Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the 3rd BOTM of July 2022. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Join us in this Suspense/Mystery selection and Happy Reading!



Heiress for Hire by Madeline Hunter

In this stunning series debut from New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter, a duke's mysterious bequest brings fortune—and passion—to three young women...

Minerva Hepplewhite has learned the hard way how to take care of herself. When an intruder breaks into her home, she doesn't swoon or simper. Instead, she wallops the rogue over the head and ties him up—only to realize he is Chase Radnor, the man who nearly got her convicted of her late husband's murder. Now, he's insisting that Minerva has inherited a fortune from his uncle, a wealthy Duke. Only one thing could surprise her more: her sudden attraction to this exasperating man...

Chase can't decide whether Minerva is a wronged woman or a femme fatale. Either way, he's intrigued. Since the scandal surrounding her husband's death, she has set up a discreet detective business to rival Chase's own. She may be the perfect person to help him uncover the truth about his uncle's demise. But as proximity gives way to mutual seduction, Chase realizes he craves a much deeper alliance...

I read this book on my Kobo+ e reader. This book is the first in a series. It was written like a traditional murder mystery style with a love story between two ‘ discreet inquiries’ detectives. Most murder mysteries are solved in the story but not this one. It was well written with a great love story between Minerva and Chase. I gave this 4 stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wait! The mystery is not solved? Do you have to continue the series? :(

I've gotten started and so far so good. @Lauren, based on reviews, the mystery is continued into the next book or two. Since there are three mystery heiresses, I'm guessing it will ultimately be a three book series or 3 book arc. Book 3 has not been released yet.

I'm halfway through the book. Am enjoying the rather natural way that Chase and Minerva are learning to work together and explore their mutual attraction. The active mystery is a great backdrop to their romance. I really like Minerva's character. She's not flashy at all, but she knows who she is and what she's capable of, except maybe in romance. She's still learning in that area. It's all good.

A couple of years ago I read and really liked the Rothwell Brothers 4 book series by Hunter, so will give this one a try. I have tried a few others of her books but so far haven't found any I like as much as the Rothwell brothers. Not yet, anyway. Maybe this will be the one:)

In terms of the mystery not being solved by the end of this book, it was the same in the Rothwell Brothers. A overarching mystery ran through the books, but they still stood up as individual books. It worked in that series so hopefully it works in this series too.

I have just started Heiress For Hire this morning (It's July already in Australia LOL) and liking it OK so far. I'm not too sure why Minerva (view spoiler)[has decided to go ahead with creating her investigation company when she has just come into an enormous amount of money. It's a bit of a stretch for a woman to begin such a company (or any company!) in those times, much less when she is now suddenly very rich. (hide spoiler)] Still, I'm keeping an open mind as I read on.

I am going to be frustrated to not solve the mystery until the end of the series, but I am going to read the book anyway. It's been difficult for me to find time to join in the books of the month, so this will probably be my only one for July.

I have started this book and am up to chapter 3. I adore this topic and love to read historical mysteries. So far (all 35 pages have been interesting)

Up to chapter 9 and I like that it is a nice blend of romance and mystery.

I enjoyed this one and look forward to the next. It looks like book 3 has been delayed as it was due to be released in April.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This is a book I cannot seem to put down - my favorite by Madeline Hunter thus far I think.

Jan wrote: "A couple of years ago I read and really liked the Rothwell Brothers 4 book series by Hunter, so will give this one a try. I have tried a few others of her books but so far haven't found any I like ..."

Regarding the spoiler, though it may but be unusual for her time, it seems consistent with her character. She loves what she does, so she's proceeding now that she has the capital even if she won't need the funds. I really like Minerva's character, and it worked for me even if historically farfetched.

Mariana wrote: "Regarding the spoiler, though it may but be unusual for her time, it seems consistent with her character. She loves what she does, so she's proceeding now that she has the capital even if she won't need the funds. I really like Minerva's character, and it worked for me even if historically farfetched."

Thanks Mariana. I'm in Chapter 9 (about 1/3 of the way through) and will keep going.

Jan, I did kind of agree with your spoiler in that it seemed to be more of a plot device. But I very much enjoyed the book.

Jan, hope it improves for you. I have not read a lot by this author and rated the few 3 stars. Maybe I should check out the Rothwell Brothers.

I ended with my same opinion as early on - favorite Madeline Hunter book I've read. I'm proceeding to book 2 of the series. I do want to find out who killed the duke! Hope there are others who enjoy this BOTM.

I liked this one. At times it reminded me of some of the older Amanda Quick books, but seeing a couple discover similarities and learn to work together is always fun. I don't mind the overarching mystery in a series. I will look out for the next one. I've read a lot of Madeline Hunter's books over time and she never disappoints.

