The Dance of Love

The Book of Love #14

by Meara Platt

She was ballrooms and glitter. He was grit and brawn. They should have been wrong for each other, but they weren’t.

This blazing hot Brayden cousin has no idea what the beautiful, obviously refined young woman is doing in his office, but he has no intention of ever letting her go.

Lady Augusta Nesbitt only meant to deliver a book to Exeter’s surprisingly handsome magistrate, Rafe Quinton, as a favor to his Brayden cousins. She never meant to deliver her heart as well. But a mystery surrounding her aged aunt has forced them to work closely together to discover who burned down the old woman’s house. As dangerous secrets unfold, Auggie quickly realizes Rafe is the only one she can trust, not only with her heart but her very life. Will this rugged man ever see her as more than an elegant, pampered debutante?

Widower and Exeter’s tough as nails magistrate, Rafe Quinton, was having a really bad day until he encountered the beautiful Lady Auggie Nesbitt sitting at his desk with his son on her lap. Now his son is determined to make Auggie his new mother. Of course, that would reqiure Rafe to marry her. But how can he put his heart at risk when something very bad is going on in the Nesbitt family and Auggie may be involved? Even if she is innocent, which he truly believes she is, how can he marry this elegant daughter of a marquess? She is a ton diamond, and her life is a dance, a series of glittering balls and elite soirees.

Can she find a place in her heart for a blunt, unrefined man like him?

Enjoy this next installment in the humorous and heartwarming, bestselling Regency romance Book of Love series.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2022

About the author

Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

Reviews

[Jill booksandescape]

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

The Dance of Love by Meara Platt is the fourteenth book of the Book of Love. Lady Augusta Nesbitt only meant to deliver a book to Exeter’s magistrate Rafe Quinton. She never expected to become so drawn to him. When her elderly aunt is the victim of a horrible crime, Auggie and Rafe work together to get to the bottom of it. Widower and father Rafe finds himself drawn to Auggie as she is to him, but he cannot imagine the daughter of a marquess would want to marry him. He has been drawn to her ever since he discovered his young son Sam on her lap in his office. Sam is determined to get Auggie and his father married.

This book is lighthearted, funny, and of course so sweetly romantic. I had a great time reading it and look forward to going back and reading more from Meara Platt.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋

One of my favourite characters is in this book, a little boy named Sam, he’s adorable, I’m all broody again lol.

This book is a wonderful continuation of this series from Meara.
She writes these so well, so many in this series but they never get old and I never fail to enjoy them.
Great romance and chemistry between Rafe and Auggie.

He’s a work addict, a tough ape of a man, strong in body and mind, with a cute son who steals the book to my mind.
She a Marquess’s daughter, rich, spoiled and sweet. But she has a mind of her own and very intelligent, she also seems to be able to wrap him around her little finger.

When she takes the book of love to him the inevitable happens,
and circumstances throw them together.
Excellent reading and very entertaining.

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

[Jaime]

Meara Platt is back with another installment in the expansive series, Book of Love, this is book fourteen and it’s a wonderful story you don’t want to miss. Although there are many books in this series I have read only some of them and I was able to pick up this story and jump right in, I believe it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. The tropes explored in this story are insta-love, forced proximity, single father, and a slight mystery the H/h work together to solve. I found Meara Platt’s writing to be well thought out with a fluid plot that kept me entertained from the beginning to end, I didn’t think the story lagged or jumped around, and found the characters witty, charming, and utterly likable.

I am not going to retell the plot there are numerous other reviews that sum it up quite well. I am going to highlight that the relationship and romance between the H/h is one I found to be delightful and the chemistry between these two leads to a passion that is both delectable and provocative. I enjoyed every word!❤️‍🔥🔥

I recommend this story and urge you to give it a try!

P.S. What a gorgeous book cover - this series continues to out do itself!

