Sospechosa de amor

The Bluestocking Scandals #6

by Ellie St. Clair, E.V. (Translator)

Arruinaron su reputación, la estafaron y hasta la dieron por muerta. Pese a todo, volverá a tomar las riendas de su vida… pero no a enamorarse de nuevo, nunca más.

A Madeline Castleton la engañaron una vez, pero no va a permitir que vuelva a ocurrirle. Así que, cundo vuelve a necesitar ayuda, se la pide a un hombre que ya ha demostrado que es de fiar… el detective Drake de la comisaría de Bow Street.

Por su parte, Drake está demasiado ocupado con el gran número de crímenes que debe resolver en Londres, y tampoco se siente muy inclinado a hacerle caso a una mujer que imagina cosas y tiene miedo hasta de su propia sombra. Su padre ha dejado la empresa familiar en sus manos, y puede que, simplemente, ella no sea capaz de llevar adelante tanta responsabilidad. Además, él tiene sus propias preocupaciones: nada menos que seguir una pista que podría conducirle a resolver los asesinatos de sus padres.

Pero tras comprobar que a Madeline y a su empresa, Castleton Stone, no paran de tener problemas y accidentes, Drake empieza a darse cuenta que ella podría tener razón, y no puede negarse a aceptar lo que se le ofrece: una oferta económica adecuada y… a ella misma. Cuanto más tiempo pasan juntos, más difícil les resulta a ambos negar que la palabra «nunca» no se ajusta a lo que está pasando entre ellos.

Esta novela de la Regencia británica tiene algunas escenas de contenido íntimo.

Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Mystery, Romance, Historical Fiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2021

About the author

Ellie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.

A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.

When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.

Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.

Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Castleton was played for a fool, tricked into a sham of a marriage to a masquerading earl who only wanted her fortune. Now she is determined to prove that she is not a naive young woman but capable of running her father’s stone company whilst he’s in Bath. He is the one man who still believes in her, and she will make him proud. However, everything goes wrong, and Madeline is convinced that she is being sabotaged. Bow Street detective Drake is determined to find justice for all who have been wronged. Including himself, as for the first time in years, he receives a clue that just might help him solve his parents’ murder two decades ago, a murder that was the very reason he became a detective. His work is his friends, his lover, his life, and no one may venture beyond the walls he has carefully erected around himself. When the broken yet beautiful Miss Castleton approaches Drake for help, he is about to tell her he has no time for such a case. Yet when one misfortune after another befalls Castleton Stone, he begins to realize that she just might be right, and he finds that he cannot say no — to her offer of payment nor to the woman herself.
This is the sixth book in this lovely series & it could be read on its own. We’ve met both Drake & Madeline in previous books but they are thrown together when she asks him to investigate & sparks fly. Madeline believes Drake thinks the case is too trivial but as things escalate at the factory & with his growing fascination for Madeline Drake starts to take things seriously. I loved both Drake & Madeline both were strong characters who had suffered heartache, their verbal bantering was delightful & the sexual chemistry between the pair simmered & finally came to the boil. A well written, engrossing read with mystery as well as romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a wonderful & informational series. Every one of the ladies wants to become something that is only allowed to men - Architect, Astronomer, Chemist, Romance Author, Stone Manufacturer/Sculptor, Woodworker/Inventor but none of them give up on their dreams.

Madeline Castleton grew up in in fathers stone manufacturing business & through the years has learned how to sculpt & run the business from top to bottom. She is his only child & will become owner of the business when her father passes but, in the meantime,, he has left her to run the business while he goes to Bath on holiday for a few weeks. But soon after her father leaves, she is experiencing vandalism to her business and she hires a Bow Street Detective to help solve the mystery.

Drake is a handsome detective that focuses his life on work -- he lost his parents when he was eight years old but never knew what happened to them. He was raised by the Aunt & Uncle & they never wanted to talk about his parents' death & since then he has built walls up & will not let anyone in; he does not want to experience the feeling of loss of love again & he will find out what happened to his parents & why they died.

