I’ve never read one of Sarah M. Eden’s books but I’ll be definitely waiting for the next instalment of this series.
Right from the beginning it gripped me, with Dr Barnabas having a he hadn’t seen in three years? And why was she needed again? The way the reason was introduced was so smooth and impactful! I loved all the characters and their quirks. I especially loved how easy it was to follow despite not reading the other books in the series I do manage to pick up what was happening without much difficulty. I loved to see the progression of Gemma and Barnabas’ relationship and the realisation was just too cute to read!
I also did not expect the twist at the end! It was very well hidden but equally made sense. I also loved how everything more or less came together at the end, even if there is still a threat to London which will obviously be addressed in the next book.

Overall I loved this book so much, and I really couldn’t put it down for the last three days! I would definitely recommend this book!

Barnabus married Gemma to help her family out, but it was in secret. Gemma, however, is in love with him and leaves because that love is not returned. He sends for her later because her help is needed to stop a crime network. She is heartbroken to find he is not in love with her, but agrees to help.

This book is one of a series, but the only one I have read. It was slow in the beginning for me, but it picked up. There was a lot going on, but I enjoyed the story between Barnabus and Gemma. The author had me rooting for them. I didn’t care for the Penny Society element, but probably because I had not read the previous books.

If you like this series, you will enjoy the book. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Okay - so to be completely honest, this series has not been my favorite out of all Sarah Eden's work, ONLY because I felt like it focused more on the Dread Penny Society and didn't have very much romance in them. Still great books!! I just got a little lost in the action/mystery and penny dreadfuls, and I just wanted more romance mixed in to connect me to the characters..

BUT!

BUT! THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
Definitely the best of the series IMO!! This story is perfectly paced and really well balanced! There is so much amazing mystery and adventure and suspense, but also sweet pining and budding romance happening along the way!! Intricately interwoven into the plot! And its soo sweet!! *sighhh. And I was on the edge of my seat SO MUCH! and I was HERE FOR IT!

I LOVED Barnabus and Gemma! They were amazing characters and I looooved their marriage of convenience situation!

This book has a fantastic beginning that hooked me right away and kept me hooked the whole time, right up to the INSANE SURPRISING TWISTY AWESOME ENDING!
I was on the edge of my seat so much with all the action and suspense in this one, hoping things would work out, and cheering for Barnabus and Gemma!

If you're a fan of this series, you're gonna love this!!! SO MUCH HAPPENS AND WE FIND THINGS OUT! And if you've been on the fence Iike I was, read it!! It's soo good! So worth the read!

I really liked this book. Set in London during the late 1800’s, we are introduced to the seedier side of life. Gemma, the heroine escaped her life with a family of resurrectionists ( a type of grave robber). She marries a physician named Barnabus who only married her in name only. She falls in love with him and leaves when he tells her he only felt sorry for her and could never love her. We find these details as the story unfolds. It starts with her return to her residence with Barnabus with whom she has not resided for 3 long years. The story also has a couple stories within the story itself. I enjoyed the twists and turns and surprise ending.
If you like historical novels, you probably would enjoy this. I received an ARC through NetGalley. But it did not affect my honest review.

I think one is my favorite so far. I loved both Barnabus and Gemma. Dr Mulligan wants to help anyone he can and Gemma is someone he has helped. Gemma wants him to live her and not just be his pity wife. Dr Mulligan is so busy saving people he can’t see what he really wants. I love how these books do the storyline of the dread penny society but also the stories of the characters are writing. The mystery is getting intense in these books. I can’t wait to see where it leads next.

I really wanted to like this book--it had lots of possibilities, but there were too many problems. The idea of a gang of criminals that terrorize a city is all to0 realistic for our time. I liked the idea that there was a secret society to find the leadership and stop the crime . But then the story lost me when they confronted the leader and rather than try to use what they knew to stop her, they simply smuggled the people who knew who she was out of the city so they would be protected. So the crime went on, and the "bad guys" essentially won. I received this as an ARC and was not influenced in my opinion.

Ramona Thompson

Sometimes I fluctuate on this series (because the topics involved are heavy/not as pure as romance), but every time I'm reading one of the books I'm thoroughly invested. Sarah just knows how to write and structure a book well! I'm impressed with how she has two plots going on, but neither one detracts from each other. They are both so well integrated and balanced. And the penny dreadfuls are always a treat, too.

