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Blackfriars Lane #2
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane
The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit.
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who's turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother despite Jackson's warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who's turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother despite Jackson's warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2022
78 people are currently reading
4331 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Griep
42 books2,596 followersI hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
April 28, 2022
From my endorsement:
Filled with romance, mystery, and the spirit of adventure, The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is a page-turning jaunt through the streets of Victorian London. A story not to be missed!
Filled with romance, mystery, and the spirit of adventure, The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is a page-turning jaunt through the streets of Victorian London. A story not to be missed!
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August 31, 2022Michelle Griep has done it again! Hold on to your bowlers for a rip-roaring adventure from the first page to the last. Between Kit and Jackson, there is enough wit, grit, and charm to keep readers dashing through alleys, rag piles, Reptiliums, docks, and more right alongside this explosive duo. And yet behind the action, depth of character and timeless insight anchor The Bride of Blackfriars Lane firmly in the heart.
June 20, 2023
⭐Multi-layered plot, with suspense and mystery, action-packed, Michelle Griep brings to life the London of old in a new color and makes you feel as though you're walking down the cobblestone streets right alongside Kit.
Kit and Jackson works well together, but they also come from different worlds, how could these two possibly reconcile their differences? , Things grow even more complicated when Jackson is assigned to a case that may be connected to Kit’s past, and he has promised to keep Kit out of it.
This novel pushes back reminding us of redemption and reconciliation. I enjoyed the Christian addition to the story. This is a clean fun read, with characters you will not soon forget. Full of adventure with lots of twists and turns. I think you'll like this one if you enjoy mystery, suspense, and hope in the brokenness. I highly recommend it!
This book works as a standalone read, but I recommend you read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane because it will give you further insight into the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
Kit and Jackson works well together, but they also come from different worlds, how could these two possibly reconcile their differences? , Things grow even more complicated when Jackson is assigned to a case that may be connected to Kit’s past, and he has promised to keep Kit out of it.
This novel pushes back reminding us of redemption and reconciliation. I enjoyed the Christian addition to the story. This is a clean fun read, with characters you will not soon forget. Full of adventure with lots of twists and turns. I think you'll like this one if you enjoy mystery, suspense, and hope in the brokenness. I highly recommend it!
This book works as a standalone read, but I recommend you read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane because it will give you further insight into the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
July 27, 2022
While I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did its prequel, it was still a clean read full of fun characters, exciting plot twists, lots of drama (especially relationship drama, haha!) and important themes like trust, forgiveness, and second chances. There's also a disability rep in the story which I thought was really well done. I love when books feature characters who have physical or mental handicaps because it adds a lot of emotional value to the plot. Overall, well done!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
September 24, 2022
Why you should run out and buy this Michelle Griep book immediately!
1. The author. Griep. The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane is historical fiction at its best. You will race through the ratty streets and back alleyways of London with Kit and Jackson, learn to love the street urchins, and look over your shoulder every time the hair on the back of your neck prickles. Plus, enough language from 1880s inner city London to put you squarely in those streets that will give you the willies.
2. A special-needs character is presented with great authenticity and compassion. As someone who has worked with special needs people for a length of time, this is essential to me.
3. Humor in all the right places, plus a ton
of great metaphors! How does Griep do it?!
All I can say is, that I have bought a paper copy and an ecopy of the book so far, plus I received a copy from the publisher. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
This will be one of the few I will be rereading for great relationship advice applicable to today!! Times change, but basic relationship issues do not.
1. The author. Griep. The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane is historical fiction at its best. You will race through the ratty streets and back alleyways of London with Kit and Jackson, learn to love the street urchins, and look over your shoulder every time the hair on the back of your neck prickles. Plus, enough language from 1880s inner city London to put you squarely in those streets that will give you the willies.
2. A special-needs character is presented with great authenticity and compassion. As someone who has worked with special needs people for a length of time, this is essential to me.
3. Humor in all the right places, plus a ton
of great metaphors! How does Griep do it?!
All I can say is, that I have bought a paper copy and an ecopy of the book so far, plus I received a copy from the publisher. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
This will be one of the few I will be rereading for great relationship advice applicable to today!! Times change, but basic relationship issues do not.
September 5, 2022
2.5 stars - thoughts below!
I absolutely loved Book 1, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, gave it 4 stars and had so much fun learning all about Jackson and Kit's adventures together. Unfortunately, Book 2 disappointed me personally.
We follow Jackson and Kit on their journey to marriage but end up trying to reconcile their differences. Kit wants to help Jackson by trying to solve a family mystery for him but as she works through that she uncovers more than she bargained for. Can Kit and Jackson work everything out? Will they solve the mysteries they are working on?
What I liked:
- The faith content was great.
- Enjoyed the mysteries we were trying to figure out
- I liked the ending and how it was wrapped up overall.
What I didn’t like:
- Kit and Jackson fighting most of the book. They were supposed to be so “in love” but they had misunderstanding after misunderstanding and were so easy to just be like – ok, we’re not going to be together anymore. That’s my biggest disappointment here. For 70-75% of the book, the plot is them arguing and not together trying to solve their own mysteries and that was disappointing to me. I was hoping to see more of them working together in this story versus the romantic angst. I felt like we had so much miscommunication too and I personally don’t like that.
Overall, the storyline itself was good and I enjoyed the details of each mystery but felt like the drama between Kit and Jackson took away from the storyline and went on too long. Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy for me to honestly read and review.
I absolutely loved Book 1, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, gave it 4 stars and had so much fun learning all about Jackson and Kit's adventures together. Unfortunately, Book 2 disappointed me personally.
We follow Jackson and Kit on their journey to marriage but end up trying to reconcile their differences. Kit wants to help Jackson by trying to solve a family mystery for him but as she works through that she uncovers more than she bargained for. Can Kit and Jackson work everything out? Will they solve the mysteries they are working on?
What I liked:
- The faith content was great.
- Enjoyed the mysteries we were trying to figure out
- I liked the ending and how it was wrapped up overall.
What I didn’t like:
- Kit and Jackson fighting most of the book. They were supposed to be so “in love” but they had misunderstanding after misunderstanding and were so easy to just be like – ok, we’re not going to be together anymore. That’s my biggest disappointment here. For 70-75% of the book, the plot is them arguing and not together trying to solve their own mysteries and that was disappointing to me. I was hoping to see more of them working together in this story versus the romantic angst. I felt like we had so much miscommunication too and I personally don’t like that.
Overall, the storyline itself was good and I enjoyed the details of each mystery but felt like the drama between Kit and Jackson took away from the storyline and went on too long. Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy for me to honestly read and review.
August 10, 2022
Ever since finishing The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, I fell in love with Jackson and Kit and wanted more stories involving these two. I was so excited to find out a sequel will be coming and have totally enjoyed it.
Kit Turner was a passionate woman in all the things she loved, and he missed having her at his side.
