Another wonderful addition to the Storme series. Storme, a Bowstreet Runner wants to court Fanny, an aspiring reporter. Fanny agrees only if she can assist with William's cases. He agrees. Thus begins an exciting and sometimes dangerous courtship. Definitely a must-read.
Thank you Sandra Sookoo, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Historical Romance with Mystery

A serial killer is on the loose in London, and William Storme is investigating. He is interested in courting Francesca, a journalist, and she convinced him to take her with him on his investigations of the gruesome murders plaguing London of late. As the two investigate, the murderer is creeping ever nearer. The danger is much closer than the two realize, and soon, both their lives will be in peril. Just who is doing all those killings, and why are they interested in William and Francesca? Is it because they are investigating the killings, or is it something altogether different? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like a historical romance with mystery and adventure. There will be some gruesome descriptions.

The Sting of a Storme by Sandra Sookoo is part of a series so successful that now she has branched out into cousins to continue on. William Storme is a successful Bow Street Runner, although they don't prefer to go by that moniker. He likes his life, although he is worried about his mother, who is dying. She is still up and about and no one is sure how much longer she has. She wants him married and so he promises to at least speak to a woman at tonight's event. He has a murder on his mind, as well. He doesn't love on events but he attends as does meet a woman who intrigues him. She is a newspaper reporter (dreaded press!) but she writes society events. She is a little older than the normal marriage mart attendee, but he likes her. He is 38 to her 28. Still a little old for her, but he doesn't really intend to marry her so all is well. He is so taken by her that when he gets his next summons to a murder scene, he drops by her home and picks her home to go with him. She surprises him her with astute observations and suggestions. They continue to investigate together, while he reluctantly beings to change his views on marriage and begins to court her seriously. There is another man, though, and they have to get past that first.

I love this series because Sookoo always introduces elements to her books that are out of the ordinary: obstacles, if you will. In this case, it is a serial murderer. With all kinds of clues, they continue to chase the wrong person and nearly lose everything. William is just as grumpy as his cousins, but, like his cousins, the grumpiness is a symptom of loneliness. It is a seriously good book, with the two main characters well written and compelling. The plot is excellent. The real murder leaves clues, too, but for some reason the reader flies over those, all too easily. Kudos to Sandra Sookoo!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of the Sting of A Storme by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #sandrasookoo #thestingofastorme

This is the fourth installment of Ms. Sookoo's wonderful Storme Brothers series. I have just recently been introduced to the series and I am addicted. This is a well-written romance with a murder mystery cleverly woven in. The storyline is well-crafted and flows smoothly and the plot twists kept me glued and turning the pages. This is William's story. He is a successful Bow Street Runner. He is happy with his life, except for the fact that his mother is not well and he doesn't know how much longer she will be with him. Her wish is to see him married and settled, so he starts to court Fanny, an aspiring society reporter. He takes a liking to her and she fascinates and intrigues him and when he is next called to a murder scene, he takes her along with him. She impresses him with her keen observations and attention to details. They begin to work together on a serial murder case and as they do, the sparks begin to fly between them. They were a great couple with such wonderful chemistry.
Ms. Sookoo did a wonderful job with this first sort of spinoff from the original series and I'm looking forward to reading the upcoming stories.

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

2 stars

Gosh I thought this series was reasonable but this book really grated. The hero, William was grumpy, though he'd been like this in previous stories and the heroine, Franscesa decides she wants to be a reporter. Wikipedia tells me that female journalists started around 1848 about 30 years later than this setting of this story. William is a Bow street Runner and the son of a viscount so I was confused as to why he didn't have a title likewise Fanny. There's a serial killer that William needs to find and even though the victims have been young women he allows Franscesca to join in. Francesca is a well brought up young lady so it's surpriiing that she seems to have no qualms about giving up her virginity and endulging in oral sex, this I found incongruous as well as the swearing. The author seemed to like the phrases "out of pocket" 'tip over tail' and I found "it's a process" a bit too modern. She mentiones quills and then porcupines. I thought Quills came from moulting birds.
Knowing that the hero's sister had been placed in an asylum by William's father I found the descriptions and action of the villian especially jarring. This book might have put me off this series.

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

London, England 1818

A bow street runner and a society reporter who wants to do more series reporting. A match made in heaven? Well certainly interesting!

He was being encouraged by his mother to find a bride and he really wasn't ready to marry. But when he meets her at the ball, and realizes this may be his answer to appear to be courting a young lady, he doesn't realize what will happen!

She wants to do better than just the society page and interviewing a runner and seeing his investigation just might help her achieve that.

But what they do not factor in, is there is a killer loose and they may get in the crosshairs. Of course a romance developing doesn't hurt!
Suspense, mystery, and danger, make the road to happy ever after, one they will not soon forget!