The Dread Penny Society is back for their fourth romp through the seedy streets of Victorian London. This book focuses on Dr. Barnabas Milligan, whom everyone thought was a bachelor. But we meet his secret wife, Gemma. In this novel, we get to learn about the disturbing grave-digging practices that the criminal ring the DPS keeps fighting are using to terrorize the lower classes of London society.

This addition to the series contains all the mystery, suspense, and fun that the previous introduced us to. I enjoyed learning more about the mysterious Dr. Milligan and watching the DPS in their fight against a complicated criminal underground. The ending of this novel is pretty far-fetched. I suspect that for most readers this will be largely drowned out by the reveals the previous novels have left us waiting for.

As always, we get some extra penny dreadful stories written by DPS members. I particularly enjoyed the story that shares the title of this book. I thought it was super cute and a lovely echo of Barnabas and Gemma’s story.

Wow.
I loved Baz and Gemma…. How is it that Sarah M Eden knows how to pull my heart strings so effortlessly. My heart hurt watching Gemma totally in love with Baz, but feeling nothing in return.
And …
That last page. Oh boy. I’ll be reading the next book for sure!!

A doctor and an ex-criminal, a marriage of convenience, and their reunion. Dr. Baranbus Milligan is dedicated to his work and is part of the Dread Penny Society, where he not only writes penny dreadfuls but helps those less fortunate. Baranabus has kept a secret, he is a renown bachelor...except he really isn’t. Baranabus has been married, for 3 and 1/2 years to be precise. He rescued Gemma Kincaid from her criminal family and married her to protect her from them. Her family is notorious grave robbers who are intent on keeping her in the family business. but their unconventional relationship is at odds since Gemma has fallen in love with Baranabus but he can’t offer her love, he can offer her friendship, care, a home, but he just doesn’t feel love and can’t be the man she wants. Gemma confesses to him a few months into their marriage that she loves him but growing up in a family that didn’t have love she won’t stand for it anymore and that she’ll come back when he is in love with her. It’s been three years since she left. When Baranabus and the Dread Penny Society have a new case, he realizes he’ll need Gemma’s help especially if her family might be involved, so he writes to her asking her to come home... except she thinks he is finally ready to open his heart rather than the fact that he only wants her help. Gemma makes a new promise, she’ll leave permanently after helping him with his case, she’ll be gone from his life and set him free... except the more time Baranabus spends with her solving this case the more he is beginning to realize that he’s made a horrible mistake and that he’ll have to find a way to convince Gemma of his sincere feelings, or else he’ll lose her forever. This was such a fun read and I loved the relationship between Gemma and Baranabus. They were absolutely sweet and the mystery was a fun one to read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

*Thanks Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, Shadow Mountain for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I have very much enjoyed this series from Book 1. I love the mystery and the additonal penny dreadfuls incorporated in the book. The mystery was intricate and kept me hooked and guessing the whole time. Twists to keep you on your toes. By the end I was just like "what!?" and "what the what!? Crazy!" I can hardly wait for the next one!! Color me very impressed. I appreciated the mild reminders to jog the readers memory about what's happened in the previous stories. I loved the feel of the history and time period worked into the book. This is one of the things I appreciate about reading historical. The premise to their love story I found unique and fresh. Sarah Eden did so great in getting this reader to empathize and relate to the the emotions and thoughts of the H and h. The love story was sweet, endearing and gentle. I also enjoyed the funny and lighthearted moments.

Oh! My! Heavens!!!!!! I couldn't put this book down until I finished reading it last night! I had about 15 pages left and my eyes were getting heavy but I told them they'd just have to toughen up because I absolutely had to finish reading the book before I fell asleep.

And that cliffhanger!!! Wowsers! Worth every minute of reading and sleep lost! My only sadness is that now that I've devoured this book (before it released) I have to wait another stretch of time until the next book is announced and released! Hahaha! But honestly, totally worth it!

