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Brandon Brothers #2
Under a Dark Moon
Meet Adam Brandon … acutely intelligent and master-swordsman but gradually realising that he isn’t yet ready for the future he had previously planned.
Victim of a cruel deception, Camilla Edgerton-Foxe has a jaundiced view of the male sex and a tongue as sharp as her wits … but she also possesses an extraordinary talent.
A peculiar encounter offers Adam the kind of employment for which he is uniquely suited and which will exercise his mind as well as his muscles. The fly in the ointment is that Miss Edgerton-Foxe comes with it … as does Rainham, viscount and master of disguise, with a frequently misplaced sense of humour.
From Paris, via London, to the mists and mysteries of Romney Marsh, these three are sent on the trail of something darker and infinitely more dangerous than the kegs of brandy that come ashore at the dark of the moon.
Victim of a cruel deception, Camilla Edgerton-Foxe has a jaundiced view of the male sex and a tongue as sharp as her wits … but she also possesses an extraordinary talent.
A peculiar encounter offers Adam the kind of employment for which he is uniquely suited and which will exercise his mind as well as his muscles. The fly in the ointment is that Miss Edgerton-Foxe comes with it … as does Rainham, viscount and master of disguise, with a frequently misplaced sense of humour.
From Paris, via London, to the mists and mysteries of Romney Marsh, these three are sent on the trail of something darker and infinitely more dangerous than the kegs of brandy that come ashore at the dark of the moon.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2021
47 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Stella Riley
23 books454 followers Stella Riley lives in Kent, England. She enjoys theatre, travel and playing the harpsichord.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.
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October 1, 2021Georgian romance mostly set on Romney Marsh in smuggling days. It's a standalone but the huge cast is mostly populated with the protagonists of previous books (as indicated by the potted histories of marriages, lengthy asides about non-appearing brothers in law, etc). This is wonderful if you're an existing fan immersed in that world, or I guess if it sends you down a rabbit hole of catching up, but tbh, with so many guest appearances and the complicated smuggling conspiracy, I didn't feel we got enough focus on the MCs for their romance to catch fire for me. This would probably be a radically different reading experience for devoted fans.
April 5, 2021
Maybe it's just me. I'm having trouble really getting into the historical romances I've been reading lately. But I was looking forward to this Stella Riley Georgian HR, the second in her new Brandon Brothers series, a series that's a spin-off from her older Rockliffe series with a tie-in to her Roundheads and Cavaliers series.
But, in spite of swordplay and smugglers and espionage and romance, this was just an okay read for me. I think I've read enough smuggler/spy stories in the past several years and this one had nothing new to add to the genre.
Our hero here, Adam Brandon, younger brother of Max, hero of the first book, is recruited at the beginning of the story to be a member of an elite, little-known counterespionage group working for the Crown and headed by a Mr. Goddard, who is actually the Earl of Alveston.
As Adam's first assignment, he is sent to Romney Marsh, ostensibly as escort to Alveston's niece, Camilla Edgerton-Foxe, who wishes to leave London and return home after breaking off her recent engagement. Adam is really going to investigate smuggling in the area and the possibility that spies and missives from France are also being smuggled into England.
At first Camilla does not know why he is accompanying her and she, still smarting from her recent disappointment in love, resents his presence and is exceptionally snippy and discourteous to him. Well, naturally. Don't we always have to start the romances off with antagonism? It apparently makes the eventual developing love so much more satisfying.
As the story progresses, Camilla and Adam develop a friendship and mutual respect for each other. Adam shows himself to be a super woke feminist male, in spite of living in the 1770s. He's a great respecter of women and gender equality. Truth be told, he's quite a good guy, but maybe just a tad too perfect for my taste. The romance, after the initial antagonism, settled into blandness.
They develop a good working relationship also, since Camilla had been, for some time, working behind the scenes for her uncle's group. (She has a super-duper photographic memory, a talent that is integral to the main mystery of this story.) They need to uncover the mastermind smuggler/spy and also work against time recovering Camilla's immature younger brother who has gone missing and most likely has been kidnapped by the smugglers. (Don't these stories always need a clueless brother or sister who needs rescuing?)
This is an okay read but it's not particularly special. I was disappointed by the blandness of the first book of this series and was hoping for more from this second one. Hopes dashed. It is, however, a pleasant romance, has a bit of action/adventure, and is historically accurate, so there is that.
But, in spite of swordplay and smugglers and espionage and romance, this was just an okay read for me. I think I've read enough smuggler/spy stories in the past several years and this one had nothing new to add to the genre.
Our hero here, Adam Brandon, younger brother of Max, hero of the first book, is recruited at the beginning of the story to be a member of an elite, little-known counterespionage group working for the Crown and headed by a Mr. Goddard, who is actually the Earl of Alveston.
As Adam's first assignment, he is sent to Romney Marsh, ostensibly as escort to Alveston's niece, Camilla Edgerton-Foxe, who wishes to leave London and return home after breaking off her recent engagement. Adam is really going to investigate smuggling in the area and the possibility that spies and missives from France are also being smuggled into England.
At first Camilla does not know why he is accompanying her and she, still smarting from her recent disappointment in love, resents his presence and is exceptionally snippy and discourteous to him. Well, naturally. Don't we always have to start the romances off with antagonism? It apparently makes the eventual developing love so much more satisfying.
As the story progresses, Camilla and Adam develop a friendship and mutual respect for each other. Adam shows himself to be a super woke feminist male, in spite of living in the 1770s. He's a great respecter of women and gender equality. Truth be told, he's quite a good guy, but maybe just a tad too perfect for my taste. The romance, after the initial antagonism, settled into blandness.
They develop a good working relationship also, since Camilla had been, for some time, working behind the scenes for her uncle's group. (She has a super-duper photographic memory, a talent that is integral to the main mystery of this story.) They need to uncover the mastermind smuggler/spy and also work against time recovering Camilla's immature younger brother who has gone missing and most likely has been kidnapped by the smugglers. (Don't these stories always need a clueless brother or sister who needs rescuing?)
This is an okay read but it's not particularly special. I was disappointed by the blandness of the first book of this series and was hoping for more from this second one. Hopes dashed. It is, however, a pleasant romance, has a bit of action/adventure, and is historically accurate, so there is that.
June 28, 2021
Under a Dark Moon is the second book in Ms. Riley’s
Brandon Brothers Trilogy
and, as with all her books, it’s eminently readable, impeccably researched and intricately plotted, with loveable characters, witty dialogue, and a lovely romance.
I invariably fall in love with all Ms. Riley’s heroes. Each one is gorgeous and unique in their own way, and Adam Brandon is no exception. With his silver-gilt hair, striking looks, and proficiency with a sword, he certainly cuts a dashing figure. In addition to being honourable, honest, dependable and discreet, he also has a quick mind, strength of character and integrity. It is these very qualities that convince Goddard/ Earl of Alveston, the head of M Section, a secretive Government department, that Adam would make an excellent agent. Adam’s ultimate ambition is to establish a Salle d’Armes offering both swordplay and fencing, but he doesn’t feel the time is right. So the intermittent nature of the work suits Adam perfectly and he accepts the offer of a job, much to his older brother Max’s apprehension.
His first mission takes him to Romney Marsh in Kent, where he and a fellow agent are to investigate the increased smuggling in the area, and a possible espionage ring operating under the cover of the smuggling. The only fly in the ointment is Camilla Edgerton-Foxe, the Earl of Alveston’s niece, whom Adam is to accompany to Dragon Hall, her home on Romney Marsh. If their first meeting is anything to go by, he doesn’t relish the task!
I think Camilla is destined to become one of my favourite Stella Riley heroines. I admire her intelligence, courage, determination, and, as Adam later discovers, Camilla’s spine had as much steel in it as his sword … and that made her unique.. Her extraordinary memory for details only ever caused her trouble during her younger days, but it has proved invaluable to M Section since her uncle recruited her. She was once engaged to be married but, after discovering her finance’s deceit, she cancelled the wedding. The experience has left her with a deep distrust of men, and she has resolved never to risk her heart again. There is one point in the story where Camilla could have made an unwise decision but she is intelligent enough to think it through first before taking action. I also love how she sends the obnoxious Peter Blane away with a flea in his ear.