While reading this story, I found myself nervous for some of the characters, fell in love with minor characters (James) and had my heart break for Jackson and Kit.
“Not today. For once, Kit and I shall lead the life of a perfectly ordinary couple.” A snort puffed from Graybone’s wide nose. “There is nothing ordinary about either of you."
There was mystery, danger and the great interactions between Kit and Jackson I adored in book one, though in this sequel they were a bit stubborn and had to learn how to keep loving those small things which made them fall in love but can irritate each other as well.
The only thing better than a hot drink of tea on a cold morning was catching a glimpse of the one you loved most over the rim of the cup.
I enjoyed seeing their character growth and how they had to learn to navigate their own individual goals and wants with what they want together as a couple as well.
Love is always worth fighting for.”
I enjoyed this sequel and really hope there will be more.... I mean, we can still have The Wife and The Mom of Blackfriars Lane...and we need to see if they have their own detective agency and what other situations Kit find herself in.
“Not one of us is promised a tomorrow. All we have is now to love and appreciate those who are dear.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Kit Turner was a passionate woman in all the things she loved, and he missed having her at his side.
While reading this story, I found myself nervous for some of the characters, fell in love with minor characters (James) and had my heart break for Jackson and Kit.
“Not today. For once, Kit and I shall lead the life of a perfectly ordinary couple.” A snort puffed from Graybone’s wide nose. “There is nothing ordinary about either of you."
There was mystery, danger and the great interactions between Kit and Jackson I adored in book one, though in this sequel they were a bit stubborn and had to learn how to keep loving those small things which made them fall in love but can irritate each other as well.
The only thing better than a hot drink of tea on a cold morning was catching a glimpse of the one you loved most over the rim of the cup.
I enjoyed seeing their character growth and how they had to learn to navigate their own individual goals and wants with what they want together as a couple as well.
Love is always worth fighting for.”
I enjoyed this sequel and really hope there will be more.... I mean, we can still have The Wife and The Mom of Blackfriars Lane...and we need to see if they have their own detective agency and what other situations Kit find herself in.
“Not one of us is promised a tomorrow. All we have is now to love and appreciate those who are dear.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
August 24, 2023
4.5 stars
"If you continue to cling to your pride and pursue what you deem to be right, without taking into consideration what Jackson wants, you'll lose him. "
"Happily ever after" just wasn't the way Kit and Jackson rolled. When Kit failed to show up at the altar (because of circumstances beyond which she could control . . . of course, that was debatable according to her almost husband . . . because he didn't know the entire truth . . . . which of course Kit failed to reveal . . . . well, you get the picture), Jackson was beside himself, and spending most of her wedding day in a deep, dark pit swarming with rats wasn't Kit's idea of heavenly sunshine either. What was wrong with wanting to give her beloved the best wedding gift ever? If you must know, it was practically having the entire city of London hunting for her.
And it went downhill from there.
"Truth may sometimes bleed the soul, . . . yet it is also a balm. . . . . It is falsity that betrays, bringing comfort to the ear while driving a knife into the heart."
"Highly Explosive" should be written in the boldest of print at the genesis of this tale, for the sparks that fly off the pages could ignite an entire city block (wait a minute, they practically did!); the cantankerous camaraderie, the proverbial spar-fests, and the pulsating escapades all add up to . . the kind of glorious love story that only Kit and Jackson could write. Fabulous book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"If you continue to cling to your pride and pursue what you deem to be right, without taking into consideration what Jackson wants, you'll lose him. "
"Happily ever after" just wasn't the way Kit and Jackson rolled. When Kit failed to show up at the altar (because of circumstances beyond which she could control . . . of course, that was debatable according to her almost husband . . . because he didn't know the entire truth . . . . which of course Kit failed to reveal . . . . well, you get the picture), Jackson was beside himself, and spending most of her wedding day in a deep, dark pit swarming with rats wasn't Kit's idea of heavenly sunshine either. What was wrong with wanting to give her beloved the best wedding gift ever? If you must know, it was practically having the entire city of London hunting for her.
And it went downhill from there.
"Truth may sometimes bleed the soul, . . . yet it is also a balm. . . . . It is falsity that betrays, bringing comfort to the ear while driving a knife into the heart."
"Highly Explosive" should be written in the boldest of print at the genesis of this tale, for the sparks that fly off the pages could ignite an entire city block (wait a minute, they practically did!); the cantankerous camaraderie, the proverbial spar-fests, and the pulsating escapades all add up to . . the kind of glorious love story that only Kit and Jackson could write. Fabulous book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
July 10, 2024
3.75⭐️
Ye old misunderstanding trope strikes again….🙄
The rest of the story was good, but I wish the whole misunderstanding thing had been done differently and more maturely by both characters….
Ye old misunderstanding trope strikes again….🙄
The rest of the story was good, but I wish the whole misunderstanding thing had been done differently and more maturely by both characters….
August 27, 2022
Fantastic Regency story from a different part of London!
* Pride preserves yourself, humility preserves your relationship.*
But stubbornness is a trait that both Kit and Jackson show in abundance. Plenty of dodgy things get in the way of their rapidly approaching nuptials.
Kit is as plucky and resourceful as ever and Jackson is totally absorbed in his job as an Inspector. They are both stubborn to a fault and do not heed the advice of their older and wiser relatives. I wanted to sit them down and give them a real lecture.
Kit is street savvy but manages to land in trouble numerous times. This book has more twists and turns than the sewers under London that Kit and Jackson are familiar with. Explosive situations arise, testing their mettle and putting their upcoming wedding in jeopardy.
Ms. Griep takes us to the seedier side of London with a decades old mystery to solve and lessons to be learned about life, love, faith and a reliance on God.
I am hoping for more adventures with Kit and Jackson in the future.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
* Pride preserves yourself, humility preserves your relationship.*
But stubbornness is a trait that both Kit and Jackson show in abundance. Plenty of dodgy things get in the way of their rapidly approaching nuptials.
Kit is as plucky and resourceful as ever and Jackson is totally absorbed in his job as an Inspector. They are both stubborn to a fault and do not heed the advice of their older and wiser relatives. I wanted to sit them down and give them a real lecture.
Kit is street savvy but manages to land in trouble numerous times. This book has more twists and turns than the sewers under London that Kit and Jackson are familiar with. Explosive situations arise, testing their mettle and putting their upcoming wedding in jeopardy.
Ms. Griep takes us to the seedier side of London with a decades old mystery to solve and lessons to be learned about life, love, faith and a reliance on God.
I am hoping for more adventures with Kit and Jackson in the future.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
August 30, 2022
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is another action packed Victorian era romance. It is a fun read that had us romping through England with Jackson and Kit again. This sequel has them questioning their relationship all the while chasing after clues and bad guys. I love these characters and I can tell you that the ending is a satisfying sigh of a book well done and a happily ever after.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
November 1, 2022
It was so fun to return to Blackfriars Lane with Kit and Jackson! I was so excited when Michelle Griep announced there was to be a second book for these two. I loved them in the first one and really enjoyed watching them work side by side. I always enjoy having a second book with characters that I've become connected to.
