How to Marry an Earl

A Cinderella Society #1

by Alyxandra Harvey

A Bluestocking, a betrothal of convenience, a traitor… and a handsome rake. What could go wrong?

Persephone Blackwell prefers digging in the dirt for old bones and secret treasure to anything Society might have to offer. When her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, decides to host a Festival of Antiquaries, she jumps at the chance to take part-especially since it’s the best way to save her oldest friend, Henry Talbot, who is being framed for treason. She has not yet found the evidence that he has sent home hidden inside Egyptian forgeries---but she does find something else: Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck.

The Conall she knew before the war was shy and serious, but this new Conall is a celebrated rake with a practiced charm and a dangerous grin. Persephone finds them both irresistible. Rumor has it, he is searching for a wife. Not that Percy is on the Marriage Mart. After all, earls do not marry ladies with scandalous pasts and a penchant for the mummification process of Ancient Egypt.

As it happens, Conall is secretly searching for a traitor, not a bride. But he is beginning to wonder if Persephone might fight both categories.

A Cinderella Society
- How to Marry an Earl
- How to Marry a Duke
- How to Marry a Viscount

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

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2022

About the author

www.alyxandraharvey.com

Alyxandra Harvey is the author of The Cinderella Society, The Dainty Devils, The Drake Chronicles, The Witches of London, Haunting Violet and more!
She likes chai lattes, tattoos, and books.
Sometimes fueled by literary rage.

Reviews

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's determined to help her friend Henry who has been accused of being a traitor. A bit of a bluestocking, lover of bones and digging in the dirt, Persephone (love that name) knows she can help when her godfather, host a festival of antiquities.

Connal, who knew Percy when they were younger is also looking for a traitor and when he sees her, he hopes to find some answers.

But as often happens, they find much more and hopefully solve the mystery!

Great start to this new series and looking forward to more!

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Fun read this book had me giggling and I really loved that.
Persephone is a very sweet individual, very independent and has a great mind especially where artefacts are concerned.
She also has a wonderfully entertaining grandma, I leave you to read up on her yourself.

Conall is slowly noticing he is more than a little attracted to Persephone, though his main aim is to catch a traitor and that leads to some interesting moments.

In all it’s a really great book that was very enjoyable.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It’s not your typical historical romance.

Persephone

She was ruined and therefore Society had different rules for her….

I loved the Cinderella’s, intelligent, confident women who aren’t prepared to just sit back and play by societies rules. They make their own.

Persephone ruined herself so she’d be allowed to live her life in peace. She’s helping the Duke of Pendleton with his Festival of Antiquaries. As well as trying to catch a traitor who’s framing her oldest friend Henry.

Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck is also after the traitor. And will stop at nothing to apprehend him or her.

This book was such a refreshing change and I can’t wait for the next one.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persephone (Percy) Blackwell is an expert in artifacts, particularly from Egypt. Her childhood friend, Henry, is accused of being a traitor passing information of British troops to the French during the war. Where is Henry? He knows the identity of the real traitor and is sending information to Percy in letters hidden in Egyptian forgeries Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck, is working for the War Office. He is looking for the traitor. Returning to Barrow for The Little Barrow Antiquarian Festival is where his information leads him. He watches everyone, but his eyes keep going back to Percy. Someone wants to kill Percy. Conall's protective instincts are to keep her close and protected. Unexpected is their physical attraction.
A little too much insignificant local digging, even though I get why Harvey went in that direction. Love the interaction between Conall and Percy. Great ending. 🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Ever since she caused a scandal which took her off the marriage mart, Persephone Blackwell has been able to follow her dreams of archaeology and antiquity, with the blessing of her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton. But while organising this year's Festival of Antiquities on behalf of her godfather, Persephone soon finds herself embroiled in a plot to save her oldest friends from treason charges, while also protecting her own name, and life. And the fact that Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck, has returned from war, and is very different from the Conall she once knew, Percy struggles with her newfound feelings.

