Loved! Read the first in the series and have been so patiently waiting for this one. Great author who thoroughly creates a great character you want to be successful. Very clean.

I just reviewed To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen. #ToCaptureHisHeart #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

wow this was amazing. i am surprised as to how much i loved this.
in beginning, i wasn't much invested because i thought it was very forward for a regency romance until i realised that it is based in victorian era.
after that, my interest piqued and even the plot became good.
seriously everything about this book was good, in my opinion.
the writing was great, the plot was great, all characters were great especially both main characters. the romance was sweetttttt and so was the ending. (loved how they adopted sammy 🥺)
i also loved the mystery sub-plot although its execution was rushed, but i didn't mind much.
i was thinking of rating it 3 ⭐ in the beginning, then 4 ⭐ in the middle but by the end, it became so good that i couldn't see any point of giving it any less than 5 ⭐.
I've not read the first book in the series so looking forward to reading it and the 3rd one, whenever it comes out.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy.

This Victorian sequel doesn't disappoint. Eva Caldwell and Nathan Winston are perfectly matched in this masterful mystery. The suspense and mystery elements really add to the overall book and gives purpose to our detective and photographer. There are definitely elements true to the time period including women with independent incomes and women's rights.

The story was definitely set up in the previous book in the series but this one does stand on it's own. This one really kept me guessing where the mystery was concerned. I had feelings about the truth but didn't catch it all which was very clever of the author.

The characters were well developed and I loved them. This was truly a joy to read.

I received an early copy through the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

This book is boring.

Detective Nathan has a criminal from his past threatening his family. At this same time, his mother is throwing a match-making country party. Nathan asks Eva, a photographer he has a crush on, to pretend to be his date. But how much of it is pretend?

Romances are run on tension. It doesn't have to come from the romance itself, but it does have to come from somewhere. There is no tension anywhere. Nathan and Eva are already in love at the beginning of the book, so we have to wait for them to confess, which doesn't take long. The tension should have been surrounding the country party. Instead, we got a lot of petty party conversations that went nowhere, and nothing happened until the very end. When we finally meet the bad guy, he's so pathetic that he is anti-climatic. I've tried giving this series a chance because I like the author's previous series, but this was so boring.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

During the summer 1886, Eva Caldwell finds herself employed as photographer for a 10-day fundraising party, hosted by Detective Inspector Nathaniel Winston's mother at the Winston family estate in Seaside. Nathaniel and Eva agree to act enamored with one another to help Nathaniel stave off a few marriage-hungry harpies that have been invited to the party. As the party rolls on, two things become apparent: their affection for one another may not just be a show, and someone on the premises has murderous intentions. Eva and Nathaniel must have the courage to share their true feelings for one another and outwit the villain before he claims his victims.

This is a cute companion story to Nancy Campbell Allen's other book, The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart. I enjoyed the appearance of a few familiar characters throughout the course of this story.

The romance was very sweet and founded upon mutual respect (always very refreshing!), and I thought the element of suspense gave it a nice flair. I have to admit though, that the mystery was not as puzzling nor adrenaline-inducing as I had expected, based on my experience reading The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart. This book is definitely a little more tame. I did think that the plot and characters were both believable though and I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the noble intentions of the good characters. These characters are the kind that do the right things for the right reasons, and I'd have to say that's one of my favorite things about Allen's books--the good guys are just really good, inside and out.

Content Guide:

Sex & Affection--Ardent kissing.
Language--None
Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Use--None
Violence & Crime--Two men are found dead, one with bodily injury but descriptions can hardly be considered graphic. A few people are injured and injuries are not described graphically, save for one character noting the spreading of blood on another character's clothing.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

4.5* This book had a wonderful combination of characters (in all their variety and uniqueness), a whodunnit element, and historical details about photography processes in the Victorian age to delight readers. I enjoyed seeing ties to characters from The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart, but I feel like this story can stand alone. Nancy Campbell Allen has crafted a clever story that you will want to see through to the end for both the mystery and the romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Eva and Nathan are already drawn to each other. Neither is aware of the feelings of the other but they have spent enough time with each other to recognize their own. When Nathan’s mother insinuates that matchmaking will be a part of her upcoming house party Nathan blurts that his attentions are already set on someone. Luckily Eva agrees to the charade and now they just need to get through a week under his mother’s scrutiny not to mention the rest of the guests”.

