Charlotte's last letter from her father hints darkly at long-buried secrets about her mother's death, but he dies before she can reach him and learn more. But it soon becomes apparent that the present danger he also hinted at has not died with him. However, her return to England has given her a chance to reconnect with her best friends - including John, the director of police and only other unmarried member of their group. And somehow, there's something new between them now, but his family and her career as a newly-fledged doctor, not to mention the person who seems out to drive her away, stand in the way. Will they be able to uncover the truth behind her mother's death before anyone else is killed? And can they find a way to make a relationship work?

An interesting mystery combined with some great friendships (including characters we've met before) and a satisfying romance, as well as plenty of action - it definitely kept my attention from the start. I loved watching these friends gradually develop into 'more' - and come to accept it. And seeing them try to unravel a years-old mystery with too many suspects and not enough information was also enjoyable (since they succeeded!). So the result was a good story, clean and well written. Note that, though part of a series, it's a completely standalone story, but with shared characters. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next! 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

3 ½ stars rounded up to 4

Charlotte Duvall has returned home after the death of her father. While going through old letters of her mother’s, she discovers there’s more to her past than she could have ever guessed. She enlists her friend, John Ellis to help her solve this mystery. We watch the mystery get solved, as well as a sweet romance bud.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this third book in the trilogy about the Hampton cousins!

The storytelling is fascinating and captivating. I am pulled into this story from the first pages. The whole book starts with the mysterious letter from Charlotte’s father that begins her whole journey. The mystery of how her mother died and the people involved that seek to keep her from the truth is intense and captivating. I couldn’t put it down as I pieced together the details and uncovered the mystery alongside Charlotte and her friends. While some of the violent encounters were a bit much for me, the mystery is compelling. It’s not obvious who the killer is and the climax is dramatic and satisfying.

I enjoyed getting to know Charlotte and John in this story. It’s a joy to read a series that focuses on characters that you meet in previous books. So fun to see favorite characters from previous books make appearances in this story and loved seeing how the cousins and friends still support and love each other. We have seen these two before and now we get inside their heads. I loved having this story focus on Charlotte and John and getting their full backstories. Charlotte is a fascinating and favorite protagonist for me in this series. I admired her dedication to medicine and how she trailblazes her way in a profession that was quite new to women at this time. I admire John for many of the same reasons. But most of all, I love that he is willing to do anything for Charlotte. True love conquers all for these two.

Their love story is a beautiful addition to a story that revolves around a painful uncovering of a past death. There are so many things keeping John and Charlotte apart — their careers, their families, the murder mystery. But somehow they find a way to be together. I love the light and beauty that their love adds to this story. We learn a lot about the past for Charlotte especially. She has had a lot of difficulties in her life. To find John who loves her and protects her so fiercely is truly beautiful. The ways they both open up and support each other is lovely. And I love their first kiss in a stolen moment alone. So tender and so sweet.

A unique, clever series set at a fascinating time in Victorian England. The mystery is engaging and intense. I don’t love the most violent of moments. But the overall story is told with heart and complexity. I enjoy these books!

I LOVED this book. We have two people who are the last of the group to get married. They have secretly pined for each other for years but don’t want to ruin anything. But when they are forced together with a mystery and possible homicide, things heat up, between them and on the trail of a murderer. I just adored these characters. They are both in jobs that would frown upon having a spouse. So what are they to do?

And the mystery part? So well done! I didn’t know until the end who it was. And it pulled you in from page one.

I have LOVED this series! I especially adore John and Charlottes dynamic! I loved the balance of mystery and romance!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Those Hampton women. Always causing trouble

John and Charlotte are a great couple, watching them work together and realize their feelings was a true delight. This book reminded me of a few different shows/movies, with the tangled web and cover up.

If you like intrigue, proper romances, found family, cousins, the Van Horne sisters and mysteries, add this one to your list! Add all three, really.

