutely love the way Grace Callaway revisits characters from previous books. Her Wanton Wager is one of my all time favorite stories. To have the chance to see how Gavin Hunt behaves as a father of a grown daughter is priceless. If you are looking for a sexy romance and a really great read, I HIGHLY recommend this story!
Profile Image for Nabilah.
614 reviews254 followers
September 10, 2021
Grace Callaway's books have always had a special place in my heart. This book is no different. After a slew of duds, this book is like a breath of fresh air.

What's not to like? The romance and mystery were great. One of the reasons why I loved Ms. Callaways books would be the fact that the MCs really communicated with each other. No big misunderstanding. The MCs talked to each other about their expectations. Pippa, a widow who was mentally abused by her late husband (he kept putting her down, making her feel inadequate, etc.) - I loved how she made it so real. You don't have to be physically abused to be a victim of abuse and Ms. Callaway hit it right in the head with Pippa's inner monologues. Cull, the Price of Larks, whom she met 14 years ago, was the perfect man for her. He might not be a gentleman but he was a gentleman in every sense. I want someone like him, please! There's also the Beauty and the Beast trope which I love .

A must read for Ms. Callaway's fans. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
574 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2021
Such a lovely story with elements of Beauty and the Beast.
I love the Society of Angels and their struggle for the emancipation by its members. The Angels are intelligent, well trained and courageous, not fearless but mastering their fears. They are not above accepting the help of the Prince of Larks when ‘heavier lifting’ becomes necessary.
Pippa and the Prince meet again after many years and they struggle with their feelings of inadequacy and their uncertainty, but love is stronger and will triumph eventually.
I love Grace Callaway’s books, which – let us be honest – only become better all the time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,827 reviews137 followers
September 14, 2021
Okay read!!
This was a decent read but I have to truthfully say not my favorite by her.
I love Grace Callaway and have read all her books but for some reason this one felt a little "flat" to me.
I mean Cull is written were he sounds like a super hot hero. Bad boy does good but he was just written so blah. I just expected so much more. I even liked Pippa's characters but again, a storyline would start out so well than just nothing....it was just a rather boring read.

Normally I would have Grace's books read in one sitting. It took me from Friday to Sunday to finish this one and that is not like me at all. I usually at least read 1 book a day if not a book and 1/2.
Profile Image for Grace.
1,388 reviews46 followers
March 13, 2023
Sometimes it's a really good thing to take a break from a series, and this is one of those cases. I ended up really liking this one, and I'm not sure I would have if I'd read it immediately after I finished Liv's book. Anyway! Pippa was great. I loved her finding herself again, and Cull worked for me as a hero (look, I am easy, and I will generally like a hero who has been Gone For Her for years and who also ultimately respects her abilities and treats her as a partner). I wish a little more time had been spent on Cull's relationship with his sister, but it seems like Maisie may be in the running as a future heroine so maybe we'll get more there. (Maybe I'm reading too much into the ending, but I swear I saw potential there with her interest in hearing about the Angels.)

Overall a pretty good read. Looking forward to Fiona's book next.
Profile Image for Samantha.
366 reviews20 followers
September 16, 2022
This had some amazing spice scenes I haven’t really seen done is historical romances. Loved it!
Profile Image for raeesahambarker raeesahambarker.
Author 4 books39 followers
September 4, 2021
Wow. Just wow. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Grace and I’m so grateful that I get to be part of her team, it’s an honest dream come true. I’m trying so hard to give an honest review without spoiling anything. Some of you may recall Pippa’s parents, Persephone and Gavin Hunt from their book, Her Wanton Wager. I absolutely loved their story so clearly, I loved Pippa’s story. She reminded me so much of Percy with the will of Gavin. I was rooting for her and Cull from the very beginning. From the moment we meet him in Polly and Sinjin’s story, I knew I wanted to know more about him, and we finally have his story. There isn’t a better match than Cull and Pippa. Their love story will be one I’ll never forget.

“You’re more than enough. You’re everything a man could want.” SWOON! I need a Timothy Cullen in my life right now! Damn, Grace keeps hitting us right in the feels. Each book just gets better and better. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us. Grace has a way of putting so much intensity and passion into her books. I constantly feel as if I’m alongside the characters, experiencing everything. That’s what you call a great author. The plot twist towards the end had me reeling. I’d had my suspicions about it for a while but it still managed to take me by surprise. Somehow, I got so caught up in the romance that I forgot there was an actual plot. And wow, that’s why I admire Grace Callaway so much. Not only do you have an absolutely breathtaking romance, but an extraordinary plot as well.