Kit and Jackson have some exciting news...they're getting married! But, of course it is not going to be all sunshine and daisies. They still have a few things to learn about each other and about building a good strong relationship. There are plenty of ups and downs in the book and in their relationship. There were a few moments that I just wanted to take them and say "wake up and just talk!" But if I did that we'd miss all the fun and mystery and suspense that ensued.
Lots of unknowns in regards to new cases and an old case that detective Jackson needs to figure out before anyone else gets hurts, especially Kit. All he wants is to protect her. All she wants is to protect him.
I loved the banter and quick wits of these two. I enjoyed the additional insight into their extended family members and how it all wove together to create this great story. My mind was thinking quickly, trying to solve the case along with Jackson and Kit and trying to think of how certain scenarios would pan out.
Content: Clean. Some murder, mystery, suspense, whodunnit, sweet romance, Christian fiction and talk of God.
I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Kit and Jackson have some exciting news...they're getting married! But, of course it is not going to be all sunshine and daisies. They still have a few things to learn about each other and about building a good strong relationship. There are plenty of ups and downs in the book and in their relationship. There were a few moments that I just wanted to take them and say "wake up and just talk!" But if I did that we'd miss all the fun and mystery and suspense that ensued.
Lots of unknowns in regards to new cases and an old case that detective Jackson needs to figure out before anyone else gets hurts, especially Kit. All he wants is to protect her. All she wants is to protect him.
I loved the banter and quick wits of these two. I enjoyed the additional insight into their extended family members and how it all wove together to create this great story. My mind was thinking quickly, trying to solve the case along with Jackson and Kit and trying to think of how certain scenarios would pan out.
Content: Clean. Some murder, mystery, suspense, whodunnit, sweet romance, Christian fiction and talk of God.
I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 1, 2022
'Niceties were for gentlefolk, and he was feeling anything but gentle.'
Well, Michelle Griep has done it again. And done it fabulously well, I might add. We are taken on an intriguing journey back to the streets of Victorian London as Jackson Forge, the intrepid inspector, and Kit Turner, of street fame, are only days away from their wedding. But did we think things would go smoothly? Not a chance. Events conspire to draw their attention away from said wedding.
We are treated to more than one mystery, one of which inches very close to Kit's heart. Suspense and intrigue and danger abound as Jackson and Kit roam these dangerous streets trying to find answers. Along the way, they also find problems that just may be the end of their love.
Michelle Griep never disappoints. Never. Her vivid descriptions and outstanding research make for a grand time for the reader. In fact, they are so vivid, this reader just plopped herself down into the story, sights, smells and all. I loved her wit as she gives us this great banter between Jackson and Kit. Here are two book characters I purely love. I do think I may be a bit in love with Jackson Forge. What a guy!
Totally unputdownable and definitely one for the keeper shelf, a treasure to read again and again. Well done!!!
My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a review and the opinion here is expressly my own.
Well, Michelle Griep has done it again. And done it fabulously well, I might add. We are taken on an intriguing journey back to the streets of Victorian London as Jackson Forge, the intrepid inspector, and Kit Turner, of street fame, are only days away from their wedding. But did we think things would go smoothly? Not a chance. Events conspire to draw their attention away from said wedding.
We are treated to more than one mystery, one of which inches very close to Kit's heart. Suspense and intrigue and danger abound as Jackson and Kit roam these dangerous streets trying to find answers. Along the way, they also find problems that just may be the end of their love.
Michelle Griep never disappoints. Never. Her vivid descriptions and outstanding research make for a grand time for the reader. In fact, they are so vivid, this reader just plopped herself down into the story, sights, smells and all. I loved her wit as she gives us this great banter between Jackson and Kit. Here are two book characters I purely love. I do think I may be a bit in love with Jackson Forge. What a guy!
Totally unputdownable and definitely one for the keeper shelf, a treasure to read again and again. Well done!!!
My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a review and the opinion here is expressly my own.
July 21, 2022
I highly recommend this book and crave the time to read the rest of the series, but alas, the size of my TBR pile daunts me. I will come back, though!
This is the only book in the series that I've read, but I wasn't lost. I could tell there were previous books in the series, but that only made me want to go back--I wasn't confused.
I really enjoyed the depth of these characters and fell a little in love with Jackson. Kit's behavior confused me a bit, but then again, I wasn't raised as an orphan in the slums of Victorian London. I do need to go back and figure out how she had any money whatsoever and why she was living in a boardinghouse instead of with her father.
Just a few weeks earlier, I'd visited England so it was really cool to read about some of the places I'd walked through and around. The Borough Market is very much still bustling and a wonderful place to shop. I didn't walk through any slums or scary areas, but I can see the closeness of the alleyways and back streets.
I received this book as a gift from the author and part of the Celebrate Lit Tour; the ideas and opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book as a romance with a little history and a lot of intelligence.
This is the only book in the series that I've read, but I wasn't lost. I could tell there were previous books in the series, but that only made me want to go back--I wasn't confused.
I really enjoyed the depth of these characters and fell a little in love with Jackson. Kit's behavior confused me a bit, but then again, I wasn't raised as an orphan in the slums of Victorian London. I do need to go back and figure out how she had any money whatsoever and why she was living in a boardinghouse instead of with her father.
Just a few weeks earlier, I'd visited England so it was really cool to read about some of the places I'd walked through and around. The Borough Market is very much still bustling and a wonderful place to shop. I didn't walk through any slums or scary areas, but I can see the closeness of the alleyways and back streets.
I received this book as a gift from the author and part of the Celebrate Lit Tour; the ideas and opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book as a romance with a little history and a lot of intelligence.
January 13, 2023
I didn't think it was possible, but this series may have edged out or at least tied with the Bow Street Runners as my FAVORITE series. The depth of this story, the character development, the mystery, the adventure, the character--all of it reminded me why I love reading Michelle Griep. It was a much needed dip back into reading for pleasure. I now have a new favorite chapter of books where I died laughing, gagged, winced, and cheered. I'll not give away spoilers and share what occurred in that chapter to cause those reactions, but it has to do with a particular password and secret meeting. Definitely recommend this book!
August 21, 2022
Jackson and Kit are about to be married. But then, fate has something else in store. New cases, unexpected suspects, and a romp in the bowels of London leave Jackson and Kit on a future they didn't expect.
The Bride of Black friars Lane continues the series in the same fasion as the first book. The main characters are anything but usual. Taking chances, defying the odds, and being sleuths in unusual places makes for a very interesting storyline.
The descriptions of the city, characters, and time period felt authentic. Very well researched historical information. The ending was surprising as was other events that kept me on the edge of my seat. With a Michelle Griep novel you will always be entertained. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly choose to review it.