As soon as I saw the synopsis for this book, I knew it would be one for me. I love history, and having a heroine in a historical romance who is a historian was a dream. Persephone had caused a scandal when she was younger so that she would be able to have a little more freedom in her life, and not be forced to marry, but there were still people who used it against her. She only really cared about her friends and fellow Cinderella's, and when it's clear that Henry Talbot, her oldest friend, is facing treason charges, she will do whatever it takes to fight them and clear his name, even if it makes her look guilty in the meantime. Conall, though Earl of Northwyck, is on the hunt for those involved in the treason, and he'll keep a close eye on everyone, but especially Percy. He's always had feelings for her, and hopes that she is innocent, but he can't allow his feelings to skew his judgement. Their romance was fun to read, and I appreciated how Conall respected and boosted Percy's love for antiquities. A great start to the series, and hopefully we'll see more from the couple in future books!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Overall, this book was a good read, however, it was at times hard to keep track of all the characters and unnecessary details.

Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an arc of this book! This was very cute but it felt boring in certain parts like the mystery tied in with it, I was more invested in the romance then the mystery.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this, but I hoped for more acknowledgement of stolen artefacts from Egypt.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I'm a MASSIVE fan of Alyxandra Harvey's books and have been since I was a teen and picked up Drake Chronicles, closely followed by Witches of London! Given that all the books of hers that I've read are YA I was so excited to find that she'd written an adult novel, and not only that..but that it's historical romance WITH a mystery AND involving artefacts and a history nerd female lead! It's genuinely like she peered into my brain and crafted a book that's all of my niche interests rolled into one, I can't begin to explain how much this book was right up my street!

Honestly? I wasn't disappointed at all, I loved it! How To Marry an Earl is so easy to read from the narrative tone and the language used isn't overly fussy or complicated while still evoking the era so I binge read this in mostly a day.

It's well paced with things moving along and developing nicely and so much happening that there's never a dull moment! There's also plenty of twists and turns throughout thanks to the mystery and trying to figure out who the traitor is! On the romance side of things, there's some sweet moments, some swoon-worthy moments AND a couple of steamy moments thrown in as well!

I also just really loved the characters. Persephone is a history nerd so I immediately vibed with her, but she's also a very unusual and refreshing female lead for the time period in that she voluntarily ruined herself so that she could have her own freedom. There's lots of whispers about her but she's still feisty and witty. Connall is on the hunt for a traitor and sort of reluctantly attracted to her in the beginning as he suspects her a bit. He's a great male lead providing the swoon-worthy moments but also showing a vulnerable side to himself with his PTSD.

The side characters are also brilliant! I love the Cinderella's and can't wait to see more of them! Each of them is a little bit different and has interests that don't entirely fit with societal norms so I can't wait for them to get their own books! I know Meg is next and I'm assuming it's then going to be Tamsin! They were just so fun with all the banter between them, and the way they looked out for each other and had each other's backs. I also loved Priya, Connall's sister and I'm hoping she might get her own book as she's just as feisty and independent as Persephone.

Each of the characters was so vibrant and really came to life, particularly Persephone's Grandmother. You really can't miss her! I also appreciated Harvey's efforts to make the cast diverse and even provide some lesbian rep, fleeting as it was!

All in all, I just really had a good time reading this and couldn't put it down and when I had to, I couldn't wait to pick it back up. Yes, there are a few typos and errors but given I was reading an ARC I assume that's something that'll be fixed for the final version. Either way, I really enjoyed myself reading this one and can't wait to pick up the next!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the first time I am reading something from this author and I have to say I really enjoyed this story.

I love a good bluestocking heroine and Persephone Blackwell is a dirt-digging, antiquarian who defiantly loves what she does and has no interest in what young ladies of her status are supposed to be engaged in - flirting, shopping, hunting the Marriage Mart, etc. In defiance of the social expectations, Percy ruined herself and the resulting scandal has put her firmly on the road to spinsterhood, so she could concentrate on her scholarly studies. Luckily, she is sponsored by her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, who enables her love of archeology and is having her organize an Antiquarian festival on his behalf. However, she has found out that one of her childhood friends may have become a target of claims of treason, and she has determined that she will do what she can to help him.

Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck, was also part of Percy's childhood companion, and another godchild of the Duke. But he is different from the shy boy she used to know, and is now a charming rake, and they meet up again at a house party related to the Festival. Unknown to Percy, Conall is acting the part of a spy, in search of the traitor who betrayed British troop secrets leading to the death of soldiers. However, because of Percy's suspicious and clandestine actions to find evidence to clear her friend's name, Conall wonders what secrets she is hiding, and if she is involved in betraying her country.

I found this to be an engaging story with likeable characters, including the other Cinderella's, the name given to other goddaughters of the Duke of Pendleton. It sounds like he encourages their individual talents, even when they are unconventional and defy Societal norms. It sounds also like the hero, Conall, is a man who appreciates the intelligence and strength of the heroine, and there is a good balance between both Conall and Percy both being the heros of the story and saving each other. It was an enjoyable adventure/intrigue story as well as romance. I enjoyed the interplay between Conall and Percy, but also between the other characters. A good start to a series.

3.75 stars out of 5.

[T.K. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so disappointed. I have loved Alyxandra Harvey's books with their wonderful wit and clean romance. But this is a complete departure. There was a long sex scene that was easy to skip, but there were lewd references throughout that became more explicit after the sex scene. It was difficult to believe the English aristocracy in the Napoleonic time period (especially the women) would treat intimacy so cavalierly and childhood friends as merely a source of sexual gratification. It robbed the book of all its initial charm. Additionally, the novel is riddled with sloppy typos throughout that continually threw me from the story. I have no desire to finish it or to ever read one of her books again.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book by new-to-me author Alyxandra Harvey. Percy is a woman who is an expert in antiquities. When her old childhood friend Conall comes to a fair in her town she finds him much more serious since returning from the war. After several attempts to kill Percy, Conall decides that the traitor he is looking for and the person trying to kill Percy most be one in the same. Spending time together sparks flames that neither can deny. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Coral · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’ve figured out what bothers me about these and the Spinster Society books. The author doesn’t spend time building the backgrounds of and the relationships between the characters. I have no idea who these people are or why I should care beyond the MMC and the FMC. The Cinderella Society isn’t really a society, they just all have the same godfather so it’s a cute nickname but that’s about it.

The rest of the book was fine. Easily caught spelling errors seem to be common with this author.

I’ll probably finish the Cinderella Society but then I think I’m done with this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author tried to do too much in the first half of the book, and the story suffered. The last half was much better.

[iReadBooksNSchit · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey is the first book in the Cinderella Society series and is filled with lots of colorful characters that enhance the overall charm of the story. It’s always fun to read a well-written story where characters are interesting and well-developed. This is one of those books. Unfortunately, the story suffers from a bit of bloating at times, which in turns slows down the story. Despite the book’s verbosity, it remains a delightful read ALMOST from start to finish.

Persephone (Percy) Blackwell is not what you’d call a traditional sort of Lady. Most would call her odd. Some might even say she’s singular, but not in a good way. Percy, you see is a bluestocking who fancies digging in the dirt. And finding bones. And antiquities. And handsome men who’ll pull her out of the holes she constantly finds herself in. A “gift” that just may help prevent her childhood friend Henry from being hanged for treason. Plagued by scandal, Percy could care less what society thinks of her. Helping Henry is what’s important and she’ll do whatever she must to clear his name, even if it means accepting help from Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck.

Conall is a renowned raked. Or so society believes. But Conall is not at all what he seems. Neither is Percy. She’s hiding something and Conall is determined to find out what. Could Percy be the traitor that he’s secretly hunting? In a rush to find a traitor before someone gets hurt, Conall and Percy must work together to discover the traitor. But their search will lead them to find much more than either of them expected.