Loved loved loved the heat already surrounding Eva and Nathan. For a sweet and chaste courtship they still bring the sizzle with their longing and affection.. I adored the setup and watching Eva who is such a strong and accomplished business woman also face insecurities as she charms Nathan’s family and traverses the social quagmire of those assembled. Their story was lovely. The mystery the two also face seemed unnecessary when the rest of the story was so well done. It was underdeveloped and took me away from what I truly cared about.

Eagerly looking forward to book three in the series. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Eva Caldwell is a working woman. She's independent, educated and makes a living as a photographer. She's been able to help her detective friends on a few cases with her skills. When one of the detectives, Nathan, finds himself in need of rescue during his mother's house party, and the onslaught of eligible females, he tells his mother his heart is already engaged, unfortunately for him, it's truer than he lets on. Eva is invited to the house party as the photographer and when Nathan's nemesis from the past comes back, she's there to help him figure it out.

Eva's history doesn't allow her to trust easily, even though she wants to. The house party brings back unwanted memories of how she's been judged and dismissed in the past. We watch her wrestle with who she is and develop the confidence in the person she wants to be.

Written for general market it's a sweet, clean, suspenseful story.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.

This was a fun second installment to the series. The writing was lovely as always with this author. Eva and Nathan are quite the modern Victorian era couple and I love how I feel transported to this time period and I didn't realize how dangerous photography could be back then! The romance was not as exciting this time around, but overall it was a pleasant read.

This was another great historical romance from Nancy Campbell Allen. We're first introduced to Eva and Nathan in 'The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart', and I instantly knew I wanted them to get their own story. They're such a great pair. I'm happy to say that 'To Capture His Heart' lived up to my expectations. I enjoyed it so much!

This book features everything I love in a historical romance: wonderful characters who are easy to root for, a setting that comes alive, historical accuracy, a swoony and sweet romance, a good amount of humor, and a little bit of a mystery to add to the excitement. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Victorian romance. I didn't want it to end.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

"He smiled and winked, and Eva wondered how she would possibly survive ten days of the man's attention and emerge unhurt on the other side."

If there is one thing I love to see in any and every romance I read, it's winking. I love it and I find it especially delightful in historical books which can often feel so proper, a little flirtacious wink is a nice touch 😉

This is the first book I read by Nancy Campbell Allen and I really enjoyed it. I definitely want to read more of her books.

This story had the perfect amount of mystery and it wasn't predictable. I tried, but I could not figure it all out and I preferred it that way. I don't mind predictability when it comes to knowing that the girl and the guy are going to get together (I have to have my HEA), but having aspects of the story that I can't figure out are fun!

Eva and Nathan were fantastic characters and I loved their interactions. I am a big fan of the fake dating trope and I really enjoyed seeing it in this time period. It was easy to read as it had great flow.

I loved the secondary characters, especially Sammy.

This is the second book in a series (I have not read the first yet, but I will!) but can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Nancy Campbell Allen does it again! She delivered another fantastic romance that is engaging and entertaining from start to finish. From the opening lines of the story her voice captured the essence of these characters and transported the reader to an enchanting world of romance and mystery. I loved getting to see Eva at work with her photography business and see her loyal assistant Sammy. Nathan’s world was an unexpected one that was such a delightful insight into who he was. I loved getting to know his family throughout the course of the story and seeing how he takes care of those who are important to him. His kind and protective nature is evident in the way that he interacts with those around him at work and also the way he cares for his family.

