Reviews

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

lynnuwatson's review

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5.0

Wow! What a ride. Great characters. Great world-building. Action-packed.

jennbehindthebooks's review

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4.0

Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, book two in the Blackfriars Lane series is even more adventurous than the first!

Adventure, romance, danger, and complete unpredictability (these characters, I tell you!) - what more can you ask from a book?! The characters are perfectly imperfect. The plot is dangerous yet light-hearted enough to give youall the warm-fuzzies. The ending is oh so satisfying! Please tell me there's a third book on the horizon!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

inspiretruth's review

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3.0

Kit Turner never thought she’d meet anyone who could keep up with her, let alone find a man to marry. After falling head over heels for Jackson Forge, Kit is ready to walk down the aisle and say, “I do,” but is she prepared for what being a married lady entails? Kit thinks so; however, as she seeks to bring the men who maimed Jackson’s brother to justice, she will need to humble herself if she’s going to make it to the altar.

Jackson Forge feels like the luckiest man on earth. Not only has he captured the heart of a wild vixen, but he has been promoted to Inspector at his precinct! Life couldn’t be better for him. Unfortunately, as his wedding day approaches, Jackson’s attempts to tame Kit cause her to push back. Will they be able to work out their differences, or was their whirlwind romance never destined for the long haul?

Book sequels will either live up to the hype of the first novel or struggle to revive the magic. The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane was one of my favorite books of last year, so when I heard there would be a sequel, I was excited to read the mischief these enemies turned lovers would get up to, this time as a united front. Sadly, my hopes were squelched as they spent most of the book at odds with one another.

While there were a couple of points that stood out to me and an encouraging faith message throughout the narrative, I was ultimately underwhelmed and disappointed with the storyline of The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane. In fact, I began to hate Jackson and hoped he and Kit wouldn’t end up together. Kit is not a quiet, respectable lady who needs saving, yet Jackson’s need to keep her safe restricted the spunk and fearlessness he’d initially fallen in love with! Pride comes before the fall, and he and Kit certainly fall hard as they refuse to reveal their weaknesses or ask for help, continually sabotaging one another as they keep secrets and wrestle with solving the separate cases they’re working on.

We often make the same mistakes as Jackson and Kit in our relationships — choosing to tumble down the bumpy road rather than humbling ourselves and acknowledging that we can’t do life alone — so I’m grateful that Michelle Griep addressed these topics. Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to restore the sparks and thrill I felt when reading the first book in this series.

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own*

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readingintheweehours's review against another edition

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5.0

adventure, but oh so much more

I finished the Thief of Blackfriars Lane two days ago and then just now The Bride of Blackfriars Lane. I loved the first. The adventure, the thrill, the swoon!

Yet this book, an incredible continuation of Jackson and Kit’s story, means so very much more.

Here readers will still find the thrill, adventure, and swoon - but they’ll find even more. Jackson and Kit’s relationship is tested again and again. Both have to learn to trust, care, and protect - but in ways they hadn’t perhaps understood before. Ultimately, their love must learn to mature even as it is entrusted to the hands of a loving God.

Such a good book, Michelle. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing with all of us. ❤️

rainelle_barrett's review

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4.0

I adore this book. The writer has done an excellent job with the creativity of the main characters. Kit and Jackson are a fabulous tag team couple in the fighting crime world. This book has exciting action and intriguing mystery. I was entertained during the reading of the book.

55_sallymander's review

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5.0

5 stars, Wedded bliss isn't simple

THE BRIDE OF BLACKFRIARS LANE (BLACKFRIARS LANE #2)
by Michelle Griep

Kit and Jackson are back, they are both detectives working for the police, solving crimes and planning on their upcoming marriage.

Kit wants to help solve a crime against Jackson's brother, from years ago. She has many contacts from the streets and she is sure that someone knows what happened. Jackson forbids her to delve into the matter and that's where their relationship hits a snag.

This is a great stand-alone novel. The books in this series:

THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE #1
THE BRIDE OF BLACKFRIARS LANE #2

Highly recommend it. I'm quite grateful for the complimentary copy of #thethiefofblackfriarslane from #barbourfiction @barbourfiction I was under no obligation to post a review.

#historicalfiction #christianfiction #blackfriarslaneseries #historicalromance #romance #mystery #inspirational #britishliterature #newrelease2022

nataliesboooks's review

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emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

melmo2610's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed the mysteries of this story. I love cold case stories and to have a historical version of one made a for a super fun read. I will confess, that Kit kinda drove me nuts at times in the story, her pride and stubbornness were a bit over the top for me-I really just wanted to shake some sense into her! All in all, a super fun read! I wouldn't mind seeing another story with these characters-and their family. Fingers crossed for that.

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

lizzielemon's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

melissasbookshelf's review

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5.0

Riveting, romantic, and hard to put down! The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is the second book in the Blackfriars Lane series and is just as exciting and romantic as the first book. With fantastic descriptions, witty prose, heartfelt romance, and fabulous characters, Michelle Griep makes this Victorian age mystery really come to life.

From one mystery to the next, Jackson and Kit work together to solve the various crimes all while preparing for their upcoming wedding. Trying to think of the perfect gift for Jackson, Kit tries to solve the mystery of the brutal beating of Jackson’s brother which left him so damaged. But, when she stumbles into an old murder in an abandoned warehouse, she risks not only losing her life but Jackson as well.

This mystery kept me on the edge of my seat! There was non-stop action as Jackson and Kit go from one mystery to the next. I honestly wasn’t sure how the book would end. It’s a multilayered mystery that will keeping you guessing.

The romance between Kit and Jackson is fantastic. Although it’s touch and go in this one if they will get married. Trust is broken on both sides and it will take everything they have to see if they can find forgiveness and regain trust.

With a subtle religious message, swoony romance, a bit of humor, and edge of your seat suspense/action, this book is a must read! It can be read as a standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous book. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for these two. I purchased the audiobook version which is fantastic and also received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through CelebrateLit. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.