4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚 Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing and all thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given. Thank you for the opportunity to review. 🦄

[Elaine]

Loved the two main characters, Lady Augusta (Auggie) and Rafe. Oh, and Rafe's son was so cute. I was really into this story - as always great story from Meara Platt, a favourite author. Keep them coming! An excellent 5☆

[Margaret]

The Book of Love is a gift for Rafe Quinton, Magistrate of Exeter, from his cousins. The lady who brings it to him from London is Lady Augusta Nesbitt. At the same time she is in his office with his son, the home of her aunt, Lady Priscilla Nesbitt, burns to the ground. Her aunt's prized paintings and several pieces of fine furniture were removed for restoration before the fire by a company recomended by a neighbor. Why were they really taken? Augusta's cousin Morgan Nesbitt must be involved. The fire was set, the suspect caught, escaped from jail and murdered. As Rafe follows leads in his investigation with help from Augusta, it becomes a more complex investigation. With stolen kisses, Augusta and Rafe read The Book Of Love and discover love means compromise. Interesting mystery. Not quite an open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Amy]

Auggie is sent by her cousins to deliver The Book of Love to magistrate Rafe. When her Aunt’s house is burnt down and art and jewelry is stolen, Rafe is on the case. As they solve the case, they grow closer. Can they overcome their differences in social status? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine]

“The Dance of Love” is book 14 in the Book of Love series and is a sweet historical romance filled with murder, mystery, and love.

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

[Peggy]

Lady Augusta Nesbitt has come to deliver a gift to Rafe Quinton from his cousins, the Book of Love. When they meet, he is cover in soot. He has just come from the scene of a tragic fire. The victim is Auggie’s great-aunt. Auggie is in his office to give him the book, and has been keeping Rafe’s son Sam company while they both waited for his father. There is an almost instant attraction, not just for Rafe and Auggie, but for Sam as well. Is the book already working its magic?

This another wonderful story in the Book of Love series. Rafe has appeared in previous books. The handsome magistrate is a widower with an adorable young son. Auggie, intelligent as well as beautiful is daughter to the Marquess of Chelsford. She occasionally comes to Exeter to visit her aunt. At the same time their romance, encouraged by Sam, begins to take shape, Rafe and Auggie work together (at her insistence) to solve a number of mysteries seeming related to the fire. One, of course, who started the fire and why? There are also questions about stolen art and forgery. They would also like to find her rather unscrupulous cousin. Drama, mystery, danger, humor, fun, and romance – quite a combination that makes up an entertaining and enjoyable story. The Book? It’s on its way to Rafe’s brother and the next story.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My Review is voluntary.

[Lana Birky]

I really loved this book & now I have read/reviewed all 14 in this series! The main characters were all so lovable, it was nice to see a few from previous books, & I loved not only the romance but also, the hero & heroine working together to solve a crime that ended up be much larger than they imagined.

Rafe Quinton is the Magistrate in Exeter, he is rough & tough, also a sizzling hot widower with a young son, Sam. The Book of Love has been passed to him by his cousins & has been delivered to him as a favor his cousins asked of her. Lady Augusta "Auggie" Nesbitt is beautiful, a diamond in society & dislikes all the money hungry lords after her dowry & the dandies that make up the Ton eligible bachelors. She has come to Exeter to visit her father's aunt. When Rafe & Auggie first meet, he has returned to his office after battling a house fire, saving the occupants & the last thing he expected or wanted was a beautiful woman sitting in his chair holding his son in her lap.

Rafe & Auggie's attraction happened quickly but the crime they were investigating had many layers & people involved, which kept them from any solid decisions for their future. Would she leave London society, her father, to marry him & live in a small town? Could Rafe be good enough for her & would her father ever bless a marriage between them? And finally, Sam, the matchmaker - who he succeed in convincing his father not to let Auggie get away? I love Rafe & Auggie's private Dance of Love!

[BookishMya]

The Book of Love never fails, and neither does Meara Platt! Another beautiful love story, full of intrigue, mystery and passion. The shining star in this story is definitely Sam. Your heart cannot help but melt at the endearingly sweet efforts of Rafe’s little boy. The young lad knew from the start that Auggie belonged with them, and it only took a moment for his dad to realize this as well. The care they took to make certain that their lives would blend was a sweet change from the usual passion-blinded unions of the ton. Not that theirs is not a relationship of passion, but having been married before gives Rafe a certain insight as to what makes a couple successful. It was a pleasant change to see them consider these factors. In the end, their marriage will be founded on a basis of trust and respect, and of course, love. The Dance of Love will melt your heart!

