What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #3
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl
She is a member of a secret society of lady investigators. He is a spy for the Crown. Both want a marriage of convenience as a cover for their true activities... What could go wrong?
When her overprotective family tries to curtail her activities, spirited and independent debutante Fiona Garrity decides marriage is her surest way to freedom. All she needs is an accommodating, and preferably not too perceptive, husband with his own hobbies so that he will not interfere with hers. Destiny puts her into the path of a reputedly staid and scholarly earl. He would be the perfect candidate…if only his grey eyes were not quite so magnetic, and his virile nearness didn’t affect her in such a stimulating manner…
After the death of his first wife, Thomas Morgan, the Earl of Hawksmoor, has sworn off love. He is torn between his duty to produce an heir and his true passion: his work as an agent of the Crown. Fate gives him a solution when a dazzling debutante proposes a practical union that would allow them both to maintain private lives. She would be an impeccable choice…if only her heavenly gaze didn’t lay bare his secret needs and her delectable form didn’t tempt him to unleash his darkest desires…
Fiery passion threatens the negotiated rules of Fiona and Hawk’s marriage. As desire turns into love, a dangerous case brings them into shocking contact. Will their marriage of convenience survive attacks from the past and present and transform into a love for all time?
Grace's books feature hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can also be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series.
When her overprotective family tries to curtail her activities, spirited and independent debutante Fiona Garrity decides marriage is her surest way to freedom. All she needs is an accommodating, and preferably not too perceptive, husband with his own hobbies so that he will not interfere with hers. Destiny puts her into the path of a reputedly staid and scholarly earl. He would be the perfect candidate…if only his grey eyes were not quite so magnetic, and his virile nearness didn’t affect her in such a stimulating manner…
After the death of his first wife, Thomas Morgan, the Earl of Hawksmoor, has sworn off love. He is torn between his duty to produce an heir and his true passion: his work as an agent of the Crown. Fate gives him a solution when a dazzling debutante proposes a practical union that would allow them both to maintain private lives. She would be an impeccable choice…if only her heavenly gaze didn’t lay bare his secret needs and her delectable form didn’t tempt him to unleash his darkest desires…
Fiery passion threatens the negotiated rules of Fiona and Hawk’s marriage. As desire turns into love, a dangerous case brings them into shocking contact. Will their marriage of convenience survive attacks from the past and present and transform into a love for all time?
Grace's books feature hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can also be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series.
386 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2022
93 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read
About the author
Grace Callaway
51 books1,085 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
Put it on your "To Read" shelf ➤
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
➤Apple: https://gracecallaway.com/gloryappleb...
➤Amazon: https://gracecallaway.com/gloryamazon
➤Amazon UK: https://gracecallaway.com/gloryamazonuk
➤Amazon AU: https://gracecallaway.com/gloryamazonau
➤B&N: https://gracecallaway.com/glorynook
➤Kobo: https://gracecallaway.com/glorykobo
➤Google Books: https://gracecallaway.com/glorygoogle...
About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
Connect with Grace
NEWSLETTER: gracecallaway.com/newsletter
FB: facebook.com/gracecallawaybooks
IG: instagram.com/gracecallawaybooks/
Amazon: amazon.com/author/gracecallaway
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/grace-callaway
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 6, 2022
***This is a SPICY book, that includes EIGHT full sex scenes with elements of heavy petting, fingering, breast play, performative masturbation, cunnilingus, anal teasing, deep throating, and roleplay to include D/s, among others. This book received the full 5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 in the Book Club: Upturned Petticoats & Undone Cravats***
[ETA: half of the characters in this book have a book of their own and there is 30-40 years of world building so i HIGHLY recommend you start with the Mayhem in Mayfair series > Heart of Enquiry > Game of Dukes before enjoying The Society of Angels series]
Wow.
Wow, wow, wow.
What an incredible and incredibly hot ride that was!
I've became and instant fan of Callaway from the moment I picked up her first book Her Husband's Harlot last year and pretty much blasted through her entire catalog. With this series and this book, its such a pleasure to see how she far she has come and how much she has grown in her writing (and SMUT). I felt such a wave of emotions while reading and even felt myself tear up once or twice which isn't something that I normally do when reading. But let me get into a bit more detail on my feelings of the characters.
This is a Marriage of Convenience book and it jumps into that rather quickly and quite well. Fiona wants freedom as she is a 19 year old 'Incomparable' but also an active investigator with the Society of Angels (which if you haven't read the other books is a retelling of Charlie's Angels). For a smart, inquisitive, and headstrong heroine she is different from how many other impetuous heroines are written and that is attributed to Callaway's explanation of dealing with her own Imposter Syndrome at the end of the book. It's something many people, including myself, experience and I found that it fleshed out Fiona's character in a way that I haven't seen many heroines characterized before. It was refreshing--if sometimes irritating--because of how much I could relate.
Onto Hawk.
Well. If there is one thing Callaway always does well it's keep me confused about men! Hawk is deemed the 'Enigmatic Earl' because he stowed away in the country with his previous wife, and as a scholar, isn't too keen on being seen in public. There a few ball scenes in the book which work well because Callaway uses those moments to create more connection between Fi and Hawk rather than moments where the the rest of the ton is concerned. My favorite thing about Hawk in this book is that she gave us just enough information to truly realize why he'd shut himself off, but then beautifully expressed how that was not the man he was meant to be. Especially with his connection to Fiona. I just can't express how happy it made, from scene to scene, to see them together!
As this is an age gap romance, I found it confronted a couple of issues that don't normally get much explanation. There is a moment when Fiona and Hawk have a disagreement and he comes to her while is distraught and sees her as the young woman she is dealing with her feelings. Personally, that was a really important moment as it validated an issues within the age gap I don't see often: that she is 19 and he is 31 and that if this is going to work he needs to trust she will come into her own. I hope that isn't too much of spoiler but it was a very important moment I was elated to see worked through in an HR novel.
Now what made this a 5⭐!!
Two things... First, the characters admit they are falling in-love with each other before the end of the book. And they do so openly and confidently. Admissions in the moment are fine but to see two people who realize they DO love each other say and embrace before the climax of the story makes the story much more...realistic? Relatable? I don't really have words for how it made me feel other than... Relieved.
Second (and this is for all you smut lovers), the sex.
I'm just gonna say that this is far and away the sexiest book Callaway has written. She's always been sexy, from the gate. But the way she describes scenes between characters is both elegant and raunchy that I found my jaw dropping every time. And honestly? She wrote the sexiest performative masturbation scene from a male character that I have ever read in HR! This book is chock full of sex... but it's also full of NOT-tension between the main characters AND it's got a decent mystery plot that rounds itself out!
I was provided an ARC of this novel for a full and honest review and that's what I've done. I've reviewed other HR but I think that has honestly been the most delightful and shocking one I've read. I didn't know what to expect and was blown away by what I received. I'm exceedingly grateful to Ms. Callaway for the chance to read this. If I had any qualms I would say that the cover is the most disappointing. For all that's packed into this book the cover just doesn't do it justice.
[ETA: half of the characters in this book have a book of their own and there is 30-40 years of world building so i HIGHLY recommend you start with the Mayhem in Mayfair series > Heart of Enquiry > Game of Dukes before enjoying The Society of Angels series]
Wow.
Wow, wow, wow.
What an incredible and incredibly hot ride that was!
I've became and instant fan of Callaway from the moment I picked up her first book Her Husband's Harlot last year and pretty much blasted through her entire catalog. With this series and this book, its such a pleasure to see how she far she has come and how much she has grown in her writing (and SMUT). I felt such a wave of emotions while reading and even felt myself tear up once or twice which isn't something that I normally do when reading. But let me get into a bit more detail on my feelings of the characters.
This is a Marriage of Convenience book and it jumps into that rather quickly and quite well. Fiona wants freedom as she is a 19 year old 'Incomparable' but also an active investigator with the Society of Angels (which if you haven't read the other books is a retelling of Charlie's Angels). For a smart, inquisitive, and headstrong heroine she is different from how many other impetuous heroines are written and that is attributed to Callaway's explanation of dealing with her own Imposter Syndrome at the end of the book. It's something many people, including myself, experience and I found that it fleshed out Fiona's character in a way that I haven't seen many heroines characterized before. It was refreshing--if sometimes irritating--because of how much I could relate.
Onto Hawk.