I enjoyed this third installment in this series. I loved the characters, particularly John. He was so supportive of Charlotte's life goals, he was willing to set aside his own feelings for her happiness. And Charlotte had ambitious goals in a time where society didn't allow women to do any number of things. And Charlotte heard about it. Actually John did too. He just never found her life choices to be inappropriate.
I was reading this book last night and trying to stick with going to bed at a relatively decent hour. I had just gotten to the mystery climax section and needed to stop. But as I was laying awake in bed I knew that if I didn't continue to the resolve I would dream that I was the one being chased by the bad guy and that wouldn't allow for a good nights sleep, right? Plus, I was hungry. And that makes it harder to sleep as well. Yup. Talked myself into continuing to read. It wasn't hard. I had a snack while I finished the book. I was glad I did.
As I read, I was worried about how one particular element would be resolved and feared that the author would take things in a direction that I wouldn't be happy with. So I was very happy with the story taking a different turn that I hadn't even thought of.
My only question is, in the end what happened with the funding at the hospital and the awful doctor? Both are minor details in the plot but I'm still curious.
I enjoyed reading this book as I did with the first two books.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: murder, attempted murder, physical violence, verbal abuse
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

3.75 ⭐️
0.00🌶️

Victorian Era Historical Romance with a murder mystery to solve. Charlotte is a doctor, returned from her American studies and fledgling career, was called to her father’s deathbed. She’s reunited with her detective friend who conveniently can help solve her mother’s mysterious death that occurred 20 years in the past.

It’s friends to partners, I hesitate to call it lovers since they only kiss lol, but friends to “lovers” since they declare love for each other and of course there is a HEA.

My favorite thing is that Charlotte has a wonderful relationship with her cousins and aunts. Her cousins and their respective husbands are friends with each other and John from their Victorian era policework. John respects Charlotte’s profession (rarer than rare at the time for a woman doctor!) and has a competence heart boner for her. Love me a supportive family, found family, and partner.

There are literally no doors to close, so if this all sounds like something you would like I definitely recommend. Even though Charlotte gets beat up more than twice (!!!!) it’s a fun lighthearted-ish, true crime adjacent love story. It kind of reminds me of a soap opera-y Clue “it was Mr. White in the library with the candelabra” type story. Fun, serious topics, but not a lot of angst.

I will say this book made me look up what the term “proper romance” meant, and that term makes me feel uncomfy. Which is why I prefer a term like open/closed door romance. “Proper” and “clean” implies there is something “improper” or “dirty” if sex is involved, and I don’t like that inference because language is very important and shapes opinions. Readers who read open door romances or full on smut are not “improper” or “dirty” just as readers who read closed door romance or zero sex involved romance are not “proper” or “clean”. Words are subjective but inherently can be used to cast judgement or skew perception.

Though I enjoyed this book, I would not read any additional works from this publisher because of my aforementioned dislike of the term “proper romance”. That said, appreciation and thanks to publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. My review is voluntary and thoughts/opinions are my own. And I will do my research on publishers beforehand so I won’t find myself leaving a book I enjoyed with a bad feeling.

LOVED!

What a fantastic ending to an incredible series!

Charlotte has finally achieved her dream of becoming a doctor when she receives a mysterious note from her father, begging her to return to London and hinting that her mother's death before was not an accident. As she tries to unravel the events of years ago, she knows just the person to ask for help.

John Ellis may be the director of London's police force, but even he is surprised at the strength of his feelings for Charlotte when he sees her again. Before long, they are both caught up in a decades-old mystery that someone is desperate to keep hidden, no matter the cost.

As danger follows them at every turn, John and Charlotte race to uncover the truth before it's too late, and any dreams they may have of a future together are gone forever.

What I loved:
Victoran era
Dual POV
Protective MMC
Reignited sparks between friends
Heart-pounding suspense
Cold case murder mystery
The library scene
The banter!!
Cameos of past characters
“Who did this to you?”
That first kiss!!!
Perfectly perfect ending

This book (and the entire series!) needs to be made into a movie! There is so much to love: catchy dialogue, dynamic characters, intriguing mystery, heart-pounding suspense, and a super swoony romance! A skilled, protective law enforcement officer matched with an intelligent, determined heroine is just perfection, and I loooooved the banter between John and Charlotte so much.

The pages practically turned themselves with this one and I loved every single bit of it. The series ending was absolute perfection with so many happy sighs. I cannot recommend this book enough! This author continues to be a must-read author for me, and I will happily pick up everything she writes (maybe Dirk's story next? One can only hope!).

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

After completing her medical training at a prestigious school in the United States, Charlotte Duvall accepted a position at a women’s clinic where she thought she’d stay for a while. However, those plans changed when she received an enigmatic letter from her father saying he was ill and had stirred up stuff about her mother’s death. Charlotte promptly took a leave of absence and headed back to England – only to receive word during the crossing that her father had passed away.

