Heard about this book on the latest Fated Mates podcast episode and remembered I had it on my shelves, somewhere. Also remembered that I really enjoyed Kelly Bowen’s Dover series a long while back, but somehow never got around to her other books. So I extracted this one from my TBR and couldn’t put it down again: what an engrossing read. The perfect blend of romantic suspense and romance and humor. Absolutely loved everything about it! The storyline, the character arcs of Max and Ivory, the female empowerment woven through it all and the great and at times funny cast of minor characters. Luckily I also have the other two books in the series on my shelves!

Another pageturner in the Captain Lacey mystery series that had me guessing until the end. Intriguing subplot that I hope to see more of in subsequent books. I’m being purposefully vague to avoid spoilers. As said before, for the full effect it is best to read these books in order.

I've been reading the entire Captain Lacey series, and loved it, but somehow I managed to let 4,5 years slip before coming back to the series. I'm glad I did. I love (the sometimes a bit uncouth and impulsive) Gabriel and his extended (found) family. The Rome setting with the historical tidbits were really interesting and I really could not figure the mystery out until it was revealed in the end. I was glad Donata made her appearance eventually, because I love her personality and her interactions with Gabriel. This series is written by Ashley Gardner, one of the pen names of Jennifer Ashley (possibly also a pen name). She writes excellent mysteries (and historical romance!). Her Jennifer Ashley mystery series published by Berkley - Below Stairs, featuring Victorian Cook Kat Holloway - is also highly recommended. The Captain Lacey series is self published, after the first six were originally trad published by Berkley but discontinued in 2006. This is a long running series and even though you can read this as a standalone, you would really benefit from reading it from the beginning.

I love Kat Holloway and her found family. So when I saw this novella I jumped right in. Jennifer Ashley is such a gifted writer. I enjoy all her books, including those written as Ashley Gardner. This novella is another well rounded addition to the Below Stairs mystery series featuring Kat Holloway, a cook in a London townhouse. I always enjoy the below stairs interactions of Kat with the other servants and how she manages to empower those less fortunate, especially the female servants. Cameos from Daniel, James, Thanos and Lady Cynthia make this book complete. I would advise reading this series in order.

Lovely cozy Victorian mystery. Quick and easy read with short chapters that kept me turning the pages. The writing has not a lot of descriptive exposition, it’s dialogue driven. So skip this if you want to be completely immersed in all the period details. I liked the flow of the book and the quick, short chapters. It was exactly what I needed to get out of a bit of a slump. Emma is terribly naive at times, but she is definitely no damsel in distress. Really enjoyed her burgeoning friendship with Penny (and eventually James). Refreshingly the story does not seem to be a setup for a sleuthing romance couple (at this point at least). If anything, it is an ode to female friendship and women helping each other.

I really enjoyed this book and its unique storyline of Mexican heiresses in Victorian England. Recommended if you are in the mood for a historical that is different, diverse and empowering women.

I absolutely loved this book! Joanna Lowell is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors. Kit and Muriel were perfect, both together and individually. Also loved the banter with al the minor characters, including the Mutton Wheelers. As an avid cyclist myself and being Dutch to boot, I loved the insight into the history of cycling. And to top things off I’ve very recently been in Cornwall myself and was picturing everything in my mind. Would not cycle on the coastal roads in Cornwall nowadays, but in Victorian times without any cars, yes please! Finally, I learned a lot about gender and queer identity in Victorian times and I would definitely recommend reading the historical note at the end.