Read this if you enjoy:
🎩 Friends to lovers
🎩 Fake dating
🎩 House parties
🎩 Mystery and intrigue

I loved the camaraderie between Eva and Nathan, how they knew each other so well from working together over the past year. In addition to noticing how beautiful Eva was, you definitely sensed that Nathan appreciated her for her intelligence and for her observation skills. He admired the way that she made a name for herself and pave the way for her own career despite being one of the few women to do so. Beyond seeing the appeal of Nathan‘s exterior appearance, Eva admired Nathan’s caring and protective nature as he looks out for those he loves.

The two of them find themselves at a house party and agree early on pretend to have an entendre for one another in order to prevent unwanted advances from the women in attendance. What unfolds from this house party is not only delightfully entertaining and an enjoyable romance, but a series of secrets and mysteries the unfolds into an exciting and gripping conclusion full of dangerous secrets.

Many thanks to Nancy Campbell Allen, Shadow Mountain, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the story. All opinions are my own. I can’t wait to see what Charlotte’s story has in store next!

Okay SO good! I enjoyed the first book, but I’m obsessed with this one! I love Eva and Nathan! He is so sweet and their banter is my favorite. The mystery amidst the house party and their pretended affection that wasn’t really pretend, just so good! I loved it!

Also, can I just say. I love that the kissing happens sooner than like 90% in with Nancy Campbell Allen’s books.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley and all opinions are my own*

To Capture His Heart? More like to capture MY heart!

After reading The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart, I knew I wanted more in this world Nancy created. I got my wish, and I have a feeling we will get more as well. Eva and Nathan are a delight. I love the pleas Nathan gives Eva over and over again and how she just laughs and shakes her head. I did miss Eva's cousins and Detective Baker, but I did love getting to meet Nathan's family, especially his sisters. I would love to see stories for them as well, especially Grace.

I read anytime I can get; audiobooks during the day, kindle by night mostly. This was a kindle read for me and because of that it took me longer to get to the end. I had to force myself to stop every so often so I wouldn't be freaked out. There were some seriously suspicious and kind of creepy moments that, when read at night, when my whole family is a sleep and the lights are off, it can get to you. So I had to put it down or risk bad dreams. But nothing was truly terrifying. It was more a mental game that is brought on by our protagonist that got me some nights.

I highly suggest this book. It was full of great characters, a wonderful storyline that kept you on your toes, some seriously swoony kisses, and writing that kept you wanting more with every turn of the page. Nancy Campbell Allen is a master at this era and genre. Historical, romance, suspense and mystery. It is filled with so much amazing story telling that draws you in and keeps you captive until the very end.

I loved this so much! Nathan and Eva were some of my favorite side characters from the first book so I was very excited to read their story. It didn’t disappoint! There’s not a single thing I didn’t love. Now I’ll be anxiously waiting for Charlotte’s story.

This second book in the Matchmakers series was exactly what I'd hoped it would be...and then some! All of the things I enjoyed about the first book were improved in this one, making it a story that I savored and looked forward to picking up again. The romance was swoon-worthy but also plausible in its development. The mystery was truly a mystery; I did not expect the villain, yet in retrospect, the identity made sense. Great tension and suspense throughout! I just love the characters in this series, even the secondary ones. I particularly like the heroine portrayed as intelligent and mature, without being obstinate or petulant, and the hero admiring her for more than just her appearance. A thoroughly enjoyable Victorian-era, romantic murder-mystery!

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC! My opinions are all my own and are honest.

This is a terrific sequel in the Matchmakers series by Nancy Campbell Allen, but can also definitely be read as a stand alone if you haven’t read the first one.

