When Sophia Monmouth, of the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls seeks to clear the name of a friend set up for a murder he did not commit, she does bargain on being caught by Tristan Stratford, the former Bow Street runner, now Earl, Lord Gray. One question remains, was Sophia really captured or did she ensnare Tristan from the very beginning?

Typically I am not a fan of the "who done it" romances, as often it overtakes the hero and heroine falling in love. This was not the case with this story. Sophia and Tristan were well matched and very quickly got over any misconceptions they had of one another. I am hoping that future books delve into the background if the Clifford girls, as I have yet to figure out what happened to cause them to be brought in by Lady Clifford. There was a lot left unanswered about what happened with Sophia as a child. I am assuming Lady Clifford will have a story of her own that brings those pieces together.

In the meantime, I was very satisfied by this first book in what I am expecting to be a great series.

𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — Bow Street Runner turned unwilling earl chases a young lady trained to catch criminals; a dark plot in London is afoot, and her friend has been framed.

See more on my <a href="http://instagram.com/historyandharlots/">Instagram</a> & <a href="https://historyandharlots.blogspot.com/">blog</a>

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I ADORED this book. I really didn't think I was going to, just based on the name (you have to admit the name / series name is ridiculous until you read the story)... but it pulled me in from the first page. This is my first book from Anna Bradley and I was struck by the prose she used... her fluid way of writing. I started copying out quotes before I forced myself to stop writing so I could just enjoy the book.

I've said again and again I don't like mysteries in romances. But maybe I need to rethink that phrase. Instead I'll say: I enjoy <i>well done mysteries in romances.</i> I couldn't put this book down! Truly, I read it in one sitting. The writing, the pacing, the character development between the hero/heroine, the side characters... perfect.

Sophia was orphaned as a girl and taken in by Lady Clifford, who runs a school for girls that specializes in... crime fighting, intrigue, and badassery. Her latest investigation takes her to the rooftop of one London lord; she believes one of his servants had a hand in framing her friend - and a worker in Lady Clifford's house - Jeremy Ives, a gentle giant with limited mental capacity.

On the night the book opens, she's caught by Tristan, Lord Gray, also known as the Ghost of Bow Street. He's a former Bow Street Runner who had to take up the mantle of Lord Gray after his older brother died. But he's just as quick and smart as he was when he was a Runner, and follows Sophia after she descends from his next door neighbors roof, setting off a cat and mouse game between them.

See, Jeremy - Sophia's friend - was arrested for the murder of <i>Tristan's</i> friend and a Bow Street Runner, Henry. So Tristan is happy to let him see justice and hang. But Sophia presses with clues she's found that point to Jeremy's innocence, and she forces Tristan to question his faith in the justice system.

See some quotes below. I'll dive into more thoughts on the book below them.

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<blockquote>He was a puny specimen, all in black, more shadow than substance, more figment than flesh.

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He'd found it all utterly pointless. He'd left early, and was nearly home before it occurred to him White's was <i>meant</i> to be pointless.
Pointlessness was, in fact, rather the point.

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Time didn't hesitate to take liberties with Tristan—the past few weeks had dragged on for <i>years</i>—but never had the minutes crawled by as reluctantly as they did now.

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Strictly speaking, Sophia hadn't <i>had</i> to scale the front of Lord Everly's townhouse. She could have hidden around a corner or behind a tree like an ordinary intruder, but she'd been curious to see if she could manage the thing. After all, a lady never knew when she'd be obliged to make use of some lord or other's rooftop. It was a simple matter of knowing one's capabilities.

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<i>Perfect.</i> No, she was far from perfect. He'd find it out for himself sooner or later, and she'd go back to who she'd been before him—the heroine of an adventure or a fairy tale, but never a romance.</blockquote>

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Okay, back to the book. How many times can I say "I love it" before it becomes redundant? ... I loved the concept of Lady Clifford's school for girls, though I wished we got more of a backstory (will it slowly be revealed through the series?). I need more of Daniel Brixton, PLEASE say he gets his own book. I have no idea how old he is but he sounds sexy. I loved Sophia and her friends and her friendship with them; how they are all so clearly different but care for and respect one another, and take care of each other. I loved Tristan's friendship with Lord Lyndon, and his half hearted flirting with Sophia. I loved the chemistry Tristan and Sophia had, the undeniable fact that they were WELL MATCHED. There was a moment when she commented that she had been engaged once before but the man realized he was too nice and boring for her, and she wouldn't change. Tristan was her match!