William Storme and Francesca Bancroft met at a Storme family Christmas house party. They enjoyed each other’s company, and when they meet again at a rout in London, he asks permission to court her. William isn’t sure he’s ready to marry, but the courtship might help put his dying mother’s mind at ease.

William, who is a highly respected Inspector for Bow Street, is working on a perplexing murder case. Fanny finds his work fascinating. Fanny wants very much to be a journalist, a serious journalist. However, to date, her editor is only giving her the boring society page. She convinces William to allow her to interview him, and to go along with him to a murder site. Surprise, she proves to be helpful. Now they find themselves working together to catch a vicious serial killer.

This is a riveting story. A budding romance, some romantic rivalry, and a dangerous murder mystery (I guess they all are) blend together to hold your attention from start to finish. The characters are remarkable. I love Bow Street heroes, and Inspector William Storme does not disappoint. Fanny is feisty, intelligent, and brave, just the right kind of heroine for the Inspector. The killer? You will have to wait until the end. This is a great series, and this story is a winner!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

PERFECTION!!! The Sting of a Storme by Sandra Sookoo is book 4 in the The Storme Brothers series and what a finale!!! Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I really loved about this book was that there was a such good mystery with a serial killer plus romance that kept me on the very edge of my seat. I could not put this book down and I had to know the “who done it” at the end. Sandra is such an amazing writer and story teller and she really out did herself in this book. Incredible!!! The story was original, the romance between William & Fanny sizzled and had the true feel of the regency era. I can’t say enough about this book. So very well written. This story has a lady who wants to be a journalist, a Bow Street Runner, a limp, a serial killer, being courted by two gentlemen, a mother who want her son to be married before she dies, a father that is starting to forget things, evil, madness, investigating murders together, not knowing how to love, a kidnapping, rescue, injury and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book as Sandra never disappoints.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

4.5 Stars
Inspector William Storme is a Bow Street Runner who’s dying mother wishing to see him settled. Lame and socially shy Miss Francesca (Fanny) Bancroft, daughter of Viscount Nattingly, is a budding society reporter for the General Evening Post, but she aspires to write articles on more important topics. She first met William at the Stormes’ Christmas gathering, so when she encounters the inspector at a rout and he asks to court her, she presses her advantage. William and Fanny work together on a series of murders but between the shocking scenes, an unexpected romance develops. This is the fourth full length novel in the series & it’s a very well written murder mystery as well as a delightful romance. I must admit I was completely drawn in by the murders & loved the red herrings & twists & turns before the murderer was revealed. The romance began slowly but sparks flew between the pair. I loved both William & Francesca who were older & both had their flaws & foibles but who both liked each other & became friends & confidants whilst falling in love. The book started quite slowly but the pace gradually increased until the pages flew by. I also loved that the rift between the cousins continues to be healed. An engrossing read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Miss Francesca Bancroft is being courted by two suitors. Lord Wainwright and Inspector William Storme, Bow Street Runner. She wants to be a journalist and William is willing to help her succeed. That puts him on the plus side. Those kisses are on the plus side, too. What else can William do for another plus? A slashing killer is on the loose in London. William keeps his promise and takes Francesca with him to the scenes of the crimes. Between her notes and observations, William has a true partner to find the killer. Only his feelings for Francesca keep getting in the way of his job. William has commitment issues and hesitates to declare his feelings, but his jealousy for her attention to Lord Wainwright makes him take a second look at what he wants. First they need to find a killer. The dynamics between Francesca and William are one step forward and two steps back. The sexual tension is pretty hot, Because it took a lot of time for them to make up their minds about commitment, it slowed the pace of the book to the point I thought they would never get it together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I really enjoyed all of the elements of “The Sting of the Storm”. The characters were great, imperfect but brought the best out in each other. I am not usually a fan of books that are set in frequent balls but this one was ok because it was offset with the gritty crime scenes. The final scene got a bit long where they finally finished off the murderer, but overall a great book.

I discovered this author and series through the Dragonblade Christmas anthology - I enjoyed that novella so I thought I'd give a full-length novel a shot and I am really glad that I did. There are a few flaws within the story, but they are not so great in number that it takes away from the overall enjoyment of the novel. I liked Francesca right from the beginning and enjoyed getting to see her come out of her shell more and more throughout the story. I enjoyed William's relationship with his mother and liked him so much for the way he treated Francesca. That being said, I did get frustrated with him when he got mad at Francesca over her continued courtship with Wainwright considering he kept telling her he had no plans to marry - he had her questioning her morals when really she wasn't doing anything wrong. Her only crime was in taking so long to realize what a jerk Wainwright was and ending their relationship.