[Debra Martin]

This was another sweet story in the Book of Love series. Rafe and Auggie have an instant connection when she comes to Essex to take care of her elderly aunt after a fire destroyed the aunt's home. There's a mystery throughout the book of who and what has been going on with priceless art and stolen gems. Auggie's cousin seems to be caught up in the middle of the criminal activity, but it's up to Rafe to prove or disprove his involvement. Rafe's son Sam is adorable in the story and adds a sweet element to the romance between Rafe and Auggie.

While there's no real conflict or obstacles for Rafe and Auggie to overcome to reach their happily ever after, it was a sweet and pleasant read. I really enjoy these books and look forward to the next one in the series.

[Rose]

I loved the little boy on the book Sam it was like he already knew that he liked Augusta and wanted her as his mother, kids sometimes know first over adults and that Augusta (auggie) would fall in love with the magistrate called Rafe. I loved the characters so much the book was so magical to me. I love the cover of the book as well thats what drew me to the book. I like the mystery behind it about her aunt and the stolen art. I also liked the chemistry between Rafe and Augusta. And since they were from different social classes knowing that in the end it would end in a totally happy ending. Thank you for choosing me for this book.
I received an Arc copy of this book and Chose to post this review

[DD]

When Lady Augusta Nesbitt - Auggie (what a dreadful name), first meets Rafe Quinton she is sitting in his magistrates office, with his small son Sam on her knee, waiting to deliver a package from his cousins in London. Why she went straight to his office before settling in at her aunt's and recovering from her long journey isn't clear.
Rafe is bloodied and sooty having rescued an elderly lady from a house fire, and has to tell Auggie her aunts house has been burnt down.
As a gentleman Rafe offers to help Auggie find somewhere to stay, and finds out that her cousin has been pestering her aunt for cash, linked to the information that her aunts prized possessions had all been removed from the house for repair, and the fact the man caught fleeing the house somehow escaped a locked prison cell, Rafe decided to investigate.
Another charming book in this series, coming to love it as much as the original Farthingale series, in fact we meet Dillie's husband the duke again in this book. Set in Exeter, my only question is how did Rafe expect to travel to London, carry out his business, and be back in Exeter within a week? On horseback, on the roads available then doubt it's possible. Not sure the Thames runs near Exeter either. Other than that loved this book.

[Jocelynereadsromance]

This is the fourteenth book in the Book of Love series by Meara Platt, and the first book I have ever picked up by this author. Even though this is the fourteenth book in a long series it can absolutely be read as a stand alone and I found it to be a delightfully charming read. Meara Platt's writing was compulsively readable, her tone is friendly and accessible which swiftly drew me in and kept me reading. This insta-love, single father, romance is swiftly paced with an interesting little mystery which gives our hero and heroine a perfect backdrop for "forced" proximity and a puzzle to solve together.

When Lady Augusta, Auggie, comes to Exeter to visit with her aunt and deliver a package to a friend's relation, she does not expect to find herself caught up with the local magistrate who is investigating a fire that burned down her aunt's house. Auggie and Rafe are instantly drawn to one another and are compelled to spend time in each other's company. Auggie instantly charms Rafe's son and the people who work for him as she swiftly shows her value when it comes to the investigation surrounding her aunt's house, art forgery and stolen jewelry.

The insta love between Auggie and Rafe is just so endearing that as the reader I was rooting for them from page one. Auggie is smart, kind and compassionate which shines bright and true. Rafe is intelligent and a hard worker who loves his son and will protect those he holds dear. These two both don't think they are destined for love, but the chemistry between them is so strong that they find they are always longing to be in the others company. They both learn what love means and that true love is not just about attraction, but compromise and learning to work with each other. I love that Rafe is open and willing to accept Auggie's help at every step of the investigation, he does want to protect her but he also knows that she is strong and capable. The little moments between them in which they explore their attraction are very sweet, they share amusing and passionate kisses (otherwise the steam is pretty low, but it works well with in the context and tone of this novel), and it is refreshing the understanding and trust they give to the other. This is a low angst romance about two people fully embracing their feelings for the other and learning what they are willing to compromise in order to pursue a relationship.

Overall this was just an absolute delight and left me curious to explore more works in this series and from Meara Platt. This is definitely not the last book I will read by this author and I am definitely looking forward in the continuation of this sweet and low angst series about the gifting of a book that will lead to the discovery of true love.

