Series: The Mad Morelands, #2
Traits & Tropes: wealthy hero; unconventional heroine; American hero; soldier
Publication Date: 01.18.08
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; London
Heat Level: 2
Rating: 4/5
Narration Rating: 4/5
With her stunning beauty Lady Kyria Moreland could have any gentleman she wants, but she hasn’t met anyone she loves, and she won’t marry for anything less. When she is sent an odd package under rather nefarious circumstances, she is thrown into an elaborate mystery, one that includes murder and puts her own life in danger. Luckily, she has a handsome American by her side to help.
Rafe McIntyre is known for his effusive charm, but that suaveness is merely a cover for the bitterly painful past he keeps to himself. He’s worldly-wise enough to see that Kyria is in grave danger and steps up to help her uncover the truth about the mysterious package. Even he is drawn in by the elaborate mystery that begins to unfold around them, and he’s determined to stay by Kyria’s side as they work to learn who wants the package enough to do murder to get it.
This was a nice refreshing read for me. It was heavily based in the historical fiction and mystery aspect of the plot, and yet I didn’t feel like the romance suffered. This was certainly a slow burn, but the chemistry and connection between Kyria and Rafe was clear from the get-go and it made since that after having so many suitors mainly just interested in her looks, Kyria needed some time to get to know Rafe and realize what they could have together was something special. The mystery here was pretty wild, but it kept me invested and I loved that Kyria and Rafe were thrown together to work on solving it as a team. I very much enjoyed that Rafe was so protective of Kyria while also giving her space to be a full partner in working to solve the various challenges and mysteries they faced together. Since Kyria is the sibling most known for her stunning good looks, I think it was great to have her story be something so steeped in this elaborate mystery, having her hero fall for her because of who she was as he got to know her, rather than simply wanting her for her beauty. Having a couple work together to deal with some sort of external conflict, and thereby strengthening a romantic relationship, is a plot device I nearly always love, and it definitely worked here.
This would be a great option especially for a historical fiction reader who would like to try dipping their toe into romance. I found Kyria and Rafe’s story very interesting and I’m eager to read the rest of the Morelands’ stories as I catch up on this series.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2538469659
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2445759609
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