The best part of this book is definitely the mystery. The author does a great job of offering up multiple credible killers that just as you are certain it is one person you start to wonder if maybe it's this other person. However, where the story comes up short is within the investigation. There was one point where William is talking about how he feels he is failing with this case and I thought for sure that Francesca was going to suggest they go over all their notes but instead they go for tea. Then there is a scene with someone coming to tell Wainwright something is happening with his friend Coxhill but you never find out what that was all about. The next thing you know Coxhill turns up dead. Are those two events related? Was this man referring to Coxhill's body being found? If so, why wasn't Wainwright there when Francesca and William arrive at the crime scene?

Having previously met Miss Francesca Bancroft at his cousin's Christmas house party, William Storme is pleased to meet her once again during the season. William is surprised to learn that Francesca has turned to journalism and longs to be taken seriously. Being a man without the usual bigotry towards women, he agrees to allow Francesca to accompany him in his work as a Bow Street Runner, and is surprised to discover she is more than adept at ferreting out information. However, as his cases turn more personal, William begins to fear for her life, but before he can find a way of protecting her, they both find themselves in the grip of terror. All the while Francesca's allure builds and the stony-hearted Storme finds himself losing his heart. The novel is fast-paced and exciting, keeping the reader engrossed from beginning to end. I loved the main characters and was glad when they received their chance at happiness. I received a copy of this well-written detective romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

It started a little slow. Devlin and Daniel Wayward are identical twins. Devlin was the black sheep of the family and had been banished. He had not had any communication with family except his brother and had been invited for Christmas. After, his father and oldest brother died. His brother, David, wanted to bring the family back. Devlin is a Rake and Daniel is a Vicar. Boy, they love to get into trouble. Devlin has a business meeting in London next week. Daniel has all his duties for his flock and can't leave. Devlin plays a trick and manages to break his leg. So, they change places.

Olivia St. Peter's, she is your typical debutante and thinks she loves Devlin {Daniel}. He also does business with her father. They are partners. She and Angela are best friends and get into trouble
all the time. You should read what these crazy people are doing.

I did find this book a little slow, but it did pick up. The writing was interesting, and it kept the story moving. I could not believe a vicar did this even for his brother. At first, you may not like Olivia, but she grows on you. There were so many crazy things happening in the tale. The bad guy faded away, especially after Mr. St. Johns spoke to him, Weird, huh. This book moves smoothly and is entertaining. The characters are exciting and get along so well. I do highly recommend this novel.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

William Storme is an inspector with the London police force. In his job he has to face a lot of difficult situations and lately he’s finding it hard to go on with his life with the burden of solving crimes on his shoulders. But maybe the soothing presence of a woman could be just what he needs…
Francesca Bancroft is a shy girl with a minor disability due to a riding accident. She wants to be bolder and more confident and she hopes that a reporter job could help her become a new woman. When the fascinating Inspector Storme agrees to let her work with him at a case involving a potential serial killer, she’s overjoyed. And the overwhelming attraction she feels for the inspector is certainly an added bonus…
This book is the first of a sort of spin-off of the Storme Brothers series, where the main characters are the cousins of the heroes of the previous books. William is an interesting character with a flaring temper much as his cousin Andrew, and a surprisingly sweet side.
The character of Fanny is the perfect match for him. Like always, Sandra Sookoo is a master at creating fascinating characters and stories with a surprising depth to them. I particularly liked the mystery plot and the steamy scenes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Inspector William Storme is under pressure from his dying mother to take a bride. He however is not confident that he has anything to offer a woman, and no time to find one.

Miss Francesca Bancroft is a budding journalist. Unfortunately her editor is only giving her the boring society page. Her father is trying to persuade her to marry a Viscount, so that he can see her settled.

Our hero and heroine met previously at a Storme family Christmas. Now they find themselves involved in trying to catch a vicious serial killer.

There is a lot of danger and excitement in this historical romance. The characters are incredible, brave, intelligent and not afraid of risk.

You will not guess until the climax who the killer is. Our hero is also very frustrated that his attention is being divided between his very important work and Francesca.

I loved every page. Great fun.

Francesca and William met at his extended family's Christmastide party and when they renew their acquaintance on Valentine's day, the spark that was there initially is still present. William's mother is dying and she's been trying to convince him to wed before she goes, so he asks if he may call on Francesca when he finds her just as interesting as he remembered. Francesca's father is suffering from a form of Alzheimer's and wants to see her settled while he still knows who she is and she is being courted by another gentleman as well.
There is a lot going on in this story, she's a budding journalist, he's a bow street runner and they wind up investigating a serial killer together. I did think that their physical relationship was abrupt but at least it was a bit different than the usual expected steps, so it was abrupt but refreshing in a way as well. William learns the value of having emotions as all of the Storme men tend to suffer from anxiety/depression to some degree or another as well as being raised by toxic fathers and Francesca learns that she has value in and of herself in spite of the fact that she has a limp.

I am invested in this series. I do like the characters well enough, but the books are a bit slow until the momentum picks up. In this book it was around chapter ten or eleven before it sped up and held my attention. I do plan to read the next book in the series. I received this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review.