Trysts, treason and intrigue. A swordmaster's daughter and her "Sisters of the Sword" in a quest to uncover a deadly plot. Whitefriars Fencing School London 1605
Lucinda Evans swordmaster’s daughter and reluctant informant always knew Lord Colin Cavendish would make her pay for the mistakes of her past. Forcing her to spy on the Catholic swordsmen at her father’s fencing academy is bad enough but now she must prise information from a charming Spanish diplomat by whatever means necessary. Given Signor DeGuerra’s “reputation”, success is a mixed blessing. She is damned if she does and destroyed if she does not. To make matters worse, her “handler” and go-between, is none other than Cavendish’s heir and nephew, Robert McCrae, the man she loves who is far beyond her reach.
Robert McCrae cannot bear watching, let alone encouraging, any kind of liaison between the woman he loves and a handsome Spanish lothario but with rumblings of Catholic dissent threatening to turn into full-blown treason, he must put the safety of his King and country before the longings of his aching heart.
When Lucinda’s investigations lead to a web of intrigue and double dealings she does not know what to believe and who to trust. With the help of the Sisters of the Sword, her clandestine band of female fencers, she uncovers a plot so heinous and explosive it will go down in history, putting Lucinda in the perilous position of knowing far too much.
I loved this second book in the series and while it ends very satisfyingly, I am hoping that the author will write other stories in this universe. Without revealing spoilers from either book, Lucinda Evans is the daughter of a sword master in London who lost her mom when she was young. Although women are not allowed to have anything to do with sword fighting, until she started puberty, her dad let her dress as a boy and learn to fight. As such, she is very skilled with many of the weapons of the school. She is also an apprentice to her grandmother, who is a skilled midwife and herbalist. In the first book, she becomes involved in a case of a serial rapist, falls for a Scottish swordsman at her father's school, and forms a sisterhood that becomes an integral part of both books.
In this book, she is the reluctant spy of Robert's unscrupulous uncle, and I love how the author incorporated real people and events from 1604, including Princess Elizabeth! Lucinda was amazing in this story, but I loved her sisters as well. While unconventional, the character of Lucinda and her sisters were quite believable for this time period, and they made me want to join their sisterhood!
There were several times when Robert was a complete idiot, which made me laugh, but clearly, Lucinda and Robert belong together. But I also loved DeGuerra in this one. I absolutely don't want to spoil anything, but he was a great character and much more fleshed out than in the first book.
The ending was perfect, and although the story in this book was complete (both could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order), I want more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
By pure coincidence I started reading this book last night as my local village Guy Fawkes night firework display was starting. I did not put it down until I had finished.
The tale is based on the Gunpowder plot of 1605 - Catholics plotting against the Protestant monarchy and rulers. Historically little is known about the plot and of course myths and stories have diverged greatly so this very engrossing story fits well into known facts of the time. The main historical plotters and rulers are not portrayed as sinister characters but as human beings with strong beliefs. Only the powerful court spymaster and his political manipulating to keep power for himself (and the King) are portrayed in a sinister manner.
This book is the second installment in the life of Lucinda Evans a sword-master's daughter and the granddaughter of midwife healer, thus Lucinda straddles both the world of nobility and ruling courtiers and the back lanes of the bawdy houses and nightmarish Parish Nurseries.
The first book told the story of Lucinda (who is a an extremely proficient fencer as she grew up in the Fencing Academy of her father as well as an able aide to her healer grandmother) and how she was forced into being a spy for a Lord who is a powerful member of the ruling Court/Parliament. This first book needs to be read to understand the historical context and how a group of women from all social classes are banded together to learn how to defend themselves and also to be supporting friends - the 'sisters' of the book title.
The first book dealt with the subject of rape - a very real issue for women with no voice in the 1600s be they rich or poor.
This second installment gives a very realistic description of the way of life in the bawdy houses were women serviced quote: 'many men each hour for many hours in a day'. This servicing often lead to pregnancies and the girls (some just teens) kept on servicing right up till the birth! These babies were either left to die or sent to Parish Nurseries where a wet nurse would feed many babies constantly - these wet nurses were often prostitutes as the story says no longer able to sell what is between their legs but now sell their milk. Syphilis is real and it can transfer through breast milk - this issue is dealt with sympathetically but the descriptions are grueling. However even the author says in the postscript that she reckons her horrific descriptions are probably not even close to the hell these places were.