Pippa and the Prince of Secrets comes out on September 9th and I can’t wait for you all to read it.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,146 reviews113 followers
Read
February 8, 2025
DNF at @ 14%

A widowed countess in the mid-1800’s joins an all-female group of investigators to help other women make more informed decisions (bahahaha, as if women were allowed to make decisions). The leader of the group is Lady Charlotte Fayne, aka Charlie, and the investigators are called…oh, guess! please guess, you know the answer!…Charlie’s Angels.

Between the telling, telling, and telling and the foolishness piled so high it obstructed the view—I’ve not even mentioned the masked Prince of the Mudlarks yet—even skimming became too tedious.
Profile Image for Amanda Richardson.
997 reviews10 followers
September 9, 2021
Pippa and the Prince of Secrets was an absolutely lovely book! Grace Callaway hits it out of the park again. A scarred man who has been half in love with a woman above his station for half of his life and a widow scared to love again make for an explosive combo.

We met Pippa in Olivia and the Masked Duke. She loses her husband under tragic circumstances and blames herself. She is lost and lonely but finds renewed purpose when she joins Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels. Most of society believes she is a patient woman, the perfect widow but she is holding all of her anger (mostly at her dead husband) inside behind a facade.

Timothy Cullen, Cull for short, is the Prince of the Larks. He met Pippa when her family helped him after he was hurt when he was only 15. The minute he looked into her young eyes, saw her smile and golden hair he was lost. He also knew she wasn't for him. Oh, he fantasized and yearned but he knew she belonged in a world without him.

But Cull watched over her from afar. He saw her fall in love, saw her marriage and her heartache. Finally he stepped in to save her and when they came face-to-face for the first time in over a decade something rekindled that neither forgot. Now they need each other if they are going to navigate their enemies. And that also means they can't keep their hands off each other.

This book is so good. There is so much emotion hiding under Pippa's kindness and demureness. She is someone who deserves her happy ending and Cull as well. That man loved and adored her and would do anything to keep her safe. What a romance this was. Highly recommended read!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for SuperWendy.
1,099 reviews268 followers
September 10, 2022
This is quite literally Charlie's Angels set in Victorian London. Widowed countess heroine whose husband was a dirt bag turns investigator to, quite frankly, give her something to live for. Her husband was not a kind man and well, a dirt bag. Anyway, an investigation leads her back into the arms of our hero, who she met as a boy through her parents, who run a school for disadvantaged children. He's essentially Fagin from Oliver Twist - without the thieving and dirt-baggery. He's the "Prince of the Larks," a leader over a gang of children and teenagers who are information gatherers. One thing leads to another and soon hero and heroine are in cahoots investigating the same crime.

Oh, and he was scarred in an accident, wears a mask, and has been in love with the heroine since he was 14. So there's a Beauty and the Beast thing going on here as well.

Anyway...

I mean, the hero is leading a gang of children and no matter how much the author tap-dances around the "information gathering" of their business it's kinda ikcy y'all. Yes, yes, Victorian London - these kids could be losing fingers and getting crushed to death in textile factories - but whatever. I mean, honestly now - he's basically a cuddly Fagin.

I liked the start of the book, the middle sagged mightily, there's filler sex scenes on the spicier side, and finally the last third gets interesting with a murder investigation. I actually liked that part quite a bit and also the emotional "stuff" at the end when the hero acts like a jackass, pushes the heroine away and she fires both barrels at him. Just OK for me, but worth a look if you dig on light historicals.
Profile Image for Michelle.
573 reviews121 followers
September 26, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the book I have been looking for to get me out of my slump and be excited about reading again. Pippa and Cullen are amazing separately and together. I definitely recommend reading book one before this book to avoid spoilers.

Pippa, Countess of Longmere, is in mourning of her husband who has treated her poorly and whom she did not truly love. Timothy Cullen, Prince of Larks, is the leader of the mudlarks who has known Pippa since she was a child and both have been reunited after years living separate lives.