How to Marry an Earl is a good detective romance, filled with espionage and intrigue. The introduction of the Cinderalla’s was a bonus as they will each be featured in their own stories in this serious. If a budding romance between a bluestocking and a rake is your cuppa, you’ll enjoy this book.

**I received an ARC of How to Marry an Earl through NetGalley and give my unbiased review freely.**

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey is an entertaining story involving old friends, an accused spy, a government agent, and an antiquarian who would rather dig for history than not. Persephone Blackwell is the kind of woman who assured she was ruined so she could forget this marriage nonsense and get on with things. Her parents were now dead but they had been livid. She is the goddaughter of the Duke of Pendleton and he approved of everything she did, especially the antiquarian fair she was now organizing on his property and in the village. He owned many of the artifacts that would be on display but many others were being shipped in. There would also me lectures and other activities. She had fallen in a hole that had not been dug to her specifications when Lord Conall, Earl of Northwyck. He helped her out of the hole without laughing. Then, things cot complicated.

Percy was different, of that there was no doubt. As one of 11 goddaughters of the duke, she held a special place in society. One she didn't particularly want. She was happy with her treasures. She didn't need a husband. She did need her best friend, Henry, though. He very late in returning from the war and had sent some odd letters. She had to figure out what was going on. She was not one to ignore a question. This book made my laugh and brought me to the edge of tears. Percy was so likable, but not so much to the ladies of the ton. It would have been near impossible to live through that, but Percy had found a way. Now here was Conall, a handsome rake who could make her feel things she had never felt before. But he would be a marquis. She could never be a marchioness. It was breaking her heart, and mine.

I was invited to read How to Marry An Earl by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #alyxandraharvey #howtomarryanearl

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entertaining romance has a mystery to be solved, a traitor to be exposed and artifacts to be put on display. Persephone Blackwell, Percy to her friends, is an antiquarian and she lives for every moment she can spend digging in the dirt in a historically rich area of England. However, the flurry of interest in antiques from Egypt makes this novel particularly interesting as enthusiasts grapple to get their hands on artifacts by fair means or foul. As the Antiquaries Fair hosted by her Godfather approaches, there is more to be concerned about than ensuring that the historic finds are safely stored until it is time to put them on display. There is also the matter of seeking out proof of treasonous acts sent by her good friend Henry Talbot, hidden inside one or more of the artifacts. The Earl of Northwyck's arrival on the scene complicates matters and quickly becomes a hindrance to Percy's search. They are both holding their cards so close to their chests, that it takes time for them to discover that they are in fact on the same mission. An attraction that goes all the way back to their youth, flares up once again, as Connall and Percy find themselves in the same space at the same time. Throw a mischievous grandmother and an indulgent Duke into the mix and one has a delightful novel with a very good plot. I am looking forward to reading future books in this series, having been introduced to some of the characters in this first of the series. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey is the first book in her A Cinderella Society series about the goddaughters of a Duke. Childhood friends Lady Persephone Blackwell and Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck are brought together in their search for a traitor.

I enjoyed the premise of the story – hero and heroine working separately and then together to find the same traitor. As they work together, they find out more about each other and who they really are at their core. The romance was sweet. What I had difficulty with and what makes this a 3-star read for me was that there were a lot of unexplained/not adequately explained things that happened in the story. I wanted more from this story than was provided. I did enjoy the ending and the climax – those were well done. The hero and heroine’s banter was fun and light hearted at times. The secondary characters, added spice and colour to the story.