I do wish we had seen a bit more resolution with the man who was falsely accused of theft a month before Jeremy... is he still on a ship to be transported to Australia? And what about Henry's widow and son, no update?

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ARC provided by NetGalley for a review

Historical fiction with a female sleuth, add in some romance...SOLD!!! When I read the description of this, I was super excited to read it, and I was not disappointed. I love the mystery and action in the novel! Add in some romance and it is a fun, exciting read. I can't wait fo rthe next one!!!!

I have read almost all books by this author and she never disappoints in terms of writing style: fluent, witty, entertaining. However, I must admit it took me over a third of this romance before I could connect. Too much setting up for both the plot of this book as well as the rest of the series took away from the romance itself. The other upcoming books in the series sound interesting, I'll be looking forward to reading them.

First, you must get past the idiotic and untrue title. Sophia Monmouth is not a virgin and Lord Gray was not ruined. Now, get ready for a clever mystery, a perplexing heroine, and a hero who blushes. Sophia grew up at the mysterious Clifford School for girls when Lady Clifford found her at the age of six or seven covered in her murdered mother’s blood. How did Lady Clifford know to go look for the child? I don’t know. Fast forward about 15 years. Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray, a former Bow Street Runner, looks out the window and sees a boy lying on the roof of his next door neighbor. Or does he? Now the excitement begins. Prison escapes, chases through graveyards, and the body count rising all while falling in love! I can’t wait to find out more about the Clifford School. Is Lady Clifford on the right side of the law? Is she really having a steamy affair? How did the other three girls come to be there? So many questions I hope are answered in upcoming books.

Melt-your-Kindle hot and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! Anna Bradley has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance authors. I look forward to anything she releases! The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray is the first in her new series - The Swooning Virgins Society. The books has a decidedly darker grittier feel than her previous books and features a prominent murder mystery story-line. We follow Sophia Monmouth, a pupil at the mysterious Clifford School For Wayward Girls, as she fearlessly sets out to exonerate her dear friend after he's been convicted of a gruesome murder. Sophia quickly crosses paths with stern former Bow Street Runner Lord Gray. I was quickly swept up in the thrill of the story and really enjoyed Sophia and Tristan's chemistry-filled enemies-to-friends-to-lovers journey. My one criticism is the title - it is catchy, but it just doesn't make sense after reading the book. I cannot wait for the next in the series!

Ms Bradley is a favorite author of mine and I usually love her books, but this wasn't one of those books I loved. I almost stopped reading after only a few chapters--just didn't hold my interest. My first criticism was the title. It doesn't really apply to the book. Once I got past the first couple of chapters, the plot began to pick up.

I did love Tristan. He was so honorable and willing to listen to Sophia, at least when he got to know her a little better. The 3 stars is for the mystery running throughout the book. That was clever and interesting. While this book didn't rate high for me, I'll be interested in reading more books for this talented author.

This is a book where the characters really sit with you after you have finished the last page. Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray, is a man who a woman wants by her side, and in her boudoir. He is a strong man with righteous morals, but also a man with compassion and love to give. Sophia Monmouth is a woman who is also strong, and independent, but not so independent that she will not take help when she is in need.

The story revolves around Sophia needing to find justice for a friend who has been accused of murder, and Tristan also also wants to find justice for a friend. His friend, however, is the man who was murdered. Their goals seem at odds, and of course like any good romance, that sets up for a clash of wills, and attraction.

When Sophia realizes she needs Lord Gray to help her to free her friend, she challenges him to go against some of his set in stone morality; to face the true colors of the life of those beneath his station. This is compounded by his previous job of having been a Bow Street Runner who was used to following the laws by the book. Sophia’s methods slide more to the other side of the law.

In their pursuit of justice, they also find attraction, and that is where the best part of the book lies. The author has woven the mystery, and justice story very brilliantly into the falling love, and tension all lovers of the romance genre enjoy. You cheer for their relationship, and feel the emotions as you turn the pages into the next chapter.

This is the kind of book you stay up all night to read, and hate that your eyes get heavy. You fall into the world and get lost in the atmosphere and the lives of the characters, so much, you almost feel like they are your close friends. When the book is over, they stay with you; and truthfully, I had a bit of a book hangover from it.