The Bride of Black friars Lane continues the series in the same fasion as the first book. The main characters are anything but usual. Taking chances, defying the odds, and being sleuths in unusual places makes for a very interesting storyline.
The descriptions of the city, characters, and time period felt authentic. Very well researched historical information. The ending was surprising as was other events that kept me on the edge of my seat. With a Michelle Griep novel you will always be entertained. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly choose to review it.
September 9, 2022
After the first book, the hope is that Jackson and Kit were on their way to the altar. However, this story starts with challenges that place them at odds. However, they can't just walk away from each other. They care too much and that forces them to interact even as they don't want to. Add layers of mystery and danger and the pages will keep turning as you wonder what the future will hold. An enjoyable story for those who love historical romance laced with challenge and twists and turns.
August 30, 2022
The challenge of redemption!
Once again Griep gives us a London Dickensian backdrop, the seedy underbelly of so many stories. Here Kit Turner and Jackson Forge are forging more than a working partnership they’re committing to a “have and to hold” proposition.
There’s just a few problems. Jackson thinks his Kit will go into the place where all wives go, the home—gracefully. And though Kit wants to do this, tries to—she just can’t.
Plus there’s loose ends.
There’s some sort of mystery around her mother’s death.
Jackson and Kit’s joint effort at stopping a thieving ring had supposedly payed off, and yet it hasn’t.
There’s still stolen silver and goods showing up in these controlled rubbish dump. As Kit “suggested—that maid had been pilfering items and tossing them in the dustbin, [then] who was collecting them here and hawking them to Skaggs?
Someone wants Kit and Jackson dead and has made several efforts.
Then Kit misses her wedding. Oh dear!
What’s a girl to do, particularly as she discovers the man she loves is about to ship out? You’ll love her gutsy move. I did.
A wonderful story, the sinner moving forward, but only just.
A Barbour Publishing ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
Once again Griep gives us a London Dickensian backdrop, the seedy underbelly of so many stories. Here Kit Turner and Jackson Forge are forging more than a working partnership they’re committing to a “have and to hold” proposition.
There’s just a few problems. Jackson thinks his Kit will go into the place where all wives go, the home—gracefully. And though Kit wants to do this, tries to—she just can’t.
Plus there’s loose ends.
There’s some sort of mystery around her mother’s death.
Jackson and Kit’s joint effort at stopping a thieving ring had supposedly payed off, and yet it hasn’t.
There’s still stolen silver and goods showing up in these controlled rubbish dump. As Kit “suggested—that maid had been pilfering items and tossing them in the dustbin, [then] who was collecting them here and hawking them to Skaggs?
Someone wants Kit and Jackson dead and has made several efforts.
Then Kit misses her wedding. Oh dear!
What’s a girl to do, particularly as she discovers the man she loves is about to ship out? You’ll love her gutsy move. I did.
A wonderful story, the sinner moving forward, but only just.
A Barbour Publishing ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
August 29, 2022
London 1885
Delightful! In this second of the series, Kit's independence and unconventional ways continue. She has the best interest of others and the law in mind. The way she goes about things is just a bit different than most.
Jackson is both in awe and exasperated with her. Is his love strong enough to give Kit the freedom she desires?
In particular, I loved the scenes with Kit's father...a stern man with a soft underbelly. And of course, the humor was spectacular.
Lovely character development by both Kit and Jackson as they each worked to solve cold cases and define their relationship.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Delightful! In this second of the series, Kit's independence and unconventional ways continue. She has the best interest of others and the law in mind. The way she goes about things is just a bit different than most.
Jackson is both in awe and exasperated with her. Is his love strong enough to give Kit the freedom she desires?
In particular, I loved the scenes with Kit's father...a stern man with a soft underbelly. And of course, the humor was spectacular.
Lovely character development by both Kit and Jackson as they each worked to solve cold cases and define their relationship.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2023
"If there's one thing I've learned in marriage it's this… pride preserves yerself, humility preserves yer relationship."
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane (2022, Barbour) by Michelle Griep is second in the Blackfriars Lane series. A standalone romantic mystery set in 1885 London, this story tells what happens after the happily ever after in book one.
Rating: 4.5
The plot: This sequel has Kit and Jackson dealing with anxieties related to their upcoming marriage, Jackson introducing Kit to his father and brother, and the two of them working on another case. If you haven't read the first book, I'd say skip this review, and instead read my review for book one - The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.
Is it clean/chaste? Yes! There is one mention of an anticipated
Other content issues: The language in this book includes a sprinkling of some old-fashioned swear words and phrases. Examples include: It doesn't upset me, but I don't really love seeing these in Christian fiction.
The hero: Detective Jackson Forge is on another case. His fiance Kit is helping him with his investigative work, but in an unofficial capacity only.
The heroine: Kit Turner loves Jackson, but she has concerns about the possibility of needing to leave Blackfriars Lane if Jackson's work takes him elsewhere in the future. There would be no possibility of a compromise. On top of that, "Coming and going on her own terms was her lifeblood." Kit is not sure she's willing to change her life at that level, even though she loves Jackson.
Christian elements:
*Ms. Griep has great Biblically sound doctrine throughout her books.
*Love the following: "You have placed voices of caution in my life, restraint that I ignored. Grant me the wisdom to consider differing views……" Amen!
*One practice that I disagree with is in the following quote: "Jackson lifted a prayer as the draped corpse passed. Whatever poor soul had expired, hopefully he was now at peace. . ." (There is nothing in the Bible that indicates that such a prayer is effective. From GotQuestions.org, I found the following: "Roman Catholic theology. . . allows for prayers both to the dead and on behalf of them. But even Catholic authorities admit that there is no explicit authorization for prayers on behalf of the dead in the sixty-six books of canonical Scripture. Instead, they appeal to the Apocrypha (2 Maccabees 12:45), church tradition, the decree of the Council of Trent, etc., to defend the practice.")
What I liked:
I'm always a bit wary when I see sequels with the same main characters as the previous book, because it means that there will probably be conflict between the hero and the heroine in the second book. And there certainly was conflict, but it was plausible as well as well done!
What I didn’t like: In general, the only thing in Ms. Griep's books that I don't like are the aforementioned substitute swears.
The bottom line: Impressively, this book played out strongly in both the suspense/mystery and romance genres. Ms. Griep is one of my favorite authors, and I'd actually recommend any of her books. But if you like stories with law enforcement types, try The Noble Guardian , or any of the others in Ms. Griep's Bow Street series.
My apologies to Ms. Griep and NetGalley for being so SLOW to review this advance reader copy!
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane (2022, Barbour) by Michelle Griep is second in the Blackfriars Lane series. A standalone romantic mystery set in 1885 London, this story tells what happens after the happily ever after in book one.