I love the plot and mystery. I really didn’t know who the killer was. Lots of great clues and build up to the answer and I was onboard to uncover the truth.

The romance was great from the start. Pippa has found purpose in working with Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels but has been pushing herself into danger more and more. Cullen intervenes and the two butt heads a bit. They end up working together to solve a murder and the two have intense chemistry. I just loved them together.

I love seeing Cullen with the mudlarks. They are his to look after like a father and it is hard to see if anyone gets hurt or worse. They are a great family. I also love the friendship between Pippa, Fiona, Glory and Livy. Great friends who have each other’s back. I can’t wait to see what trouble they get into in the next book.

One thing I always love about Grace Callaway’s books is how many of the characters from the prior books and series appear because they know each other one way or another. I definitely recommend all of her other series. It is always great seeing how all of the characters are doing.

Can’t wait for Fiona and Thomas’ book!!
Profile Image for Suzy Vero.
467 reviews15 followers
March 1, 2024
I’ve had high hopes for this new series but just like the first book this one is okay. I’ve read all of Callaway’s books and enjoyed some immensely.

I did think the hero, Cull, Prince of the Larks( Mudlarks) was the best thing about the story. He reminded me of Derek Craven from the Lisa Kleypas book, Dreaming of You. The heroine, Pippa, a young widow first met Cull as a young girl, and 14 years later they meet again. She’s one of the Angels, and together they along with his larks and her Angels solve a mysterious murder. Alas, I just couldn’t get interested in this part of the plot… it was underwhelming, no real suspense. The developing love between Cull and Pippa was so much more engaging and a delight to read.

Hot sex scenes in graphic detail plus a slightly modern feel overall were other aspects that stood out. The cover looks modern too … guess that’s trend these days … not my cup of tea. Now to read the next book in the series…
41 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2021
This second title in the Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels series is a delightful read! Cull and Pippa met in their mid-teens, and have never forgotten their first connection almost 15 years later. Pippa is a spirited and joyful person currently burdened by feelings of guilt and conflict. Cull deals daily with heavy responsibility and maintaining a tough fearsome reputation, despite his hidden depths of goodness
Adventure, danger, and scorching sensual interactions keep our couple occupied and the reader engaged in their story.
Pippa and Cull have each kept secrets from even close family. Their caring and trust with one another gives them confidence to feel free to share and find joy in their true Selves. A happy ending is wonderful to celebrate, and the revisiting with characters from past stories only add to this reader’s enjoyment.
2,427 reviews22 followers
September 4, 2021
Grace, you have done it again. For me Cull is the perfect hero. He is from the wrong side of the tracks and he is scarred. I love these heroes. They are really all about doing what is right and sometimes you want to hit them over the head and say “stop trying to scare the woman away with all of your nobleness”. Grace writes characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. They are complex and simple at the same time. You always get the feeling that her characters are speaking to us as readers - you cannot shoulder all of the blame, sometimes things just happen. Cull and Pippa are such a wonderful couple. They understand and take comfort from each other. There is a mystery that is a bit complex but stay with it because it pays off in the end. Seeing the parents we all know and love was such a treat. Grace, you are awesome!

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Penelope Daniels.
Author 7 books30 followers
October 13, 2021
I love when a romance has a plot and/or mystery that is just as entertaining as the relationship elements. This book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the twists and surprises of the main story set against the backdrop of a very aesthetically pleasing Georgian era London. On top of that, I love that both the hero and heroine got beautiful, fully-developed arcs that complimented each other and brought them together in the end. This story was fun and happy, sometimes emotionally charged, and often very steamy. The relationship is believable and you can't wait for the characters to realize how much they need each other and have their happy ending! I think this was my 11th Grace Callaway book and I just can't get enough! I'm so looking forward to her next release!
Profile Image for Alina Acevlos.
103 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2022
3.5 stars

I like it but not enough to love it regardless how long this book is.
Grace Callaway is one of comfort author to me when I am in slump. She never failed to interest me in her plots. all of them are highly recommended with somewhat Sherlock vibes in here.
Characters are awesome, Plot is one of a kind, Romance is good. Steam is very good, slightly uncomfortable with one scene but still great and the mystery keeps me intrigue until the very end.
So I really don't know why I couldn't rate this higher. I think there is not much in their romance, it was good but predictable. I was not personally affected with their drama and all that.
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