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madissonjansen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
amandacruikshank's review against another edition
4.0
This was closer to a 4.5 star for me. I really enjoyed the first in this series, and while this one was still great - it didn’t move quite as fast as the first, but still worth my time!
raebrock's review against another edition
4.0
I admit that it’s been a while between the time when I read the first book and this one. I missed Eliza but I also remembered thinking after the end of the first book that there’s no way they could have ever really worked out in the time period so I understood why Henry and Eliza would have to part and I was glad that they both got happy endings and remained close friends.
Like Eliza, Isabella had known cruelty from men and Sir Henry teaches her that she was worthy, deserving and able to be loved by a man without violence and anger. This series is dark when it comes to the portrayal of sexual violence against women, but rape and violence are things that too many women have had to survive throughout time and not all of them had Henrys to help them through the aftermath. It’s bad enough for women in such situations today but the consequences were much darker in Regency times when women held much less power and autonomy, even those protected by titles and money. Schwarz gives these women back their power and gives them love and justice and happy endings and that’s why I love this series. I can’t wait to read about Eliza and her new love next.
Like Eliza, Isabella had known cruelty from men and Sir Henry teaches her that she was worthy, deserving and able to be loved by a man without violence and anger. This series is dark when it comes to the portrayal of sexual violence against women, but rape and violence are things that too many women have had to survive throughout time and not all of them had Henrys to help them through the aftermath. It’s bad enough for women in such situations today but the consequences were much darker in Regency times when women held much less power and autonomy, even those protected by titles and money. Schwarz gives these women back their power and gives them love and justice and happy endings and that’s why I love this series. I can’t wait to read about Eliza and her new love next.
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
I had fun in reading this story and I found it well written even and gripping.
Good character and plot development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good character and plot development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
transportedlfl's review against another edition
3.0
I saw this billed as a historical romance with mystery and intrigue. I would classify it much more as a mystery set in regency England with a bit of romance added. Sir Henry is the male protagonist, and he is not set up as a romantic hero that I could admire, despite being a secret agent.
The mystery revolves around a group of men who abuse women and wish to take their revenge on Henry. The story improves over time and is well written throughout. However, the mystery is never hard to guess and not fully resolved by the ending.
If you like historical mysteries, this may be a great fit for you. I recommend strongly against reading the synopsis first, as it gives away more than 75 percent of the book's plot.
TW: rape
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
The mystery revolves around a group of men who abuse women and wish to take their revenge on Henry. The story improves over time and is well written throughout. However, the mystery is never hard to guess and not fully resolved by the ending.
If you like historical mysteries, this may be a great fit for you. I recommend strongly against reading the synopsis first, as it gives away more than 75 percent of the book's plot.
TW: rape
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
mollyringle's review against another edition
5.0
I think I liked this book even better than the first, [b:The Innkeeper's Daughter|51767164|The Innkeeper's Daughter|Bianca M. Schwarz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612076442l/51767164._SY75_.jpg|88502380]! Also, I think a person could read this one without having read the first; most of the relevant background info is mentioned in this book too.
Henry is a lovable rogue, a character type I tend to be soft on, and leads a nonstandard life indeed, being a spy for the crown while keeping up the appearance of a carefree rich guy with a beloved illegitimate daughter. But he does long to settle down at last with a wife he can truly love and confide in—if he can find such a woman.
Isabella turns out to be the perfect match for him, even if she doesn't think so at first, what with her own past trauma that shuts her out from intimacy. Or so she has told herself.
The healing, the trust, the gorgeous scenery in and around Brighton, the Romantic poetry and art, the Regency fashions—it's all so luscious to read! And yet the story goes deeper than many Regency romances, touching upon the pain of sexual assault (especially in a time when women weren't listened to about such things, and psychology was less understood), and the shady dealings of perversely minded hellfire clubs. There are so many lovable characters, and I'm glad the series is going to continue!