Rating: 4.5
The plot: This sequel has Kit and Jackson dealing with anxieties related to their upcoming marriage, Jackson introducing Kit to his father and brother, and the two of them working on another case. If you haven't read the first book, I'd say skip this review, and instead read my review for book one - The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.
Is it clean/chaste? Yes! There is one mention of an anticipated
Other content issues: The language in this book includes a sprinkling of some old-fashioned swear words and phrases. Examples include: It doesn't upset me, but I don't really love seeing these in Christian fiction.
The hero: Detective Jackson Forge is on another case. His fiance Kit is helping him with his investigative work, but in an unofficial capacity only.
The heroine: Kit Turner loves Jackson, but she has concerns about the possibility of needing to leave Blackfriars Lane if Jackson's work takes him elsewhere in the future. There would be no possibility of a compromise. On top of that, "Coming and going on her own terms was her lifeblood." Kit is not sure she's willing to change her life at that level, even though she loves Jackson.
Christian elements:
*Ms. Griep has great Biblically sound doctrine throughout her books.
*Love the following: "You have placed voices of caution in my life, restraint that I ignored. Grant me the wisdom to consider differing views……" Amen!
*One practice that I disagree with is in the following quote: "Jackson lifted a prayer as the draped corpse passed. Whatever poor soul had expired, hopefully he was now at peace. . ." (There is nothing in the Bible that indicates that such a prayer is effective. From GotQuestions.org, I found the following: "Roman Catholic theology. . . allows for prayers both to the dead and on behalf of them. But even Catholic authorities admit that there is no explicit authorization for prayers on behalf of the dead in the sixty-six books of canonical Scripture. Instead, they appeal to the Apocrypha (2 Maccabees 12:45), church tradition, the decree of the Council of Trent, etc., to defend the practice.")
What I liked:
I'm always a bit wary when I see sequels with the same main characters as the previous book, because it means that there will probably be conflict between the hero and the heroine in the second book. And there certainly was conflict, but it was plausible as well as well done!
What I didn’t like: In general, the only thing in Ms. Griep's books that I don't like are the aforementioned substitute swears.
The bottom line: Impressively, this book played out strongly in both the suspense/mystery and romance genres. Ms. Griep is one of my favorite authors, and I'd actually recommend any of her books. But if you like stories with law enforcement types, try The Noble Guardian , or any of the others in Ms. Griep's Bow Street series.
My apologies to Ms. Griep and NetGalley for being so SLOW to review this advance reader copy!
July 21, 2022
Kit and Jackson are going to get married. She has her dress, and Jackson has the ring. but on the day of their wedding Kit doesn’t show up. She has a really good reason for it too. Jackson is deeply hurt by this action from Kit and they put off the wedding until…?
Kit and Jackson despite their best intentions keep bumping into each other, and well this is another Victorian romp that did not disappoint. There was so much going on and sometimes I got kind of lost but in a good way, but Kit and Jackson couldn’t but admit that they really do work well together and acknowledge their weakness and strengths and how they work for them and not against them. They realize that they do need each other. I really enjoyed The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, the characters in the first Blackfriars book showed up in this one, and those relationships were deepened and it made this one so much better for it.
My gratitude to Barbour Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine. 4. 5 stars Definitely recommended!
Kit and Jackson despite their best intentions keep bumping into each other, and well this is another Victorian romp that did not disappoint. There was so much going on and sometimes I got kind of lost but in a good way, but Kit and Jackson couldn’t but admit that they really do work well together and acknowledge their weakness and strengths and how they work for them and not against them. They realize that they do need each other. I really enjoyed The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, the characters in the first Blackfriars book showed up in this one, and those relationships were deepened and it made this one so much better for it.
My gratitude to Barbour Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine. 4. 5 stars Definitely recommended!
July 14, 2022
The first one is awesome and this one is awesomer!
You'll need to read the first book in this duology (series?) so you can see how Kit and Jackson met. There's a lot to pack in their relationship and their insecurities come right to the top during this story.
But wow! So so much going on in this book! The mystery, the page-turning action and suspense, the tender moments and the deep trials. So much in the balance!
The writing is fabulous! Nobody can do imagery like Michelle Griep. The setting is quintessentially Victorian and the characters grip you from the beginning.
Go read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and then read this one.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
You'll need to read the first book in this duology (series?) so you can see how Kit and Jackson met. There's a lot to pack in their relationship and their insecurities come right to the top during this story.
But wow! So so much going on in this book! The mystery, the page-turning action and suspense, the tender moments and the deep trials. So much in the balance!
The writing is fabulous! Nobody can do imagery like Michelle Griep. The setting is quintessentially Victorian and the characters grip you from the beginning.
Go read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and then read this one.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
August 17, 2022
Returning to Victorian England in Michelle Griep's much anticipated sequel to The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, readers will find their visit to Blackfriars Lane and its underworld an adventure. With the street smarts of Dickens' Artful Dodger, Griep's heroine Kit is a charming, stubborn, headstrong young woman. The playful banter between Kit and Jackson as well as the delightfully eclectic cast of characters will keep readers entertained.
Working seemingly unrelated cases create a break of trust between the two and one wonders how they will resolve their differences by the end of the story. With expert pacing, Griep skillfully entwines a strong theme of forgiveness and hope in the exciting conclusion. An ideal blend of romance and mystery abound!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Working seemingly unrelated cases create a break of trust between the two and one wonders how they will resolve their differences by the end of the story. With expert pacing, Griep skillfully entwines a strong theme of forgiveness and hope in the exciting conclusion. An ideal blend of romance and mystery abound!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 1, 2022
Another fun adventure with Jackson and Kit! While I’ll admit I got pretty frustrated with their stubbornness, this was a great story with the most perfect ending I could imagine for such unique and interesting characters.
August 29, 2022
About this book:
“The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit!
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Blackfriars Lane” series. (Possibly a duology as this is the sequel to “The Thief of Blackfriars Lane”, review Here!)
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Thanking God; Church going, sermon, & benediction; Talks about God, hope, forgiving, & justice being in His hands; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, sermons, choirs, & vicars/reverends; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of a prayer book; A few mentions of Heaven, eternity, & eternal rest; A couple mentions of sins; A mention of the Saviour’s crown of thorns; A mention of Godspeed; A mention of spiritual counseling; A mention of a nun;
*Note: Phrases like: ‘saints above!’ (x1), ‘by all that was holy’ (x1), and ‘by all that was right and good!’ (x1) are said or exclaimed; Mentions of devils (regarding calling others a devil, making decisions, calling rats little devils, Jackson calling cucumbers a green demon, and making peace with a demon); Mentions of demons tormenting someone; Mentions of hellfire clubs & their rituals bordering on the occult (including a “prayer” and when they ask Jackson if he’d like to join, he says yes but thinks in his head that it’ll only be for the night and asks God to forgive him); A couple mentions of Jackson’s devil-may-care hair & Kit’s devil-may-care recklessness; A mention of questioning the devil himself for some answers; A mention of a gaze that would make the devil himself and confess; A mention of the possibility of the name of a place opening the cage of demons; A mention of a man being in the pit of hell; A mention of a branding iron being as red as the flames of hell; A mention of the ungodly weight on someone’s shoulders; A mention of a man saying that the bottle (drinking) was his salvation; A mention of making yourself a god (*Spoiler* ); A mention of a statue of a Greek goddess.