Charlotte quickly returned to her old relationships with her other Notorious Hampton cousins and their spouses and friends. Finding out the truth about her mother’s death is Charlotte’s priority – and preventing her from finding the truth is someone else’s priority. Charlotte turns to one man she knows she can trust – her friend, Johnathan (John) Albert Ellis, second son of the Earl of Ashby, and director of the newly revamped Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Division.

When Charlotte is attacked, John quickly pulls out all of the stops and brings in the detectives at his agency and private ones as well. He’ll protect Charlotte at all costs because, though he hardly even admits it to himself, he’s always had a soft spot for Charlotte. He won’t act on it though because he would never do anything to endanger their friendship – and that is all Charlotte wants – isn’t it?

I loved Charlotte and John! Charlotte is a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of lady who has worked hard to achieve her goals. She is definitely NOT a TSTL heroine (thank goodness) and she readily shares her problems with her friends – and especially with John who can actually help. John is also straightforward and no-nonsense. He puts together a plan to find whoever murdered Charlotte’s mother and is now threatening Charlotte. He’ll find them – and he’ll see they are punished – and all while keeping Charlotte safe because he cannot imagine a world without her in it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because the characters were wonderful, the plot was well put together and cohesive, the excitement kept you holding your breath, and the romance kept you rooting for them to both finally realize – and admit – they loved each other. Wow! It is amazing that so much emotion and excitement can be crammed into the pages of a book!

I’m not sure, but this may be the last book in this series since all of the Notorious Hampton cousins are now married. If it is the last book, it was a delightful wrap-up for an equally delightful series. I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know those notorious Hampton’s and I’m glad to have seen each of their HEAs. I’ve enjoyed this author’s writing style with witty banter, captivating characters, true romance, and mysteries that were complex enough to hold my interest. When I read the first book in the series, Nancy Campbell Allen was a new-to-me author; she’s proven to be an author that I will read again and again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The third and last book of the series is heavy on the mystery and light on the intrigue and romance. It can be red as a standalone, but with reoccurring characters, I would recommend reading books one and two first. There is mystery that comes from a letter, Charlotte’s father sent to her just prior to his death. This letter draws suspicion to her mother’s untimely death many years ago. After living in New York, and becoming a doctor Charlotte returns to London. Her dear childhood friend, John is a detective, and helps her reopened the case of her mother’s murder. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought the plot could’ve been a little more suspenseful. The romance was sweet and John was the perfect patient gentleman. I do appreciate the wholesome romance. I was able to read this in a day, and although I didn’t feel a great connection with Charlotte , I truly have enjoyed this book and series. I am looking forward to more stories from this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nancy Campbell Allen is such a phenomenal writer, and this is especially true with Protecting Her Heart. Dr. Charlotte Duvall works with her friend John Ellis director of the MET police force to unravel the mystery of her mother’s death. The twist and turns of this story keep you guessing to the very end! The swooned kisses of this friends to lovers romance round out the story so nicely! It was my favorite book of The Hampton House Trilogy!

Mystery, romance, and the independence of the Victorian era.

Charlotte has finished her medical training in the US when she receives a troubling letter from her father. He apologizes for poking a hornet’s nest, warns her that people may be coming after her, and that her mother’s death wasn’t an accident. By the time Charlotte returns to England, her father has died. Should she keep up the investigation he started? Should she try to quietly return to normal life? As someone who is friends with several detectives we know which way this is going to go!

I loved the mystery, the gathering of information, and the ruses to test those involved. John was a great detective and love interest. I liked how their friendship built to more. This book will keep you turning pages, and neglecting your chores. Who needs a clean house when your characters are in danger?

This is the third book in the series, but could be read independently. Each book focuses on a different cousin and inspector.

I've been trying to come up with how to describe the incredible chemistry between Charlotte and John. I've decided that if it was a scent, it would be Unforgivable by Sean John (my husband's cologne). ❤️🔥🙌🏻
Warm, alluring moments, with some low-crackling fire. Delicious.
The mystery is great as well - layered, a little gritty, and crucial to the story. I highly recommend this to fans of Miss Scarlett and the Duke, Michelle Griep's Blackfriar's Lane, and Erica Vetsch's Thorndike & Swann.
Two thumbs up!