Well. If there is one thing Callaway always does well it's keep me confused about men! Hawk is deemed the 'Enigmatic Earl' because he stowed away in the country with his previous wife, and as a scholar, isn't too keen on being seen in public. There a few ball scenes in the book which work well because Callaway uses those moments to create more connection between Fi and Hawk rather than moments where the the rest of the ton is concerned. My favorite thing about Hawk in this book is that she gave us just enough information to truly realize why he'd shut himself off, but then beautifully expressed how that was not the man he was meant to be. Especially with his connection to Fiona. I just can't express how happy it made, from scene to scene, to see them together!
As this is an age gap romance, I found it confronted a couple of issues that don't normally get much explanation. There is a moment when Fiona and Hawk have a disagreement and he comes to her while is distraught and sees her as the young woman she is dealing with her feelings. Personally, that was a really important moment as it validated an issues within the age gap I don't see often: that she is 19 and he is 31 and that if this is going to work he needs to trust she will come into her own. I hope that isn't too much of spoiler but it was a very important moment I was elated to see worked through in an HR novel.
Now what made this a 5⭐!!
Two things... First, the characters admit they are falling in-love with each other before the end of the book. And they do so openly and confidently. Admissions in the moment are fine but to see two people who realize they DO love each other say and embrace before the climax of the story makes the story much more...realistic? Relatable? I don't really have words for how it made me feel other than... Relieved.
Second (and this is for all you smut lovers), the sex.
I'm just gonna say that this is far and away the sexiest book Callaway has written. She's always been sexy, from the gate. But the way she describes scenes between characters is both elegant and raunchy that I found my jaw dropping every time. And honestly? She wrote the sexiest performative masturbation scene from a male character that I have ever read in HR! This book is chock full of sex... but it's also full of NOT-tension between the main characters AND it's got a decent mystery plot that rounds itself out!
I was provided an ARC of this novel for a full and honest review and that's what I've done. I've reviewed other HR but I think that has honestly been the most delightful and shocking one I've read. I didn't know what to expect and was blown away by what I received. I'm exceedingly grateful to Ms. Callaway for the chance to read this. If I had any qualms I would say that the cover is the most disappointing. For all that's packed into this book the cover just doesn't do it justice.
May 3, 2022
Fiona Garrity's work for Lady Charlotte Fayne's charity is actually a front for their secret society of lady investigators. As her overprotective family becomes increasingly suspicious, Fiona decides that marriage to a man who won't interfere with her life is a necessary solution. Widower Thomas Morgan, the Earl of Hawksmoor, has his own secrets and Fiona's suggestion of a practical union would allow them both to maintain private lives. But as their magnetic connection grows, Hawk wars with keeping his promise and keeping Fiona safe.
This is the third book in the Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels series; historical romance with a Charlie's Angels twist. I haven't read the previous two stories yet, but I felt like this one could be read alone. The previous couples are involved in this book and I'm not sure if any of the intrigue overarches (it seemed self-contained). The hero and heroine of this story are also children of previous couples in Grace Callaway's book universe.
What I loved most about this book was the balance. I love high steam, but I want a strong story that supports it and this one does. I thought there was a perfect balance between the relationship-building, the sex, and the side plot intrigue. I enjoyed how the couple met while incognito and how their investigations weaved together throughout the story. I also liked the curveball with the traitor, too.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Secret Job, Spy/Govt Work, Widower, Age Gap
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This is the third book in the Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels series; historical romance with a Charlie's Angels twist. I haven't read the previous two stories yet, but I felt like this one could be read alone. The previous couples are involved in this book and I'm not sure if any of the intrigue overarches (it seemed self-contained). The hero and heroine of this story are also children of previous couples in Grace Callaway's book universe.
What I loved most about this book was the balance. I love high steam, but I want a strong story that supports it and this one does. I thought there was a perfect balance between the relationship-building, the sex, and the side plot intrigue. I enjoyed how the couple met while incognito and how their investigations weaved together throughout the story. I also liked the curveball with the traitor, too.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Secret Job, Spy/Govt Work, Widower, Age Gap
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
May 15, 2022
This was another solid, well-written book by Grace Callaway, one of my favorite HR authors.
I really liked Fiona and Hawk. Both were complicated people who appeared one way on the surface, and quite different deep inside.
Fi was a great heroine, and written just the way I remember being when I was 19. Independent, adventurous, a little reckless and full of bravado, sneaking around behind her parents’ backs… but inside filled with self doubt, wanting to be seen for who she really was and at the same time, still trying to figure out who she was. Hawk, too, was a study in contrast. A widower in his early 30s, he appeared a cool, intellectual, emotionally detached man. He was an inventor and a spy for the Crown, filled with self-blame that he could not help his mentally ill first wife. But inside, oh my, the man was a smoldering fire just waiting for the right woman to stoke that fire into a blazing inferno.
What I really liked:
-Though Fi and Hawk seemed very different on the outside, they “got” each other and each brought out the best in the other. They were perfect together! Hawk was moving through his life completely numb, existing but not living, and Fi’s presence in his life brought him back to life, awakened his heart, gave him hope. And in Hawk, Fi found someone who saw her, believed in her, and loved everything about her, even the things she felt were flaws.
Botheration. She couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. “I p-promise I’m not a w-watering pot,” she sniffled. “I don’t care if you are.” He dashed away a tear. “But you don’t like unnecessary s-sentiments. You told me so when you proposed.” “I have changed my mind.” She pinched her brows together. “When did that happen?” “Right now. I have never seen anything as charming,” he said solemnly, “as you at this moment.”
-I love love LOVED that they communicated! Gah, it was amazing to read a scene that was tense and emotional and so filled with the potential for misunderstanding, assumptions, anger and hurt, and instead of it being a silly plot device to drive them apart, they had an honest, heartfelt conversation. It was a beautiful opportunity for intimacy and understanding, bringing them closer and fostering trust.
-They fell in love rather quickly and there was no push/pull, no fighting the feelings; they realized they needed to renegotiate the terms of their marriage, their wants, needs and expectations. Score more points for communication! Well, except for the big secret each was keeping from the other…
-Their chemistry, physical connection and raw lust for each other was super smokin hot. Our seemingly cool, detached man was naughty af, drove me wild with his dirty talk, and I loved that Fi was always down for anything Hawk wanted to teach her and whatever sexual adventure he had in mind, especially when it involved role playing. My heart rate still speeds up when I think about the scene when Hawk pleasured himself in front of Fiona. 🤤
Afterward, Hawk collapsed onto the sofa next to her, cuddling her close. “Poor wife,” he murmured. “Subjected to such a dirty show.” Since he radiated satisfaction, she didn’t think he was all that sorry. She wasn’t either. Call her depraved, but she liked their adventurous lovemaking. Liked how free she felt in his arms. Liked how they could make one another wild with desire. “I enjoyed it,” she said shyly.
The only thing I wanted was more of Hawk and Fiona’s marriage and less Charlie’s Angels. That’s not a criticism, because the series is based on the Society of Angels, so the mystery/investigation plot is absolutely essential to the story. Just a personal preference.
“You hold a patent for a machine that performs human calculations.” Papa lifted his brows. “And you doubt your ability to come to an understanding with your wife?” “Fiona is far more complicated than an analytic engine,” Hawk muttered. Papa smiled slowly. “The ones worth having always are, lad.”
(Special thanks to Lady Nilambari for putting this book on my radar!)
I really liked Fiona and Hawk. Both were complicated people who appeared one way on the surface, and quite different deep inside.
Fi was a great heroine, and written just the way I remember being when I was 19. Independent, adventurous, a little reckless and full of bravado, sneaking around behind her parents’ backs… but inside filled with self doubt, wanting to be seen for who she really was and at the same time, still trying to figure out who she was. Hawk, too, was a study in contrast. A widower in his early 30s, he appeared a cool, intellectual, emotionally detached man. He was an inventor and a spy for the Crown, filled with self-blame that he could not help his mentally ill first wife. But inside, oh my, the man was a smoldering fire just waiting for the right woman to stoke that fire into a blazing inferno.
What I really liked:
-Though Fi and Hawk seemed very different on the outside, they “got” each other and each brought out the best in the other. They were perfect together! Hawk was moving through his life completely numb, existing but not living, and Fi’s presence in his life brought him back to life, awakened his heart, gave him hope. And in Hawk, Fi found someone who saw her, believed in her, and loved everything about her, even the things she felt were flaws.
Botheration. She couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. “I p-promise I’m not a w-watering pot,” she sniffled. “I don’t care if you are.” He dashed away a tear. “But you don’t like unnecessary s-sentiments. You told me so when you proposed.” “I have changed my mind.” She pinched her brows together. “When did that happen?” “Right now. I have never seen anything as charming,” he said solemnly, “as you at this moment.”