Ms. Riley excels in writing a slow-building romance between her hero and heroine, letting the reader experience every nuance of their evolving relationship. Initially, Camilla is hostile towards Adam considering him rude and overbearing and, for a man who doesn’t usually have a problem with women, he is at a loss to understand why she has taken such a dislike to him. I enjoyed the back and forth, as each of them tries to get the upper hand, and Adam’s cool politeness is more than a match for Camilla’s cutting remarks. As Camilla gets to know Adam better, she realises that it was wrong of her to make him suffer because of another man’s actions and apologises to him. This paves the way for friendship, attraction, and ultimately love to blossom.
Adam treats Camilla as an equal and listens to her opinions, something no man has ever done before. He admires her intelligence and encourages the fact that she is a strong and capable woman, having two such woman in his life already, his mother and his sister. Camilla appreciates that Adam is unlike any other man she has ever known before. He’s clever, kind, honourable and funny, and accepts her just the way she is. The fact that he has a devastating smile and a spectacular body doesn’t hurt either. I like the vulnerability Adam shows when he believes that he doesn’t stand a chance with Camilla, but who could fail to love a man who would willingly give his own life for you.
I love Leo’s wedding gift to Camilla, and Adam’s special way of thanking her for agreeing to be his wife is deliciously romantic.
It’s probably due to my advancing years but, when it comes to love scenes, I’m finding that less is more. In the wedding night scene, I felt Ms. Riley weaves a lovely romantic, playful and sensual atmosphere without the need to be overtly explicit. Sometimes certain things are best left to the imagination.
Ms. Riley’s secondary characters always add depth to her stories and I especially loved Viscount Rainham, a fellow M Section agent, who to quote Camilla:
”You know, don’t you, that even though you’re the most provoking person I know, I’m rather fond of you?”
That makes two of us, Camilla!
and Harry Finch who may be an atrocious valet where Adam is concerned, but the ideal man to cover one’s back in a tight situation.
A more serious Sebastian Audley, now Viscount Wingham, plays an important role in the investigation and it was lovely to see Cassie again too. Ms. Riley also brings together many other beloved characters from her Rockliffe series, and Brandon family members, to celebrate Adam and Camilla’s nuptials. It was like catching up with old friends you haven’t seen for a long time.
Ms. Riley always seems to include lovely moments of humour in her stories and there is a wonderful scene where they are threatening one of the smugglers with a specific instrument of torture. Who would have thought that a simple kitchen implement would have struck fear into a burley smuggler’s heart.
Once again, Ms. Riley’s in-depth research is apparent in her descriptions of the Romney Marsh landscape and the fascinating facts relating to smuggling. There is plenty of action, danger and suspense with Romney Marsh providing a suitably atmospheric backdrop for all manner of dark deeds - smuggling, murder, espionage and kidnapping. Both Camilla’s ability to memorise things and Adam’s prowess with a sword play an important role, and the revelation at the end was certainly a surprise to me.
MY VERDICT: If you are looking for a well-written, engrossing story with memorable characters and a captivating romance, then I can highly recommend UNDER A DARK MOON.
I invariably fall in love with all Ms. Riley’s heroes. Each one is gorgeous and unique in their own way, and Adam Brandon is no exception. With his silver-gilt hair, striking looks, and proficiency with a sword, he certainly cuts a dashing figure. In addition to being honourable, honest, dependable and discreet, he also has a quick mind, strength of character and integrity. It is these very qualities that convince Goddard/ Earl of Alveston, the head of M Section, a secretive Government department, that Adam would make an excellent agent. Adam’s ultimate ambition is to establish a Salle d’Armes offering both swordplay and fencing, but he doesn’t feel the time is right. So the intermittent nature of the work suits Adam perfectly and he accepts the offer of a job, much to his older brother Max’s apprehension.
His first mission takes him to Romney Marsh in Kent, where he and a fellow agent are to investigate the increased smuggling in the area, and a possible espionage ring operating under the cover of the smuggling. The only fly in the ointment is Camilla Edgerton-Foxe, the Earl of Alveston’s niece, whom Adam is to accompany to Dragon Hall, her home on Romney Marsh. If their first meeting is anything to go by, he doesn’t relish the task!
I think Camilla is destined to become one of my favourite Stella Riley heroines. I admire her intelligence, courage, determination, and, as Adam later discovers, Camilla’s spine had as much steel in it as his sword … and that made her unique.. Her extraordinary memory for details only ever caused her trouble during her younger days, but it has proved invaluable to M Section since her uncle recruited her. She was once engaged to be married but, after discovering her finance’s deceit, she cancelled the wedding. The experience has left her with a deep distrust of men, and she has resolved never to risk her heart again. There is one point in the story where Camilla could have made an unwise decision but she is intelligent enough to think it through first before taking action. I also love how she sends the obnoxious Peter Blane away with a flea in his ear.
Ms. Riley excels in writing a slow-building romance between her hero and heroine, letting the reader experience every nuance of their evolving relationship. Initially, Camilla is hostile towards Adam considering him rude and overbearing and, for a man who doesn’t usually have a problem with women, he is at a loss to understand why she has taken such a dislike to him. I enjoyed the back and forth, as each of them tries to get the upper hand, and Adam’s cool politeness is more than a match for Camilla’s cutting remarks. As Camilla gets to know Adam better, she realises that it was wrong of her to make him suffer because of another man’s actions and apologises to him. This paves the way for friendship, attraction, and ultimately love to blossom.
Adam treats Camilla as an equal and listens to her opinions, something no man has ever done before. He admires her intelligence and encourages the fact that she is a strong and capable woman, having two such woman in his life already, his mother and his sister. Camilla appreciates that Adam is unlike any other man she has ever known before. He’s clever, kind, honourable and funny, and accepts her just the way she is. The fact that he has a devastating smile and a spectacular body doesn’t hurt either. I like the vulnerability Adam shows when he believes that he doesn’t stand a chance with Camilla, but who could fail to love a man who would willingly give his own life for you.
I love Leo’s wedding gift to Camilla, and Adam’s special way of thanking her for agreeing to be his wife is deliciously romantic.
It’s probably due to my advancing years but, when it comes to love scenes, I’m finding that less is more. In the wedding night scene, I felt Ms. Riley weaves a lovely romantic, playful and sensual atmosphere without the need to be overtly explicit. Sometimes certain things are best left to the imagination.
Ms. Riley’s secondary characters always add depth to her stories and I especially loved Viscount Rainham, a fellow M Section agent, who to quote Camilla:
”You know, don’t you, that even though you’re the most provoking person I know, I’m rather fond of you?”
That makes two of us, Camilla!
and Harry Finch who may be an atrocious valet where Adam is concerned, but the ideal man to cover one’s back in a tight situation.
A more serious Sebastian Audley, now Viscount Wingham, plays an important role in the investigation and it was lovely to see Cassie again too. Ms. Riley also brings together many other beloved characters from her Rockliffe series, and Brandon family members, to celebrate Adam and Camilla’s nuptials. It was like catching up with old friends you haven’t seen for a long time.
Ms. Riley always seems to include lovely moments of humour in her stories and there is a wonderful scene where they are threatening one of the smugglers with a specific instrument of torture. Who would have thought that a simple kitchen implement would have struck fear into a burley smuggler’s heart.
Once again, Ms. Riley’s in-depth research is apparent in her descriptions of the Romney Marsh landscape and the fascinating facts relating to smuggling. There is plenty of action, danger and suspense with Romney Marsh providing a suitably atmospheric backdrop for all manner of dark deeds - smuggling, murder, espionage and kidnapping. Both Camilla’s ability to memorise things and Adam’s prowess with a sword play an important role, and the revelation at the end was certainly a surprise to me.
MY VERDICT: If you are looking for a well-written, engrossing story with memorable characters and a captivating romance, then I can highly recommend UNDER A DARK MOON.
October 25, 2021
4.5 Stars of Stella Riley Goodness
*AUDIO UPDATE: Riley always keeps notified her Facebook of audiobook developments, so I jumped right on it when it within minutes of it being released. Rather than binge the book like the first time, I savored it. And any Riley/Wyndham collaboration, I loved it. Alex Wyndham and Stella Riley really are the best pairing as their respective styles suit each other’s sublimely. My rating stays the same.*
There is something so wonderfully familiar and unique about Stella Riley's writing that I really can't pin down. Despite writing in an incredibly oversaturated subgenre, she somehow always produces a story or series that is authentic, carefully crafted, and consistently good. What's more, as hard as I try I can never shoe-horn her work into any trope and no story ever unfolds how I expect.