This, is to be the beginning of a new series, I believe, and the other ladies in the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls which Sophia resided I am sure will most likely be part of the other books. I am particular interested in knowing more about several of them, and anxiously await the next novel.

Anna Bradley has started this new series with an bang! Sophia and Tristan are more alike then either would care to admit. They soon discover that they need each other to solve a mystery haunting Bow Street. They soon discover that just solving this case and going their separate ways won't ever be enough for either of them.

Sophia Monmount was rescued by Lady Clifford when she was an orphan. Lady Clifford then trains orphans to help her get justice against aristocrats. Sophia sneaks around London at night dressed as a boy trying to clear her friend from a false murder charge. She's much more than a wilting virginal heroine you often find and I liked that about her.

Tristian Stratford is the second son of an earl who trained as a Bow Street Runner. With the death of his older brother, Tristian now finds himself an earl and he's bored of the trappings. He meets Sophia in a manner that is far from typical after retiring from his Bow Runner days where he was known as the Ghost.

Their relationship grows, as they try to solve the murder charge against her friend. Tristian thinks society works as it is set up, so he's a bit of a rule follower, but Sophia doesn't see that is true for the members of the lower class, so she is set on breaking them which drives him a bit nutty and I loved their interactions.

It is the first book in a series, so it sets the reader up for some characters I think will show up later. I hope Sophia and Tristian also appear in later books!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bwmurf's review Aug 01, 2020 · edit
really liked it
bookshelves: arc, netgalley

** spoiler alert ** I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been on a historical romance binge lately and saw this recommended in a Facebook group so I joined Netgalley just to request this book. I don’t see myself being great at writing reviews but in order to read this I decided to give it a go. Usually my reviews just say what I liked and what I didn’t, but I will try to be a little more detailed. I think that’s what may be expected.

I’m a huge fan of the unconventional heroine in historical romance, other romances too but def historical. Sophia is an unconventional heroine, she is not part of the ton or a lady. Honestly I’m not sure how you would classify her. When Tristian first sees her (on top of his neighbor’s roof) he believes she is a boy and a thief, also that she is dead. Tristian used to be a Bow Street Runner but since his older brother passed away he is now an Earl. He’s a reluctant Earl and looking for distraction because he finds being a lord boring and doesn’t want to go to the country and deal with his matchmaking mother. So thinking there is a dead boy on his neighbors roof he goes to check it out. And thus begins their adventure. Thank you Netgalley for giving me this book for an honest review.

This is my first time reading this author and I wasn’t disappointed and will definitely be checking out more books by her.

4.5 stars - The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray is a satisfying tale of two people finding love where they least expect it. She’s a loyal and fearless orphan turned crusader. He’s a revered and feared former bow street runner turned earl. Together they are fired and ice and more alike than either could have imaged. The only thing that doesn’t make sense is the title. The heroine isn’t a Virgin and admits as much toward the end of the book. The Pixie Who Ruined Lord Gray, would be a more appropriate title. Regardless of the title, it’s a great read. I recommend it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I haven’t ever read a book that was placed in this time period and I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t like it. I LOVED it!! It was such a fun romance. It had mystery, thrilling aspects and of course romance that was just addicting!!

The spectacularly fabulous author, Anna Bradley, sent me an ARC of "The Virgin who Ruined Lord Gray." This is the first book in her new series of The Swooning Virgins Society... what a catchy name for a new series. Sophia Monmouth and Tristan Stratford, former Bow Street runner, now the Earl of Gray, meet in the most unexpected, never-could-have-imagined scenario. There's an instant mutual attraction and sparks flying all across. The book was so intriguing that I had a hard time finding a moment to stop and write down what I liked about it because I loved every moment. Together, they both try to solve a murder mystery while fighting their feelings. Simply Spectacular!

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an intriguing romantic mystery with a strong heroine and a solid hero. Although it was a bit more mystery than romance, the storyline kept you on your toes. Worth the read.

3. 5 stars
This is the first book I've read by this author. This book was very exciting. I was much intrigued by the murder mystery crime suspense and romance all thrown in the mix together. The character background and build up was well written with plenty of descriptions and events. I also want to add that when reading it's very important to me that I have physical description. Why? Because I want to know how the people I'm reading about looks like, and the author did a really good job on that too.