-I love love LOVED that they communicated! Gah, it was amazing to read a scene that was tense and emotional and so filled with the potential for misunderstanding, assumptions, anger and hurt, and instead of it being a silly plot device to drive them apart, they had an honest, heartfelt conversation. It was a beautiful opportunity for intimacy and understanding, bringing them closer and fostering trust.
-They fell in love rather quickly and there was no push/pull, no fighting the feelings; they realized they needed to renegotiate the terms of their marriage, their wants, needs and expectations. Score more points for communication! Well, except for the big secret each was keeping from the other…
-Their chemistry, physical connection and raw lust for each other was super smokin hot. Our seemingly cool, detached man was naughty af, drove me wild with his dirty talk, and I loved that Fi was always down for anything Hawk wanted to teach her and whatever sexual adventure he had in mind, especially when it involved role playing. My heart rate still speeds up when I think about the scene when Hawk pleasured himself in front of Fiona. 🤤
Afterward, Hawk collapsed onto the sofa next to her, cuddling her close. “Poor wife,” he murmured. “Subjected to such a dirty show.” Since he radiated satisfaction, she didn’t think he was all that sorry. She wasn’t either. Call her depraved, but she liked their adventurous lovemaking. Liked how free she felt in his arms. Liked how they could make one another wild with desire. “I enjoyed it,” she said shyly.
The only thing I wanted was more of Hawk and Fiona’s marriage and less Charlie’s Angels. That’s not a criticism, because the series is based on the Society of Angels, so the mystery/investigation plot is absolutely essential to the story. Just a personal preference.
“You hold a patent for a machine that performs human calculations.” Papa lifted his brows. “And you doubt your ability to come to an understanding with your wife?” “Fiona is far more complicated than an analytic engine,” Hawk muttered. Papa smiled slowly. “The ones worth having always are, lad.”
(Special thanks to Lady Nilambari for putting this book on my radar!)
May 29, 2023
Can books be airheads? This book was. It was trite, corny, cheesy and problematic all at once. I think it was supposed to be set in Victorian England but it was entirely too anachronistic and seemed to set its own rules for what is appropriate or accurate for the time period. The entire concept of this series is a Victorian Charlie’s Angels, with Charlie being a woman named Lady Charlotte. She trains female investigators who are ladies of the Ton pretending to do charity work while actually solving cases for women in need. Completely stupid and nonsensical. This is done entirely in secret, the women aren’t paid and they solve these cases for free, don’t advertise yet get so much business. I rolled my eyes so much during these portions of the story that I had a perpetual headache.
Now the love story part was a marriage of convenience trope and it was full of flowery purple prose describing incessant and abundant sex scenes, that, though they were written in overly flowery language, still managed to be gross. The characters had instalust for each other and basically humped like rabbits for most of the book. I had to start skimming sex scenes, there were so many of them, and they were extremely boring. They even visited some farcical Victorian sex club with dungeons and St. Andrew crosses. I found it impossible to believe that anything like this existed at the time, and if it did, it certainly didn’t cater to married couples, as this one did.
The heroine in this was my least favourite type, the ‘not like other girls’ Mary Sue perfect snowflake woman, good at everything she does, perfectly domestic, beautiful, wanted by every man she meets, and a virgin who has sex one time and then instantly transforms into a whore in heat who can’t get enough cock and is down for anything.
I just couldn’t take this whole book and it’s utter ridiculousness. The intrigue in it was so transparent that the ‘twists’ could be seen a mile away.
Terrible book. Just a pile of cheesy nonsense.
Now the love story part was a marriage of convenience trope and it was full of flowery purple prose describing incessant and abundant sex scenes, that, though they were written in overly flowery language, still managed to be gross. The characters had instalust for each other and basically humped like rabbits for most of the book. I had to start skimming sex scenes, there were so many of them, and they were extremely boring. They even visited some farcical Victorian sex club with dungeons and St. Andrew crosses. I found it impossible to believe that anything like this existed at the time, and if it did, it certainly didn’t cater to married couples, as this one did.
The heroine in this was my least favourite type, the ‘not like other girls’ Mary Sue perfect snowflake woman, good at everything she does, perfectly domestic, beautiful, wanted by every man she meets, and a virgin who has sex one time and then instantly transforms into a whore in heat who can’t get enough cock and is down for anything.
I just couldn’t take this whole book and it’s utter ridiculousness. The intrigue in it was so transparent that the ‘twists’ could be seen a mile away.
Terrible book. Just a pile of cheesy nonsense.
May 9, 2022
5 Stars
I was waiting for this book release because somehow I knew I was going to love it, and I adore being proven right!
Grace Callaway is such a talented author, and her books are always entertaining.
They are not particularly historically accurate, but I have never minded that. One reads GC books for the combination of delightful romance, scorching hot steam, very real characters, and a solid investigative plot which has you gripped from start to finish.
I encountered an amusing anecdote while reading the Author's Note since I had been wondering how she was able to seamlessly blend some very real psychological disorders into her stories and do them justice? Well, here is my answer. Turns out that Ms Callaway is a psychologist! Hence, she is now an extra special author to me.
Quick Review
- Great plot. The mystery elements GC brings into her stories are always, always intriguing.
- The book is long but never tiring. The romance to mystery ratio is perfectly balanced.
- The Fiona & Hawk were so real, relatable, flawed, broken, lovely, amazing and strong. Their romance is very mature & they are adorable together, lighting the page on fire. The best thing about them is that they have open & honest communication, always. (With GC books, there is no misunderstanding, drama, or third-act breakup, and I love that about her.)
- The cleverly hidden villain. I generally have them figured out in no time. Not only did it take me me almost to the end of the book to guess one of them, but I also got the other one completely wrong!
Highlights
- A true marriage of convenience
- The beautiful evolution of Fi & Hawk's relationship
- The passion. Not only for each other but for their work too. It just jumped off the page
- The first waltz. I could picture it, and my feet were tapping! Beautiful description
- Quick, straightforward, amazing declaration of love. No one sided longing nonsense
- Believable insecurities
*I am not very happy with this review as I am unable to convey what I want to, but here is the one thing that is constantly popping up in my mind - It felt very real to me like it was plausible. Maybe I shall edit this review in future with a re-read or after achieving some clarity in my thoughts.
My Recommendation
Loved it. Go for it. Read it, and then maybe re-read it too.
I was waiting for this book release because somehow I knew I was going to love it, and I adore being proven right!
Grace Callaway is such a talented author, and her books are always entertaining.
They are not particularly historically accurate, but I have never minded that. One reads GC books for the combination of delightful romance, scorching hot steam, very real characters, and a solid investigative plot which has you gripped from start to finish.
I encountered an amusing anecdote while reading the Author's Note since I had been wondering how she was able to seamlessly blend some very real psychological disorders into her stories and do them justice? Well, here is my answer. Turns out that Ms Callaway is a psychologist! Hence, she is now an extra special author to me.
Quick Review
- Great plot. The mystery elements GC brings into her stories are always, always intriguing.
- The book is long but never tiring. The romance to mystery ratio is perfectly balanced.
- The Fiona & Hawk were so real, relatable, flawed, broken, lovely, amazing and strong. Their romance is very mature & they are adorable together, lighting the page on fire. The best thing about them is that they have open & honest communication, always. (With GC books, there is no misunderstanding, drama, or third-act breakup, and I love that about her.)
- The cleverly hidden villain. I generally have them figured out in no time. Not only did it take me me almost to the end of the book to guess one of them, but I also got the other one completely wrong!
Highlights
- A true marriage of convenience
- The beautiful evolution of Fi & Hawk's relationship
- The passion. Not only for each other but for their work too. It just jumped off the page
- The first waltz. I could picture it, and my feet were tapping! Beautiful description
- Quick, straightforward, amazing declaration of love. No one sided longing nonsense
- Believable insecurities
*I am not very happy with this review as I am unable to convey what I want to, but here is the one thing that is constantly popping up in my mind - It felt very real to me like it was plausible. Maybe I shall edit this review in future with a re-read or after achieving some clarity in my thoughts.
My Recommendation
Loved it. Go for it. Read it, and then maybe re-read it too.
Read
May 4, 2022May 4, 2022: It's coming out tomorrow!!! I need me a historical romance in my life again.
April 21, 2022: Coming out so soon!!! I am really hoping we see Fiona's parents and that Fiona is more like her dad tbh. I want an arrogant, no BS heroine >:D
March 25, 2022: You had me at Fiona Garrity!!! I will read this series for my girl Fiona 🙌🏽
April 21, 2022: Coming out so soon!!! I am really hoping we see Fiona's parents and that Fiona is more like her dad tbh. I want an arrogant, no BS heroine >:D
March 25, 2022: You had me at Fiona Garrity!!! I will read this series for my girl Fiona 🙌🏽
May 9, 2022
A fantastic mystery romance! The best yet in the series.