The ACTION is terrific. The LOVE story that started in the first novel is well developed in this second story. The HISTORIC period details are brilliant.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and I really say this is a great book - much stronger than the first book but both should be read to get into context.
There are a few central characters and several ancillary characters as well. All are well presented throughout the story. Definitely has a strong protagonist female lead that is quite believable for the time period. Enjoyed the story from start to finish!
I really enjoyed the continuation of Lucinda’s story! Lucinda’s strength in the face of explosive events is remarkable for a young woman in 1604. In addition, The Sisters of the Sword are wonderful characters—all very different women, yet very much supportive of each other. Grandma Jones is another wonderful character, a midwife and healer. Lucinda’s choice between her ‘love’ Robert, and the Spaniard DeGuerra, that wants her heart, is a decision women have made for centuries.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Swordmaster’s Daughter and this sequel just as enjoyable. Intrigue, mystery, action, duty vs love, coercion and fighting back, social issues, murder and explosive plots , this is a hard book to put down!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was able to read this book thanks to Book Sirens. Even better than the first book in the series! I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns Lucinda had to endure for Robbie. Love is worth the fight.
An excellent book in an terrific series. Action packed, steamy and thrilling. Treason, intrigue and plotting make up this story as well as a heartbreaking look at how women and babies were treated.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An excellent book in an terrific series. Action packed, steamy and thrilling. Treason, intrigue and plotting make up this story as well as a heartbreaking look at how women and babies were treated.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An Unsuitable Pursuit is the sequel to The Swordmaster's Daughter by Terri Green. This review has spoilers for The Swordmaster's Daughter. Picking up after the events of the first book, this novel follows Lucinda Evans, who is dealing with the fallout of the last book. She continues to teach the Sisters of the Sword and train to be a midwife with her grandmother.
Lucinda is also trapped in her agreement to spy for Lord Colin Cavendish, the Scottish spy master. He is also the man standing between her and her true love, his nephew Robert McCrae. He has a new assignment for her, one that goes against all her instincts.
To save her country and loved ones, she agrees, becoming entagled with a handsome and charming Spanish Ambassador. With the aid of some familar Sisters, she discovers something more sinister than she could have ever imagined.
Like the previous book, there is amazing attention to detail when it comes to the style of sword and swordfighting techniques. The author has also managed yet again to walk that line between having characters who are likeable and relatable in a historical setting, and having characters who are historically accurate. The story is, therefore, easy to fall into and very engaging.
Lucinda, for all her rebellious ways, feels like a character from this time period. Her relationships also feel real and authentic, as do the consequences she faces. The Sisters also get more time to shine as we spend more time with them all. They all feel real. Readers can emphasize with them and their struggles.
The mystery that Lucinda and the Sisters stumble upon was a delight. As a reader, you may pick it up before the characters do, but the mystery unfolds in a way that is still gripping to read. As Lucinda puts the pieces together, so do you, and there were still plenty of surprises along the way.
Lucinda is very different from the character we first encountered, but she is still herself. All the changes in her character are a result of something she encountered in the last book, either trauma, learning more about the injustices around her, or falling in love.
The situations she finds herself in are more adult, but so is she. Readers watched her grow and learn through the first book, and now we see her pick up where we left off. Her situation is dangerous, and the stakes are high. This is all reflected in the action.
There is some adult content in this novel, but it occurs between two consenting adults. There are also some moments that might be triggering to some readers. Like with the previous book in the series, however, the author handles everything tastefully.
If you like historical fiction mysteries with a compelling romance, and enjoyed the first book, this is definitely a book to check out. Hopefully, more books about Lucinda, Robbie, and the Sisters are coming soon!
I received a copy of this book through Reedsy Discovery.
This was a great read! It hooked me in right from the beginning and didn’t let go until the very end.
An Unsuitable Pursuit follows Lucinda Evans, daughter to a swordmaster, granddaughter to a midwife, and teacher to the Sisters of the Sword, a secret fencing group for women. Strong, independent, and often stubborn, Lucinda becomes caught in the cross hairs of Lord Cavendish’s ire. Not only is she and his nephew and heir, Robert McCrae very much in love, but past actions have her riding the edge to imprisonment. Lord Cavendish offers a solution though – spy for him and perhaps her charges will just… disappear. She agrees, but when he proposes she focus her attention on one particular man, Lucinda must figure out just how to walk the delicate line between what to reveal, and what to keep secret.