I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters and many of the secondary characters. This connection between the heroine and her friends is why I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, to see where it goes and hopefully to get more insight into the other Cinderella Society members that was hinted at. I’m hoping that Alyxandra includes the characters across each of the books, even if they only play minor roles.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Persephone is mad about Egypt. Conall is mad about Persephone.
A Bluestocking, a betrothal of convenience, a traitor… and a handsome rake. What could go wrong?
Persephone Blackwell prefers digging in the dirt for old bones and secret treasure to anything Society might have to offer. When her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, decides to host a Festival of Antiquaries, she jumps at the chance to take part-especially since it’s the best way to save her oldest friend, Henry Talbot, who is being framed for treason. She has not yet found the evidence that he has sent home hidden inside Egyptian forgeries---but she does find something else: Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck.
The Conall she knew before the war was shy and serious, but this new Conall is a celebrated rake with a practiced charm and a dangerous grin. Persephone finds them both irresistible. Rumor has it, he is searching for a wife. Not that Percy is on the Marriage Mart. After all, earls do not marry ladies with scandalous pasts and a penchant for the mummification process of Ancient Egypt.
As it happens, Conall is secretly searching for a traitor, not a bride. But he is beginning to wonder if Persephone might fight both categories.
This is a very good book.
Alyxandra Harvey has written a very good book.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Percy one of the Cinderella Society girls is the Goddaughter of the Duke of Pendleton loves anything to do with digging up ancient artifacts and due to an unfortunate incident in the past is now socially unaccepted amongst her peers which works in her favour. Connal the Earl of Northwyck is on a mission to find a spy and although he has grown up with Percy, still thinks she may be guilty and has to investigate her.
Percy is not what he expected and does not simper and smile at him, she is what she is and does not hide it, she gets into lots of mishaps which make you chuckle. Connal is also playing a role to find the spy but Percy finds the true man, the person she grew up with and together they become engaged and start to work as part of a team to find out who the traitor is and to save her childhood friend Henry from being branded a traitor.
This story is great, it’s a little different from the normal historical romance books I read, it’s full of mystery and keeps you guessing until near the end with plenty of steam to keep the romance alive and of course for me the Egyptian antiquaties give it an added bonus.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more. If you like to read books by Amanda Quick which have romance and mystery included, this is the book for you.

[jamadoria reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persephone Blackwell prefers digging in the dirt for old bones to anything the Ton might offer, so she knowingly ruins herself to avoid the marriage mart. Her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, asks her to help him to organize a antiquaries festival, which she uses to help save her oldest friend, Lord Henry Talbot, from being framed for treason. He sent evidence of the real traitor home in Egyptian forgeries and she is searching for the evidence. She runs into Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck. Like Percy, the Duke is Conall's godfather, so they knew each other growing up. Young Conall was shy and serious, but he's grown up into a reported rake and now the rumor is he's wife hunting. In reality, Conall was hired by the British government to find the traitor and Percy is one of his suspects.

This book was a delight! It wasn't at all the typical plot I expected which made it more fun. There are times the descriptions of antiques and other things get a bit long, so that is the only reason it's a solid 4 instead of a 5 for me.

I just reviewed How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey in exchange for receiving a free copy of the ARC. #HowtoMarryanEarl #NetGalley

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of A Cinderella Society and what a delightful start to the series! It is also my first book by Ms. Harvey and I was not disappointed. I am always looking for new authors in this genre and I am happy to say I am definitely adding Ms. Harvey to my list!
Persephone is a bluestocking and allowed herself to be ruined so she could live her life in peace away from societal demands and expectations. She is intelligent, independent, loyal and just such a lovely person. She is determined to help her friend Henry find the traitor that is framing him for passing information to the French during the war. The story was interesting and engaging and pulled me in from the start and kept my interest till the end. Lots of fun moments as well that had me smiling and giggling. Henry and Persephone were well-developed characters and I enjoyed seeing them together and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining series!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey is the first book of the Cinderella Society. The book follows Persephone Blackwell and Conall Hunter, Earl of Northwyck.

Persephone much prefers digging for bones and treasures over participating in Society. When her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, hosts a Festival of Antiquaries, Persephone is eager to take part because it is the easiest way to help her friend Henry, who is being framed for treason. Henry has sent evidence home hidden in Egyptian forgeries, and Persephone is very good at detecting those.

Conall, who used to be shy and serious, is now a rake. He has arrived under the guise of searching for a wife. In reality, Conall is searching for a traitor. He suspects many people, including Persephone.