I have only read two books of Huters and gave 4* to both. Look forward to reading more.

I immediately started book 2 after I finished this one. It was not nearly as good in my opinion, and there was no progress on who killed the duke. I still may read book 3 once it is released.

I had also read two books by Madeline Hunter before this one, but I rated both of them 3 stars. I like her writing, but I don't usually like her heroes.

I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the romance. As Oleander pointed out earlier it was lovely the way that Chase and Minerva's relationship evolved and that they were willing to explore their mutual attraction without it being all consuming and desperate. It was much more realistic than many other romances. There was a depth to it.

The actual mystery was more a plot device to build the romance around I think. I am looking forward to reading the next two books; it is a shame that book 3 is delayed. I loved the relationship between the cousins - especially Chase, Nicholas and Kevin - and again it was realistic.....the niggling, their independence of each other, but also that family bond and trust. I am looking forward to reading about them in future as much as I am the resolution of the mystery.

I think I have only read one Madeline Hunter novel before - the first Rothwell book - but I seem to remember enjoying it. I am not sure why I have not read any others. I should rectify this.

I took a break from this one but picked it up again yesterday and have now finished it. I enjoyed it. 3.5 to 4 stars. I agree with other comments that the relationship between Chase and Minerva developed and grew nicely. This was probably the best part of the book, although I did enjoy the mystery aspects too.

It was a little frustrating that part of the mystery is not yet resolved, but otherwise overall I was satisfied with the book's ending. Book 2 seems to have very mixed reviews and it's also quite pricy on kindle Australia, so I think I might wait on that one. Maybe the price will come down.

This was a good choice for BOTM. It's been on my tbr for a while, and BOTM made me finally read it :) I think it will appeal to a wide range of HR readers, and I hope quite a few of the group are enjoying the read, even though not that many have commented here.

Jan, I agree with your review. I do wonder what the holdup is with the final instalment of the series that ties all the stories up. This BOTM topic is my fav area to read so I have been soooo happy.

Jan, I am lucky as my local library has it (in large print even...). They don't have an extensive selection of HR so I was surprised. It is annoying how many books are more expensive in Australia or not available at all. It seems we really are upside down

Susan wrote: "Jan, I am lucky as my local library has it (in large print even...). They don't have an extensive selection of HR so I was surprised. It is annoying how many books are more expensive in Australia o..."

Good thought, Susan. I see it is available from my library too :) In the past they haven't been too good on having many HRs on their shelf, but in this case, yes! Yay.

Are you able to put in book request in at your library? I am allowed 5 a month and have had very good results. I am limited to books published in the last 3 years.

Merry Jewelhound wrote: "Are you able to put in book request in at your library? I am allowed 5 a month and have had very good results. I am limited to books published in the last 3 years."

Yes, and not just limited to the last 3 years. This is actual paper books not ebooks, although they have those too. They will text me when it's in. Very convenient.

I am wondering whether anyone has any thoughts on who actually did the crime? I am part way through book 2 and I am thinking it might be Felicity. I cannot imagine the Duke's sisters doing it and it obviously is not Chase, Kevin or Nicholas, which narrows the field somewhat.

I am just now starting the book! Hope it's not too late. I love that it's both a romance and a murder mystery.

Caterina wrote: "I am just now starting the book! Hope it's not too late. I love that it's both a romance and a murder mystery."

Caterina, it is never too late!! Hope you enjoy

Susan wrote: "I am wondering whether anyone has any thoughts on who actually did the crime? I am part way through book 2 and I am thinking it might be Felicity. I cannot imagine the Duke's sisters doing it and i..."

It’s been long enough since I read that I am not sure if I have an idea or if I ever did, but it might be a long wait to find out. The third book isn’t out, though its GR date has April of this year. It’s not on her website or for sale from vendors, and I haven’t seen an update about it. Does anyone know what is going on with it? Seems like it might be like Tessa Dare’s The Bride Bet, where it’s caught up in some kind of limbo.

Just started reading. Does anyone know what era the story takes place? Early Victorian or Regency? The author mentions bowstreet runners, so I know it doesn't take place after 1839.

Caterina, happy for more to read and get their ideas on the book.

Susan, I didn't start the next as I am overloaded with library books (as always, I bit off more than I can chew) For me it's pretty wide open who could have done it right now.

Lauren, I don't remember anything that really pointed to era....

Joanna, I do hate it when books are listed, or a series is not finished. I am waiting on the 3rd books after Ten Things I Hate About the Duke. I would like it if the author would at least put out a blub as to what's going on.

Joanna, I don't know what's going on either. I would read it if released even though I didn't care for the second book.

There are two last books in series I have completely given up on Fallen Ladies #4 No Kind of Lady by Amy Sandas and The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #3 Highland Ever After by Maya Banks. Hope this one doesn't end up like those.

Perhaps the author hasn't worked out who killed the Duke yet either!! That would be a dilemma...

Susan wrote: "Perhaps the author hasn't worked out who killed the Duke yet either!! That would be a dilemma..."

Yes, it would!

I loved the book! I really enjoyed the three different story lines: the love story between Minerva and Chase, the investigation with into the Duke's murder, and the mystery around why the Duke left her the inheritance. Minerva and Chase are great together and the way their story developed was both sweet and natural.

I would have preferred to have some resolution on the murder mystery front. I'm all for this mystery continuing in the next two books, but based on their introductions, neither Colin nor Nicolas seem like particularly interesting leads.

Caterina wrote: "I loved the book! I really enjoyed the three different story lines: the love story between Minerva and Chase, the investigation with into the Duke's murder, and the mystery around why the Duke left..."

Glad you enjoyed it! I agree and would also have preferred some resolution on the mystery.

I just finished Book 2, Heiress In Red Silk, and really enjoyed it. Got it from my library rather than buying it, as some of the reviews were a bit lukewarm. But I enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars. Looking forward to Book 3 now - was 'supposed' to be published April 2022 but still no firm date. Oh well. Hopefully when it does arrive it's another enjoyable one.

@way to go Jan! The ,"me" talk didn't get on your nerves. I'm curious who the guilty party is. Me? I think it's Felicity.

keep us updated, so I can cheat ;)

Lauren wrote: "@way to go Jan! The ,"me" talk didn't get on your nerves. I'm curious who the guilty party is. Me? I think it's Felicity.

keep us updated, so I can cheat ;)"

I wasn't rapt in the 'me' talk stuff either. It was a bit annoying but I still enjoyed the read. I really don't have any theories about the killer - I'm usually not very good at whodunnits lol. Felicity is a possibility, but so are some of the nastier cousins.

Jan wrote: "I just finished Book 2, Heiress In Red Silk, and really enjoyed it. Got it from my library rather than buying it, as some of the reviews were a bit lukewarm. But I enjoyed it and ga..."

Glad you liked it! I plan to read Heiress In Red Silk up next.

I also hope the third book comes out soon, because I need to know!

Felicity would makes sense as a suspect. I feel like it could be someone who needed money and thought they would inherit a lot. Alternatively, it could be someone who had a big problem with the duke, and I feel like we haven't been told about that yet. Or maybe things have been hinted, and I just haven't been paying enough attention.

Caterina, you think it's Felicity too? I'll be looking forward for the 3rd book.

Felicity was also high on my list of suspects. However by the end of book 2 I was also thinking that it may be cousin Philip. My prediction for book 3 is as follows: (view spoiler)[ >The third heiress is someone who Philip has compromised and has borne his child - the Duke finds out and gives her money. I also think they will set this one mostly at Manton (?the country estate). Then it would make sense that Philip killed the Duke after he was taken to task about his treatment of women.....but then again Felicity is very greedy..... (hide spoiler)]Oh well - we shall have to wait and see...

Ha ha interesting theories Susan and Caterina. The third book is called The Heiress Bride and there is a blurb on goodreads. No cover image yet though.

I wonder when they'll release the 3rd book? If they wait too long I'll lose interest in it.

Jan wrote: "Ha ha interesting theories Susan and Caterina. The third book is called The Heiress Bride and there is a blurb on goodreads. No cover image yet though."

Oh well, according to the blurb I am incorrect. I did like my story though.

Susan wrote: "Oh well, according to the blurb I am incorrect. I did like my story though."

Ha ha. Yeah it was pretty good.

I finished the second book, Heiress In Red Silk! I enjoyed it, but it was a little disappointing. It felt forced to have the romance between another heiress and another cousin. What are the odds there? And there was practically no progress on the murder mystery.

@Lauren- Felicity seemed like a great suspect after the first book, but the second book hints at a redemption arc for her.

@Susan- I like your theory! (view spoiler)[Maybe the third heiress, Iris Barrington, is someone who helps the women that cousin Philip compromised.

Philip is already a really bad guy, so I wouldn't be surprised if he was also a murderer.

Also, since the third heiress is a rare books dealer, that crowd could also be involved in the murder. (hide spoiler)]

Heads Up! Book 3 is due in May. Yea! We can find our mystery answers.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...

Thanks for the update!

This is so exciting!!! Can we do a group read that month? I can’t wait to find out how it ends.