I've loved all the books in this series so far, but this one, it's definitely my favorite! I've loved Doc's character (Dr. Barnabus Milligan) from the previous books and was so excited when the author announced this book was his story. All of the characters are great and I love that we get to see a lot about them throughout all of the books. That's one of my favorite aspects about series. It allows so much for character growth and development.

Doc is the confirmed bachelor in his friend's eyes. But imagine their surprise when, nope, just kidding, he's married and not a bachelor and they had no clue!!! Say What?! I loved how it developed and played out in the book. It's not a typical marriage and he and Gemma have a lot to figure out. She's sweet and spunky and not afraid to be her. She's such a fun character. Her and Moirin together are a hoot! Actually her and any of Doc's friends together are a hoot! The humor and wit of the characters adds such a fun dynamic to this series. It is after all a Victorian Mystery/Thriller so it gets suspenseful and having that comedic relief is perfect. Plus, this author is just funny! I love her sense of humor and it shines through these characters!

This is definitely a series you must read in order. And a lot of things that have been culminating from the beginning are laid out in this one! There are twists and turns coming your way. I caught one of them and was so proud of myself when it was revealed. I was like, "YESSSSS!!!!" Ok, more excited and proud of myself that I caught onto to it, not what it was. Holy Cow! It's a doozy! Hold onto your shorts cause it's gonna knock you over! And the ending...duh, duh, duuuuhhhh!!! My jaw dropped and I was like, duh! I should have seen that coming! But I didn't! It was awesome!!! Well played Sarah M. Eden. Well played! *smirks*

Amidst the main plot, we also get to enjoy two Penny Dreadful stories, written by the characters in the story. Oh and are they delicious! Full of ghosts and the fantastical and fairies and such! I was finishing the book last night in the dark right before I went to sleep. My household was all tucked up in their beds and sleeping and here I am reading the ending of this book and the ending to the two Penny Dreadfuls. I was kind of scaring myself, even though they're not scary. (I'm a whimp when it comes to scary things)! I kept telling myself it was all in my head! Hahaha!

There is a tender love story throughout the book as well that I enjoyed. And a couple other hinted at possibilities for books and couples. Hmmmm. Now I'm formulating all kinds of ideas in my head as to how it could work. Yep. I definitely need the next book!

I better stop rambling because I don't want to spoil anything. If you've been following the series, seriously clear your schedule because you're going to want to do nothing but read this book the moment it comes out. If you haven't read any books in the series, do so now so that you're ready for this book!

Content: Clean. There are moments of peril and suspense. The book talks about resurrectionists (grave robbers), arson, murder and other similar topics. But they are all done very mildly and not graphically. I'd let my teenagers read/listen to it. The romance between the married couple is clean. They on share a couple kisses and nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden is unlike any book I’ve ever read before. It is a mystery, a thriller and has a slow burn marriage of convenience romance all woven into one fantastic story that had me hooked! The mystery, the intrigue, the suspense! Wow, just wow!

The Dread Penny Society is a secret organization that helps the less fortunate in Victorian London. They help, rescue and try to fight off the criminal organizations in the city. They are also a group of authors that write Penny Dreadfuls; short stories written for the working class. These stories are between chapters throughout this book and I really enjoyed the story written by Mr. King. The Mastiff is the evil mastermind who works with resurrectionists (grave diggers) in this story.

3 1/2 years ago, Dr. Barnabus Milligan secretly married Gemma Kincaid to get her away from her horrible family. Not feeling like Baz(Barnabus)loved her, she leaves 6 months into their marriage of convenience to protect her broken heart. She comes back 3 years later. Can Baz and Gemma ever find happiness and love in each other, and can they and The Dread Penny Society discover how to stop the villains who are terrorizing London…

This is book 4 in The Dread Penny Society Series. This book worked well as a stand alone but I can only imagine how amazing it would be having read the 3 previous books and knowing the other character’s stories. I’m now very intrigued to read them!

This book will transport you to Victorian London! If you’d like to read a book full of mystery, suspense, amazing characters, friendships, a marriage of convenience, a sweet slow burn love story, plot twists and turns, and a shocking revelation that will make you gasp out loud, this book is for you!

Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an arc copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

✨Releases September 6th✨

Content warning: loss of parent, traumatic childhood, mild violence, fires, death.