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne]

The Dance of Love by Meara Platt is another of The Book of Love books, which have found matches for all of the Farthingale ladies and many of the Brayden men. Rafe Quinton is the magistrate in Exeter whom we have met before. His mother is a Brayden; he is a widower with a small son; he is not nobility but is wealthy. He uses his paycheck to pay for his employees or her would have none. He is also a hero having just run into a burning building to save an old lady. It turns out this old lady has a niece the daughter of the Marquess of Chelford, who has come to see to her aunt, only to discover the fire that has ravaged her aunt's home. She is not shy and attempts to take over, some of which he allows. She has been playing with his son for two hours who had been waiting patiently for Rafe to return to his office, as had she. Together they solve a crime much larger than the arson at her aunt's house. They also fall in love, as does Rafe's son, who gives him plenty of advice on how not to muck it up with Auggie (Augusta).

These books are all very simplistic but very up beat and positive, as well as full of interesting characters. When the two of them determine they can marry without devastating Auggie's life, they move forward. Auggie is a very determined young woman who had met no one in whom she is interested in her three seasons. Rafe's wife died, but he knew he wanted more if he were to marry again. His wife had lost herself in him until there was nothing left. He wanted a partner, not a shadow. The father agreed to the match because he liked Rafe very much and he knew there was no arguing with Auggie. This was a fun, happily-ever-after romance. I recommend it.

I was invited to read The Dance Of Love by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #mearaplatt #thedanceoflove

[Karen]

When he first encountered Lady Augusta (Auggie) Nesbitt with his son on her knee, Rafe Quinton was full of soot due to a house fire he had been helping to tame at her Aunt’s house. Auggie was there to give him a package from his cousins and when he opened it realised it was ‘The Book of Love’
Rafe was instantly attracted to Auggie and he felt she had some interest in him but he was a magistrate and she was used to the ton life in London and the daughter of a Marquess. Although he had been married and had a son, he’d never been in love and Auggie herself had admitted the same thing plus he had an overwhelming desire to kiss her.
Rafe and Auggie fell in love instantly but with the mystery of who had set the fire and the counterfeit paintings, things progressed a little slower than both liked plus he had to convince her father how much he loved her. He didn’t really like dancing and going to events but for Auggie he would and to prove it he demonstrated it with a waltz ‘Their Dance of Love’.
A beautiful well written story with lots of likeable characters and an added mystery to keep you turning the pages to the end. I love the fact that the book is passed down to different people to find their own story of love. I would definitely read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anonymous 5]

Ms. Platt has once again delivered an enchanting and romantic tale that had me captivated from start to finish. This is the fourteenth book in the magical series Book of Love in which individuals reading the book together fall in love. Rafe is the magistrate of Exeter and a widower with a young son. He's a bit rough around the edges, unlike Augusta, who is the rich and pampered daughter of a marquess. She is sent to Rafe by his cousins to deliver the Book of Love and when they meet, she is immediately drawn to him as he is to her. While she is there, her elderly aunt's home is burned, and it appears she has become the victim of a crime. Augusta works with Rafe to get to the bottom of what happened and in the process, they grow closer. Let's also not forget about the adorable Sam, the little matchmaker, who wants his father and Augusta to marry. This was an enjoyabe and wonderfully entertaining story, full of intrigue, danger, and romance, and you will not be able to put it down. I was hooked from the beginning anxiously turning the pages to see how things progressed. With wonderful characters and captivating storyline, this story is one that is definitely not to be missed and I wholeheartedly recommend!

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

[Laura]

I absolutely loved Rafe and Auggie, they are relatable characters, that I came to care and root for. They are both strong, intelligent, and caring characters. Their romance was sweet and enjoyable. Rafe is a typical Brayden hero – which I love – big, strong, intelligent, possessive, at his core kind-hearted. He’s swoon worthy. Sam, oh man Sam, one smart little boy, who helped his father see the light. I enjoyed when the MC worked together on solving the mystery – their exchanges and interactions were enjoyable and added to their character development for me.

I loved that we saw previous characters within the series, and that Caleb and his wife Faith were mentioned – 2 of my most favourite Meara Platt characters.

I think the story could have done without Morgan and his subplot as I found it more of distraction from the mystery plot. I wasn’t too fond of Aunt Pricilla even though I understand at the end why she behaved the way she did. I didn’t connect with either character or their subplots.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Linda J.]