I honestly thought this was a really well-written book and can definitely be read as a standalone even thought it's the second in the series. Lucinda was a great main and I loved how she was strong, but not pushy. Her banter with the other characters felt honest and I personally quite liked how her relationship with Robbie was a bit of a slow burn – it made their moments together feel that much more intense. I do have to say that I was impressed with how the author created her cast of characters. Major players were memorable, even if they weren’t included in the scene, and somehow, I didn’t completely hate all the villains. It’s odd to say, but they felt… human, and not just selfish and manipulative. I also applaud Green on how she focused on the treason and intrigue rather than get caught up in the romance. I’ve read many a historical romance where the plot is after afterthought and happily, this wasn’t the case. I will be looking for the first in this series
Thank you Voracious Readers and Terri Green for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a lovely book. While it is a romance, it is also steeped in intrigue and spying. The Sisters of the Sword are faced with new dilemmas as they move beyond their initial troubles faced in the first book, keeping their friendships intact. Lord Cavendish digs his claws in, successfully misusing both Lucinda and his nephew, McCrae. The dashing DeGuerra reappears and plays the white knight to Lucinda despite her initial endeavor and could arguably be her hero in this book. I read a few reviews with upsetting comments about this book being too spicy and too focused on Lucinda's loss of virginity, but while that is a topic, it is not what I would ever consider too spicy or overly focused. Lord Cavendish is seeking to humiliate Lucinda in the most abhorrent and permanent way in hopes of making her forever tarnished in his nephew's eyes, so, yes, he puts the focus on Lucinda's virtue, but she saves it splendidly within the confines of their bargain. Hail DeGuerra! I'm torn between being glad for Lucinda and heartbroken for DeGuerra after his chivalry...even if he was a little greedy. I loved this book. There was still a focus on midwifery, swordsmanship, friendship, family, and political intrigue within a historical romance novel. Never a dull moment even with historical details, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and all of ots characters, even Cavendish in his disgusting ploys has his charms. It is part of a series that I highly recommend reading in order.
This story picks up the year after the first book and there is more political intrigue afoot and danger of an explosive revolt hovering on the horizon. And, of course, our indomitable Lucinda is the midst of it all.
Like the first book, I really enjoyed Lucinda's character. She is a young woman in the seventeenth century who was raised to be able to defend herself, yet as the world opens up to her, she finds that there are many women and children who have no one to speak for the atrocities done to them by a patriarchal system and society.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the secondary female characters who make up the "sisters of the sword" from the first book. Lucinda's experiences felt very insular and overwhelming, to the point where I felt a bit of heaviness reading this and had a hard time picking it up until the author weaved the plot involving DeGuerra in such a way that I felt a bit of relief and safe to move on with the story.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story that looks at the downtrodden circumstances of women and how they help one another to rise above with strength and through friendship.
3.5 ✨'s
I read and reviewed a copy of this eARC thanks to the author via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
The second book had more twists of a political nature and Lucinda's fellow's uncle is a powerful Scottish lord. He is a spymaster and uses both of them for his purposes. She is threaten with different things to force her to do as he asks. This includes seducing a Spainard to learn what he knows. There are many times that it is not clear if he is actually working for the side he claims. Unfortunately I never felt like the author ever gave a clear view of the uncle (main reason for a 4 star instead of 5 stars).
Lucinda continues to work with her grandmother in her healing but has found ways to help some other women. They in turn are a huge support to her although she tries to limit how much they know of her spying.
Lord Cavendish (Robbie's uncle, her fellow) starts to control more (or so he thinks) but she learns more on how to turn tables on him. How sucessful is she? Read this and see.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My thanks to the Author publisher's and Book Sirens for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review. This is the second book in the excellent Sisters of the Sword series, and continues where book one ended, however whilst there are some references to the previous story it could be read as a standalone story. Well written and researched with superb characters throughout, especially our ballsy brave fearless heroine and with a clever mix of fictional and real people. Atmospheric descriptive with a real feel for time and place, totally engaging from first to last page. A clever fast paced mystery, with moments of real hold your breath tension, a love story, at times poignant and sad at others laugh out loud funny. I look forward enormously to more to come. Completely and utterly recommended.
Lucinda Evans has become an unwilling spy and must now use her talents for King and Country - she has been ordered to seduce a Spanish swordsman. It is a cruel task, especially as it's been given to her by the uncle of the man she truly loves, Robert McCrae. Her heart may be in danger, but something more important is brewing in 1605 and it involves gunpowder, treason and plot...
Having finished the first book in the series, I was keen to dive back in - and I was not disappointed. This is an excellent sequel that develops Lucinda further as a character, as well as her relationships and her position in her world. I have quickly become attached to Lucinda and the Sisters of the Sword. Unfortunately, I must now wait much longer for the next book. Alas.
Action and intrigue. After finishing book one I could not wait to start book two and it did not disappoint it was so good. The heroine of the tale now must do something she really not comfortable doing. It is a lie and she might have to do something she really finds troubling. I really like other aspects of the book the author showcased just what a grand character the heroine is. For me this book was very well written just like the first book yet both books are stand alone reading and that is so great when that happen. High praise and I do recommend this book. I received this book for free from BookSirens and voluntarily chose to review it.
I left work early to finish this book I could not stop thinking about it! I am so glad I read the first book however did so a while ago so there was enough in this one to give me a refresher. The characters have further developed and Lucinda is now using her wits to play the game and win for the good guys. This book was fast-paced, with short chapters which made it easy to keep turning the page. I love Terri Green's writing style and learning the history whilst the story develops. Highly recommend this book.
I won this book as part of the goodreads giveaway.
I generally prefer Regency era historical fiction reads, but this one was pretty good for being set around the origins of Guy Fawkes day. The writing was good, the topics covered was good, but it did feel like it was trying to cover too much in one book. I felt the trip to protect the princess at the end felt out of nowhere and a bit forced. I probably won't read any of the authors other books written in this era, but overall it was pretty good.
Lucinda finds her backbone in this final book. This book is full of choices that Lucinda and Robert have to face that will test their love for each other. Lucinda learns to observe and negotiate in her favor when faced against an adversary. Robert has to try to stay away when Lucinda is doing her job, but he can't and their love for each other won't go away. I loved this series of books and would recommend them to anyone who wants a great love story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“An Unsuited Pursuit” I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this series, “The Swordmaster’s Daughter”. It was mainly about virtue, valor and justice. This one, however, seemed to focus a lot on Lucinda losing her virginity one way or another, and her sexual arousal or distress regarding such. I certainly could have done without the chapter devoted to her most descriptive sexual escapade. To me, this book was mainly a romance with some action and intrigue thrown in. I will not read the next book in the series to avoid more of the same.
I really enjoyed how this was ready to follow even without having read book 1. I like historical fiction but it also makes me mad to read about how women were treated then. The undercurrent of desire between Lucinda and Robert was heart breaking as they tried to navigate life without each other. Was a good quick read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just couldn’t put my kindle down until I had finished the book. I enjoyed how each scenario had been intricately crafted, the book being the perfect combination of mystery, thriller and suspense. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves reading historical fiction with a great dose of suspense and intrigue.
PS: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Terri Green has done it again! I couldn't wait to be reunited with Lucinda and the Sisters of the Sword and I was not disappointed. In fact, I loved this novel even more than the first, and that's saying something. Not only a brilliant, pacey plot but a cast of sassy, complex, gorgeous women, some truly excellent men (and some awful ones!) and lots of witty dialogue which Terri Green is so good at. An absolute page turner. Highly recommend.
Lucinda is back and her romance is ... rocky? complicated? Definitely complicated!
Placed in a position from which she seems unable to win, Lucinda and her Sisters of the Sword manage to foil a famous plot, ensure the safety of the unwanted, and ensure her happy-ever-after --- as long as McCrae doesn't mess it up. Definitely complicated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the Sisters of the Sword series, and this book is simply wonderful! It picks up after “The Swordmaster’s Daughter” and follows Lucinda and Robbie in the time of the Gunpowder Plot. There is so much tension and need between these two, and it is perfectly balanced in the plot with action and espionage, and the Sisters becoming serious badasses. Very highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The beginning of the book definitely caught my attention. I was drawn in by Lucinda’s compassionate side for the infant and the other babies struggling to stay alive with the wet nurse. You will find action and entertainment in the book. The romance reads like a steamy romance novel. I liked the book. I thought it was a good read. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy the way the author weaves the story, there is enough fact to get a real flavour of the times and enough fiction to keep the story flowing nicely. I hope that she is planning further instalments in this series and they are captivating to read. A great story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lucinda is in a spot. She is being forced by Lord Cavendish (her beau Robert's uncle) to spy on a Catholic lothario to see if there is a plot to subverting protestant monarchy. In a tight spot, since she does love Robert, Lucinda and her sisters must uncover the truth. Fast-paced and good resolution to the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. An Unsuitable Pursuit was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!