I received an advanced copy for my honest review. All thoughts are mine. ❤️

This author has the best Victorian romance series and I loved the mystery and intrigue connected with this story.

Charlotte went to America and is now a doctor. I loved watching her push the social norms boundaries and follow her dreams and passion. Her very good friend, and the only single one in the group of friends, John, is a director of the police force, and watching them connect in multiple ways was so satisfying. The ebb and flow of their budding relationship was everything for me.

Untangling a years old mystery surrounding her mother’s death, while avoiding harm, and uncovering dirty secrets and many lies gave a solid foundation to this romantic suspense. The added banter and wit between these two provided a sturdy attachment for these two friends, as their relationship turns to a slow burn smolder. I loved the near misses to getting caught and the hidden longings, but this duo proved they can weather any storm and they work so well together.

Content: death, mild romance, danger/attacks/shooting/peril (all mild)

Protecting Her Heart beautifully renders the authentic characters and emotional depth that have been hallmarks of this lovely Victorian-era series. An action-packed murder-mystery plot and immersive setting made it bittersweet to reach the conclusion, but I am highly satisfied with the happy outcomes for our intrepid, Notorious Hampton cousins and the gentlemen with the good fortune to earn their favor.

I’ve really enjoyed this series! Perfect for fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke. The suspect was predictable but it was fun to go on the journey for the big reveal. Loved the friends to more elements.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, but I think Protecting Her Heart is my new favorite. I love the Charlotte has followed her dream of becoming a doctor, despite society's expectations for women at the time. I also thought John is just such a kind and honorable man, and he's also struggling against society's expectations by becoming a police officer. These two have the sweetest friends to lovers story, and it was so fun to watch them realize those feelings!

I loved the family mystery in this story, and how all the characters worked together to discover the truth about Charlotte's mom's death 20 years before. It was just so entertaining!

Definitely recommended to historical fiction, especially if you love Victorian England!

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, NetGalley, and Nancy Campbell Allen for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

“𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦, 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺?” 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳. “𝘚𝘰 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥.

“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙.” 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙. “𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩.”

this story was bittersweet as it’s the last in this series! the two previous books were five star reads for me. i was so excited for charlotte and john’s story after they’ve been dancing around each other for years and protecting her heart did not disappoint.

nancy campbell allen does friends to lovers so well. though they were apart for four years, the chemistry and friendship between john and charlotte picked up right where it left off. absence truly made their hearts grow fonder! i loved the communication and the acknowledgment of feelings in this story. they had plenty of things working against their relationship, but i really enjoyed how they worked together to figure out how to make things work.

the mystery surrounding katherine duvall’s death was so good and paired with the romance had me fully invested in this book. i enjoyed catching up with amelie, michael, eva, and nathan! i also loved the addition of the quiet, broody scotsman dirk. i REALLY hope he gets his own story in a spinoff series! please, nancy?!?! i’ve enjoyed this series so much and can’t recommend it enough!

content: kisses

thank you to shadow mountain for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.

I’ve been enjoying this series of books about three cousins who find independence and love in 19th century London. In addition to this book, the series includes The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart and To Capture His Heart. Each features one of the cousins, a police detective, a mystery and a romance. They fall into the publisher’s Proper Romance collection. These are clean historical romances with enough intrigue to satisfy any mystery lover.

In Protecting Her Heart, Charlotte’s return from America (where she went to get a doctor’s education) is just the beginning of Charlotte’s challenges to overcome. In England female doctors face discrimination and an uphill battle to become accepted. In addition, she is looking into her mother’s death due to information passed on to her by her late father. There are some that don’t want Charlotte snooping around and they make it known to her in not very subtle ways.

Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, John Ellis, has been Charlotte’s good friend and is more than pleased to see her in England again. Helping her with her investigation puts them together in friendship and in danger. It’s not hard to see where this is going.

Charlotte’s family and her dear mother’s friends are all part of the story. Someone among them has something to hide and the closer Charlotte gets to the truth, the more dangerous her life becomes. But her cousins and John are not about to let anything happen to her. The teamwork leads to fun banter, hints of romance and a heartwarming conclusion.

This book is a perfect combination of history, mystery and romance. The entire series is highly recommended!

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.