I've read ALL the books in the series. It is a stand alone because the author does an amazing job giving you just the right amount of back story. In this case, it isn't on the character's that you need a back story on, but the Book of Love.

The beginning of the series is amazing then near 2/3rds into the series it became repetitive because you had all the couples reading the Book of Love and discussing the same thing. Then with the last few books, we get just the right amount for the reader of the whole series, or those just starting it. It is a very unique series, and I urge you to read it.

This couple worked and I felt a connection to them. Then you add the H's amazing son, Sam and his innocent dialogue at times had me laughing out loud.

Lovemaking within marriage and heat level 1 out of 5. You do get some passionate kisses. When reading this author's stories, you don't need very descriptive spice because you feel their love.

You get everything I love in a story, romance, great main and secondary characters, villains, mystery, murder and a unique story line.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a small tad of spice. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you tidbits to decide to read this story, series and author, which I recommend. (ljb)

[Janet]

Lady Augusta Nesbitt only meant to deliver a book to Exeter’s surprisingly handsome magistrate, Rafe Quinton, as a favour to his Brayden cousins. She never meant to deliver her heart as well. But a mystery surrounding her aged aunt has forced them to work closely together to discover who burned down the old woman’s house. As dangerous secrets unfold, Auggie quickly realizes Rafe is the only one she can trust. Widower and Exeter’s tough as nails magistrate, Rafe Quinton, was having a really bad day until he encountered the beautiful Lady Auggie Nesbitt sitting at his desk with his son Sam on her lap. Now his son is determined to make Auggie his new mother.
The fourteenth book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own the characters do inhabit the same world so do keep popping up, also it’s still as fresh as the first book. Strong characters, a mystery all make for a book I read in a sitting. I loved both Rafe & Auggie who fell for each other straightaway but with the fire, paintings & convincing her father things took time. I loved their waltz, their very own dance of love!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret Watkins]

This series continues to delight in The Dance of Love as fae-like Lady Augusta meets the stern and quick-tempered Magistrate, Rafe Quinton when she delivers The Book of Love to his office. Little does Rafe realize that the case he is investigating brings their lives together as they both want answers to the crime that has been committed. Rafe quickly comes to the understanding the beautiful lady is not just about glitz and glamour but is highly intelligent and resourceful, but when she wants answers to the same questions that he is asking, he knows he is lost. However, nothing is as it seems and when Auggie discovers that the aunt she is trying to protect is prevaricating and being evasive, she knows that there is something foul afoot. As the matter comes to a head, Rafe knows he can no longer avoid the fact that he has fallen head over heels in love with Auggie, but winning her father's approval proves very difficult. The Book of Love finds its mark once again and the novel comes to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

Compromise for love

Auggie aka Augusta is a the only daughter of a Marquess but she is no pampered debutante she has seen a lot of pain but still maintains a sunny disposition! Rafe Quinton the local magistrate is a single father with a sometimes dangerous profession! These two are worlds apart but are they? Auggie has a gorgeous wardrobe and loves to dance Rafe hates dancing but when falling in love anything's possible!
These two have it bad the first day in! But there are forgeries and dead bodies turning up that would deter most couples! Auggie seems the most sensible by not putting herself needlessly into danger! She also cares for her aunt and companion!
Rafe has doubts if Auggie will fit into his life and of course in the middle of an investigation involving her reprobate cousin and his friends! These two can compromise because the path to true love is never smooth!
Auggie is a wide eyed intelligent wonder who along with his son Sam they don't know what hit them! Chemistry is 4/5. Another success story for the book of love but next Brayden is the most dangerous yet and will be much more of a challenge or will he? Can't wait!

[Libby Seligman]

Entertaining

I find Meara Platt’s books entertaining. I do need to add that her heroines and men are modern characters set in Regency England. A lot of today’s authors do that, but even though it annoys me in Ms. Platt’s case the stories are enjoyable despite their historical/cultural inaccuracy. I don’t think she understands the English laws of inheritance and primogeniture at all, because she has made reference in several books that aristocrats could set aside male heirs if they didn’t like them. I believe it was almost unheard of for anyone to be able to do that if an entailment was present. She doesn’t mention that the entailment had expired, only that someone is an heir, which implies there is an entailment. I believe it takes the consent of the heir and the NEXT heir to break an entailment. Obviously most people would not have consented to disinheriting themselves.