Negative Content- Minor cussing (& British exclamations) including: a ‘bloomin’’, a ‘bosh!’, a ‘cod’s heads!’, a ‘fiddlesticks!’, a ‘goodness and light!’, a ‘hang it all’, a ‘heaven and earth!’, a ‘hounds a’fire!’, a ‘pish-posh’, a ‘rot!’, a ‘scab-nippity!’, a ‘stars and banners!’, a ‘stars and glory!’, a ‘what a load of balderdash’, a ‘what the blazes’, two ‘botheration’s, two forms of ‘caring a fig’, two ‘egad!’s, two ‘gads!’s, two ‘kipes!’s, two ‘pah!’s, two ‘posh’s, two ‘scads!’s, two forms of ‘stupid’, two ‘thunder and turf!’s, three ‘blasted’s, three ‘dash and rot’, four forms ‘blast it/blast *someone’s name*’, four ‘drat’, four ‘pish’s, four ‘thunderation’s, five ‘bah’s, six ‘what/why the deuce’s, seven ‘how/what/why the devil’s, and ten forms of ‘dash it all/dash *someone’s name*’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Seeing a death by a wagon wheel (blunt, barely-above-not-detailed); Lots of Fighting, Knocking others out, Being held at knife-point, Being choked, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Blacking out (up to semi-detailed); An explosion & pain (up to semi-detailed); Threatening harm against another; Close calls with alligators, a viper, & rats (up to semi-detailed); Jackson is forced to drink goldfish & is paddled on his backside (up to semi-detailed); Kit feels guilt for a making up a story in the pursuit of justice (she thinks that Jackson and probably God as well would not approve of such means to an end); Jackson later lies about his identity for a plan and doesn’t like doing so; Seeing others drinking (up to semi-detailed); All about many mentions of thieves, thefts, stealing, & stolen items; Many mentions of murders, accidental murders, deaths, how they happened, & finding a skeleton (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of fighting, fights, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of suicides, how they happened, hangings, & bodies/corpses (including Kit wondering if these emotions were why her mother committed suicide, *Spoiler* , up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the possibilities of getting stabbed, shot, or thrown into a river with your hands tied; Mentions of a brutal beating that left a young man not the same (mentally), other children being beaten up, & the bullies; Mentions of an abduction/kidnapping, ransom, deaths, & the possibility of a spouse planning it for the insurance money (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of prisons, prisoners, arrests, gangs/mobs, thugs, criminals, crime scenes, & crimes; Mentions of grave robbers; Mentions of an explosion, explosives, & a gas leak; Mentions of threats; Mentions of a men’s club’s rituals of being paddled on the bum (Kit thinks of it as perverse), being branded by a hot iron, drinking champagne with goldfish in it, & possibly drinking monkey’s blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including side characters drinking); Mentions of smoking, pipes, & tobacco (including a suggestion to smoke to keep away mosquitoes); Mentions of gambling & swindling those with money; A few mentions of a young boy slipping rat poison into his father’s drink & killing him; A few mentions of fires & deaths; A few mentions of hired killers/assassins; A few mentions of a husband beating his wife and child when drunk; A few mentions of a snake bite (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of manure, urine, & a man soiling his trousers A few mentions of dog & chicken fights; A couple mentions of evil men forcing little boys into slavery; A couple mentions of opium dens; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of starvation;
*Note: Some rude comments from others towards a man who has mental disabilities; A mention of animal magnetism.
Sexual Content- An almost hand kiss, three (barely-above-not-detailed) hand/wrist kisses, two cheek kisses, two head kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Recalling kisses & embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Snuggling, Nearness, & Hand holding (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (including curves and muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Kit wonders about their upcoming wedding night (this part mentions about Jackson removing her dress and her not being sure about “men and their needs, what should or shouldn’t happen on a first night together” other than what’s she’s heard on the streets; also a comment from Jackson that he’s looking forward to “finishing what he started” and that her virtue is safe with him until they’re married); Three men lustfully ogle Kit, stare at her body and bodice in an uncomfortable way, & try to proposition her (one keeps touching her hands and knee & gives her a hand kiss; the second touches her thigh, he says he would like to see a more of her (implied in a sexual way) and she asks if he’d like to see “bit o’ skin” and then threatens him with a knife; and the third one says that she would change her mind about men after “a tumble” with him); Mentions of men paying attention to Kit in an unwanted and lustfully way; Mentions of brothels, prostitutes/strumpets, their “services”, mistresses, & men wanting a certain woman for his “personal pleasure”; Mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of a Jackson’s desire and longing for Kit; A few mentions of chasing skirts (women) or referring to a woman as a skirt (instead of her name); A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a young girl probably being propositioned by men with lust and greed; A couple mentions of doxies; A couple mentions of feminine wiles; A mention of a possible out-of-wedlock pregnancy; A mention of a man telling Jackson to marry Kit and bed her; A mention of the weather being like “a mistress, calling seductively to lovers”; A mention of dalliances being saved for after a wedding; A mention of a married man calling his wife a cow and that she knows nothing of his dalliances; A mention of a wife lying in her husband’s arms in their bed; A mention of wondering if a man has a penchant for fine women; A mention of jealousy; Love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Kit says she won’t be dominated like a common scullery maid by her husband & does not like the “obedience card” that Jackson brings up about a wife vowing to honor and obey her husband; A few mentions of a mother passing away after birth complications (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of the Elephant Boys’ name denoting the fact they were all male members; A mention of a punch to a man’s nether region; A mention of twisted men at a hellfire club wanting Jackson to wear a pair of knickers with a red target on the backside.
-Katherine “Kit” Turner
-Jackson Forge
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1885 (Final Chapter set in 1886)
320 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Like many books I’ve read lately, I have many thoughts and am not sure where to start.
I think I could summarize that this book simply wasn’t for me because of the romantic angst. I never thought I would say that about a book—especially the sequel to a book I mostly enjoyed, but here we are.
Content wise, it was about the same as the first book (with a lot less noticing of the other’s physical attributes but about the same with men propositioning Kit), but the murders and crimes felt heavier to me. Perhaps that’s because it was and there were more sensitive parts regarding those elements to play on my heartstrings.
If you read and enjoyed the first book tremendously, you would probably be okay with the content found it this one.