Under a Dark Moon, her second installment in the Brandon Brothers series, was no different. She wrote more than once on her website and on social media that this was different than anything else she had written--it totally was, and I loved that. This series is quickly chalking up to be something other than her 17th century historical fiction and her 18th century Rockliffe historical romance. Adam's story was intriguing and with a light mystery thread throughout the romantic narrative. And like Max's story (A Trick of Fate) this occurs outside the wiles of London. So I guess, what I'm saying just reinforces that Riley remains this refreshing presence in the historical fiction/romance world and I love her.
Unlike alot of her other stories, this is very quiet and burns slowly, so if you read this be prepared for that. The majority of the story unfolds with the couple working together, and then openly in love. There were shades of Gabriel and Venetia (Garland of Straw), which was wonderful considering that Adam is one of their descendants. But I think my favourite thing about Adam and Camilla was, that once they shed their chilly social masks and get to know one another, quite well, they operate as a loving, supportive, and just all-round canny team.
Camilla was what I'm now starting to think of as A Stella Riley Heroine. I don't know how to convey what that means, if you haven't read her books, but suffice to say Camilla is wonderful.
Adam, meanwhile, was just a hunk of laconic silver-blonde, sword-carrying dream man. Anyone else? Like... he is up there with Rock, Luciano, Adrian, Francis, and Aristide now in terms of favourite Riley heroes (for me). But then, Riley's heroes are always solid. Who am I kidding, I can't actually rank Riley's heroes? Except to say Rock is #1. Adam is brill. I need say no more.
PLUS, how great is it that Adam gets to continue being, well, whatever he is under the mysterious government M Section agency is but that Camilla gets to continue too! I loved that. More working 18th century women please.
Tangent: I hope I'm not alone in getting the vibe that Riley might have been laying some groundwork for a M Section series spinoff because my goodness those were some great, vibrant secondary characters like Rainham (sadface though, because he is married and is unlikely to get a book) and Alveston/Goddard etc.
Of course, seeing Sebastian and Cassie was wonderful . Then for reference to descendants of the Ashley/Francis foursame from The King's Falcon, and one hugely welcome appearance from Rock.. it was just a dream (Midwinter Magic: A Rockliffe Novella ALL OVER AGAIN). It's such a dense and rich Georgian universe that Riley has crafted, so when I read her books it feels almost like being amongst dear old friends.
ALSO! That was some steamy stuff for Riley.
The only reason I don't give this a full 5 stars was because I kind of wanted more drama. Which is rare for me. But I also really liked that it didn't have more rompy espionage?
Anyways, this is great (my adjectives are repetitive today but you get it, I liked this alot). Hats off to Stella Riley AS ALWAYS, and Leo's book (budding portrait artist that he is now, what with the Rockliffe clan patronizing his talent) can't come soon enough! Will obviously also get the audiobook with Alex Wyndham whenever it arrives. I think I might go listen through all of her books now? Yes, yes I think I will.
*AUDIO UPDATE: Riley always keeps notified her Facebook of audiobook developments, so I jumped right on it when it within minutes of it being released. Rather than binge the book like the first time, I savored it. And any Riley/Wyndham collaboration, I loved it. Alex Wyndham and Stella Riley really are the best pairing as their respective styles suit each other’s sublimely. My rating stays the same.*
There is something so wonderfully familiar and unique about Stella Riley's writing that I really can't pin down. Despite writing in an incredibly oversaturated subgenre, she somehow always produces a story or series that is authentic, carefully crafted, and consistently good. What's more, as hard as I try I can never shoe-horn her work into any trope and no story ever unfolds how I expect.
Under a Dark Moon, her second installment in the Brandon Brothers series, was no different. She wrote more than once on her website and on social media that this was different than anything else she had written--it totally was, and I loved that. This series is quickly chalking up to be something other than her 17th century historical fiction and her 18th century Rockliffe historical romance. Adam's story was intriguing and with a light mystery thread throughout the romantic narrative. And like Max's story (A Trick of Fate) this occurs outside the wiles of London. So I guess, what I'm saying just reinforces that Riley remains this refreshing presence in the historical fiction/romance world and I love her.
Unlike alot of her other stories, this is very quiet and burns slowly, so if you read this be prepared for that. The majority of the story unfolds with the couple working together, and then openly in love. There were shades of Gabriel and Venetia (Garland of Straw), which was wonderful considering that Adam is one of their descendants. But I think my favourite thing about Adam and Camilla was, that once they shed their chilly social masks and get to know one another, quite well, they operate as a loving, supportive, and just all-round canny team.
Camilla was what I'm now starting to think of as A Stella Riley Heroine. I don't know how to convey what that means, if you haven't read her books, but suffice to say Camilla is wonderful.
Adam, meanwhile, was just a hunk of laconic silver-blonde, sword-carrying dream man. Anyone else? Like... he is up there with Rock, Luciano, Adrian, Francis, and Aristide now in terms of favourite Riley heroes (for me). But then, Riley's heroes are always solid. Who am I kidding, I can't actually rank Riley's heroes? Except to say Rock is #1. Adam is brill. I need say no more.
PLUS, how great is it that Adam gets to continue being, well, whatever he is under the mysterious government M Section agency is but that Camilla gets to continue too! I loved that. More working 18th century women please.
Tangent: I hope I'm not alone in getting the vibe that Riley might have been laying some groundwork for a M Section series spinoff because my goodness those were some great, vibrant secondary characters like Rainham (sadface though, because he is married and is unlikely to get a book) and Alveston/Goddard etc.
Of course, seeing Sebastian and Cassie was wonderful . Then for reference to descendants of the Ashley/Francis foursame from The King's Falcon, and one hugely welcome appearance from Rock.. it was just a dream (Midwinter Magic: A Rockliffe Novella ALL OVER AGAIN). It's such a dense and rich Georgian universe that Riley has crafted, so when I read her books it feels almost like being amongst dear old friends.
ALSO! That was some steamy stuff for Riley.
The only reason I don't give this a full 5 stars was because I kind of wanted more drama. Which is rare for me. But I also really liked that it didn't have more rompy espionage?
Anyways, this is great (my adjectives are repetitive today but you get it, I liked this alot). Hats off to Stella Riley AS ALWAYS, and Leo's book (budding portrait artist that he is now, what with the Rockliffe clan patronizing his talent) can't come soon enough! Will obviously also get the audiobook with Alex Wyndham whenever it arrives. I think I might go listen through all of her books now? Yes, yes I think I will.
July 16, 2021
Under a Dark Moon, the second in Stella Riley’s Brandon Brothers trilogy, is set in and around the atmospheric and starkly beautiful plains of Romney Marsh in Kent. As well as the smuggling of tax free luxury goods, something else far more sinister is going on, and there is a conspiracy of silence with the locals involved closing ranks. Very few people know who the leader of the smuggling ring is, but as the benefits are financially lucrative, no one involved is willing to jeopardise their ‘livelihood’ by speculating or questioning.
This stretch of the Kent coast is the shortest distance between France and England making Romney Marsh with its swamplands and heavy mists perfect for the activity. The local churches mentioned in the story really exist and were visited in the course of the author’s extensive and immaculate research. While innocent and unobtrusive by day, they take on sinister undertones by night, and play their part in the concealment of the illegal smuggled goods once landed. The taverns and pubs mentioned throughout the story, are also kosher. For instance, The City of London Tavern, Dymchurch, is actually a sixteenth century tavern still operating today.
Ms.Riley lives fairly close by and I love how she often uses this beautiful, intriguing and mysterious part of the country in some of her books. I’ve actually been so caught up in previous stories, such as The Player, that I’ve visited the area she’s described to experience it for myself. So well does she weave her magic that her fictional characters become living, breathing, people and some, especially Adrian, the MC of the above mentioned story, has taken up residence in my heart as one of my ‘book boyfriends’. This is research and writing at its best and I’m never disappointed as every single book and character she writes about is different to the last. I appreciate accurate historical detail, and when an author goes to this much trouble to achieve authenticity for her readers, it’s never lost on me.
Adam Brandon is a silver-gilt haired, dashing, fearless, sword carrying dreamboat, and not only is he extremely easy on the eye, but a thoroughly decent man to boot. He’s no pushover, either, as his soon-to-be-boss, Goddard discovers; he even goes so far as to earmark Adam as a worthy counterpart for his feisty niece, Camilla, who is also an operative in M Division. I can remember every single one of this author’s extensive list of male characters from all of her books in three dimensional clarity, so memorable are they. Adam is a worthy addition to the list and I loved everything about him from his silver-gilt hair to his air of quiet authority, and no nonsense approach to life.
Adam has been honing his exceptional skill with the sword amongst the very best in Paris, with the ultimate goal of setting up his own Fencing academy aiming to pass on his skills in serious sword play, as well as the gentleman’s sport of fencing. However, he’s still young and with enough adrenaline pumping through his blood that he’s happy to put his ambitions on hold when he is offered an exciting proposition from an unexpected source. Goddard (aka the Earl of Alveston), the leader of a little known government unit known as M Division, has been quietly investigating and observing Adam for some considerable time. As well as receiving confirmation of Adam’s integrity from an old friend, he has also seen for himself that, whilst Adam is a formidable swordsman, he is not an indiscriminate killer, and has all the qualities Goddard is looking for as an addition to his small multi-talented team.
Adam’s first task after completing his training in the field - which encompasses such nefarious tasks as lock picking - is to escort Camilla to her family’s country estate, Dragon Hall, in west Kent. The fact that this task also coincides with his first assignment is by the by because initially Camilla makes it almost impossible for the two of them to co-exist happily, even as she guesses they are to be on the same team. They lock horns from their first meeting when she tries unsuccessfully to get the better of him. Having almost married a man she believed herself to be in love with a year previously, only to discover by accident, in a humiliatingly overheard gossipy conversation, that he was not the man she thought him to be, Camilla has lost trust in all men and sworn off them for good. So unfortunately for Adam, being the first attractive young man she has encountered in the past year, he was always going to have a rough time.
To me, Camilla initially comes over as an embittered and uncompromising young woman which, of course, is understandable given her experience with her ex fiancé. However, I must admit to jumping very much to Adam’s defence - such is Stella Riley’s ability to make me love her male characters. Soon, however, Camilla’s indomitable spirit melted my animosity towards her and, as the two spend more time together as working colleagues, I could see that this intelligent, feisty young woman was the perfect partner for the gorgeous Adam, in more ways than one. Plus, of course, she soon begins to really see Adam without her prejudices getting in the way, so I can forgive her initial rancour at his habit of “issuing orders and expecting everyone - including her - to jump”…even if he did adopt this attitude because of her obvious (at the time) aversion to him. Adam himself first begins to see the softer side of Camilla after she arrives at her home and is greeted by the staff who quite obviously love her; her smile dazzling him “in its warmth” and…”although he knew it wasn’t for him, Adam found himself smiling stupidly back”… this was the moment Adam began to lose his heart even if he wasn’t aware of it at the time.
After getting off to such a bad start, Adam sets out to deliberately charm Camilla although he also manages to keep wrong footing her with his mischievous repartee. Still, bit by bit, he begins to break down her defences - who wouldn’t be charmed by Adam? The two, together with Rainham, a fabulous secondary character who could easily have had his own book, and Harry Finch, Adam’s valet/right-hand man, are soon working together as a team. Another plus is that we get to see some characters from previous books, not least Sebastian Audley (The Wicked Cousin), one of the author’s most memorable and much loved characters. By now Sebastian has inherited the title of Viscount Wingham from his recently deceased father, and with his wife, Cassandra, and their baby son, live at Audley Court, Rye. We see quite a lot of him as he aids Adam, Camilla, and Rainham in their undercover investigations. I love that the author does this; I’m never content to say goodbye to her characters so when they become involved as secondary characters in later stories, I’m happy to be back in her magical Georgian world with them.
With the initial mutual dislike soon dissipating, we don’t have long to wait before Adam and Camilla - both equally intelligent - recognise each other’s professional acumen and skills, which in turn leads to respect, liking, trust, and a delicious slow burn romance. Adam is one of those rare breeds, a one woman man, and when he finds her (as he has) he’s chivalrous to a point which completely fits the picture of him I have in my imagination. There is no gratuitous sex on the page but the sexual tension between them positively simmers as the story progresses and, in my opinion, is far sexier than pages of descriptive text. Plus, Adam’s occasional, but perfectly timed risqué comments to Camilla, are both amusing and sexy in themselves and add another layer to the overall romantic feel of the story. Camilla’s female staff also fall under Adam’s charismatic spell and I love how he’s unaware of it, a fact which only makes him all the more endearing.
Under a Dark Moon (Brandon Brothers #2) is an addictive historical romance but with the addition of a plausible and clever mystery. Once more, Stella Riley has raised the bar to bring us something totally different to her previous books, plus of course, more fabulous characters for us to love. With only Leo Brandon’s story to go in this trio of books, I’m wondering where her clever mind will take her next. Because, having very skilfully linked her fabulous Roundheads and Cavaliers and Rockliffe series to The Brandon Brothers, I’m very much looking forward to what she has up her sleeve next.
This stretch of the Kent coast is the shortest distance between France and England making Romney Marsh with its swamplands and heavy mists perfect for the activity. The local churches mentioned in the story really exist and were visited in the course of the author’s extensive and immaculate research. While innocent and unobtrusive by day, they take on sinister undertones by night, and play their part in the concealment of the illegal smuggled goods once landed. The taverns and pubs mentioned throughout the story, are also kosher. For instance, The City of London Tavern, Dymchurch, is actually a sixteenth century tavern still operating today.
Ms.Riley lives fairly close by and I love how she often uses this beautiful, intriguing and mysterious part of the country in some of her books. I’ve actually been so caught up in previous stories, such as The Player, that I’ve visited the area she’s described to experience it for myself. So well does she weave her magic that her fictional characters become living, breathing, people and some, especially Adrian, the MC of the above mentioned story, has taken up residence in my heart as one of my ‘book boyfriends’. This is research and writing at its best and I’m never disappointed as every single book and character she writes about is different to the last. I appreciate accurate historical detail, and when an author goes to this much trouble to achieve authenticity for her readers, it’s never lost on me.
Adam Brandon is a silver-gilt haired, dashing, fearless, sword carrying dreamboat, and not only is he extremely easy on the eye, but a thoroughly decent man to boot. He’s no pushover, either, as his soon-to-be-boss, Goddard discovers; he even goes so far as to earmark Adam as a worthy counterpart for his feisty niece, Camilla, who is also an operative in M Division. I can remember every single one of this author’s extensive list of male characters from all of her books in three dimensional clarity, so memorable are they. Adam is a worthy addition to the list and I loved everything about him from his silver-gilt hair to his air of quiet authority, and no nonsense approach to life.
Adam has been honing his exceptional skill with the sword amongst the very best in Paris, with the ultimate goal of setting up his own Fencing academy aiming to pass on his skills in serious sword play, as well as the gentleman’s sport of fencing. However, he’s still young and with enough adrenaline pumping through his blood that he’s happy to put his ambitions on hold when he is offered an exciting proposition from an unexpected source. Goddard (aka the Earl of Alveston), the leader of a little known government unit known as M Division, has been quietly investigating and observing Adam for some considerable time. As well as receiving confirmation of Adam’s integrity from an old friend, he has also seen for himself that, whilst Adam is a formidable swordsman, he is not an indiscriminate killer, and has all the qualities Goddard is looking for as an addition to his small multi-talented team.
Adam’s first task after completing his training in the field - which encompasses such nefarious tasks as lock picking - is to escort Camilla to her family’s country estate, Dragon Hall, in west Kent. The fact that this task also coincides with his first assignment is by the by because initially Camilla makes it almost impossible for the two of them to co-exist happily, even as she guesses they are to be on the same team. They lock horns from their first meeting when she tries unsuccessfully to get the better of him. Having almost married a man she believed herself to be in love with a year previously, only to discover by accident, in a humiliatingly overheard gossipy conversation, that he was not the man she thought him to be, Camilla has lost trust in all men and sworn off them for good. So unfortunately for Adam, being the first attractive young man she has encountered in the past year, he was always going to have a rough time.
To me, Camilla initially comes over as an embittered and uncompromising young woman which, of course, is understandable given her experience with her ex fiancé. However, I must admit to jumping very much to Adam’s defence - such is Stella Riley’s ability to make me love her male characters. Soon, however, Camilla’s indomitable spirit melted my animosity towards her and, as the two spend more time together as working colleagues, I could see that this intelligent, feisty young woman was the perfect partner for the gorgeous Adam, in more ways than one. Plus, of course, she soon begins to really see Adam without her prejudices getting in the way, so I can forgive her initial rancour at his habit of “issuing orders and expecting everyone - including her - to jump”…even if he did adopt this attitude because of her obvious (at the time) aversion to him. Adam himself first begins to see the softer side of Camilla after she arrives at her home and is greeted by the staff who quite obviously love her; her smile dazzling him “in its warmth” and…”although he knew it wasn’t for him, Adam found himself smiling stupidly back”… this was the moment Adam began to lose his heart even if he wasn’t aware of it at the time.
After getting off to such a bad start, Adam sets out to deliberately charm Camilla although he also manages to keep wrong footing her with his mischievous repartee. Still, bit by bit, he begins to break down her defences - who wouldn’t be charmed by Adam? The two, together with Rainham, a fabulous secondary character who could easily have had his own book, and Harry Finch, Adam’s valet/right-hand man, are soon working together as a team. Another plus is that we get to see some characters from previous books, not least Sebastian Audley (The Wicked Cousin), one of the author’s most memorable and much loved characters. By now Sebastian has inherited the title of Viscount Wingham from his recently deceased father, and with his wife, Cassandra, and their baby son, live at Audley Court, Rye. We see quite a lot of him as he aids Adam, Camilla, and Rainham in their undercover investigations. I love that the author does this; I’m never content to say goodbye to her characters so when they become involved as secondary characters in later stories, I’m happy to be back in her magical Georgian world with them.
With the initial mutual dislike soon dissipating, we don’t have long to wait before Adam and Camilla - both equally intelligent - recognise each other’s professional acumen and skills, which in turn leads to respect, liking, trust, and a delicious slow burn romance. Adam is one of those rare breeds, a one woman man, and when he finds her (as he has) he’s chivalrous to a point which completely fits the picture of him I have in my imagination. There is no gratuitous sex on the page but the sexual tension between them positively simmers as the story progresses and, in my opinion, is far sexier than pages of descriptive text. Plus, Adam’s occasional, but perfectly timed risqué comments to Camilla, are both amusing and sexy in themselves and add another layer to the overall romantic feel of the story. Camilla’s female staff also fall under Adam’s charismatic spell and I love how he’s unaware of it, a fact which only makes him all the more endearing.
Under a Dark Moon (Brandon Brothers #2) is an addictive historical romance but with the addition of a plausible and clever mystery. Once more, Stella Riley has raised the bar to bring us something totally different to her previous books, plus of course, more fabulous characters for us to love. With only Leo Brandon’s story to go in this trio of books, I’m wondering where her clever mind will take her next. Because, having very skilfully linked her fabulous Roundheads and Cavaliers and Rockliffe series to The Brandon Brothers, I’m very much looking forward to what she has up her sleeve next.
June 22, 2022
5 STARS
Another delightful romance from Stella Riley. I will never tire of these Brandon brothers. And I love how she ties them all back together in the end. Lovely to see Sebastian again, Lord Alverston, Max and even Rockliffe. But Adam, with his sword, was just as gallant as his predecessors. Great female lead as well. The storyline was intriguing and suspenseful, absolutely loved it.
Alex Wyndham was also amazing, as usual, with his sexy narration. I could listen to him recite his grocery list.
Looking forward to her next one.
Another delightful romance from Stella Riley. I will never tire of these Brandon brothers. And I love how she ties them all back together in the end. Lovely to see Sebastian again, Lord Alverston, Max and even Rockliffe. But Adam, with his sword, was just as gallant as his predecessors. Great female lead as well. The storyline was intriguing and suspenseful, absolutely loved it.
Alex Wyndham was also amazing, as usual, with his sexy narration. I could listen to him recite his grocery list.
Looking forward to her next one.
December 6, 2024
It is always exciting to receive a new book by a favourite romance author. You know that you are in for an absorbing story with wonderful protagonists, sparkling interactions and a delicious central relationship, along with an interesting cast of secondary characters and a sense of place that combine into a sum greater than its excellent parts. I am delighted to say that this is very much the case with Stella Riley’s new novel, Under a Dark Moon.
The story is set on the coast of Kent around Romney Marsh and its environs. The long, flat stretches of beach and sea wall and barren coastal hinterland with enveloping sea mists and the dreary overcast skies are easy to imagine and form an evocative setting for a story about smuggling.
I really enjoyed the plot of Under a Dark Moon. Smuggling is a much-used trope in romantic fiction but there was a freshness of approach and such a well-developed story that made Ms Riley’s novel exciting and engrossing. Each element of the story was well-thought-through. From the logistics of organising and operating the runs to the conspiracy of silence of those involved in the trade to the hopeless task facing the Riding Officers and Preventive Men, it felt realistic and all too feasible. I especially enjoyed the underlying espionage sub-plot that added depth and complexity to the story and provided the protagonists ample opportunities to display their skills, intelligence and courage.
However, Ms Riley’s most accomplished skill is her ability to create wonderfully memorable characters and incorporate them into a delightfully satisfying love story. At their first meeting there was little to suggest that Adam and Camilla will be right for each other but as their characters are slowly revealed to us and to each other, it is such a pleasure to watch their romance develop. I loved that though they are both relatively young they are both so mature in their thoughts and actions.
Adam is the middle Brandon brother. He has chosen to leave the family estate in Yorkshire and make his own way in the world. He is quite different to his brother Max (see A Trick of Fate) but still has the Brandon honour, integrity and beautiful manners. He is a lovely man, both physically (gorgeous) and in personality. Self-contained, economical in speech and somewhat reserved, he is nevertheless confident in his skills and uses his razor-sharp intelligence to best effect. Perhaps his most appealing trait is that he treats Camilla as every inch his equal in all things. His open appreciation and respect for her intelligence is an important element in Camilla’s realisation of her attraction to Adam.
Camilla is also a fascinating character. Sharp and spiky when we first meet her, she is still berating herself for having imagined herself in love with a selfish man who did not love her. A year later, having sworn off men but still feeling humiliated, she is very antagonistic towards Adam in their first few meetings. However, when she is back in her own home and experiences Adam’s calm good sense and down-to-earth attitude, she realises that she has been rather rude and apologises. This apology paves the way for their friendship to develop. For such a young woman, Camilla is very mature – perhaps because her special skill has given her access to a world that was usually closed to women and where she could use and sharpen her own intelligence. When problems occur throughout the story, she uses her brain to think through possible solutions. She displays resilience and backbone at every turn, refusing to resort to tears and inaction, though she clearly feels the shock, horror and gut-wrenching worry that the plot turns generate. When she realises her attraction to Adam and that it is reciprocated, her responses are delightfully open and warm. Adam and Camilla are a perfect match for each other, and their story will live long in my memory.
As always in a Stella Riley novel, there is a great cast of secondary characters. I loved Rainham and enjoyed glimpses of his long-suffering wife and would have loved to see his romance! Harry Finch was a joy, as was Coombes and Uncle Alveston. The “baddies” were suitably dark and dastardly and even a little surprising! It was lovely to meet Sebastian and Cassie again and to see a more serious side of Sebastian. Even the Duke of Rockliffe made a very small cameo appearance.
With this book it feels like the author has taken a step further away from the Rockliffe cycle of books and possibly one in the direction of the complexity, historical and emotional heft of the Roundhead and Cavalier novels. Under a Dark Moon is an exciting, action-packed novel where the development of the central romance is inextricably entwined with the progress of the plot to make a richly rewarding and satisfying read. I just loved it.
The story is set on the coast of Kent around Romney Marsh and its environs. The long, flat stretches of beach and sea wall and barren coastal hinterland with enveloping sea mists and the dreary overcast skies are easy to imagine and form an evocative setting for a story about smuggling.
I really enjoyed the plot of Under a Dark Moon. Smuggling is a much-used trope in romantic fiction but there was a freshness of approach and such a well-developed story that made Ms Riley’s novel exciting and engrossing. Each element of the story was well-thought-through. From the logistics of organising and operating the runs to the conspiracy of silence of those involved in the trade to the hopeless task facing the Riding Officers and Preventive Men, it felt realistic and all too feasible. I especially enjoyed the underlying espionage sub-plot that added depth and complexity to the story and provided the protagonists ample opportunities to display their skills, intelligence and courage.
However, Ms Riley’s most accomplished skill is her ability to create wonderfully memorable characters and incorporate them into a delightfully satisfying love story. At their first meeting there was little to suggest that Adam and Camilla will be right for each other but as their characters are slowly revealed to us and to each other, it is such a pleasure to watch their romance develop. I loved that though they are both relatively young they are both so mature in their thoughts and actions.
Adam is the middle Brandon brother. He has chosen to leave the family estate in Yorkshire and make his own way in the world. He is quite different to his brother Max (see A Trick of Fate) but still has the Brandon honour, integrity and beautiful manners. He is a lovely man, both physically (gorgeous) and in personality. Self-contained, economical in speech and somewhat reserved, he is nevertheless confident in his skills and uses his razor-sharp intelligence to best effect. Perhaps his most appealing trait is that he treats Camilla as every inch his equal in all things. His open appreciation and respect for her intelligence is an important element in Camilla’s realisation of her attraction to Adam.
Camilla is also a fascinating character. Sharp and spiky when we first meet her, she is still berating herself for having imagined herself in love with a selfish man who did not love her. A year later, having sworn off men but still feeling humiliated, she is very antagonistic towards Adam in their first few meetings. However, when she is back in her own home and experiences Adam’s calm good sense and down-to-earth attitude, she realises that she has been rather rude and apologises. This apology paves the way for their friendship to develop. For such a young woman, Camilla is very mature – perhaps because her special skill has given her access to a world that was usually closed to women and where she could use and sharpen her own intelligence. When problems occur throughout the story, she uses her brain to think through possible solutions. She displays resilience and backbone at every turn, refusing to resort to tears and inaction, though she clearly feels the shock, horror and gut-wrenching worry that the plot turns generate. When she realises her attraction to Adam and that it is reciprocated, her responses are delightfully open and warm. Adam and Camilla are a perfect match for each other, and their story will live long in my memory.
As always in a Stella Riley novel, there is a great cast of secondary characters. I loved Rainham and enjoyed glimpses of his long-suffering wife and would have loved to see his romance! Harry Finch was a joy, as was Coombes and Uncle Alveston. The “baddies” were suitably dark and dastardly and even a little surprising! It was lovely to meet Sebastian and Cassie again and to see a more serious side of Sebastian. Even the Duke of Rockliffe made a very small cameo appearance.
With this book it feels like the author has taken a step further away from the Rockliffe cycle of books and possibly one in the direction of the complexity, historical and emotional heft of the Roundhead and Cavalier novels. Under a Dark Moon is an exciting, action-packed novel where the development of the central romance is inextricably entwined with the progress of the plot to make a richly rewarding and satisfying read. I just loved it.
November 25, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨stars
Yay to another extremely enjoyable listen written by Stella Riley with narration by Alex Wyndham. This combo gets me every time. Love how her lead characters don’t necessarily jump in the sack right away. They have a decent get-to-know-you process (with a lot of subtle heat in between) with interesting historical details and a good plot. However, her “sexy time” has always been really well done and far from being bzzzzzz. I would have liked to have more of it in this one but that’s just being particular. Hoping it’s not a sign of things to come, but I’ll just reread old faves of hers I suppose. The end felt a bit rushed but maybe I just didn’t want it to end..
Yay to another extremely enjoyable listen written by Stella Riley with narration by Alex Wyndham. This combo gets me every time. Love how her lead characters don’t necessarily jump in the sack right away. They have a decent get-to-know-you process (with a lot of subtle heat in between) with interesting historical details and a good plot. However, her “sexy time” has always been really well done and far from being bzzzzzz. I would have liked to have more of it in this one but that’s just being particular. Hoping it’s not a sign of things to come, but I’ll just reread old faves of hers I suppose. The end felt a bit rushed but maybe I just didn’t want it to end..
March 30, 2022
Stella Riley has done it again. Under a Dark Moon is an amazing book. It has everything - smuggling, spies. sword fighting, romance, a handsome hero, a fearless smart heroine, and an unusual villain. Oh, and a sheep. I almost forgot, there is a cheese grater.
Adam was almost perfect as a hero. Not only is he a Brandon, he has silver-gilt hair and is a master swordsman. I cannot say enough good about him. As he comes to care about Camilla, he just gets better. One of my favorite scenes is with Sebastion Audley, yes, that Sebastion Audley from The Wicked Cousin. It was nice to see him and Cassandra again.
Camilla heartbroken and too smart, took a lot longer to love Adam. Considering her past experience with a fiancee, I can understand. As well as her running home to Romney Marsh leaving London behind. That is where the adventures and Adam come into play.
There are new characters introduced. Viscount Rainham has a wicked sense of humor and a penchant for disguises. He is married but I would like to read more of his backstory. Apparently he proposed to his wife Vivian three times on bended knee, before she accepted him. That would make for an intriguing story.
So many old friends show up, I won't name them all. It is lovely to touch base with them, however briefly.
I look forward to Leo's story. The Brandon brothers are fascinating. This should be good.
Adam was almost perfect as a hero. Not only is he a Brandon, he has silver-gilt hair and is a master swordsman. I cannot say enough good about him. As he comes to care about Camilla, he just gets better. One of my favorite scenes is with Sebastion Audley, yes, that Sebastion Audley from The Wicked Cousin. It was nice to see him and Cassandra again.
Camilla heartbroken and too smart, took a lot longer to love Adam. Considering her past experience with a fiancee, I can understand. As well as her running home to Romney Marsh leaving London behind. That is where the adventures and Adam come into play.
There are new characters introduced. Viscount Rainham has a wicked sense of humor and a penchant for disguises. He is married but I would like to read more of his backstory. Apparently he proposed to his wife Vivian three times on bended knee, before she accepted him. That would make for an intriguing story.
So many old friends show up, I won't name them all. It is lovely to touch base with them, however briefly.
I look forward to Leo's story. The Brandon brothers are fascinating. This should be good.
December 1, 2021
Riley at her best, IMO. Every part of the story just clicked--the espionage/smugglers plot made sense, the antagonists-to-lovers romance was well-done. I loved both our heroine and hero. Camilla (burdened with the nickname 'Millie') and Adam are both smart. competent, and (best of all) adults.
Long-time readers will enjoy the appearance of several characters from the Rockcliffe books.
I smiled all the way through this.
Long-time readers will enjoy the appearance of several characters from the Rockcliffe books.
I smiled all the way through this.
June 3, 2022
Liked this better than the first book. A fun spy vs spy romance/mystery about a smugglers in the north country.
June 27, 2025
Mrs. Riley knows the historical background of her novels. She generally sticks to the realities. Although this time the degree of alleged trust in the discretion of the domestic servants was rather exaggerated. After all, they also came from families living to some extent from smuggling. The dialogues and some behaviors were a bit too modern, but I can accept this.
I read it smoothly, quickly, and I was not tempted to skim or skip paragraphs. Nevertheless, I cannot say that I was particularly interested in the intrigue or the love story. It is a pity, because the idea and characters were interesting and witty.
This book was better than the first part of the series, but I am disappointed again, because I expected more pleasure from the author.
[3-3.5 stars]
I read it smoothly, quickly, and I was not tempted to skim or skip paragraphs. Nevertheless, I cannot say that I was particularly interested in the intrigue or the love story. It is a pity, because the idea and characters were interesting and witty.
This book was better than the first part of the series, but I am disappointed again, because I expected more pleasure from the author.
[3-3.5 stars]
May 27, 2022
Smiling throughout, swooning frequently, numerous outbursts of laughter, and did I mention swooning? Under a Dark Moon was the most delightful story from the talented Stella Riley and narrated by the equally talented Alex Wyndham (they make a great pair) that it earned a coveted spot on my favorites list. The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that it did not have an epilogue. Both the main characters, Adam Brandon and Camilla (Millie) Edgerton-Foxe, were fabulous as were many of the other characters. Some of our favorites from previous books made appearances as well. You can’t go wrong with this one!!
July 24, 2021
I feel bad about this 3 point rating but just being honest....these Brandon boys just can't compete with their great-grandfather, several times removed, Gabriel Brandon. That book, Garland of Straw, from Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series, was a five star read. And there was only a tiny bit part from the Duke of Rockliffe, so even he couldn't help. I certainly haven't given up on Riley, one of my favorite authors, but just waiting for a book in this series to wow me, like I know she is capable of doing.
May 18, 2021
I am ashamed to admit I finished this book well over a month ago, but I can NEVER do justice to Stella Riley’s wonderful books, so I can’t ever find words to describe them.
So in a nutshell, SR is one of my absolute favorite authors, and I loved this book! Her characters are probably the finest written in historical fiction!
So in a nutshell, SR is one of my absolute favorite authors, and I loved this book! Her characters are probably the finest written in historical fiction!
March 12, 2023
I have just finished The Brandon Trilogy by Stella Riley, and I loved all three books -- A Trick of Fate, Under A Dark Moon, and The Montesoro Legacy. In a Trick of Fate, Max Brandon is led on a wild goose chase from Yorkshire to Scotland, but he has at his side, Frances, his long lost love. The question for Max is, can their love be rekindled during this seemingly never ending trek. In A Trick of Fate, Max's brother Adam joins a secret British spy system. His first task is to discover who is in charge of a smuggling operation in Kent, but more important, who are the traitors who are smuggling in French spies. Handicapping his task are the niece and nephew of his commander. The niece, Camilla, because she is entirely too enticing, the nephew because he seems to be involved in the smuggling. In the final book, The Montesoro Legacy, Max's youngest brother, Leo, a renowned artist, becomes involved in a scandal with Mariella Talbot due to a vicious-spirited woman who claims Leo and Mariella have been indiscreet. To save Mariella's reputation, Leo is forced to ask her to marry him. Needing to escape her wicked step-brother and save her brother, Donato, from being put in an asylum, Mariella agrees to the marriage proposal, but only if the betrothal lasts until she can regain her finances that her step-brother has stolen. But as Leo and Mariella spend more and more time together, and Leo and his family help to protect Mariella from her step-brother, they begin to sense love may be blossoming, and the betrothal may not be broken after all. Each one of these books is full of fun and adventure as well as the romance. I am hoping Riley will continue with this group of characters and tell us how a Brandon distant cousin prospers, how Donato and his step-sister Charlotte fare, and what of the younger, and kindhearted step-brother, Titus. Such fun!!
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
May 4, 2021
Now that’s more like it!
Wow. This story! I don’t know what happened with A Trick of Fate, but whatever is wrong with that book, this one makes up for in spades. Now I want a spin off series for Adam, Millie, and M Section! They are magnificent. One adventure will not be enough. Yet, for all the excitement of the adventure, the love story holds its own very well. Adam and Camilla are fabulous together, and the sexual tension is delicious. They are each an anomaly on their own, not quite able to function in the world. She is too smart for a woman, unable to connect with people. He is an expert at sword play but not a soldier. He doesn’t like to hurt his opponents. She has secluded herself. He has lived out of the country. Together they become something great, totally unexpected. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. The last chapter is brilliant. Just beautiful. I can’t wait for Alex Wyndham to finish the audiobook. I read the whole book hearing his voice. We have Leo’s story to look forward to. I want to see his portraits! Why, oh why, aren’t Leo’s portraits the book covers?? These covers are terrible, but especially painful when there is a brilliant artist in the family. What an oversight. It would have been magnificent to make the portraits of Max and Adam the book covers. I can’t last until the next book comes out, so I’m going to start over with The Parfit Knight. I can’t get enough of Stella Riley’s world.
Wow. This story! I don’t know what happened with A Trick of Fate, but whatever is wrong with that book, this one makes up for in spades. Now I want a spin off series for Adam, Millie, and M Section! They are magnificent. One adventure will not be enough. Yet, for all the excitement of the adventure, the love story holds its own very well. Adam and Camilla are fabulous together, and the sexual tension is delicious. They are each an anomaly on their own, not quite able to function in the world. She is too smart for a woman, unable to connect with people. He is an expert at sword play but not a soldier. He doesn’t like to hurt his opponents. She has secluded herself. He has lived out of the country. Together they become something great, totally unexpected. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. The last chapter is brilliant. Just beautiful. I can’t wait for Alex Wyndham to finish the audiobook. I read the whole book hearing his voice. We have Leo’s story to look forward to. I want to see his portraits! Why, oh why, aren’t Leo’s portraits the book covers?? These covers are terrible, but especially painful when there is a brilliant artist in the family. What an oversight. It would have been magnificent to make the portraits of Max and Adam the book covers. I can’t last until the next book comes out, so I’m going to start over with The Parfit Knight. I can’t get enough of Stella Riley’s world.
April 11, 2021
Gosh I love this author!
Another fabulous story from Stella Riley, beautifully written and utterly engrossing. I’ll never look at a cheese grater in the same way again...
Another fabulous story from Stella Riley, beautifully written and utterly engrossing. I’ll never look at a cheese grater in the same way again...
November 5, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, the story took me a bit of time to get into, but once I had read a few chapters I was hooked.
The story of the growing romance between Adam and Camilla mixed with the story of smuggling kept me interested from beginning to end.
I am looking forward to reading more of their story.
The story of the growing romance between Adam and Camilla mixed with the story of smuggling kept me interested from beginning to end.
I am looking forward to reading more of their story.
April 6, 2021
SO GOOD
Brilliant. Just like all Stella Riley’s books before. Enjoyable, entertaining, couldn’t put down. A good follow up to A Twist Of Fate. Well look forward to the Audible addition if read by Alex Wyndham. Thank you Stella.
Brilliant. Just like all Stella Riley’s books before. Enjoyable, entertaining, couldn’t put down. A good follow up to A Twist Of Fate. Well look forward to the Audible addition if read by Alex Wyndham. Thank you Stella.
October 26, 2021
Audiobook. Narration is as good as the story!
April 21, 2021
Fun, witty, swoony and with plenty of excellent dialogue and action. I always enjoy Stella Riley's books and especially how each character fits into the whole series and yet remains so utterly unique. I also love how the heroine isn't some weak-kneed silly miss but is instead an integral part to the mission's success. And of course, the scenes with the cheese grater were just hilarious. Stella Riley is an automatic buy for me and it's no wonder as her writing is always excellent and the story always gripping, entertaining, and romantic.
December 18, 2022
12/17/22- finally got this on audio and listened to it. thoroughly enjoyed it the second time around, too. I still thought the last chapter was more like an extended epilogue to get characters from past books in (including some from the Rockiffe series), and could have been streamlined.
I love Stella Riley and have listened to every book she has on audio. I was waiting on this because Alex Wyndham is due to record it, but it's been delayed and the ebook was on sale, so I decided to go ahead in print.
The overall story of smuggling, espionage, and secret organizations, all mixed in with a love story is very good, but I felt the pacing was a little off in this book. The first 50%-60% lays out the story including some history of smuggling, introduces all the characters, and gets Adam and Camilla's love story off the ground. The research and historical details are superb as usual with Riley's work. I feel that laying the details and setting everything up went little long and I found I could put the book down rather easily. However, when the action really started I was totally engrossed. The second pacing issue comes after the action is mostly past. Even with the crisis averted, there is still a lot of mystery left and that goes on for a while, interspersed with Camilla and Adam's romance. The last 10% felt like an extended epilogue with appearances of several people from the Rockliff series.
I think a lot of this would have been smoothed out if I'd been listening on audio, with Alex Wyndam's talented narration. I intend to get the audio when it is finally available and enjoy this a second time.
I love Stella Riley and have listened to every book she has on audio. I was waiting on this because Alex Wyndham is due to record it, but it's been delayed and the ebook was on sale, so I decided to go ahead in print.
The overall story of smuggling, espionage, and secret organizations, all mixed in with a love story is very good, but I felt the pacing was a little off in this book. The first 50%-60% lays out the story including some history of smuggling, introduces all the characters, and gets Adam and Camilla's love story off the ground. The research and historical details are superb as usual with Riley's work. I feel that laying the details and setting everything up went little long and I found I could put the book down rather easily. However, when the action really started I was totally engrossed. The second pacing issue comes after the action is mostly past. Even with the crisis averted, there is still a lot of mystery left and that goes on for a while, interspersed with Camilla and Adam's romance. The last 10% felt like an extended epilogue with appearances of several people from the Rockliff series.
I think a lot of this would have been smoothed out if I'd been listening on audio, with Alex Wyndam's talented narration. I intend to get the audio when it is finally available and enjoy this a second time.
September 13, 2022
Lovely on audio. Riley constructs a leisurely though never boring narrative. Adam Brandon is a younger son making his way in the world. He is working as a fencing master when he is recruited into special operations for the British government. The Earl of Alveston, head of M Section, takes care of miscellaneous problems and convinces Adam to give it a try. The assignment is to accompany the Earl’s niece, Camilla, to her home in Kent as subterfuge for investigating a smuggling and espionage ring operating very successfully there. Camilla has broken an engagement with a scoundrel and is bitter and disillusioned with men. Thankfully, Adam has complete integrity, the body of a god, and likes smart, sassy women.
The smuggling ring is terrifying. Adam and team are brilliant and extremely competent. There is no lag, but there are a lot of layers to uncover. Very enjoyable and I would have given it 5 stars except the end where the action is extended more than I prefer. Definitely worth listening to again nevertheless.
The smuggling ring is terrifying. Adam and team are brilliant and extremely competent. There is no lag, but there are a lot of layers to uncover. Very enjoyable and I would have given it 5 stars except the end where the action is extended more than I prefer. Definitely worth listening to again nevertheless.
February 11, 2022
Fantastic read!
I love this second book from the Brandon trilogy, Adam has become a great favourite of mine as he reminds me of Gabriel his great great grandfather. The story is full of action (smuggling and with a very good plot twist which I wasn’t expecting!) the hero and heroine are as always very interesting with lots of witty dialogue and romantic feelings developing with the story. I can’t wait to read Leo’s story next ❤️❤️❤️
I love this second book from the Brandon trilogy, Adam has become a great favourite of mine as he reminds me of Gabriel his great great grandfather. The story is full of action (smuggling and with a very good plot twist which I wasn’t expecting!) the hero and heroine are as always very interesting with lots of witty dialogue and romantic feelings developing with the story. I can’t wait to read Leo’s story next ❤️❤️❤️
August 15, 2021
I did not find this Stella Riley book all that good first time around, but - as she is a favorite author - I tried again and - 2nd time around - thoroughly enjoyed it. Must be the good writing...! I think I liked best that the heroine did NOT succumb to doing something stupid as others in this smuggling genre would have done...
May 24, 2021
We are proud to announce that UNDER A DARK MOON (Brandon Brothers, #2) by Stella Riley has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
June 19, 2021
Master swordsman and eligible bachelor Adam Brandon undertakes a covert mission to expose a smuggling operation – and win the heart of the tale’s wilful heroine – in this historical romance.
The novel opens in Paris, where the mysterious Goddard eyes Adam’s potential for espionage and pursues him as a recruit to the equally oblique “M Section” (12). Despite Adam’s “icily sarcastic” (12) demeanour and “chilly courtesy” (15), his interest is piqued by the prospect of such “cloak-and-dagger stuff” (15). The role sees Adam travel to London where he undergoes extensive training – think Georgian-era James Bond – and encounters adamantine singleton and fellow M Section member, Camilla (Millie) Edgerton-Foxe. Following a crushing betrayal by her husband-to-be, the defensive Millie wears her single status like a suit of armour and views all men with scepticism. Enter Adam, and cue verbal sparring and witty exchanges á la Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Benedick. For seasoned fans of historical romance, the narrative signpost couldn’t be pointing the way any more clearly – predictability that is as familiar and reassuring as it is clichéd. When Millie insists on retreating into spinsterhood at her family home, Dragon Hall, Adam is charged with accompanying her. It is here, on this marshy stretch of Kent coastline, that he is to discharge his assignment. A gradually thawing Millie reluctantly joins forces with the protagonist, realising that “his morals [are] as good as his manners” (155). One’s interest is maintained in the action via a certain element of tension and suspense: Is Millie’s erstwhile younger brother Guy, heir to Dragon Hall, somehow involved in the illegal goings-on? Can the pointed and guarded silence of the locals ever be penetrated? Will Adam’s legendary swordsmanship be called into action? Will hero and heroine turn out to be the “very effective team” (15) Goddard prophesied? Across 37 chapters, Riley judiciously unfolds an accretion of detail, expounded with the confidence of an author who knows her niche. The tropes of the genre do make an appearance – for instance, there are references to “firm, perfectly-proportioned torsos” and “neat, well-defined muscle” (174); then we have the female protagonist whose defences are ultimately infiltrated by the male love interest. But there is an element of tongue-in-cheek humour to counteract the platitudes: Millie’s references to fainting and having the “vapours” (174) at the sight of male flesh could even be interpreted as subversive. These characters are somewhat more hinterland than the usual stereotypes of historical fiction.
An accomplished and agreeable yarn that delivers on the expectations of the historical romance genre.
The novel opens in Paris, where the mysterious Goddard eyes Adam’s potential for espionage and pursues him as a recruit to the equally oblique “M Section” (12). Despite Adam’s “icily sarcastic” (12) demeanour and “chilly courtesy” (15), his interest is piqued by the prospect of such “cloak-and-dagger stuff” (15). The role sees Adam travel to London where he undergoes extensive training – think Georgian-era James Bond – and encounters adamantine singleton and fellow M Section member, Camilla (Millie) Edgerton-Foxe. Following a crushing betrayal by her husband-to-be, the defensive Millie wears her single status like a suit of armour and views all men with scepticism. Enter Adam, and cue verbal sparring and witty exchanges á la Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Benedick. For seasoned fans of historical romance, the narrative signpost couldn’t be pointing the way any more clearly – predictability that is as familiar and reassuring as it is clichéd. When Millie insists on retreating into spinsterhood at her family home, Dragon Hall, Adam is charged with accompanying her. It is here, on this marshy stretch of Kent coastline, that he is to discharge his assignment. A gradually thawing Millie reluctantly joins forces with the protagonist, realising that “his morals [are] as good as his manners” (155). One’s interest is maintained in the action via a certain element of tension and suspense: Is Millie’s erstwhile younger brother Guy, heir to Dragon Hall, somehow involved in the illegal goings-on? Can the pointed and guarded silence of the locals ever be penetrated? Will Adam’s legendary swordsmanship be called into action? Will hero and heroine turn out to be the “very effective team” (15) Goddard prophesied? Across 37 chapters, Riley judiciously unfolds an accretion of detail, expounded with the confidence of an author who knows her niche. The tropes of the genre do make an appearance – for instance, there are references to “firm, perfectly-proportioned torsos” and “neat, well-defined muscle” (174); then we have the female protagonist whose defences are ultimately infiltrated by the male love interest. But there is an element of tongue-in-cheek humour to counteract the platitudes: Millie’s references to fainting and having the “vapours” (174) at the sight of male flesh could even be interpreted as subversive. These characters are somewhat more hinterland than the usual stereotypes of historical fiction.
An accomplished and agreeable yarn that delivers on the expectations of the historical romance genre.
January 8, 2022
Still a Good one though the Romance* was, to me, a bit forced... I missed the more spontaneous and natural inevitability of the Rockcliffe Series especially The Parfait Knight and The Mesalliance... the Civil War series... etc. I also did not like the contemporary context of some dialogues... it Warped the Timeline a bit... though I suppose that could not be helped as language constantly evolves and for purposes of readability... just that it felt late 20th century to the Present, at least to me. Anyway, I think this author was and is under~rated and under~appreciated for she is one of those writers** who do serious research and dig a bit deeper into History... that her work as far as the past is concerned really reflects her dedication to her craft. And I do not discount the mordant humour and the drama that were vital as background story and which already engrossed and captured this reader. For those who are not yet acquainted with her work, please read those books mentioned above... you won't be sorry. I so wish she would write more entrancing stories like the previously mentioned books.
*I think the adventures of the investigation... the coterie of interesting agents... minor characters like Harry Finch, Dragon Hall's faithful retainers... Kent's deep history with smuggling and the related fazing issues that beset their timeline were more than enough to carry the story... the extra pages devoted to the love scenes were superfluous and unnecessary as well as unusual for this author, though I do not remember if she already did it in Book 1 but I let it slide. So for a reader used to her previous style, it felt unnatural. I do not mean the normal flirtations in verbal foreplay that are usual in two people sexually attracted to each other... these she presented in her usual inimitable empathetic style.
**another author is Mira Stables
*I think the adventures of the investigation... the coterie of interesting agents... minor characters like Harry Finch, Dragon Hall's faithful retainers... Kent's deep history with smuggling and the related fazing issues that beset their timeline were more than enough to carry the story... the extra pages devoted to the love scenes were superfluous and unnecessary as well as unusual for this author, though I do not remember if she already did it in Book 1 but I let it slide. So for a reader used to her previous style, it felt unnatural. I do not mean the normal flirtations in verbal foreplay that are usual in two people sexually attracted to each other... these she presented in her usual inimitable empathetic style.
**another author is Mira Stables
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