A PROPER ROMANCE: The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden

THE BACHELOR AND THE BRIDE

The Dread Penny Society #4

A Proper Romance

by Sarah M. Eden

Shadow Mountain, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-63993-048-7

Source: purchased copy & ARC from publisher for review

Adult historical romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

London, 1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.

But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.

When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life might now save Barnabus―and his lonely heart.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they'll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.

REVIEW

The fourth book in The Dread Penny Society series find the society sinking deeper and deeper into trouble. As the society seeks to learn more about the Mastiff and his crew and their awful plans for the city, Dr. Barnabus Milligan faces a dilemma of his own. A secret marriage comes to light, bringing the woman he tried to save back into his life. Gemma left after discovering he didn't love her the way she loved him. But now, her life is at grave risk as her family of resurrectionists tries to bring her back into the fold of their criminal activity which seems to be connected to both the Mastiff and the Dread Penny Society. Integrated into the story are two penny dreadfuls 'written' by Dr. Milligan and 'Mr. King' another of the members of the Dread Penny Society. In this series, the fascinating way the penny dreadfuls intertwine with the main storyline, keeps one turning the pages. And this fourth book in a five book series builds the tension to a crescendo. By the time the book ends, the society is facing it's demise and a disaster than anything they could imagine. A couple of interesting twists at the end definitely surprised me and sent the story into a rather unusual direction. I love the way that the author blends her characters, setting, and stories (including the penny dreadful tales) until they are all part of one connected whole. 

PROPER ROMANCE REVIEW : Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

HEARTS OF BRIARWALL

by Krista Jensen

Shadow Mountain, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-62972-996-1

Source: ARC from publisher for review

Historical romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by publisher through deseretbook.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacs the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune. Spencer is torn between his dream of owning his own business and risking his heart for a relationship with a free-spirited woman determined to live life to the fullest.

REVIEW

One of my favorite things about Hearts of Briarwall, other than the romance, is the friendship Lydia shares with the other ladies of the Wendy League.  They are truly delightful as characters and I hope to read more about the other ladies in future books.  As for this one, Lydia is the heroine and she makes a good one.  Her feistiness and willingness to speak up for what she wants and believes makes her a great character to root for, especially during the historical period in which she is placed. The hero, Spencer, makes an interesting match for Lydia since he is from a poor area of London, and is seeking investors for his motorcar supply business.  The motorcar angle made for an intriguing storyline, especially considering Lydia's family's history with automobiles.  The fact that Lydia was the assertive one in the romance and Spencer the reluctant one, for good reason, made for the perfect touch considering the female characters efforts toward women's suffrage.  Lydia's efforts to pursue her own interests and feelings contrasted nicely with her brother's efforts to 'keep the bird caged' so to speak.  And poor Spencer finds himself caught between his friendship with her brother and his growing feelings for her, especially as he has his own secret.  I thoroughly enjoyed this ode to female independence and finding a partner who loves you the way you are.  Recommended. 

THE VALET'S SECRET by Josi Kilpack: a delightfully unexpected tale of romance between the classes with a Cinderella vibe.

THE VALET'S SECRET

Proper Romance

by Josi S. Kilpack

Shadow Mountain, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-62972-989-3

Source: ARC from publisher for review. Thanks!

Historical romance

All opinions expressed are solely  my own.

Book summary and book cover obtained from Deseretbook.com & publisher.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—Kenneth Winterton.

Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca’s life does that...except how he feels when she is with him.

Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.