I, however, was quite frustrated with the lack of communication between Kit & Jackson. They are to be married and are so in love, but an important element for the first third of the book is them trying to understand the other and what a marriage-life will be like for them. The first bit of the story, I was finding the difference enjoyable. They weren’t falling back on the oh-so-common “we’re in love, so our differences don’t matter” thread I see often between two characters of very different upbringings and viewpoints in books. It was fascinating to see, for the first third of the book. But then harsh words are spoken and I was full of angst for nearly the entire rest of the story. This was my main problem with this book. And I’m really quite sad about it. I honestly wanted to lock the two of them in a room and make them talk and quit being petty towards the other! Their pride and stubbornness took over the story and honestly ruined this sequel for me, sadly.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this honest review.
“The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit!
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Blackfriars Lane” series. (Possibly a duology as this is the sequel to “The Thief of Blackfriars Lane”, review Here!)
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Thanking God; Church going, sermon, & benediction; Talks about God, hope, forgiving, & justice being in His hands; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, sermons, choirs, & vicars/reverends; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of a prayer book; A few mentions of Heaven, eternity, & eternal rest; A couple mentions of sins; A mention of the Saviour’s crown of thorns; A mention of Godspeed; A mention of spiritual counseling; A mention of a nun;
*Note: Phrases like: ‘saints above!’ (x1), ‘by all that was holy’ (x1), and ‘by all that was right and good!’ (x1) are said or exclaimed; Mentions of devils (regarding calling others a devil, making decisions, calling rats little devils, Jackson calling cucumbers a green demon, and making peace with a demon); Mentions of demons tormenting someone; Mentions of hellfire clubs & their rituals bordering on the occult (including a “prayer” and when they ask Jackson if he’d like to join, he says yes but thinks in his head that it’ll only be for the night and asks God to forgive him); A couple mentions of Jackson’s devil-may-care hair & Kit’s devil-may-care recklessness; A mention of questioning the devil himself for some answers; A mention of a gaze that would make the devil himself and confess; A mention of the possibility of the name of a place opening the cage of demons; A mention of a man being in the pit of hell; A mention of a branding iron being as red as the flames of hell; A mention of the ungodly weight on someone’s shoulders; A mention of a man saying that the bottle (drinking) was his salvation; A mention of making yourself a god (*Spoiler* ); A mention of a statue of a Greek goddess.
Negative Content- Minor cussing (& British exclamations) including: a ‘bloomin’’, a ‘bosh!’, a ‘cod’s heads!’, a ‘fiddlesticks!’, a ‘goodness and light!’, a ‘hang it all’, a ‘heaven and earth!’, a ‘hounds a’fire!’, a ‘pish-posh’, a ‘rot!’, a ‘scab-nippity!’, a ‘stars and banners!’, a ‘stars and glory!’, a ‘what a load of balderdash’, a ‘what the blazes’, two ‘botheration’s, two forms of ‘caring a fig’, two ‘egad!’s, two ‘gads!’s, two ‘kipes!’s, two ‘pah!’s, two ‘posh’s, two ‘scads!’s, two forms of ‘stupid’, two ‘thunder and turf!’s, three ‘blasted’s, three ‘dash and rot’, four forms ‘blast it/blast *someone’s name*’, four ‘drat’, four ‘pish’s, four ‘thunderation’s, five ‘bah’s, six ‘what/why the deuce’s, seven ‘how/what/why the devil’s, and ten forms of ‘dash it all/dash *someone’s name*’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Seeing a death by a wagon wheel (blunt, barely-above-not-detailed); Lots of Fighting, Knocking others out, Being held at knife-point, Being choked, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Blacking out (up to semi-detailed); An explosion & pain (up to semi-detailed); Threatening harm against another; Close calls with alligators, a viper, & rats (up to semi-detailed); Jackson is forced to drink goldfish & is paddled on his backside (up to semi-detailed); Kit feels guilt for a making up a story in the pursuit of justice (she thinks that Jackson and probably God as well would not approve of such means to an end); Jackson later lies about his identity for a plan and doesn’t like doing so; Seeing others drinking (up to semi-detailed); All about many mentions of thieves, thefts, stealing, & stolen items; Many mentions of murders, accidental murders, deaths, how they happened, & finding a skeleton (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of fighting, fights, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of suicides, how they happened, hangings, & bodies/corpses (including Kit wondering if these emotions were why her mother committed suicide, *Spoiler* , up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the possibilities of getting stabbed, shot, or thrown into a river with your hands tied; Mentions of a brutal beating that left a young man not the same (mentally), other children being beaten up, & the bullies; Mentions of an abduction/kidnapping, ransom, deaths, & the possibility of a spouse planning it for the insurance money (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of prisons, prisoners, arrests, gangs/mobs, thugs, criminals, crime scenes, & crimes; Mentions of grave robbers; Mentions of an explosion, explosives, & a gas leak; Mentions of threats; Mentions of a men’s club’s rituals of being paddled on the bum (Kit thinks of it as perverse), being branded by a hot iron, drinking champagne with goldfish in it, & possibly drinking monkey’s blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including side characters drinking); Mentions of smoking, pipes, & tobacco (including a suggestion to smoke to keep away mosquitoes); Mentions of gambling & swindling those with money; A few mentions of a young boy slipping rat poison into his father’s drink & killing him; A few mentions of fires & deaths; A few mentions of hired killers/assassins; A few mentions of a husband beating his wife and child when drunk; A few mentions of a snake bite (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of manure, urine, & a man soiling his trousers A few mentions of dog & chicken fights; A couple mentions of evil men forcing little boys into slavery; A couple mentions of opium dens; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of starvation;
*Note: Some rude comments from others towards a man who has mental disabilities; A mention of animal magnetism.
Sexual Content- An almost hand kiss, three (barely-above-not-detailed) hand/wrist kisses, two cheek kisses, two head kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Recalling kisses & embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Snuggling, Nearness, & Hand holding (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (including curves and muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Kit wonders about their upcoming wedding night (this part mentions about Jackson removing her dress and her not being sure about “men and their needs, what should or shouldn’t happen on a first night together” other than what’s she’s heard on the streets; also a comment from Jackson that he’s looking forward to “finishing what he started” and that her virtue is safe with him until they’re married); Three men lustfully ogle Kit, stare at her body and bodice in an uncomfortable way, & try to proposition her (one keeps touching her hands and knee & gives her a hand kiss; the second touches her thigh, he says he would like to see a more of her (implied in a sexual way) and she asks if he’d like to see “bit o’ skin” and then threatens him with a knife; and the third one says that she would change her mind about men after “a tumble” with him); Mentions of men paying attention to Kit in an unwanted and lustfully way; Mentions of brothels, prostitutes/strumpets, their “services”, mistresses, & men wanting a certain woman for his “personal pleasure”; Mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of a Jackson’s desire and longing for Kit; A few mentions of chasing skirts (women) or referring to a woman as a skirt (instead of her name); A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a young girl probably being propositioned by men with lust and greed; A couple mentions of doxies; A couple mentions of feminine wiles; A mention of a possible out-of-wedlock pregnancy; A mention of a man telling Jackson to marry Kit and bed her; A mention of the weather being like “a mistress, calling seductively to lovers”; A mention of dalliances being saved for after a wedding; A mention of a married man calling his wife a cow and that she knows nothing of his dalliances; A mention of a wife lying in her husband’s arms in their bed; A mention of wondering if a man has a penchant for fine women; A mention of jealousy; Love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Kit says she won’t be dominated like a common scullery maid by her husband & does not like the “obedience card” that Jackson brings up about a wife vowing to honor and obey her husband; A few mentions of a mother passing away after birth complications (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of the Elephant Boys’ name denoting the fact they were all male members; A mention of a punch to a man’s nether region; A mention of twisted men at a hellfire club wanting Jackson to wear a pair of knickers with a red target on the backside.