I really loved this book. It’s a super quick read full of romance, intrigue, and humor. I loved the chemistry between Persephone and Conall. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persephone Blackwell prefers digging in the dirt for old bones and secret treasure to anything Society might have to offer. When her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, decides to host a Festival of Antiquaries, she jumps at the chance to take part-especially since it’s the best way to save her oldest friend, Henry Talbot, who is being framed for treason. She has not yet found the evidence that he has sent home hidden inside Egyptian forgeries---but she does find something else: Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck. The Conall she knew before the war was shy and serious, but this new Conall is a celebrated rake with a practiced charm and a dangerous grin.
A new author & a new series & not your usual historical romance. I really enjoyed it, the humour had me laughing & giggling. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, the story flowed well & I loved the relationship between Conall & Percy & I loved the mix of romance & mystery. I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Mony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into this audiobook, it was free with Audible & I previously hadn't read anything by the author Alexandra Harvey. The free version ended, so either I have buy the audiobook or the book itself. I may enjoy this better reading the book, so I'll put it on my maybe list for later.
What I didn't like about this audiobook, the narrator was alright, was the I'm an independent woman, who doesn't want to get married theme, invading historical romances more & more. It gets old after a while, especially when the author mixes the independent miss attitude, with the constraints woman were under. Plus, throws in the main heroine as being a budding Archaeologist. While, in reality she probably would've been locked up by her family, for being unnatural. I know it's a historical romance, a bit of fun & not to take too seriously. However, if your going to do the independent & potentially stubborn miss attitude, why not write a modern romance instead.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a band of young ladies Cinderella Society has developed into. They are so full of life and enjoy pursuing their hobbies instead of husbands. Not all the time but most of it. Persephone Blackwell loved to dig in the dirt. Looking for artifacts from civilizations before her time. Luckily, she has the Duke of Pendleton as her godfather, which allows her to do as she pleases. Even if she falls into holes she digs. What a plot for a story and it gets deeper as she tries to help her friend, Henry Talbot, who is accused of treason. However, the Earl of Northwyck, Conall Hunter, returns from the war on a mission to find a wife. That is what the gossip says, but that is not the truth. He is hunting a traitor and not a bride. Now the plot thickens, and the story takes a turn. I enjoyed the book and cannot wait until the next one of the series is available.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Persephone Aka Percy is ruined and loves all things Egyptian. She is able to spot forgeries a mile away!
Conal an Earl is an agent for the crown and here at the festivities to catch a traitor!
Percy was ruined on purpose so she could always choose her antiques. She is a daughter of an Earl and has a Duke for a godfather which leaves her scandalous and barely decent for some members of the Ton!
Their chemistry is like a slow burn! But if you love midnight meetings, being tossed of a balcony and your man knowing exactly what you need when you need it.. well!
Conal sees the real Percy and she sees him not the one he presents in public!
She remembers things about him and brings out the real man!
But they have a traitor to catch! Can they and just maybe fall in love!!? Bravo!! New author to me but yasss!!

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book.
Persephone is helping her godfather the duke put on a festival of antiquities. At the same time she is determined to prove her best friend Henry is not guilty of treason.
Conall maybe an earl but as a former soldier he still is determined to get justice for the men killed due to a traitor.
The treason plot was well done, but Conall was by far my favorite part of the book. He was so charming and he was so entranced by Percy. I loved how he cared for her due to her being her not inspite of her love of antiquities.
I also liked the peaks at the other goddaughters. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a new series from an author whose books I've never read. I enjoyed this one from the start. Persephone is an authority on antiquities, Conall is investigating a traitor. Unbeknownst to him so is Persephone. They are childhood friends who are connected through an elderly Duke who has lots of godchildren.

The story ticks along well, and the mystery gives the book a structure but at times some of the secondary characters don't really come off the page.

Received an ARC from Netgalley.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author but will not be the last. I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters and many of the secondary characters who were great and i can't wait for their stories. I also enjoyed the mystery which makes this a refreshing change from a lot of standard romances that can start to bore after you have read lots of similar one's. The antiquaries made a nice side story too. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own..