REVIEW

As with all her books, Josi Kilpack manages to make this historical romance based on a fairy tale feel fresh and new.  Kilpack creates such interesting characters who are fully fleshed out.  They have strengths and weaknesses, interesting personalities, and diverse backgrounds.  This story creates an interesting contrast between the two main characters while still finding common ground between them.  Rebecca Parker's background as her father's artistic assistant and former maid stands in stark contrast to Kenneth Winterton's background as a gentleman who has become heir to an earl.  According to their classes the two would have never conversed except as servant and gentleman.  But an inadvertent encounter changes both their lives.  In an attempt to ease the awkwardness of their meeting Kenneth lies about who he is, believing they aren't likely to meet again.  When they do meet again and discover the connection between them remains, things get more complicated, especially when Rebecca does eventually find out his correct name and position.  It seems their is no hope for a relationship between them despite their growing feelings for each other.  But perhaps an extra ounce of courage and help from a surprising source may pave the way for more than either could have ever dreamed.  

This Cinderella-based tale made for thoroughly enjoyable reading.  Both Kenneth and Rebecca are sympathetic characters who find themselves in difficult circumstances yet find joy in each other's company.  I also appreciated the fact that both characters are middle-aged and not expecting to find romance when they meet.  I found it refreshing to read about characters who come from more humble circumstances who struggle with their changes in circumstances but have the maturity to face them with courage and compassion.  Kenneth and Rebecca's love story is full of delightful details and smile-inducing moments.  A thoroughly engaging read for those who love clean historical romance as I do.

PROPER ROMANCE: The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

THE MATCHMAKER'S LONELY HEART

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Shadow Mountain, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-62972-927-5

Source: ARC from publisher for review

Historical Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple's blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie's book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law dies in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman's body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman's husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe's innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NANCY CAMPBELL ALLEN is the award-winning author of eighteen published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres, ranging from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her most recent books, which include Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romance, are published under Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance brand, and the What Happens in Venice novella series is part of the Timeless Romance Anthology collection published by Mirror Press. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

Nancy loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She nurtures a current obsession for true crime podcasts and is a news junkie. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah, with her family, one very large Siberian Husky named Thor, and an obnoxious but endearing YorkiePoo named Freya.

REVIEW

This romantic suspense follows the adventures of a rather naïve young matchmaker who inadvertently gets involved in solving a murder.  After Detective Michael Baker catches Amelia spying on a couple that she helped match, he enlists her help in getting close to Harold Radcliffe who he suspects of having murdered his wife.  Amelia reluctantly agrees hoping to prove Mr. Radcliffe's innocence.  What she doesn't expect is finding herself caught between Mr. Radcliffe's charm and Detective Baker's attractiveness.  When a second murder occurs, it becomes clear that the risk to both Amelia and Michael and their loved ones is also increasing.  If they don't find answers quickly, it may soon be too late.  

Amelie and Michael both make for delightful reading.  Amelie's romantic nature and touch of naivete made her a bit frustrating at times, but her spunk and determination balanced that out nicely.  Michael makes for a solid hero with his dedication to finding the truth and to his family.  The secondary characters were great also.  Radcliffe makes for an intriguing, dangerous foe while Amelie's cousins, Eva and Charlotte stand as interesting characters all on their own.  The plot takes several interesting twists along the way as does the romance.  Not only does this book work well as a romance, but it's a fantastic mystery as well with plenty of action and adventure along the way.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to run into these characters again. 

A PROPER ROMANCE : Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen

BRASS CARRIAGES AND GLASS HEARTS

A Steampunk Cinderella

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Shadow Mountain, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-62972-737-0

Source: ARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea has been an outspoken advocate for the shapeshifter community, which has come under unjust attack from a political body known as the PSRC (Predatory Shifter Regulations Committee), and her robust efforts have landed her a prestigious position as the spokesperson for the International Shifter Rights Organization. She has been selected to give the final address in Scotland before they vote on legislation that will grant protective rights to the shifter community. Because she is fundamentally changing the laws, she is also receiving death threats.

Oliver Reed is a by-the-book detective-inspector who has dealt with Emme’s borderline-illegal activism in the past, and there is little love lost between the two. When his superior tasks Oliver with guarding Emme around the clock to keep her safe until the summit is over, he is frustrated. He has several open cases requiring his attention, and his spare time is occupied with chasing down leads about the whereabouts of his brother, Lawrence, a rogue vampire bent on causing trouble in Scotland.

When their airship is hijacked, Emme and Oliver are forced to parachute away before they exit British soil. Together the pair must make their way to Edinburgh so as not to miss the summit meeting where Emme will be key in helping to pass legislation that will disband the corrupt PSRC. But between her vindictive sister and Oliver’s rogue vampire brother, they face danger at every turn, not to mention dealing with their growing attraction for each other.

When Emme is kidnapped – Oliver must find her before it’s too late – and the summit ends at midnight.

REVIEW

I have absolutely adored Allen's Steampunk Proper Romance series.  I am really sad to see it end, but this book definitely lives up to the rest of the series.  Oliver Reed works for Scotland Yard as an Detective-Inspector.  His job brings him into contact with Emmeline O'Shea who helps lead the movement to give shape-shifters rights under the law.  Unfortunately, sometimes the rallies and protests she lead get out of control and turn violent.  Emme and Oliver have been "enemies" for quite some time until Emme receives a nasty letter that requires Oliver to become her bodyguard until the writer is found.  While this is annoying to Emme, she finds herself enjoying Oliver's company more than she imagined.  But her ongoing efforts to help the shifters and her important upcoming speech at an international summit on shifter rights put her squarely in the sights of someone with horrible motives. Despite Oliver's best efforts, they get separated and must face their own familial enemies.  While the cause of shifter rights survive without Emme's speech?  Will Oliver and Emme meet again?  Or will all their efforts have been for naught.

Not only are Emme and Oliver delightful characters who I thoroughly enjoyed reading about, but they also provide a very entertaining romance full of witty banter and plenty of death-defying action.  I also enjoyed the appearance of their friends from the previous books.  The action keeps the book moving forward at a rapid pace, leaving the reader on the edge of his/her seat.  The steampunk details related to automatons, cars, and airships add to the atmosphere and excitement of the book.  All in all a wonderful conclusion to an awesome series that I heartily recommend. 

A PROPER ROMANCE : Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

 

ISABELLE AND ALEXANDER

by Rebecca Anderson

Shadow Mountain, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-62972-847-6

Source: ARC from publisher for review.

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father's coal mines with Alexander Osgood's prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander's wife.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn't bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny? The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle's opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.

REVIEW

This tender story of growing love in the face of tragic and difficult circumstances touched my heart in a lot of ways.  Isabelle knows little about her new husband other than that he runs a successful mill and there marriage will benefit both him and her father.  She hopes over time that she and Alexander can form a good relationship.  What she didn't expect was his cold politeness and feelings constantly alone in a polluted and unknown city.  Her only solace is the friendship she strikes up with the wife and daughter of one of Alexander's business managers.  But after a trip to the countryside results in a terrible accident that leaves him unable to move much things get even more complicated.  Isabelle's efforts to help to husband as well as find a place for herself in her new home made for compelling reading.  Isabelle's goodness made her easy to cheer for as she tried to establish a relationship with her husband.  Alexander is hard to connect with at first until, through Isabelle's eyes, I started to see the reasons for his behavior.  The couple's struggles with both Alec's injury and the other consequences of it made for a thoroughly engaging read.  I appreciated the details about Manchester and the mill business as well. Those kind of historical details helped the story come to life in a vivid way.  All in all a delightful, sympathetic romance with the kind of details and emotion that I enjoy.

 

A PROPER ROMANCE : The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden

THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN

by Sarah M. Eden

Shadow Mountain, 2019

ISBN: 9781629726052

Source: ARC from publisher for review

Historical Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school in 1830s Victorian London. She is also a well-respected author of ”silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories--the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Charles King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats, intelligent detectives solving grisly murders, and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.

Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Charles King started taking all of his readers. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the social and political causes of their working-class readers. The group knows King could be an asset with his obvious monetary success, or he could be the group’s undoing as King’s readership continues to cut into their profits.

Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. What neither author anticipated was the instant attraction, even though their social positions dictate the impossibility of a relationship.

For the first time Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

REVIEW

Sarah Eden has created another delightful series with enjoyable characters and unusual story lines.  I never get tired of reading her stories.  This book is especially intriguing because of the stories within the story.  Both main characters are writers of penny dreadful stories, the shocking but adventurous stories that the working class loves but which are considered inappropriate and poorly written by the upper classes.  Elizabeth, as the headmistress of a girl's school can't afford to let the world know of her side hobby, it would ruin her reputation, so she runs her school and writes literature for the upper class. 

 

Fletcher Walker on the other hand knows little of the upper class as he grew up as a street urchin, struggling to survive each day.  As an adult, he makes a living writing penny dreadfuls and working with a secret organization to help others.  When Elizabeth and Fletcher meet, an attraction develops despite their different backgrounds.  And Elizabeth's efforts to help Fletcher and his secret organization leads to some unexpected danger for her and her school.

 

The inclusion of Fletcher's and Elizabeth's current penny dreadful stories in episodes adds to the entertainment to be found in the book.  The stories are quite different but both enjoyable.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading about an aspect of the Regency world that isn't addressed as often as the upper classes.  The character's banter was witty and smile-inducing as Eden's dialogue often tends to be. Once again, Eden has presented readers with an engaging, entertaining historical tale that still manages to address serious issues in a way that makes a reader care.

PROPER ROMANCE REVIEW : Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker

LAKESHIRE PARK

Proper Romance

by Megan Walker

Shadow Mountain, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-62972-734-9

Source: ARC from publisher for review (Thank you!)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amelia Moore is worried about her and her sister's future. With their stepfather's looming death, she knows they'll soon be on their own—without an inheritance, home, or penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia is eager to encourage a match between her sister, Clara, and Sir Ronald. At least then, she'll know her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his sister. Starting with a quarrel over a glove, Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry—one that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim—her heart. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


MEGAN WALKER was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in Early Childhood Education at Brigham Young University, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings wouldn’t leave her alone, so she picked up a pen, and the rest is history. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and three children.

REVIEW

This absolutely delightful Regency novel follows the marriage-seeking adventures of Amelia Moore and her sister, Clara.  The girl's stepfather is dying and makes it clear to Amelia that he has no intention of leaving them any sort of livelihood.  When he dies they will be homeless and penniless. In order to avoid poverty, at least one of the girls must marry.  Luckily they have just been invited to a house party hosted by Sir Ronald at Lakeshire Park.  Amelia knows that Clara likes Sir Ronald and is determined to help her sister win him over. 

What she doesn't expect is meeting Mr. Peter Wood who is out to help his sister win over Sir Ronald.  In an effort to get Mr. Wood out of the way, Amelia sets out to distract him. After making a bargain where they spend every afternoon together, Amelia and Peter find themselves getting to know each other.  And Amelia, who disliked Peter at first because of a brief encounter in the local town, reluctantly finds herself falling in love.  But complications abound.  Clara doesn't like Peter or his sister, her rival.  And with Lord Grey's death imminent and Clara's relationship with Sir Ronald up in the air, Amelia must decide whether to accept a marriage of convenience or take a risk on love.

Amelia and Peter's witty and amusing relationship made for a thoroughly engaging, enjoyable read.  I found myself grinning and even laughing out loud at times.  Amelia's boldness and Peter's playfulness made for some truly fun reading.  The romance was tender and sweet, especially once Amelia accepts her changing feelings.  There's plenty of conflict with Peter's sister, Georgiana, is determined to win Sir Ronald and is willing to do anything to accomplish her goal.  Amelia's worries about her and her sister's future leads her to make some interesting decisions, both good and bad.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story full of humor and romance.  This one is definitely going on my favorites shelf. Highly recommended.

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