The first book in this series was too cutesy (the fighting scenes were a bit cringy to me; it reminds me of Powerpuff girls - don't ask why), and the second one suffered from pacing issues, but Ms Callaway hit the gold mine with this one. The mystery and the romance elements are evenly balanced, and the pacing is just right.
The most appealing part of Ms Callaway's books is the COMMUNICATION between the main characters. I have yet to come across big misunderstandings as a major plot point in her books. I think anyone can take a leaf out of her books when communicating with their loved ones.
This time around, the fighting scenes are pretty realistic. The love scenes are steamy (explicit) as usual.
I read this one in one sitting, so this was an engaging read. If you're a fan of Ms Callaway, this book is a must-read. If she's new to you, give this one a shot. I think this one is her best yet.
The first book in this series was too cutesy (the fighting scenes were a bit cringy to me; it reminds me of Powerpuff girls - don't ask why), and the second one suffered from pacing issues, but Ms Callaway hit the gold mine with this one. The mystery and the romance elements are evenly balanced, and the pacing is just right.
The most appealing part of Ms Callaway's books is the COMMUNICATION between the main characters. I have yet to come across big misunderstandings as a major plot point in her books. I think anyone can take a leaf out of her books when communicating with their loved ones.
This time around, the fighting scenes are pretty realistic. The love scenes are steamy (explicit) as usual.
I read this one in one sitting, so this was an engaging read. If you're a fan of Ms Callaway, this book is a must-read. If she's new to you, give this one a shot. I think this one is her best yet.
May 8, 2022
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Grace Callaway does not miss!! 👏🏽 I'm so thankful to this author for keeping my love for historical romance alive.
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is the third book in the Lady Charlotte's Society Of Angels series, which is a historical romance retelling of Charlie's Angels. Fiona is the daughter of Adam and Gabby from Regarding the Duke. Hawk is the son of Nicholas and Helena from Her Husband's Harlot.
Fiona is a vivacious belle of the ball who's secretly an investigator. Hawk is a starchy scholar who's secretly a spy. They enter a marriage of convenience that is mutually beneficial: Fiona's parents can no longer interfere with her hobbies and Hawk can produce an heir.
While Fiona and Hawk's respective parents are friends, Fiona and Hawk themselves are merely acquaintances prior to their marriage of convenience. Fiona never liked Hawk all that much because he always ignored her presence. She had no idea that Hawk was in fact too aware of her 😏
Fiona was also under the wrong impression that Hawk is buttoned up and boring 😂 And lemme tell ya, it's an absolute delight when Fiona finds out what lies under the surface of Hawk's starchiness 😏 Hawk is a gentleman on the streets and a freak in the sheets 🤭
This book has everything I've come to expect from Grace Callaway: a swoony romance with extra heart and extra heat. In fact, this book is extra spicy 🌶️🔥 Hawk is one naughty boy 🤭 And Fiona is his equal in every way.
There's also an interesting mystery plotline that pushes Hawk and Fiona to come face to face with each other and have important conversations about their marriage. I love how their respective investigations are converged in the third act. The main relationship conflict and its resolution were both so well-executed.
I love how the author has approached this second generation series. I love catching up with my favourite Grace Callaway couples, but I also love that they don't take the spotlight away from the main couple. They are not here to take over the story. Their appearances are strictly limited to being protective and supportive parents to their children and I love seeing them in this role 🥺 In particular, Fiona's relationship with her dad made me so emotional 🥺❤️
I'm EXTRA excited for Glory and Master Chen next 😍 I cannot wait for the cover reveal 😍 I also just realized I haven't read Glory's parents' story, so I should do that soon!
Grace Callaway does not miss!! 👏🏽 I'm so thankful to this author for keeping my love for historical romance alive.
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is the third book in the Lady Charlotte's Society Of Angels series, which is a historical romance retelling of Charlie's Angels. Fiona is the daughter of Adam and Gabby from Regarding the Duke. Hawk is the son of Nicholas and Helena from Her Husband's Harlot.
Fiona is a vivacious belle of the ball who's secretly an investigator. Hawk is a starchy scholar who's secretly a spy. They enter a marriage of convenience that is mutually beneficial: Fiona's parents can no longer interfere with her hobbies and Hawk can produce an heir.
While Fiona and Hawk's respective parents are friends, Fiona and Hawk themselves are merely acquaintances prior to their marriage of convenience. Fiona never liked Hawk all that much because he always ignored her presence. She had no idea that Hawk was in fact too aware of her 😏
Fiona was also under the wrong impression that Hawk is buttoned up and boring 😂 And lemme tell ya, it's an absolute delight when Fiona finds out what lies under the surface of Hawk's starchiness 😏 Hawk is a gentleman on the streets and a freak in the sheets 🤭
This book has everything I've come to expect from Grace Callaway: a swoony romance with extra heart and extra heat. In fact, this book is extra spicy 🌶️🔥 Hawk is one naughty boy 🤭 And Fiona is his equal in every way.
There's also an interesting mystery plotline that pushes Hawk and Fiona to come face to face with each other and have important conversations about their marriage. I love how their respective investigations are converged in the third act. The main relationship conflict and its resolution were both so well-executed.
I love how the author has approached this second generation series. I love catching up with my favourite Grace Callaway couples, but I also love that they don't take the spotlight away from the main couple. They are not here to take over the story. Their appearances are strictly limited to being protective and supportive parents to their children and I love seeing them in this role 🥺 In particular, Fiona's relationship with her dad made me so emotional 🥺❤️
I'm EXTRA excited for Glory and Master Chen next 😍 I cannot wait for the cover reveal 😍 I also just realized I haven't read Glory's parents' story, so I should do that soon!
February 20, 2024
actual rating 4.5 stars but seriously, this was so fun who the heck cares really (the narrator is also GREAT)
one of Lady Charlotte's angels, Fiona, catches a masked "French" thief in the act of thieving in the same study she's rifling through for information. They share a steamy, exquisite kiss, and they part and go their separate ways.
After her parents threaten to end her association with the Society of Angels when she gets caught in a bit of danger, Fiona decides she must finally land a husband, one whomst she can have the perfect marriage, namely one in name (and bed) but not feelings. She wants a husband who will not ask too many questions nor stop her from living the life she wants.
Enter family friend, the older and seemingly starchy and studious nerd, the widower Thomas Hawkesmore aka Hawk. Hawke agrees to the marriage as he likes Fiona's terms, vowing to never fall in love and risk harm after his wife died by suicide years ago.
Their vow to stay unattached is soon threatened by their very very real chemistry, both in the bedroom (which they knew) and out. Hawke finds himself, fuck, falling for his wife!
Unbeknownst to Fiona, and to Hawk, the both are engaged in work outside of the home and are in fact investigating the same tangled mystery, from different ends.
this was just exactly what i want in a fun, rompy historical. just gritty enough to suit the murder mystery and the kidnapping // spy stuff, but also just off the walls bonkers. There's a sex club! Fiona and Hawke are VERY VERY into each other, and it is HOT HOT HOT.
Totally fun, loving this author and series.
one of Lady Charlotte's angels, Fiona, catches a masked "French" thief in the act of thieving in the same study she's rifling through for information. They share a steamy, exquisite kiss, and they part and go their separate ways.
After her parents threaten to end her association with the Society of Angels when she gets caught in a bit of danger, Fiona decides she must finally land a husband, one whomst she can have the perfect marriage, namely one in name (and bed) but not feelings. She wants a husband who will not ask too many questions nor stop her from living the life she wants.
Enter family friend, the older and seemingly starchy and studious nerd, the widower Thomas Hawkesmore aka Hawk. Hawke agrees to the marriage as he likes Fiona's terms, vowing to never fall in love and risk harm after his wife died by suicide years ago.
Their vow to stay unattached is soon threatened by their very very real chemistry, both in the bedroom (which they knew) and out. Hawke finds himself, fuck, falling for his wife!
Unbeknownst to Fiona, and to Hawk, the both are engaged in work outside of the home and are in fact investigating the same tangled mystery, from different ends.
this was just exactly what i want in a fun, rompy historical. just gritty enough to suit the murder mystery and the kidnapping // spy stuff, but also just off the walls bonkers. There's a sex club! Fiona and Hawke are VERY VERY into each other, and it is HOT HOT HOT.
Totally fun, loving this author and series.