Henry is a lovable rogue, a character type I tend to be soft on, and leads a nonstandard life indeed, being a spy for the crown while keeping up the appearance of a carefree rich guy with a beloved illegitimate daughter. But he does long to settle down at last with a wife he can truly love and confide in—if he can find such a woman.
Isabella turns out to be the perfect match for him, even if she doesn't think so at first, what with her own past trauma that shuts her out from intimacy. Or so she has told herself.
The healing, the trust, the gorgeous scenery in and around Brighton, the Romantic poetry and art, the Regency fashions—it's all so luscious to read! And yet the story goes deeper than many Regency romances, touching upon the pain of sexual assault (especially in a time when women weren't listened to about such things, and psychology was less understood), and the shady dealings of perversely minded hellfire clubs. There are so many lovable characters, and I'm glad the series is going to continue!
mayath3bee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
leticiatoraci's review against another edition
2.0
I usually like historical romance but this wasn't unfortunately for me, probably because this was much more a thriller than actually a romance, so even if the setting was historical it wasn't at all what I was expecting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
fixatedonfiction's review against another edition
4.0
So I was extremely upset about how the book started. Eliza and Henry. All I'm saying, but it was what was needed. I like how Isabella intertwines with Henry's mission, although it isn't pleasant. Finally getting more Father and Daughter time is great. The ending though, poor Emily having to go through that at such a young age.
uncommonlybound's review against another edition
3.0
This book is more along the lines of what I would call a “typical romance” than its predecessor, though it still has lots of mystery and darkness.
Sir Henry March is in need of a respectable wife so that his illegitimate daughter will be accepted by society. When his duties as a secret agent to the crown require an extended stay in Brighton, Henry soon crosses paths with Isabella Chancellor and quickly becomes smitten. The daughter of a Baron and a painter in her own right, Isabella decided long ago that marriage was not for her. However, the more time she spends with Henry and his family, the more she forgets her resolve for a solitary life.
Meanwhile, the Knights of the Snake Pit haven’t forgotten what Henry has cost them and they are eager for revenge.
Although this is the second book in the Gentleman Spy Mysteries series, I would actually recommend starting with this one. I say this for 2 reasons. First, the main couple in the first book are Henry and his (now former) mistress Eliza when they first get together. They enter their relationship with the understanding that although they care for each other deeply, they have an expiration date. As a reader, this may be easier to accept if you know ahead of time that both Henry and Eliza eventually find their “forevers” in other people. Second, the first book is much more violent, especially in regard to violent rape.
**Trigger warnings for this book for verbal abuse, assault, rape, and kidnapping. Additionally, there are allusions to sex trafficking and straight up violent sexual torture. Also, there is a teaser chapter for the next book in which one of the main characters is held captive and tortured.
Sir Henry March is in need of a respectable wife so that his illegitimate daughter will be accepted by society. When his duties as a secret agent to the crown require an extended stay in Brighton, Henry soon crosses paths with Isabella Chancellor and quickly becomes smitten. The daughter of a Baron and a painter in her own right, Isabella decided long ago that marriage was not for her. However, the more time she spends with Henry and his family, the more she forgets her resolve for a solitary life.
Meanwhile, the Knights of the Snake Pit haven’t forgotten what Henry has cost them and they are eager for revenge.
Although this is the second book in the Gentleman Spy Mysteries series, I would actually recommend starting with this one. I say this for 2 reasons. First, the main couple in the first book are Henry and his (now former) mistress Eliza when they first get together. They enter their relationship with the understanding that although they care for each other deeply, they have an expiration date. As a reader, this may be easier to accept if you know ahead of time that both Henry and Eliza eventually find their “forevers” in other people. Second, the first book is much more violent, especially in regard to violent rape.
**Trigger warnings for this book for verbal abuse, assault, rape, and kidnapping. Additionally, there are allusions to sex trafficking and straight up violent sexual torture. Also, there is a teaser chapter for the next book in which one of the main characters is held captive and tortured.