Things I LOVED:
- The relationship between the two main characters. There is a beautiful romance there, but like all great romances, it begins as a beautiful friendship. Eva is a strong, witty Lizzie Bennet-esque character, whilst Nathan is the tall dark and handsome, sweet, caring male lead. The detective and the photographer…match made in heaven!
- The mystery. Whilst this is definitely a historical romance novel, it is first and foremost a detective/crime novel, and it will have you questioning ‘whodunnit’ until the final reveal!
- The writing style. Allen manages to keep the charm of history whilst also making it appealing to a present day reader.

Things to think about:
- I’m not 100% sure about what era this is set in. It’s post regency, post electric light and post the establishment of Scotland Yard, which leads me to think it’s Victorian, but I don’t believe it’s actually explicitly stated.
- Some side characters I feel should have had more of a look-in…but this is me really nit-picking.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone!

Beautiful and compelling romantic mystery. Adventures galore and love everlasting. Nancy has created a masterpiece with this book which runs hand in hand with it's predicessor The Matchmakers Lonely Heart. I was captivated by the couple and their growing love for each other. Evans skills in photography were the perfect tool for her interactions with Scotland Yard a CID. An enemy from Nathan's past brings tragedy and triumph for our hero and his heroine in this beautiful work.

It was fun to return to these characters. I had particularly wanted to find out more about Detective Winston and was therefore happy for this opportunity.
I enjoyed this story more than the 1st one. The villain was not overly stressful for me and the fun of the couple getting to know each other more was a pleasant little journey. There was an
unexpected twist re the tea ☠
Photographer, Evangeline Caldwell (Eva) & her assistant, ten-year-old Sammy White are forefronts and we learn many details about their business as it applies back then.

Nathan's sisters— two sets of twins— added another fun layer.

Favorite quote:
"He was, she realized, stealthy. He was launching a slow assault on her senses, breaking down her reserve, and trying to pull from her the things she was too afraid to admit. He would be patient, and dogged, just as he was in every aspect of his life. He was a determined man, and he did not quit. Her heart beat a steady thrum in her chest, and the last of the whistled tune faded away." -Ch.13

Side note: I find it particularly annoying when authors use names with the same beginning initial.
e.g. "J"
-the butler, Jansen,
-Davis Jacobson
-Jens Sorenson
-Nathaniel Joshua Winston
- Mrs. James Winston
Overall it can get confusing when you have no face to associate the name with.

I do look forward to book 3 and recommend reading book 1 & 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Shadow Mtn Press for an eVersion provided for review purposes only without expectation or compensation.
4☆

Summary: Eva Caldwell is an independent photographer that doesn't need a husband, she has her assistant Sammy to help with her photography and her cousins for the company however she doesn’t mind assisting Detective Nathan Winston by occasionally photographing his crime scene. Nathan’s mother, however, is tired of having a single son and is hosting a party of singles for 10 days to lore a wife for Nathan and potentially husbands for his sisters however Nathan has no desire for a wife and to evade his mother's matchmaking Nathan tells her that he is interested and pursuing Eva Caldwell. Which resulting in his mother hiring and inviting Eva to the 10 day gathering to which Eva agrees. However Nathan mother isn’t the only one with plans for Nathan, a criminal that has evade Nathan’s capture is now threatening him and his loved one only time will tell if he can keep them safe.

Thoughts: This was super cute! I love that instead of hurting the investigation Eva is a member of the criminal investigation.Eva and Nathan’s relationship is very cute i like how patience and understanding her is while still having a fun and teasing realtionship with him. I also like Nathan’s relationship with his mother, sister and Eva’s cousins and his own partner. It was a fun story and kind of a fun play on an Agatha Christie Mystery with the party and the ghost. I should have read the first book though she does give you ample background so you undertstand all the dynamics. i am going to go back and read the first book though because this was a super run read and i am now super curious to see extactly how the first book played out. I also really liked the dynamics of all the characters and how they communicated with each other they listen to what each said when something weird or strange happened. I really liked Nathan’s relationship with Sammy and that both he and Eva listen to him. Overall it was a cute little romcom with a little bit of dective work thrown in that was a fun easy read.