I started this book with low expectations. I don't know why as I am a big fan of Anna Bradley, but I was quickly swept up in the thrill of the chase. I usually can figure out the bad guy well before the big reveal. I was kept guessing with this and was shocked by the reveal. 

This story is well-plotted, with engaging characters. There is a natural flow to it, and it keeps the reader engaged. There is the perfect balance of intrigue, danger, romance and sex. 

I don't get the name of this book as neither of our main characters are virgins. Sophia had one previous lover, and she openly admits this to Gray before anything happens. This is no one affects the story, but it was a bit of a surprise given the title.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a solidly written romance with lots of classic tropes and a much loved HEA. While the book felt a little slow to start, once embedded in the story, there is plenty of action and romance to keep the reader engaged.

The main characters were likable and show some growth, their romance is rooted in finding a middle ground on issues of trust and justice. The premise of the Swooning Virgins Society is a great base for a series. Lady Clifford and her carefully selected crew of smart women adds a fun flair to the romance genre. The background of solving a murder gives the book a little more excitement in addition to the love story.

This will make a great cozy fall read and I look forward to seeing more books in this series.

This story started out kind of slow and confusing, but then it got down to business. The heroine is a orphan that Lady Clofford collects. She doesn't take just any child in, she is training them to slide round London and correct justice from behind. Very ingenious. The hero is a second son who inherited the earldom after his brother died. He was a second son who worked as a detective for Bow Street. At first I thought he was very old, like in his 30's, but he became younger as the book moved along into a more serious minded younger man in his mid 20"s. The heroine is 20-ish. There is a great deal of intrigue and kidnapping people from prison and everyone gets bashed on the head at one time or another,,,,that is an exaggeration. But a lot of head bashing does go on for a romance novel. I like the mix of aristocrat and common people in this story. I am sure there were many people who inherited titles and looked at the ton like they had been taken out of normal and placed into delusionia. There was some learning about the justice system. This book was all over the place, but in a controlled and comprehensive manner. Most authors can't do that and this author was able to take a romance story plot and turn it into a memorable love story. I look forward to seeing what else this author has written. I highly recommend it with 5 stars. The grammar and spelling are correct and the story has a definite beginning and end with no dangling bits.

Two souls in pain.
Sophia Monmount. Rescued as an orphan by Lady Clifford. The first of several rescues and taught many useful skills by Lady Clifford. She gathers information.
Lord Gray, retired bow street runner, upset over the murder of a dear friend.
Their worlds collide and despite their suspicions of one another, they must work together to achieve the goal they both desire ...at the moment.
Together they endure intrigue and danger, both getting attacked and injured. Eventually they stop fighting their lust and enter a steamy and sensual arrangement. They come to realize their 'lust' is love...the enduring kind.
Plenty of action and intrigue and erotic scenes make this book a fast read.
Recommended for like heat with their romantic mystery. That it is historical also is just another plus.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

My first thought was that this book is better than the somewhat cheesy (and misleading) title.

This was my first Anna Bradley book and I’ll definitely say that the characters are probably the best part of this book. Sophie is smart and likable and Tristan is likable too with a pretty strong sense of justice.

An interesting plot with a somewhat modern take on the era - with a friend of Sophia’s wrongfully imprisoned for killing Tristans’s friend.

Full review to come closer to publication date.

An enjoyable read by Ms. Bradley that includes action, romance, and spying. Sophia is an intriguing woman, smart, witty, loyal, and clever. She is able to get around with none the wiser, until one day she draws the Ghost of Bow Street's attention. Tristan has a title that he never wanted and formerly worked for Bow Street. He believes in justice and bringing down those responsible. He is curious about Sophia and is frustrated with her plans to discover the true killer, who killed a friend of Tristan's and wrongly put Sophia's friend in jail for the murder. Tristan keeps an eye on Sophia, who has her own agenda, for justice has already been served. However, his original decision changes when more facts come to life. Sophia and Tristan begin to work together to discover the truth of the matter and it goes deeper than they suspected. Neither thought feelings would enter into the equation, but time is running out and Sophia's involvement has put a target on her back.
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in 17th century England, the book provides an interesting story line with many unique features. A female detective, marrying out of class, females with self determination, and supportive male roles. The first few chapters are somewhat slow as the author sets up the time and place. The plot takes off right after that and becomes a page turner. The title is misleading as Sophie admits that she is not a virgin. The loose end of Sophie's parentage is not resolved at the end of this book. A good read for a weekend or during travel.