May 3, 2022
LOVED IT!!! From the very beginning I was startled and extremely intrigued. Suspense dogged every page. I was definitely hooked!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Entertaining
Funny
Happily Ever After
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Entertaining
Funny
Happily Ever After
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
April 28, 2022
When asked who my favourite author is, I say Grace Callaway without even taking a moment to consider the question. It’s a straightforward answer, one that becomes solidified with each new book that Callaway releases. Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is a release that I’ve been looking forward to since Olivia’s book. However, she first caught my attention in her parents’ book, Regarding the Duke, and I’ve been intrigued ever since. Fiona is essentially a female version of her father, Adam Garrity, which already makes for an exhilarating start.
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is not only a brilliantly written romance, but also a story that possesses an extraordinary plot. Solely for this reason, Grace Callaway’s books are never a miss. It’s difficult to find a romance book that doesn’t only focus on romance. Hawk and Fiona’s secret careers allow a space for their romance to develop within. As always, there’s something afoot, a mystery that unravels with each turning page and has our couple ensnared within. The suspense is everything, the nail-biting discoveries cushioned with captivating scenes between our hero and heroine. Callaway’s books always have the ideal amount of romance and plot, something that I will commend time and time again. Twenty pages into this book and I was already obsessed.
Grace Callaway’s writing style is simple yet simultaneously everything you’d want in a book. It would be the same to call the sun merely a star when we know that it’s way more than that. She tells the story of Fiona and Hawk in an exquisite way, never fearful of highlighting the couple’s flaws and how they use them to better themselves. She touches on important topics, more specifically feminism within the Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels series. Fiona knows exactly what she wants, hellbent on proving herself as more than just a pretty face. I love the concept behind the society, that there are women stealthily doing something men pride themselves in—which is being the hero—and without basking in praise either. They do it because they care about their fellow women, whose problems were regularly overlooked during this period of time.
Within this book specifically, the author also touches on further important topics, some that I cannot mention without spoiling. What I can say is that she accentuates the point that one may do bad things because of circumstances but can also rise above and repent if you are truly willing. Through Fiona and Hawk’s characters, Callaway also underlines that even the most confident and intelligent of people can have insecurities, no matter how much they may try to hide them. These insecurities may not ring true, but it’s a normal experience that everyone goes through, regardless of who you are.
Hawk and Fiona are my new favourite couple, a man and woman who knows exactly what they want. They’re both ambitious and believe there is no room for love, which ultimately changes. What I loved most about this book is that neither of them changed the other. Fiona didn’t propose the idea of love after she acknowledged that she wanted it, although she could’ve; and neither did Hawk propose the idea once he discovered that he fell in love with Fiona, whom he believed to still be against the notion of love. It was a mutual thing. They came to the realisation together and I find that absolutely remarkable.
This book is an automatic five stars for me and I highly recommend anything that Grace Callaway writes. I was truly honoured to receive an Advanced Review Copy, which I practically inhaled within a day. Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl releases on May 5th so preorder today and get your copy! Can’t wait to read the next book by Grace.
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is not only a brilliantly written romance, but also a story that possesses an extraordinary plot. Solely for this reason, Grace Callaway’s books are never a miss. It’s difficult to find a romance book that doesn’t only focus on romance. Hawk and Fiona’s secret careers allow a space for their romance to develop within. As always, there’s something afoot, a mystery that unravels with each turning page and has our couple ensnared within. The suspense is everything, the nail-biting discoveries cushioned with captivating scenes between our hero and heroine. Callaway’s books always have the ideal amount of romance and plot, something that I will commend time and time again. Twenty pages into this book and I was already obsessed.
Grace Callaway’s writing style is simple yet simultaneously everything you’d want in a book. It would be the same to call the sun merely a star when we know that it’s way more than that. She tells the story of Fiona and Hawk in an exquisite way, never fearful of highlighting the couple’s flaws and how they use them to better themselves. She touches on important topics, more specifically feminism within the Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels series. Fiona knows exactly what she wants, hellbent on proving herself as more than just a pretty face. I love the concept behind the society, that there are women stealthily doing something men pride themselves in—which is being the hero—and without basking in praise either. They do it because they care about their fellow women, whose problems were regularly overlooked during this period of time.
Within this book specifically, the author also touches on further important topics, some that I cannot mention without spoiling. What I can say is that she accentuates the point that one may do bad things because of circumstances but can also rise above and repent if you are truly willing. Through Fiona and Hawk’s characters, Callaway also underlines that even the most confident and intelligent of people can have insecurities, no matter how much they may try to hide them. These insecurities may not ring true, but it’s a normal experience that everyone goes through, regardless of who you are.
Hawk and Fiona are my new favourite couple, a man and woman who knows exactly what they want. They’re both ambitious and believe there is no room for love, which ultimately changes. What I loved most about this book is that neither of them changed the other. Fiona didn’t propose the idea of love after she acknowledged that she wanted it, although she could’ve; and neither did Hawk propose the idea once he discovered that he fell in love with Fiona, whom he believed to still be against the notion of love. It was a mutual thing. They came to the realisation together and I find that absolutely remarkable.
This book is an automatic five stars for me and I highly recommend anything that Grace Callaway writes. I was truly honoured to receive an Advanced Review Copy, which I practically inhaled within a day. Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl releases on May 5th so preorder today and get your copy! Can’t wait to read the next book by Grace.
May 1, 2022
Kick - A*** Female Lead, check; Sexy - oh yea…CHECK!;
By the second paragraph of page one I was hooked, line and sinker!!! The story was thrilling, sexy, sensitive and thoroughly enjoyable. The book has now become my top book behind Fiona’s parents book in Regarding the Duke. Fiona and Hawk engage in arguments/disagreements just like any new couple and Grace Callaway demonstrates how they work through it. Grace displays depth of character in Fiona and Hawk, which provides certain amount of substance to the story than just another “romance book”. I do wish there wish there were more displays of how Fiona can kick some butt, however physicality is not her strong suit, its Olivia’s in Book One, Olivia and the Masked Duke. I LOVED this book and I CANNOT wait for Glory’s and Master Chen story. Who is next, perhaps Lady Charlotte herself and Devlin????
By the second paragraph of page one I was hooked, line and sinker!!! The story was thrilling, sexy, sensitive and thoroughly enjoyable. The book has now become my top book behind Fiona’s parents book in Regarding the Duke. Fiona and Hawk engage in arguments/disagreements just like any new couple and Grace Callaway demonstrates how they work through it. Grace displays depth of character in Fiona and Hawk, which provides certain amount of substance to the story than just another “romance book”. I do wish there wish there were more displays of how Fiona can kick some butt, however physicality is not her strong suit, its Olivia’s in Book One, Olivia and the Masked Duke. I LOVED this book and I CANNOT wait for Glory’s and Master Chen story. Who is next, perhaps Lady Charlotte herself and Devlin????
Read
August 18, 2022I found the detective and spy aspects to be super cringey 🙊
May 10, 2022
My new Callaway favorite!!
If you want a book that grabs you in the first two paragraphs and doesn't let go, you found it! Hawk and Fiona's story has all the things I love reading in historical romance... an H and h who communicate and behave like adults, a marriage of convenience, a hefty dose of intrigue, plenty of steam, and a real mystery that is actually wonderfully complex and anchors the story quite expertly. I really enjoy Callaway's writing because she does not sacrifice the romance for the mystery nor the mystery for the romance. They are perfectly balanced and complement one another in a way that makes the story even better.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed is the evolving friendships between the Angels. The type of loyalty and trust these ladies have in one another is typically portrayed as a trait only seen between male characters so I love seeing those traits attributed to these young ladies. The Angels are not playing at helping other women, they are actually doing it, and doing it well.
And, while this story can certainly stand alone, if you are a Callaway Universe fan, you quickly realize the H/h are the eldest children of two fan favorite couples, Nicholas and Helena Morgan (Her Husband's Harlot) and Adam and Gabriella Garrity (Regarding the Duke). I enjoy getting to revisit these characters and best of all... you get to watch them in action as parents. :)
In summary, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. I enjoyed it immensely and now I can't wait for Glory and Chen's story.
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you want a book that grabs you in the first two paragraphs and doesn't let go, you found it! Hawk and Fiona's story has all the things I love reading in historical romance... an H and h who communicate and behave like adults, a marriage of convenience, a hefty dose of intrigue, plenty of steam, and a real mystery that is actually wonderfully complex and anchors the story quite expertly. I really enjoy Callaway's writing because she does not sacrifice the romance for the mystery nor the mystery for the romance. They are perfectly balanced and complement one another in a way that makes the story even better.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed is the evolving friendships between the Angels. The type of loyalty and trust these ladies have in one another is typically portrayed as a trait only seen between male characters so I love seeing those traits attributed to these young ladies. The Angels are not playing at helping other women, they are actually doing it, and doing it well.
