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zaza_bdp's review against another edition
4.0
Anna Bradley nous offre une belle histoire avec ce premier tome de sa série La société secrète. On est dans le type de romance historique que j'aime vraiment, qui nous sort des beaux salons, salles de bals et boutiques de modiste pour nous entraîner dans les bas-fonds de Londres, enfer carcéral de Newgate inclus !
Tristan était un des plus (sinon le plus) célèbre coureur de Bow Street, ayant même récolté un surnom qui veut tout dire : L'Ombre de Bow Street. Devenu comte suite au décès de son frère, il aurait pu s'épanouir dans les plaisirs oisifs de la richesse liés à son nouveau statut, mais il a le sens de la justice et de l'enquête chevillés au corps, et peine à décrocher de son ancien métier.
Sophia, elle, est de ceux dont on dit qu'ils sont nés dans le ruisseau. Elle ne doit son salut qu'à l'énigmatique lady Clifford, qui tient un curieux "pensionnat" de jeunes filles, maison aux occupations fort mystérieuses (mais je vous vois venir, non, ce n'est pas une maison close ^^). Sophia est une version 18è londonienne des fameuses "Cat's eyes" que j'adorais quand j'étais petite, c'est vraiment une nana qui en jette, et c'est assez surprenant d'avoir un tel type de personnage féminin dans un roman de cette époque.
C'est lors d'une mission que mène Sophia en toute discrétion (du moins le croit-elle) qu'elle et Tristan vont se rencontrer. Cette mission rejoindra ce qui préoccupe Tristan, et tous deux vont se lancer dans une enquête politico-judiciaire qui emmènera le lecteur jusque dans les entrailles de la prison de Newgate. Cet aspect du récit n'est pas là juste pour remplir l'espace entre deux baisers, mais est bien une part centrale du livre. Il y a un bon équilibre entre romance, enquête et action, et c'est grâce à ces moments qu'ils passent ensemble dans un but commun que la relation entre Tristan et Sophia progresse.
Des personnages charismatiques, une romance sensuelle, une enquête solide et les descriptions d'une ville de Londres sombre et dangereuse à souhait, tels sont les points forts de ce premier tome que j'aurai pris plaisir à lire !
Tristan était un des plus (sinon le plus) célèbre coureur de Bow Street, ayant même récolté un surnom qui veut tout dire : L'Ombre de Bow Street. Devenu comte suite au décès de son frère, il aurait pu s'épanouir dans les plaisirs oisifs de la richesse liés à son nouveau statut, mais il a le sens de la justice et de l'enquête chevillés au corps, et peine à décrocher de son ancien métier.
Sophia, elle, est de ceux dont on dit qu'ils sont nés dans le ruisseau. Elle ne doit son salut qu'à l'énigmatique lady Clifford, qui tient un curieux "pensionnat" de jeunes filles, maison aux occupations fort mystérieuses (mais je vous vois venir, non, ce n'est pas une maison close ^^). Sophia est une version 18è londonienne des fameuses "Cat's eyes" que j'adorais quand j'étais petite, c'est vraiment une nana qui en jette, et c'est assez surprenant d'avoir un tel type de personnage féminin dans un roman de cette époque.
C'est lors d'une mission que mène Sophia en toute discrétion (du moins le croit-elle) qu'elle et Tristan vont se rencontrer. Cette mission rejoindra ce qui préoccupe Tristan, et tous deux vont se lancer dans une enquête politico-judiciaire qui emmènera le lecteur jusque dans les entrailles de la prison de Newgate. Cet aspect du récit n'est pas là juste pour remplir l'espace entre deux baisers, mais est bien une part centrale du livre. Il y a un bon équilibre entre romance, enquête et action, et c'est grâce à ces moments qu'ils passent ensemble dans un but commun que la relation entre Tristan et Sophia progresse.
Des personnages charismatiques, une romance sensuelle, une enquête solide et les descriptions d'une ville de Londres sombre et dangereuse à souhait, tels sont les points forts de ce premier tome que j'aurai pris plaisir à lire !
andrea_author's review against another edition
5.0
This book has a little bit of everything—humor, adventure, romance, mystery, and steamy sex scenes. The writing is top notch, the story suspenseful, the characters vivid and relatable. Anna Bradley is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to work my way through her back list! I highly recommend this book.
I received a NetGalley ARC, and this is my honest review.