This was the most intense of the series so far! Lots of twists and secrets revealed-the ending was very eventful. I enjoyed the characters, but I do wish Baz would have made his realization a bit sooner because poor Gemma has been through a lot. Overall it was a great story! I would recommend to read the series in order and recommend to fans of historical fiction.

This series is a must read for me. Well, this author is a must read for me. The characters are what makes this book one of the best of the series. All of my favorite characters are back and/or in some way mentioned. Gemma is adorable and easily likeable. There are descriptions of her that fully illustrate her in my mind. She was a joy. The author leaves no stone unturned. The plot is brilliant with so many twists and turns and reveals, my jaw was agape when I finished. Each book in this series becomes my new favorite.

I am always so excited to get the next book by Sarah Eden. It's always the first one I go for when on my Kindle! These Dread Penny Society books are so sweet, light, clean, and always a fun adventure. This is #4 in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In this one we get to know Dr. Barnabus Milligan, a physician that heals bodies as well as rescues those in need. He had married a young Gemma Kincaid to help rescue her, but theirs was a marriage of convenience only, even though Gemma had hoped for more. When she didn't receive the kind of love she had hoped, she went off on her own to make her own way in the world. When a letter requesting her return comes, she is hopeful this is when things will turn around for her and and her husband. Unfortunately, he just needed her help with a dangerous family in the neighborhood. There's a whole lot of back and forth with emotions between these two as well as the mystery that needs to be solved. While it got frustrating watching the couple missing what was obvious to the reader, it was still enjoyable and I will for sure anxiously await the next installment!

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

I adore Brogan, but this may be my favorite book in the series because I absolutely loved Gemma. She is so sweet and strong and funny. The space given to the penny dreadfuls didn't seem to be as much as with the previous books, which I was glad for. I enjoy the little penny dreadful stories woven throughout, but it was nice getting more stories from the MCs.

I will admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Barnubus's penny dreadful story. It didn't hold my interest and I found myself skimming it. But, the rest of the book was amazing.

And the ending? Oh my goodness...I about DIED! I was squealing and I am even more excited for the next book in the series!

Gemma Kincaid is a fun, charming, and smiling lady. People find her very engaging. She and Baz were married three years ago, to protect her from her family. They were resurrectionists and needed extra hands because business was good. This was a very tense time in London, there was a lot of evil.

Dr. Barnabus Milligan was a Doctor of Medicine and tried to help the impoverished women and children in London. His own mother was forced into a Brothel. He also wrote Penny Dreadfuls and belonged to the DPS. They took care of the people on the streets also but more as a group. Baz had told Gemma he felt he could never love but she loved him, and this is when she left for so long. She did not want to get hurt anymore, nor did she want to cause him grief.

She had agreed to help him with the present problem and then she would leave and not return ever.
There were a lot of things going on, the Mastiff was scaring people and the tempest was coming, what was that? The love situation between Baz and Gemma, the fires, and the dead bodies being dug up. The writing is wonderful and so well researched. It is also exciting and keeps your interest.
I am going to have to read the previous novels, so I understand better.

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

Wow! I thought the last book got crazy, but this one cranked up the stakes even higher! The story delves into the Victorian era practice of “resurrecting” dead bodies by stealing them from cemeteries and selling them to medical schools so students could practice on cadavers. Also, BIG secrets are revealed in this book. Brace yourself!

On a lighter note, Gemma is an absolute gem, and it was fun to see a new side of Doc Milligan, or Baz as Gemma calls him.

Just like the earlier books in the series, this novel contains two Penny Dreadfuls that are woven into the main storyline. This time around they are The Bachelor and the Bride by Mr. King and Bodies of Light by Dr. Barnabus Milligan, physician.

This is the fourth installment of the Dread Penny Society series. Although each story centers on a different member of the DPS, the books work together to tell an overarching story and should be read in order.

This is my first in the Dread Penny Society Series, and I loved it! I actually wish I read the others first, but I'll be adding them to my TBR pronto.

A marriage of convenience story, Dr. Barnabus saves Gemma from her family through marriage.

I absolutely loved Gemma, and while I was less enthused by Barnabus for much of the story, he was still a great character (one who definitely deserved to grovel a little more than he did).

It was a fun read and I'm looking forward to reading the others.