And, while this story can certainly stand alone, if you are a Callaway Universe fan, you quickly realize the H/h are the eldest children of two fan favorite couples, Nicholas and Helena Morgan (Her Husband's Harlot) and Adam and Gabriella Garrity (Regarding the Duke). I enjoy getting to revisit these characters and best of all... you get to watch them in action as parents. :)
In summary, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. I enjoyed it immensely and now I can't wait for Glory and Chen's story.
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2022
First of all, this didn't feel like a regency romance at all.. Fiona ruined this book for me.. She did not behave the way a lady from that century would have.. She was acting all high and mighty about only wanting her independence with the secret society from her life and nothing else.. And its extremely irritating when you don't trust a good man and keep lying.. This sole factor ruins a lot of potentially good books.. The major revelation of her being the secret agent he had met before didn't even come from Fiona.. And it came about literally in the end.. Like really? Those kinds of things shouldn't be dragged till the end for pete's sake.. Add to that, it was unnecessarily long.. I feel like the author didn't do justice to the genre.. With the way she penned Fiona's character, it should have never been a regency romance to begin with..
May 11, 2022
This is my 20th books by Grace Callaway since 2016. She doesn’t write a ton of books a year (which is sad) because she writes so damn good.
I LOVED these characters Hawk and Fiona. He was written so that he sounded so freakin’ hot. Their sex was crazy off the chain good. So yummy! I just loved their story. I loved the suspense and intrigue...just a great read.
For some reason reading book 1 and 2 I didn’t notice but the Society of Angels series is a cute spin on Charlie’s Angels. Even their boss, although she is a woman is named Charlie. Super cute.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I LOVED these characters Hawk and Fiona. He was written so that he sounded so freakin’ hot. Their sex was crazy off the chain good. So yummy! I just loved their story. I loved the suspense and intrigue...just a great read.
For some reason reading book 1 and 2 I didn’t notice but the Society of Angels series is a cute spin on Charlie’s Angels. Even their boss, although she is a woman is named Charlie. Super cute.
I would definitely recommend this book.
May 13, 2022
fiona never thought that she would marry for convenience and that her partner would be the enigmatic earl, thomas morgan. though they first butted heads, fiona and hawk both decided to enter a marriage that is mutually beneficial. hawk wants to get his family off his back about remarrying while fiona yearns for the freedom and independence so that she can continue with her investigative work. the couple started off with clashing tensions and intense physical compatibility, but it veered into love and happiness. of course, this means that their secrets are on the verge of being exposed. will the other accept them for who they are? will he respect my work? will she understand my job?
other than the main reason of their conflict, fiona and hawk managed to communicate their thoughts to one another pretty immediately. there weren’t cases of misunderstanding at all. they make a lovely couple. fiona is vibrant and spirited while hawk is slightly on the grumpy side. as their investigations started to intertwine, fiona and hawk finds it harder to keep their secrets close to themselves, and their hearts are in danger of breaking.
other than the main reason of their conflict, fiona and hawk managed to communicate their thoughts to one another pretty immediately. there weren’t cases of misunderstanding at all. they make a lovely couple. fiona is vibrant and spirited while hawk is slightly on the grumpy side. as their investigations started to intertwine, fiona and hawk finds it harder to keep their secrets close to themselves, and their hearts are in danger of breaking.
May 6, 2022
Oh my gosh! Fiona and Hawk get their happily ever after in Grace Callaway's Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl. I loved, loved, loved this book! Fiona - what better name is there for a firebrand with flaming red hair? - and Hawk who is an older man are perfect for each other. This book may burn your fingers - 5 flames!
Two of Fiona's very good friends are married and she is finding her movements more and more restricted by her parents, but she hasn't found the right man to marry. She is an Angel investigator who helps other women. She loves it. Maybe it would be easier to find an unrestrictive husband (or a dumb one lol) to marry and she can come and go as she pleases.
Hawk lost his wife three years ago and is numb. Others think him cold but that's not really it. He is over the top practical and when Fiona offers him a marriage of their convenience - they will live their own lives - he jumps at it. But Fiona affects him way more than he wants to admit - even to himself.
This marriage of convenience gets so hot! Grace Callaway is a wonderful writer whose books I love to read.
Two of Fiona's very good friends are married and she is finding her movements more and more restricted by her parents, but she hasn't found the right man to marry. She is an Angel investigator who helps other women. She loves it. Maybe it would be easier to find an unrestrictive husband (or a dumb one lol) to marry and she can come and go as she pleases.
Hawk lost his wife three years ago and is numb. Others think him cold but that's not really it. He is over the top practical and when Fiona offers him a marriage of their convenience - they will live their own lives - he jumps at it. But Fiona affects him way more than he wants to admit - even to himself.
This marriage of convenience gets so hot! Grace Callaway is a wonderful writer whose books I love to read.
April 28, 2022
I always look forward to Grace’s next book, as any of her stories easily make the top 5 of my “Desert Island” reads, and is the only historical author on the list.
The latest Angel, Fiona, to find her happy ending with her other half, Hawk is another story balancing dangerous situations and daring do with emotional and steamy scenes. Fiona’s endearing fellow lady investigators provide heartwarming support and advice in matters of marriage and men. Hawk’s protective nature struggles with his desire to help his new wife thrive as her true self. Revelations and compromise help two strong characters build a foundation for their success as a couple. The gorgeous book cover adds to the captivating read I hoped for!
This is my honest and voluntary review of an advance copy.
The latest Angel, Fiona, to find her happy ending with her other half, Hawk is another story balancing dangerous situations and daring do with emotional and steamy scenes. Fiona’s endearing fellow lady investigators provide heartwarming support and advice in matters of marriage and men. Hawk’s protective nature struggles with his desire to help his new wife thrive as her true self. Revelations and compromise help two strong characters build a foundation for their success as a couple. The gorgeous book cover adds to the captivating read I hoped for!
This is my honest and voluntary review of an advance copy.
May 2, 2022
I love how Grace has a bunch of different tropes in the story. Widower, marriage of convenience, spies plus the mystery and suspense was great addition to the plot. I love how Fiona and Hawk met. When revelations of Fiona secrets are revealed to Hawk, I love how he wasn't just going to let things slide, because he really cared for Fiona and doesn't want to see her get hurt. I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to the next.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 6, 2022
Fiona and the enigmatic Earl is the third in Grace Callaway’s fun ‘Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels’ series following a group of friends recruited into secretly working as lady investigators under the guise of a respectable charity. It can be read as a stand-alone story, but it is linked to Grace’s previous series’ Mayhem in Mayfair, Heart of Enquiry and Game of Dukes which were fabulous – this series being the stories of the second generation so you do get an added appreciation if you have read those.
Fiona is the daughter of Adam and Gabriella Garrity from Regarding the Duke – a favourite couple of mine so I was really looking forward to her story and it doesn’t disappoint.
With two of her fellow ‘Angels’ married, Fiona is realising that as a single debutante she is afforded a lot less freedom than if she were married. Her parent’s overprotectiveness is making it really difficult to pursue her activities without being discovered. She realises that a marriage of convenience might be the best solution to her problems. She just needs to find a husband that is accommodating and not too interested in what she is doing in her spare time.
Thomas Morgan, Earl of Hawksmoor [and the son of Nicholas and Helena from Her Husband’s Harlot] is a widower who does not want anything more to do with love. Being the first born he needs an heir but he doesn’t wish it to interfere with his work as an agent. Fiona’s practical solution seems like the perfect proposal but will they both be able to ignore their growing feelings for each other?
I loved this latest instalment. Having read everything by Grace I couldn’t wait for Fiona and Thomas being as they are the children of previous favourite couples. We saw Fiona as a young girl in Regarding the Duke and it was great to see how she grew up. She is definitely Adam’s daughter. Confident, outspoken and fierce! But Fiona also had her own insecurities which stemmed from certain events from her parents novel. It was unexpected and insightful and made complete sense when you think about it. Adam’s change of character/behaviour would definitely have impacted the young Fiona. Her attempt to stem her true nature and be the dutiful daughter she thought her father wanted was at the heart of her actions much of the time. I loved that we got to see the bond between Fiona and her parents.
Thomas was a surprise. He is also very much his father’s son. I loved the similarities between Nicholas and Thomas’s nature. Definitely the strong and silent type. We knew very little about Thomas and he is a very complex man. Having had to hide his situation with his first wife made him estranged from his family. Fiona brought him back to himself and helped him to reconnect with the people most important to him.