I received a NetGalley ARC, and this is my honest review.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, now *that* was delightful. I'm so glad I gave this author a try. *Thoroughly* enjoying this series. Sophia was everything I could have wanted. The first chapter was perfect. I just *happy sigh* it's so good. People who claim romance novels have no plot have clearly never read a romance novel because the plot of this one kept me flipping rapt the whole time.
nuhahaha's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
_ashton_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book! I will say that the title feels a bit misleading, and I wish perhaps it was slightly changed to more accurately represent the book, but that's my only critique with this novel!
This is my first Anna Bradley, but it certainly won't be my last! This was the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and action, as well as having a dark gothic feel to it. This is a random thought, but if anyone has read the Webtoons titled Purple Hyacinth, this was giving me verrrry similar vibes, which I loved! If you're looking for a book that only focuses on the romance, you might be a bit disappointed, but I found the unfolding murder mystery to be mesmerizing. And the characters! Sophie was a heroine I immediately rooted for; she's brazen, outspoken, intelligent, and *gasp* wears breeches haha. And then we have Tristan, who was a refreshing hero in that while he was stoic and grumpy, he was also unproblematic and caring towards Sophia, despite his resistance to his developing feelings for her. The two of them made a compelling pair, and their banter and dancing around one another was entertaining from start to finish. I wasn't sure if we'd get a good dose of steam in this, as it's always a toss-up with historical romances, but after a bit of a slow burn build-up the author did indeed give the sexy times I was hoping for!
I definitely want to pick up book 2 when it's released, which follows one of the other women at the Clifford School who we got glimpses of in this book. Bradley is definitely an author I will now be keeping an eye on. She deserves more recognition for her work, so if you're looking for an entertaining historical romantic suspense novel, then give this one a go!
***Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review***
This is my first Anna Bradley, but it certainly won't be my last! This was the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and action, as well as having a dark gothic feel to it. This is a random thought, but if anyone has read the Webtoons titled Purple Hyacinth, this was giving me verrrry similar vibes, which I loved! If you're looking for a book that only focuses on the romance, you might be a bit disappointed, but I found the unfolding murder mystery to be mesmerizing. And the characters! Sophie was a heroine I immediately rooted for; she's brazen, outspoken, intelligent, and *gasp* wears breeches haha. And then we have Tristan, who was a refreshing hero in that while he was stoic and grumpy, he was also unproblematic and caring towards Sophia, despite his resistance to his developing feelings for her. The two of them made a compelling pair, and their banter and dancing around one another was entertaining from start to finish. I wasn't sure if we'd get a good dose of steam in this, as it's always a toss-up with historical romances, but after a bit of a slow burn build-up the author did indeed give the sexy times I was hoping for!
I definitely want to pick up book 2 when it's released, which follows one of the other women at the Clifford School who we got glimpses of in this book. Bradley is definitely an author I will now be keeping an eye on. She deserves more recognition for her work, so if you're looking for an entertaining historical romantic suspense novel, then give this one a go!
***Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review***
scribe391's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Beginning in 1778, Lady Clifford establishes a school for girls.
Sophia Monmouth is one of Lady Clifford’s students.
When Jeremy Ives is imprisoned for murder, Sophia is determined to clear his name and set him free.
Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray has recently inherited the title of Earl.
While looking out his window, Tristan sees Sophia hiding up on his neighbor’s rooftop.
The story is a good blend of history mystery and steamy romance.
Sophia Monmouth is one of Lady Clifford’s students.
When Jeremy Ives is imprisoned for murder, Sophia is determined to clear his name and set him free.
Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray has recently inherited the title of Earl.
While looking out his window, Tristan sees Sophia hiding up on his neighbor’s rooftop.
The story is a good blend of history mystery and steamy romance.
spai's review against another edition
I had not imagined myself liking a....not a rom-com....but a romantic thriller written by a woman and from a woman's POV. However 2020 was the year of me deciding to read more female authors and so, here we are.
I picked this book because all the other non-fiction literature was getting too heavy and too thought-provoking. The brain was screaming for some relief. A pulp fiction book seemed like a good solution and was picked up on a whim.
This is an exceptionally well written book and thoroughly enjoyable. The bedroom scenes were interminably long, felt pointless and seeing them from the woman's POV was not quite as exciting. Gave me an idea of how women must feel when men write women. The end was kind of unsatisfactory with too many threads remaining untied but maybe that was the point.
This is a highly rated book and men are often accused of sandbagging female writers so I am not leaving any rating. Suffice to say that this author needs to be read more and I look forward to reading other books in the series in my other idle moments.
I picked this book because all the other non-fiction literature was getting too heavy and too thought-provoking. The brain was screaming for some relief. A pulp fiction book seemed like a good solution and was picked up on a whim.
This is an exceptionally well written book and thoroughly enjoyable. The bedroom scenes were interminably long, felt pointless and seeing them from the woman's POV was not quite as exciting. Gave me an idea of how women must feel when men write women. The end was kind of unsatisfactory with too many threads remaining untied but maybe that was the point.
This is a highly rated book and men are often accused of sandbagging female writers so I am not leaving any rating. Suffice to say that this author needs to be read more and I look forward to reading other books in the series in my other idle moments.
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
5.0
The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray, by Anna Bradley. This was a beautiful story. Simple as that. Thank you to Anna for the wonderful opportunity of reading this romantic suspense. I was intrigued.
I was very impressed and I was drawn to the intense drama. The suspense and the exciting passion that transpires between Tristan and Sophia is superbly written. The book was written like a Saturday night TV drama. Anna’s writing instantly drew me in with the suspense that takes place in the beginning. Her descriptive details plays on the readers imagination as the creepy shadows runs threw the darkened cemetery.
Her descriptions of the scenes from the book, helped me to visualize the story as it played out in my mind. This helped me get comfortable with the book and feel the intensity. The passion. The rage. The trust and the betrayal Tristan and Sophia felt during their investigative journey.
I also enjoyed being able to connect with the characters in the book. This really tugged on my emotions. It had me rooting for a good outcome for the lead characters. Anna’s ability of writing a love story while adding mystery, suspense and some crazy drama, is profound. The witty banter, the tender moments and the darken moments are written so well.
Tristan and Sophia team up together to help the Bow Street Runners uncover a murder. At the same time they must rescue Sophias friend Daniel from the noose. Things don’t seem to go so well between the two from the beginning of the investigation. Trust, lies, and secrets play a big part between the two. To help them, longtime friends are called upon to lend their expertise.
As the duo gets closer to the truth in the darkened ally’s and cemeteries of London, Tristan and Sophia recognizes the attraction that that seems to be growing between them. Tristan realizes that he must protect his feisty little Pixie, Sophia. Little does Tristan know that his Pixie can take care of herself. Sophia’s character is written so well. She didn’t play the innocent, scared girl in this book.
She took charge of the situation and stared down the darkest danger that stood before, as Tristan stood by her side. These two people are woven together so well. As I read their tender, heart warming moments. I was able to see that the writer wanted her readers to get to know the characters. Having Tristan and Sophia share their struggles of their past and how they were able to overcome them, accomplished that.
From that point, the strong desires that Tristan desperately tried to hold back from Sophia, exploded with a seductive love dance behind closed doors. I recommend this book with two snaps and a “ Tribble?! Where are you man? What the devil are you standing there for?” Until next time my fellow readers...read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
I was very impressed and I was drawn to the intense drama. The suspense and the exciting passion that transpires between Tristan and Sophia is superbly written. The book was written like a Saturday night TV drama. Anna’s writing instantly drew me in with the suspense that takes place in the beginning. Her descriptive details plays on the readers imagination as the creepy shadows runs threw the darkened cemetery.
Her descriptions of the scenes from the book, helped me to visualize the story as it played out in my mind. This helped me get comfortable with the book and feel the intensity. The passion. The rage. The trust and the betrayal Tristan and Sophia felt during their investigative journey.
I also enjoyed being able to connect with the characters in the book. This really tugged on my emotions. It had me rooting for a good outcome for the lead characters. Anna’s ability of writing a love story while adding mystery, suspense and some crazy drama, is profound. The witty banter, the tender moments and the darken moments are written so well.
Tristan and Sophia team up together to help the Bow Street Runners uncover a murder. At the same time they must rescue Sophias friend Daniel from the noose. Things don’t seem to go so well between the two from the beginning of the investigation. Trust, lies, and secrets play a big part between the two. To help them, longtime friends are called upon to lend their expertise.
As the duo gets closer to the truth in the darkened ally’s and cemeteries of London, Tristan and Sophia recognizes the attraction that that seems to be growing between them. Tristan realizes that he must protect his feisty little Pixie, Sophia. Little does Tristan know that his Pixie can take care of herself. Sophia’s character is written so well. She didn’t play the innocent, scared girl in this book.
She took charge of the situation and stared down the darkest danger that stood before, as Tristan stood by her side. These two people are woven together so well. As I read their tender, heart warming moments. I was able to see that the writer wanted her readers to get to know the characters. Having Tristan and Sophia share their struggles of their past and how they were able to overcome them, accomplished that.
From that point, the strong desires that Tristan desperately tried to hold back from Sophia, exploded with a seductive love dance behind closed doors. I recommend this book with two snaps and a “ Tribble?! Where are you man? What the devil are you standing there for?” Until next time my fellow readers...read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.