[Rachel]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest reivew*

This was the first book in the series that I read, but I do not think that was a problem. It also kept the "magic" of the book a mystery to me until Rafe started reading it. I also love a little mystery in my romances and found this book perfectly combined the two. It also allowed Rafe and Auggie be attracted to one another for more than just their looks. Auggie is a great leading lady - she's strong-willed, smart, and clever. Rafe's willingness to accept Auggie's help made me like him even more than I already did. And the mystery is interesting all on its own. I would have happily read this book just for that even without a romance between Auggie and Rafe - they make a great team. I wish this could be a spinoff series!

[Sandra]

Another winner by Platt!

Platt's characters emit such an easy charm that you can't help but be sucked in by them and THE DANCE OF LOVE is another such wonderful example of this.
The pair instantly wrap you up in their wit, intelligence and honesty as a lightheartedness and deep attraction threads through the romance and unfolds around a mysterious arson. Radiating a magic that simply sparkles between Auggie and Rafe and only intensifies when his adorable son, Sam, steals your heart whenever near.
A wonderful tale that flows fluidly and makes you smile as you immerse yourself in the humour, warmth, suspense and sparkling chemistry that becomes interwoven with moments of perilous risk and sleuthing that the pair become entangled in. Making this an enjoyable, well written and absorbing romance!

[Texastwang]

The magistrate meets a friend of his cousins and is struck with how she is with his young son.
Continuing on with the Book of Love series. This wonderful series only seems to be getting better. Especially with tidbits about previous couples. Not only can you see how the book affects each couple and also how the couple moves closer together because of it. This tale is no different but yet it is still engaging and wonderfully written. Can't wait for the next book. Already looking forward to it. This book does have mild scenes but they are not "steamy" enough for me to skip over as I usually do. As usual for Meara tastefully written.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

[Petula]

Rafe Quinton is the magistrate in Exeter.  It is a job that takes up too many hours in his days. Our hero is a widower with a young son,  and he's about to be involved in a hunt for a dangerous criminal. 

Lady Augusta Nesbitt has come to visit her great aunt and finds disaster. The resulting investigation will bring a lot of surprises.  Very unhelpful witnesses and a connection that is distracting.  

This historical romance is full of fun and love. The characters are strong, intelligent people who you might have met before in previous books in the series.  You don't have to have read any of the previous ones to enjoy this, but it will probably tempt you to.  That little red book has a lot to answer for.  

Really good fun.  

[travelbug74]

This was a continuing story in an ongoing series. A special book about love is being passed around a family and it is Rafe's turn. He is a magistrate and spends most of his time working. He is also widowed and has a young son. Lady Augusta delivers the book from his cousin's and he is immediately smitten. Together they must work to find who burned down Lady Augusta's aunts house and who is running an art and jewelry thief ring.

Rafe and August quickly fall in love but both have doubts. Rafe is a commoner and doesn't want to leave his town and job. Lady Augusta is used to luxury and all that London has to offer. Together they must decide if a life together with compromise is better than a life apart.

I received and eARC from Netgally in exchange for my review.

[Lesley]

Lady Augusta (Auggie) comes to Exeter to spend a month with her great aunt, only to find an arsonist has, that very day, burnt her house down. Though she and the magistrate Rafe Quinton don’t get off to the best start, sparks soon fly between them and within days they are trying to decide whether a marriage between two people from different ranks of society would work. I loved how she and Rafe worked together to investigate the fire and other crimes (though I never really understood why the house was torched). I also loved Rafe’s little son who was adorable and an intrinsic part of the story.
Note: don’t know how any son Auggie and Rafe have can cut her male cousin out of the line of succession. Rules of primogeniture means the title can only follow down the male line.

[Cindy C.]

The Dance of Love is the fourteenth in the series of Book of Love Series. It's full of suspense and mysterious happenings that spins a web of arson, art forgeries and murder. Meara Platt has given readers a book that is well-written and well paced, that brims with tension building twists and turns, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you on the the edge of your seat, passion, and with one fantastic plot. With the appearances from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from previous novels that brings this read together perfectly!