When Madeline hires him to help her, he doesn't take her case too seriously - it is just some vandalism & there are bigger cases to solve to get justice for poor or underserving victims of crimes. However, when other dangerous things begin to happen, Madeline & Drake work together & find an attraction they can't deny. This is an exciting, romantic, dangerous read & the facts I leaned about stone manufacturing back then was fascinating. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.
Really enjoying this series.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risking the Detective, by Ellie St. Clair. Hands down to this writer from me. I absolutely loved this book. I loved everything about it. The love.
The romance. The mystery and the twisted scandals. This story reads like a television drama and I like it. The pace of the book was great. I found that I was able to keep up with all the excitement of the entertainment.
The drama was clear and cut. The was some action, which I thought was placed well in some of the intense situations. This book was amazing. I love that the writer choice the leading lady, Madeline as a strong independent woman, who didn’t back down from anyone or anything. Her sidekick was another strong independent lady who was a force to reckon with.
Drake, who plays the Detective in the book is portrayed as a smart young man, who sets out to right all the wrongs in London. He just didn’t know that he would be sharing that adventure with Madeline. Madeline shows Drake passion, kindness, compassion and love. Giving in to all what Madeline has to offer him, drake fights to make things right in his life. Before he can fully allow happiness to consume him, Drake needs to track down ruthless murders.
This book really hit the spot with me as being a great book to read. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, suspense, mystery, romance. Throw in a Bow Street Runner (there is just something about those men!) and a bluestocking determined to run her father's Stone company and you have the next story in this fabulous series, The Bluestocking Scandals!

Drake had his life set. A purpose. "To right the wrongs. To fight for justice. To protect the innocent." He would make it his mission to find out what happened to his parents when he was young. But he also had no time for emotions and kept them in check. Until...

Madeline Castleton's father owned Castleton Stone. While he was away he was leaving the factory in her hands. Unfortunately, someone was trying to sabotage the business while he was gone and she hired Drake to investigate.

Drake did not take her too seriously until other things began to happen. He also was drawn to her as hard as he tried to resist. She had a recent incident with a false marriage (another story!) and had very hesitant to get involved with anyone.

But then he kissed her......

[Rosemary]

This is the 6th book in the series The Bluestocking Scandals, but it is a stand-alone book. This book is about Madeline and Drake who appeared in book 5. Madeline is the daughter of the owner of stone manufacture. Drake is a bow street detective. Madeline has been running the business while her father is away, but things have been happening which she can not explain. She hires Drake to help investigate the problems. Drake is also in the middle of his own investigation and has closed his heart off to anyone. Madeline, because of a past relationship, has doubts about her judgement on who she can trust. While Drake and Madeline are trying to solve this problem, them find there is something about each of them they can not forget. This story like the other stories in the series is more then a romance, there is also a little mystery which keeps things interesting.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Sara Reads (mostly) Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 I thought the plot was very good but the writing fell super flat and emotions of the characters were not conveyed well. the dialogue was also a bit flat. But, always happy to see a bow street runner book :) keep em coming

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

They deal with tragedy, loss, betrayal, romance. This story was funny, sexy and sweet all rolled up in one. The action and suspense keeps you reading along with the twists and turns.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all books in this series, everyone is great and my favorite till I read the next one.
Bow Street Detective Drake has been in all the books. We have learned that his parents went missing when he was just a boy of eight. He was raised by his Aunt and Uncle. As soon as he was old enough, he started trying to find out what happen to them. With each story we learned a little more.
Drake closed his feeling and heart off to everyone but his Aunt and Uncle. He lives to right wrongs done to people and solve his parent's mystery. I have looked forward to his story for a long time and it was worth the wait. Wow what a story.
We first meet Medellin Castleton, in "The Writing the Rake" book 5. Alice Cunningham is Medeline's best friend. Her and her husband, Benjamin Luxington are the ones who save Madeline. Madeline
was tricked and scammed by and evil scandal. He lied and ticked her into marrying him. When he got what he wanted he then tried to kill her. Now ruined and shunned by the ton all she wants to do is prove she can run her father's Stone Company as well as any man. When her father leaves her in charge for a month, she is excited till things start going wrong. Someone is sabotaging her and the factory. Someone wants to ruin her. She asks for Dukes help in investigating.
Duke doesn't feel that a factory being vandalized is as important as some of his other cases.
Tell one misfortune after other happens. He soon learns that Madeline is not the meek and mild lady that was taken in last year. She has grown stronger and will not stop till she finds who is after her.
Duke will soon learn that his heart is not as hidden as he thought. Madeline will soon see not all men are bad and out to get something. This is a very fast paced story, with much going on. These two will both have to give some, learn to trust others as they are both in danger.
There is the mystery of who wants to ruin the Stone Company, the mystery of Dukes parents, the betrayal of those they never suspected.
I do hope you give this book a read, am sure you're going to love it too. Just don't be surprise if you can't put is down.....
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge or love

Drake was a Bow Street runner very closed off with walls protecting his personal and professional life! His one goal was to find his parents killers! Madeline has been given the management of her fathers company in his absence in a retreat to Bath! Mysterious break ins and accidents keep happening at the factory and Madeline comes to Drake for help!! Madeline has a very sordid history a man impersonating a Peer "married" her only to find out not only was not a Peer but has at least one wife and family! So Madeline ruined in the eyes of society has returned to her first love sculpting and her father's business! Alice who saved her life in the previous story makes an appearance along with other HEA characters! More strange events happen and Drake is motivated to put his plans for revenge aside and take the case more seriously! There is a very obvious suspect to me from day one but his motives and other secrets don't become apparent until near the end!
Drake making discoveries of his own start to realize this fragile soft spoken woman is so much more than her circumstances and will not let her former shame hang her head! But their are killers afoot! They both need to let their guards down and trust each other! The answers to the secrets Drake seek are all apart of the same sabotage surrounding Madeline! Will she open her eyes and trust Drake before its too late?

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗝️🗝️ONE SCINTILLATING TREAT🗝️🗝️
Screaming skivvies! Ellie stepped back, would this baby up and watches it fly with this turbulent, earth quaking rollercoaster, dishing out some brutal facts, deadly lessons and ruthless tactics, grabbing you from start to finish, skyrocketing this jewel to a whole new level. Electrifying danger, gripping intrigue and spiraling suspense descend in a flurry of subtle maneuvers and cunning strategy, broken perimeters and crushed barriers solidify as limitations are amplified and exploited, kicking this gem into the eye of the storm, booting it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts, bursting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intensity, baring boundless emotions and infinite affections, binding them together beautifully. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Ellie, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Margaret Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She was a woman in and of herself. A woman she could be proud of."

Madeline Castleton will inherit Castleton Stone Business one day, but she was itching for the opportunity to prove herself, NOW! Whilst her father vacations, she takes over, only to find herself sabotaged! For the sixth book in The Bluestocking Scandals series, by Ellie St. Clair, our heroine finds herself in need of a detective. In "Risking the Detective," Madeline approaches Drake, "Just Drake," for the job. He is sorely tempted to say no. His work had become his life since the murder of his parents, but as he analyzes all the information, she has given him, he believes that she is right, and finds himself unable to say no to her. The case has them spending time together, and their attraction soon becomes too hard to resist. In St. Clair's "Risking the Detective," you can expect drama, angst, mystery, danger, intrigue, humor, banter, snappy dialog, a bit of steam, and romance. A fitting romance for The Bluestocking Scandals series, and a satisfying read. I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What troubled souls are our H/h. He lost his parents to murder and she was duped by a husband. Each are fearful to allow their hearts to be engaged.

I loved how romance builds slowly and they don’t even realize it. Our H is a detective and I’ve loved his character in the other stories. This is a stand alone but is richer if you read the series because cross over character’s. You won’t be lost if you don’t though.

The H is trying to solve his parents murder from about 20 years ago. He is also trying to solve who is destroying the h’s business. I figured out who one of the villains was, but not all.

This story has suspense, twists, character’s written with depth and romance. There is lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 5 out of 5. I felt a connection to this couple so filled with love and not lust for me.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, set up nicely for next story, HEA, romance and spice. Loved the epilogue too.

I received an advanced copy all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Marilyn Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risking the Detective

I loved this book. Madeline has had a difficult time with her first husband being a crook. She never wanted another man. Now she was in trouble again. Her Father had gone to Bath for a few weeks with his lady friend and left Madeline with the concrete business to run. He also left his creepy nephew to oversee Madeline and the business. But strange things were happening at the factory so Madeline called in Drake from the Bow Street Runners. Drake was a handsome detective who knew he could help Madeline. This book is so enjoyable it has crooked people trying to get their hands on the business. Her ex-husband escaped from jail, he is also trying to get the business. It has underhanded people with their own agenda causing trouble and worry for Madeline. This book is excellent value, has a story that doesn’t want to be put down. As I have already said. I loved this book and enjoyed the story very much.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Magnificent story! Gripping and Suspenseful, Risking the Detective weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, suspence, secrets and mystery. Ellie St Clair has given readers a book that is beautifully written, characters that are well thought out and each one came to life and you find yourself drawn into their story, heartfelt dialogue and with strong plot that bring this read together perfectly! As Drake, a Bow Street Runner, decides to help Madeline solve what or who is causing the mishaps at Castleton Stone Drake himself torn between helping Madeline or following a clue that may solve the mystery of who killed his parents. As the web of conspiracy unfolds Drake and Madeline are determined to persevere no matter what. With all the drama, searing passion, danger, trials and tribulations, turmoil and the uncertainties build and tensions escalate with twist and turns that abound that will keep you guessing until the end in this outstanding story!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a feeling early on who was behind the theft and destruction of property at Madeline's family business Castleton Stone. I was surprised Detective Drake was so flippant about investigating it when she came to him with the case. It ended up being much bigger than he could have imagined. He ended up spending more time worrying about solving his parents cold murder case than working on Madeline's. I was frustrated with Madeline for not being more worried when she found out her bigamous lord-impersonating former husband escaped from prison. He tried to kill her once before for money why wouldn't he again this time for revenge. I was surprised one of the culprits was allowed to roam freely. What would stop them from trying to come back and exact revenge. I liked the detective Georgie and I hope she makes more appearances in future books. I think she should show Madeline and her friends some self defense moves.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance at Love

Loved Madelines and Drakes story. After Madeline was almost killed and then ruined from a shame of a marriage all she wanted to do was run her fathers business. Drake is the Bow Street Detective that helped to put the man posing as her husband away.
When Madelines father goes out of town and put her in charge disaster after disaster happens. Madeline knows they are being sabotaged and hires Drake to find out who and why.
Drake is not thrilled about taking on something he doesn’t think is happening. He mind for the past 20 odd years is finding his parents killer, that is why he became a detective. But when more things are happening to Madelines company he can’t stay away or from her.
A beautiful written story with a wonderful ending.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story. We met Madeline in book 5 of this fantastic series. She has had many setbacks in her life and just when she thinks all is going well, someone tries to sabotage her father’s stone company while she is in charge. When Madeline approaches Bow Street Runner Drake for help, the attraction is obvious and much against his inclination, Drake agrees to help her find the culprit. This book is extremely well-written and is filled with suspense and danger which kept my interest from start to finish. Drake’s search for his parent’s killers, alongside Madeline’s problems, gives us more of an insight into his personality. I really loved this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet love story featuring Madeline, who has been left in charge of her father’s business, as she seeks out the assistance of Bow Street Detective Drake to investigate who is vandalizing the factory. It is a well written and entertaining story that involves two people who have vowed to never marry but who eventually acknowledge the attraction they feel for each other. Both characters are strong willed individuals and experienced in their jobs. There is a lot happening in this story which makes for a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has Drake found a partner for a bit of undercover detecting?
I really like this story Madeline and Drake were wonderful characters both strong-willed and both with something they needed to accomplish. You find out a great deal about Madeline in just the first pages Drake on the other hand information will come later. Their first meeting did not go so well either but events will occur and things will change. The dramatic moments were splendid I could not put the book down! This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well put together romance with intrigue. I admired Madeline who most people looked at her as a weak woman after she was duped by a man pretending to be a duke. She hires Bow Street detective Drake to find out who is sabotaging her father's stone business. Drake at first views her as a weak woman and doesn't take what is going on seriously. But she surprises him with her determination and his admiration soon touches his heart that he has locked away. As he navigates her case and finding out who killed his parents, the danger gets nearer and both their lives are in danger. Danger to their lives and to their hearts.

[Cheryl Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read another book in the series I was already acquainted with several characters so it was like catching up with old friends. In Madeline's case, you will find her doing well after her ordeal with marriage and attempt on her life, she is striving not to be classified as a victim by herself or any other. When vandalism at her father's stonework company occurs on her watch she needs answers, which is how Drake enters her life. Drake is a detective with an overwhelming need to find justice for people, but he is also haunted by his parents' death when he was a child. Together they will find the answers they seek and perhaps something more.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was about a woman Madeline whose attempts to run her father's stone business were being sabotaged. She had already been the victim of an abusive man and now had to find out who was trying to destroy her father's business. I was somewhat reminded of Anne Perry's Monk series as Drake, the detective, and Madeline tried to discover who was behind the attempts to ruin her. I felt that the author extended the story beyond what was a logical conclusion so she could get some unnecessary sex scenes into the book. I would have liked to have seen the relationship between Drake and Madeline developed more before they gave in to their lust for each other.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story from Ellie this is honestly my favorite of the series.. The fact that the heroine is so strong and he is as well but they both have a bit of weakness due to tragic incident from a husband in that only happened 2 years prior and the murder of his parents when he was a child.. But they come together and fall in love solving a case that involves not her past but his own.. This story has so much to it.. I only have to say is don't miss out on it..

I received this as an arc for an honest review and this is my honest opinion..

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking For Clues
Madeline Castleton is temporarily in charge of the family business of Castleton Stone while her father is away in Bath. When vandalism starts to delay the production of the business, she requests the help of a Bow Street detective. Drake began his career as a detective to find out the circumstances of his parent's death, but justice is always in his mind for any case he takes. At first Madeline and Drake are butting heads, soon they are breaking down each other's barriers. An entertaining romance with the mystery of who done it.

[Kety · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story that will kept reading until the end...
This is the 6th book in "The Bluestocking Scandals" series and can be read as stand alone.
Wonderful characters and plot...
A strong heroine... with a painful past, but a strong will to survive and live as she loves...
A hero, that love to help the other, in search of murder of his parents...
I love this story and I recommend it to all that love Mystery and Regency...

I received a free book and this is my voluntary review

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read an intriguing angst filled dangerous adventure, this is for you. There is the main story - Sabotage. The secondary story is resolving a ten-year-old double murder, the third substory is two people with walls around their hearts to block the need for a wife/husband. An excellent story. I highly recommend it.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maxine Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving all in this series very strong hero and heroine, real page turner.

Madeline and Drake gave me blurry 👀 eyes as I honestly could not put it down.

Congratulations and well done on another book showing both sides can be strong and work together.

Highly recommend this book and all in this series throughly enjoyed the book.


Stand alone


I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliantly written story

This is another brilliantly written story, with a plot that is full of emotional moments,and plenty of suspense. The characters are wonderfully crafted with great strength and determination, to overcome their foes, and the obstacles put in their way. This is a great book for anybody who loves steamy historical romances, that have a bit of mystery involved.

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story

Madeline has had her life almost cut short and has fought to come back from ruination. She was left in charge of her fathers business and things start to go wrong. Madeline seeks out Drake to assist her in discovering g who the culprit is, and things heat up between Madeline and Drake, but also lots of intrigue, mystery and suprises. I really liked this story and the characters. Enjoy!