Thomas and Fiona are a great couple. Both started off with secrets. Both thinking they wanted independence but finding that working together is the ultimate boon. The falling in love from both parties came naturally and they each declared themselves in their own time. Thomas’s overprotectiveness was rooted in life experience and I liked that Fiona took the time to understand that about him when she realised where it came from. In turn, Thomas realised that Fiona was capable of fending for herself and did not always need his protection.
As always, there is a great mystery, plenty of action and off the scale passion. I loved having a glimpse of Adam and Gabriella and Nicholas and Helena again and previous characters in Grace’s world. She has created a great sense of family and belonging. Glory’s story is next and it definitely sounds intriguing.
I received an ARC but Grace is pretty much an auto buy author for me. Her stories are brilliant! I would definitely recommend that you go and buy this.
Fiona is the daughter of Adam and Gabriella Garrity from Regarding the Duke – a favourite couple of mine so I was really looking forward to her story and it doesn’t disappoint.
With two of her fellow ‘Angels’ married, Fiona is realising that as a single debutante she is afforded a lot less freedom than if she were married. Her parent’s overprotectiveness is making it really difficult to pursue her activities without being discovered. She realises that a marriage of convenience might be the best solution to her problems. She just needs to find a husband that is accommodating and not too interested in what she is doing in her spare time.
Thomas Morgan, Earl of Hawksmoor [and the son of Nicholas and Helena from Her Husband’s Harlot] is a widower who does not want anything more to do with love. Being the first born he needs an heir but he doesn’t wish it to interfere with his work as an agent. Fiona’s practical solution seems like the perfect proposal but will they both be able to ignore their growing feelings for each other?
I loved this latest instalment. Having read everything by Grace I couldn’t wait for Fiona and Thomas being as they are the children of previous favourite couples. We saw Fiona as a young girl in Regarding the Duke and it was great to see how she grew up. She is definitely Adam’s daughter. Confident, outspoken and fierce! But Fiona also had her own insecurities which stemmed from certain events from her parents novel. It was unexpected and insightful and made complete sense when you think about it. Adam’s change of character/behaviour would definitely have impacted the young Fiona. Her attempt to stem her true nature and be the dutiful daughter she thought her father wanted was at the heart of her actions much of the time. I loved that we got to see the bond between Fiona and her parents.
Thomas was a surprise. He is also very much his father’s son. I loved the similarities between Nicholas and Thomas’s nature. Definitely the strong and silent type. We knew very little about Thomas and he is a very complex man. Having had to hide his situation with his first wife made him estranged from his family. Fiona brought him back to himself and helped him to reconnect with the people most important to him.
Thomas and Fiona are a great couple. Both started off with secrets. Both thinking they wanted independence but finding that working together is the ultimate boon. The falling in love from both parties came naturally and they each declared themselves in their own time. Thomas’s overprotectiveness was rooted in life experience and I liked that Fiona took the time to understand that about him when she realised where it came from. In turn, Thomas realised that Fiona was capable of fending for herself and did not always need his protection.
As always, there is a great mystery, plenty of action and off the scale passion. I loved having a glimpse of Adam and Gabriella and Nicholas and Helena again and previous characters in Grace’s world. She has created a great sense of family and belonging. Glory’s story is next and it definitely sounds intriguing.
I received an ARC but Grace is pretty much an auto buy author for me. Her stories are brilliant! I would definitely recommend that you go and buy this.
May 4, 2022
Grace Callaway is a one click author for me when it comes to spicy historical romance. I love her books so much! Fiona and Hawk’s fake dating secret spy romance was fantastic! It was a great mix of romance, heat and the suspense of the mystery.
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is the third book in the Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels series, which is a second generation series for Callaway. This book can be read as a standalone although many characters from previous books appear. We previously read about Hawk’s parents in Her Husband’s Harlot, the first book in the Mayhem in Mayfair series, and Fiona’s parents in Regarding the Duke, the third book in the Game of Dukes series. I loved seeing characters from other books pop up in this one. It felt like visiting with old friends.
Most people believe Lady Charlotte runs a charity organization, but the Angels do so much more. Fiona Garrity has been working as a spy/investigator for Lady Charlotte and her activities are beginning to raise her parents’ suspicion. They believe the charity is encouraging Fiona to do many unsavory/unladylike activities and they want her to stop. Fiona believes that getting married will be her way to gain freedom from her controlling parents, so she can continue her important work.
Thomas Morgan, the Earl of Hawksmoor (Hawk), is known as a stoic and reclusive scholar. He married very young, but they moved to the countryside. His wife passed away prompting his return to London. He swore off love and was recruited by the crown to work as a spy, which suited his solitary lifestyle.
Fiona and Hawk are family friends, but they aren’t close. They are physically attracted to each other, but they have so many preconceived notions about the other. However, circumstances bring them together, and they decide to enter a marriage of convenience. Their fake marriage quickly begins to feel real. They are incredibly compatible in the bedroom (have I said how hot this book is?) and enjoy each other’s company and conversation. But, they are both keeping big secrets that threaten their HEA.
I really loved Fiona’s character. She is brazen, smart, and cunning like her father, but vulnerable like her mother. Her passion in and out of the bedroom is unmatched. Hawk really wants Fiona to be happy and be her best self. I really like the way that he communicates with Fiona when they disagree. It is refreshing to see a couple actually talk out their issues. Speaking of communicating, Hawk’s dirty talk is *chef’s kiss.* Hawk and Fiona have immediate physical chemistry, which increases with Fiona’s enthusiasm to experiment and learn new things.
I’m already excited for book four of the series, which will focus on Glory, Daughter of Maggie and Ransom from Enter the Duke, and Chen.
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl is the third book in the Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels series, which is a second generation series for Callaway. This book can be read as a standalone although many characters from previous books appear. We previously read about Hawk’s parents in Her Husband’s Harlot, the first book in the Mayhem in Mayfair series, and Fiona’s parents in Regarding the Duke, the third book in the Game of Dukes series. I loved seeing characters from other books pop up in this one. It felt like visiting with old friends.
Most people believe Lady Charlotte runs a charity organization, but the Angels do so much more. Fiona Garrity has been working as a spy/investigator for Lady Charlotte and her activities are beginning to raise her parents’ suspicion. They believe the charity is encouraging Fiona to do many unsavory/unladylike activities and they want her to stop. Fiona believes that getting married will be her way to gain freedom from her controlling parents, so she can continue her important work.
Thomas Morgan, the Earl of Hawksmoor (Hawk), is known as a stoic and reclusive scholar. He married very young, but they moved to the countryside. His wife passed away prompting his return to London. He swore off love and was recruited by the crown to work as a spy, which suited his solitary lifestyle.
Fiona and Hawk are family friends, but they aren’t close. They are physically attracted to each other, but they have so many preconceived notions about the other. However, circumstances bring them together, and they decide to enter a marriage of convenience. Their fake marriage quickly begins to feel real. They are incredibly compatible in the bedroom (have I said how hot this book is?) and enjoy each other’s company and conversation. But, they are both keeping big secrets that threaten their HEA.
I really loved Fiona’s character. She is brazen, smart, and cunning like her father, but vulnerable like her mother. Her passion in and out of the bedroom is unmatched. Hawk really wants Fiona to be happy and be her best self. I really like the way that he communicates with Fiona when they disagree. It is refreshing to see a couple actually talk out their issues. Speaking of communicating, Hawk’s dirty talk is *chef’s kiss.* Hawk and Fiona have immediate physical chemistry, which increases with Fiona’s enthusiasm to experiment and learn new things.
I’m already excited for book four of the series, which will focus on Glory, Daughter of Maggie and Ransom from Enter the Duke, and Chen.
May 11, 2022
You know that feeling you get when you start reading a historical romance and you just know it’s going to be brilliant because it makes your tummy all fluttery, and it feels like you are actually falling in love yourself? Well, that’s what this book did to me, it was fantastic from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down and the steam was OFF THE SCALE! I think I counted 8 steamy scenes, but it could have been more. It didn’t affect the storyline at all to have so much steam time either and every encounter only drove the story forward.
Having read the previous two books in the series, I knew this story was going to be about Heiress, Fiona Garrity – daughter of Gabby and Adam Garrity from Regarding the Duke. I’ve been looking forward to this one so much as I LOVE ADAM GARRITY!!! I mean who wouldn’t? There’s something dangerously attractive about him and I just knew his daughter would have the same edge to her, but I also knew she would look gorgeous like her red-headed Mama, a perfect match of the two.
Thomas (Earl of Hawksmoor and son of Helena and Nicolas from Her Husbands’ Harlot) is quite a bit older than Fiona and is a widower. We don’t really know a lot about him from previous books and so he has an air of mystery, although from having read his parents books’ I would say he is more like his brooding, stoic Papa.