I also loved how it had a heroine disguised as a male trope feel to it in the beginning when the H met the h. With that being said that particular scene was one of my favorites. I loved how sophia met Tristan. How he thought he was chasing a meek little boy, and how wrong was he? Well He was wrong because when he realized he was a she it was love at first sight even if he didn't know it. There was instant mutual attraction between the two.

The only thing that did start to overwhelm me was the crime, the mystery, and chase. It started to swallow up the romance part in the book which made me feel a little torn. In my honest opinion there was more crime-murder-mystery in it verses the romance in this book. But the heated moments they shared were lit. How one simple kiss turned into a desperate need. I just loved loved her love scenes!

After reading this book eventhough I felt the crime part overtook the romance I still very much enjoyed it. It was a first, something different, and something new. I definitely look forward to reading her other books. Lastly just because I felt this way I know for sure some y'all would love the crime and mystery part.

Tristan Stratford has left Bow Street to take up the Gray family earldom after his elder brother’s death. Out of his depth and mired in grief of a fellow runner, he doesn’t want to leave London until he’s seen a murderer swing. But what if they arrested the wrong man?

That doubt is brought to him in the form of a breeches wearing, shadow clinging, feisty student of the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls, Miss Sophia Monmouth. Her simple friend, Jermey, could never murder anyone and she clashes with Lord Gray while she investigates who the real killer might be. As they dance together close to danger, the fiery passion simmers to the surface to the point of no return.

Anna Bradley has started this series with an explosive novel that will have you second-guessing at every turn. The explosive love story entwined with a complicated mystery had me devouring every word. The world she built is incredibly accurate and drops some interesting facts from the time period.

One of Lady Clifford’s girls is off the market. Who will be next? Could one of them find happiness with Lord Gray’s best mate, Lord Lyndon? I’m anxiously awaiting another story about The Swooning Virgins Society.

This book was a fun read. The heroine, Sophia, is not afraid of danger and will stop at nothing to get to the truth. She seems to have found her perfect match when she becomes entangled with the books hero, Tristan. Tristan can’t keep himself away from Sophia. They are the perfect pair. It kept me involved until the very end.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Lyrical Press for gifting me an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
<i>The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray</i> follows Sophia Monmouth and Lord Gray whose paths cross when Lord Gray spots Sophia on the roof of his neighbors home. Soon, he learns that she is a pupil at the Clifford School and might be entangled in something that interest him. Sophia never expected to be followed by the Ghost of Bow Street but when she becomes entangled with him and a plot bigger than she can handle on her own, she starts to realize he is more than his name.
Oh man I really liked this book and need to read Anna Bradley's backlist now! As I stated above, I did receive an ARC of this book and I am so glad that I did. I'm so excited for other people to pick this book up when it becomes available in October.
First off, I loved the characters in this book. I will always be drawn to strong female characters who defy societies norms in historical romance novels so this was pretty much made for me. I also really love the grumpy earls who open up to the woman they fall for which is exactly what Lord Gray was. It was really interesting to see how they come from two different schools of thought due to their backgrounds. Sophia has not had the easiest life by any means and has had to always stay strong due to the circumstances she has found herself in. Lord Gray has a privileged upbringing but his own thoughts of the law and what is right and wrong are called into play in this and the reader starts to see him change.
I also really loved the friendship between Sophia and the fellows girls at the school she is at. IT's very clear that Lady Clifford loves all her girls who are at the school and they have become the best of friends. The girls have a club that I really loved and found to be funny and sweet. I can't wait to see more of them and their friendships in the next book.
I really liked the plot of this book. It was a mystery that really kept me invested in the story. There was a few plot twists I didn't see coming near the end that had me on the edge of my seta and not wanting to stop reading. I pretty much flew through this book because the plot kept me very compelled and I wanted to know more. The reason this got a 4.5 though was that there was some things in the plot that weren't resolved but I know there will be a second book in this series so I am hoping that they will be resolved in that book.
The romance was really sweet and I loved seeing the two grow to care for each other. They were a couple who challenged each others beliefs and I really enjoyed that about them. They were willing to listen to the other person and let their world views be challenged. There was a lot of respect nad permission asked in this novel which I really enjoyed as well.
If you love historical romance novels and are a looking for a new one that will suck you in right from the beginning, definitely pick this one up. It was a prefect balance of a love story and the mystery that was prevalent in it. I'm so happy I received an ARC of this and have been opened up to this author's work. This book comes out October 27, 2020.