-Katherine “Kit” Turner
-Jackson Forge
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1885 (Final Chapter set in 1886)
320 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Like many books I’ve read lately, I have many thoughts and am not sure where to start.
I think I could summarize that this book simply wasn’t for me because of the romantic angst. I never thought I would say that about a book—especially the sequel to a book I mostly enjoyed, but here we are.
Content wise, it was about the same as the first book (with a lot less noticing of the other’s physical attributes but about the same with men propositioning Kit), but the murders and crimes felt heavier to me. Perhaps that’s because it was and there were more sensitive parts regarding those elements to play on my heartstrings.
If you read and enjoyed the first book tremendously, you would probably be okay with the content found it this one.
I, however, was quite frustrated with the lack of communication between Kit & Jackson. They are to be married and are so in love, but an important element for the first third of the book is them trying to understand the other and what a marriage-life will be like for them. The first bit of the story, I was finding the difference enjoyable. They weren’t falling back on the oh-so-common “we’re in love, so our differences don’t matter” thread I see often between two characters of very different upbringings and viewpoints in books. It was fascinating to see, for the first third of the book. But then harsh words are spoken and I was full of angst for nearly the entire rest of the story. This was my main problem with this book. And I’m really quite sad about it. I honestly wanted to lock the two of them in a room and make them talk and quit being petty towards the other! Their pride and stubbornness took over the story and honestly ruined this sequel for me, sadly.
Link to review:
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*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this honest review.
August 28, 2022
Action, mystery, adventure, romance...this book has it ALL and it was done so well!! I loved the first book in the series but I loved this one even more!!
The setting is so vivid I could practically envision the back streets of Victorian London, and the muti-layered plot kept me on my toes trying to unravel all the clues and figure out how everything connected.
And oh, Kit and Jackson. All the happy sighs for these two who are one of my favorite literary couples! They fell in love in the first book of the series and are set to be married...okay, no spoilers here, but their journey of trust and faith in each other - and in a higher power - is sooooo beautifully done. All of their adventures and mishaps, their banter and dare I say, swoony romance - sigh. They are just so perfect for each other!!
I heard Michelle is planning on writing more stories for Kit and Jackson and I am.here.for.it. This one earned a spot on my favorites shelf where it won't be gathering dust because I plan on re-reading it over and over. Highly recommend!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
The setting is so vivid I could practically envision the back streets of Victorian London, and the muti-layered plot kept me on my toes trying to unravel all the clues and figure out how everything connected.
And oh, Kit and Jackson. All the happy sighs for these two who are one of my favorite literary couples! They fell in love in the first book of the series and are set to be married...okay, no spoilers here, but their journey of trust and faith in each other - and in a higher power - is sooooo beautifully done. All of their adventures and mishaps, their banter and dare I say, swoony romance - sigh. They are just so perfect for each other!!
I heard Michelle is planning on writing more stories for Kit and Jackson and I am.here.for.it. This one earned a spot on my favorites shelf where it won't be gathering dust because I plan on re-reading it over and over. Highly recommend!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
October 9, 2022
Jackson and Kit are back in a brand new adventure, as they prepare for their upcoming nuptials.
A rollicking Victorian adventure, full of wit and charm, that is nearly impossible to put down. I loved seeing many returning faces as well as meeting new faces along the way. Kit and Jackson must navigate their differences as they prepare for their life together, and I liked that they both had to realize they would have to change and it wasn't as easy as happily ever after.
I loved Kit's friendships with Frankie and James, she has a huge heart despite her impulsive nature. Jackson is the perfect foil for Kit, professional and a rule follower, yet endlessly devoted to her.
Overall, an enjoyable read, action packed, with strong themes of trust and forgiveness, along with memorable characters that you can cheer for all the way through!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A rollicking Victorian adventure, full of wit and charm, that is nearly impossible to put down. I loved seeing many returning faces as well as meeting new faces along the way. Kit and Jackson must navigate their differences as they prepare for their life together, and I liked that they both had to realize they would have to change and it wasn't as easy as happily ever after.
I loved Kit's friendships with Frankie and James, she has a huge heart despite her impulsive nature. Jackson is the perfect foil for Kit, professional and a rule follower, yet endlessly devoted to her.
Overall, an enjoyable read, action packed, with strong themes of trust and forgiveness, along with memorable characters that you can cheer for all the way through!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 8, 2022
I really enjoyed the mysteries of this story. I love cold case stories and to have a historical version of one made a for a super fun read. I will confess, that Kit kinda drove me nuts at times in the story, her pride and stubbornness were a bit over the top for me-I really just wanted to shake some sense into her! All in all, a super fun read! I wouldn't mind seeing another story with these characters-and their family. Fingers crossed for that.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
October 3, 2022
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep was a delightful historical mystery with two unyielding characters who must put their love and their future joyment on the line. The plot was a little more mystery than her previous novels, which I really loved. I loved the opening chapter where Kit and Jackson are headed toward their wedding, and of course, the wedding does not go off as planned. A predictable reality if readers are familiar with the first book, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, and would expect nothing less from these two. I really enjoyed the concept of returning characters as they go past the engagement moment that the first book left readers in. This moment happens a lot, but it was nice to see the plot move past this moment. A brave and interesting romance as the two discover what they really want versus what they think they want. I would not feel disappointed if Griep writes another story with these two characters. Definitely another hit out of the park from a historical mysteries writer that I have come to devour.
I received a complimentary copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
January 23, 2023
While I enjoyed this book, I didn't find it to be quite as good as The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane. But I was happy to have more time with Kit and Jackson, although their arguing got old, in my opinion. It definitely taught a lesson of how hard it is to earn back trust once lost, and learning to be humble. The ending was worth it all though. I'm so glad they were able to overcome their differences.
All in all, a good enemies to lovers among an engaged couple, with mystery, suspense, surprises, and, yes, some romance too. ;)
All in all, a good enemies to lovers among an engaged couple, with mystery, suspense, surprises, and, yes, some romance too. ;)
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