Both Fiona and Hawk enter into a marriage of convenience, deciding that they will have a great marriage but without the love that makes things messy, so they can both respectively continue with their secret lives, separately, when they are away from the bedroom… As you can imagine fate has a different plan in store for these two!
I cannot say enough good things about this book, or the series, it’s got everything you would ever need in a historical romance; witty dialogue, dangerous villains, balls, high society and of course a HEA. The concept of Charlies Angels is fantastic and although I believe it will be Glory’s book next, I am really hoping that Lady Charlotte gets her own book as I feel there is more to her than meets the eye!
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Having read the previous two books in the series, I knew this story was going to be about Heiress, Fiona Garrity – daughter of Gabby and Adam Garrity from Regarding the Duke. I’ve been looking forward to this one so much as I LOVE ADAM GARRITY!!! I mean who wouldn’t? There’s something dangerously attractive about him and I just knew his daughter would have the same edge to her, but I also knew she would look gorgeous like her red-headed Mama, a perfect match of the two.
Thomas (Earl of Hawksmoor and son of Helena and Nicolas from Her Husbands’ Harlot) is quite a bit older than Fiona and is a widower. We don’t really know a lot about him from previous books and so he has an air of mystery, although from having read his parents books’ I would say he is more like his brooding, stoic Papa.
Both Fiona and Hawk enter into a marriage of convenience, deciding that they will have a great marriage but without the love that makes things messy, so they can both respectively continue with their secret lives, separately, when they are away from the bedroom… As you can imagine fate has a different plan in store for these two!
I cannot say enough good things about this book, or the series, it’s got everything you would ever need in a historical romance; witty dialogue, dangerous villains, balls, high society and of course a HEA. The concept of Charlies Angels is fantastic and although I believe it will be Glory’s book next, I am really hoping that Lady Charlotte gets her own book as I feel there is more to her than meets the eye!
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2022
Let me start by saying I loved the Mayhem in Mayfair series. I have really liked all the Callaway series prior to this one.
I looked so forward to Olivia's story. Pre-ordered it and everything. It was a disappointment of the highest order.
I skipped Pippas story because I could not bring myself to read the whole Charlie's Angel's knockoff again.
By the time this book came around I decided that I was being unfair to judge an entire series from the first book in the series.
I liked Adam and Charity's story so was more willing to read the story about their daughter.
I almost just DNF about 50% in. I powered through and almost stopped again about 80% through. I forced myself to finish because it was on audio and it was slightly better than listening to the 5 minute craft videos my kids were watching on YouTube.
This book suffered from many of the same problems Olivia's story did.
1. The Charlie's Angel's investigation knockoff is just stupid. I literally can't find anything enjoyable about it. It is like these young women are being mind-controlled by a militant leader.
2. The whining. OMG the heroine's whining. She wants to be an investigator. No one understands her. She can take care of herself. Blah blah blah. This recycled nonsense is not even recycled in an interesting way.
3. The sex scenes are redundant. I think the author just uses the same scenes from other books and just changes the names.
4. Did I mention the Charlie's angel angle is stupid?
I looked so forward to Olivia's story. Pre-ordered it and everything. It was a disappointment of the highest order.
I skipped Pippas story because I could not bring myself to read the whole Charlie's Angel's knockoff again.
By the time this book came around I decided that I was being unfair to judge an entire series from the first book in the series.
I liked Adam and Charity's story so was more willing to read the story about their daughter.
I almost just DNF about 50% in. I powered through and almost stopped again about 80% through. I forced myself to finish because it was on audio and it was slightly better than listening to the 5 minute craft videos my kids were watching on YouTube.
This book suffered from many of the same problems Olivia's story did.
1. The Charlie's Angel's investigation knockoff is just stupid. I literally can't find anything enjoyable about it. It is like these young women are being mind-controlled by a militant leader.
2. The whining. OMG the heroine's whining. She wants to be an investigator. No one understands her. She can take care of herself. Blah blah blah. This recycled nonsense is not even recycled in an interesting way.
3. The sex scenes are redundant. I think the author just uses the same scenes from other books and just changes the names.
4. Did I mention the Charlie's angel angle is stupid?
April 27, 2022
Fiona and Hawk are a perfect match. But, both are living double lives. With Fiona's parents trying to curtail her dangerous "charity" work, she decides on a marriage of convenience with Hawk. They have loads of chemistry and in many ways are a wonderful match. Fiona thinks she will get to investigate as much as she wants to, when she marries Hawk.
I love books where the couple gets married early in the book. You get to see them get to know each other. Also, you get a much better look at how their marriage will be in the future, unlike most romances that end with the wedding. This book was HOT. I mean hot even for Grace Callaway! I absolutely loved it. It is now in my top five favorite Callaway books.
I love books where the couple gets married early in the book. You get to see them get to know each other. Also, you get a much better look at how their marriage will be in the future, unlike most romances that end with the wedding. This book was HOT. I mean hot even for Grace Callaway! I absolutely loved it. It is now in my top five favorite Callaway books.
May 3, 2022
A (not quite) enemy-to-lover story
What started as a marriage of convenience fast becomes something more. And, although neither want to admit that they are in love, the chemistry between them is off the charts.
However, when her husband discovers that her ‘charities’ are quite something else, he tries to forbid Fiona to continue her work with the Society of Angels, which is in total contradiction with what they had agreed upon.
I love the way the author tackles the feelings of inferiority so often present in overachievers. That is what happened to a friend of mine. At the art club, the teacher told her that she had a great talent and her reaction was: I do not have that much talent, I am only good at almost photographic watercolours…
What started as a marriage of convenience fast becomes something more. And, although neither want to admit that they are in love, the chemistry between them is off the charts.
However, when her husband discovers that her ‘charities’ are quite something else, he tries to forbid Fiona to continue her work with the Society of Angels, which is in total contradiction with what they had agreed upon.
I love the way the author tackles the feelings of inferiority so often present in overachievers. That is what happened to a friend of mine. At the art club, the teacher told her that she had a great talent and her reaction was: I do not have that much talent, I am only good at almost photographic watercolours…
May 2, 2022
Totally freaking amazing. I am not sure how to say how much I love this without words that would not be suitable to write in a review. I had to go back and look and found that I started reading Grace in 2013 with Her Husband’s Harlot (Hawk’s parents) and I remember that that story was extremely sexy. Dare I say this book goes beyond his parents book. Some of my favorite topics—marriage of convenience, spies, lady investigators, and super hot attraction. I felt like a voyeur looking into these characters lives. Grace you outdid yourself. Applause! For anyone who has not read Grace, why not? Run, don’t walk, and get one of her stories. This series can be read as standalones but you don’t want to miss a minute of the lives of these children of beloved characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
May 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The hero was constantly reacting to her and didn't like it. He was 31 and thought he was too old for her as she is 19. They dance a waltz together after their parents basically force him to ask her and it's the best dance they've both ever had.
The book had many, many steamy love scenes. They did some unusual things too.
They both talked about their feelings and learned how to be a married couple, not just two people living together.
I recommend it.
The book had many, many steamy love scenes. They did some unusual things too.
They both talked about their feelings and learned how to be a married couple, not just two people living together.
I recommend it.
February 23, 2023
I'm quickly getting addicted to this series and Grace Callaway. She just 'gets' the formula for a penning a amazing works - individual character development, a heart-thumping romance and all the adventure and suspense an Angel's investigation brings.
While Fiona and Hawk were so very different on paper, they just understood each other so well. The "I love you"s were confessed fairly quickly and their journey was about communicating and negotiating their life together.
While Fiona and Hawk were so very different on paper, they just understood each other so well. The "I love you"s were confessed fairly quickly and their journey was about communicating and negotiating their life together.
November 15, 2023
I thought it was well-written, and the plot was strong and enjoyable, but it was a little too graphic for me. I like steamy, but at times, this verged on soft core porn, in my opinion - which took me out of the story, even though I was engaged by the characters individually and their struggle to let love into their hearts. I haven't read much by Grace Callaway, but I've heard that her stories can be a little more hard-core, where the focus is less on the sensual and emotional bond developing between the lovers, and more on the mechanics and positions.
I did want to see what I thought of this particular story because the author won the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award this year, and there were definitely parts of that I enjoyed and thought were quite good. Still, it might be a bit before I pick up another one of her books in the future.
I did want to see what I thought of this particular story because the author won the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award this year, and there were definitely parts of that I enjoyed and thought were quite good. Still, it might be a bit before I pick up another one of her books in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews