Yay! Another book by Michelle Griep! I enjoy her writing style and storytelling sense, and the thread of spirituality and faith throughout her stories never fails to entertain and inspire.

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is the second book in the Blackfriars Lane series but works nicely as a standalone. (If you have read the first book, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, then you’ll be pleased to be reacquainted with Kit and Jackson.

I haven’t read many adventure stories that take place in Victorian days, but I sank into the setting with ease. And I certainly love a ‘get the bad guys’ story, and this one offers plenty of action. There’s danger, mystery, twists, turns, and a sweet and fulfilling romance. Packed with entertainment!

First Line: September afternoons were meant for soft whispers and stolen kisses, not ash and soot and the gangrenous eye of a ruthless taskmaster.
Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Romance
Page Count: 320

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

October 5, 2022
I’ve read several of Michelle Griep’s books and each one is a winner including this one. It’s London, 1885, and having lived on the streets most of her young life, Kit Turner is a very unconventional woman. She likes investigating crimes although not officially. She has been approved to work with Detective Jackson Forge on cases that may require connections to her street wise acquaintances. These two have lots in common and subsequently butt heads all the time. Their verbal sparing was an everyday occurrence that was humorous and entertaining for me. But they are also romantically involved.
The descriptions of London at this period of time, costumes of the characters and their speech all made me feel like I was walking the streets myself. Close calls, stalkings, murders and thieves seem to follow these two. The cases they are working on both together and apart, from my standpoint, are difficult and full of mystery. But they are exciting and as a reader kept me on my toes. One phrase I read on page 126 “scab-nippity!” was new to me and one I’ll have to try and remember to use from time to time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

I really enjoyed the first Blackfriars book and was looking forward to this sequel but sadly this one didn’t measure up for me.
I still enjoyed the Victorian era streets of London setting and I feel that the author did a great job of transporting the reader to another place and time.
The characters, however, drove me a bit nuts this time around, being bullheaded, acting and reacting rashly, and just generally being idiots at times. They claimed to be in love but were constantly not thinking of the each other and the way things would appear to them. Kit was especially trying because her reasoning for what she was doing didn’t make any sense. And honestly can we please do away with the whole break-a-couple-up-in-the-sequel-so-they-can-fall-back-in-love trope?! It’s ridiculous and annoying and it’s possible to have romance even after the couple is officially together so it’s not even necessary!
This book also suffered from having too much going on that left the reader a little bit confused as to just what anything had to do with anything else.
Overall it was a quick light read but I just wanted more from it.

There are few authors that I can say I'll buy their book, sight unseen and blurb unread. Michelle Griep is one that I will always leap at the chance to read. The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is no different. Kit and Jackson are a pair unlike anything I've read before. Kit is quick-witted and sharp-tongued. Jackson is resolute and an impenetrable wall. They should not work as a couple, which makes this story all the more engaging. They both have legitimate fears and obstacles to overcome, and as with any relationship, those problems never stop rearing their heads until they're finally confronted. I loved the realism of the relationship, how each character had flaws to overcome and their growth throughout the book showed genuine thought and care. Add in the mystery and constant barrage of tension from outside forces and you're in for a wild ride that never lets up. I could not put this book down. I didn't want to leave the story for a minute. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I've been eagerly awaiting The Bride of Blackfriars Lane since first "meeting" Kit and Jackson in The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. Once again, Michelle Griep has done an incredible job of expertly weaving together a tale of intrigue, trust (in God and in each other), and tied it all up neatly with a good dose of romance.

Kit and Jackson are back, and this time they aren't just chasing a criminal. They're quickly closing in on their wedding day, but an unresolved case Kit is working on is causing tension between them. When Jackson is asked to secretly take on a case without telling Kit, things get even more heated. Oh, and someone seems to want the couple dead. Kit and Jackson will have to put aside their differences and come together if they are to stay alive and solve the case.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this fast-paced exciting novel, despite wanting to give both Jackson and Kit a good shake every now and then. The plot was solid and filled with interesting historical tidbits. Each of the main characters experienced struggles that resulted in character growth and learning to trust more fully, while remaining raw and realistic. I also liked getting to see Jackson's family and Kit's father regularly throughout the story. James had such a pure heart and I felt he added so much good to the storyline.

If you enjoy historical romantic suspense or just a good all-round Christian fiction novel, you won't want to miss The Bride of Blackfriars Lane.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Don't you just love a fiesty woman who is the main character?  Kit is pretty fiesty.  Has Jackson met his match?  Or is she more than even he can handle?

Jackson and Kit are like "chalk and cheese", different in so many ways.  They both have the special ability to solve crimes even though their methods may be different.

I enjoyed the banter between the two.  I'm sure their marriage would be anything but dull.  I can just imagine all the adventures they would find themselves in. 

I recommend this book to any reader that loves a mystery, a love story and anything based in Victorian times.

I received this free from Celebrate Lit to review.

This was a good book. There was a lot going on, sometimes it seemed like maybe too much was happening at times and it was hard to keep straight who was doing what.

But it all did come together very well and Michelle work a very interesting book. It was great to meet up with Kit and Jackson and again and see where their relationship was and were it was going.

It ended somewhat with a surprise and was very satisfying. .

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Michelle Griep is one of my go-to authors for Victorian-era romance fiction. She knows how to tell a great story that keeps the reader's attention. Kit and Jackson's story takes the reader on quite the ride--so much adventure, several mysteries to solve, and then there is the wedding--or is there?? The action begins right at the beginning and is edge-of-the-seat until the end. I like how Ms. Griep finished the story, giving the reader a satisfying ending. There are so many great characters that add depth and interest to the story. I went back and forth between listening to the audiobook and the paperback--just couldn't put it down! Nan McNamara did a great job narrating Kit and Jackson's journey which made for an entertaining listening experience. I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

This was a great book by Michelle Griep. I have always enjoyed her books. I liked the characters of Kit and Jackson. I loved how independent and daring Kit is. I love how they challenge each other and although they disagree at times, they are perfect for each other. I loved how the mystery developed and was solved. This story grabbed me from the first page and I didn’t want it to end. I would love to see more books with these characters. This was a very enjoyable book that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Michelle Griep continues with her “bona fides” in The Bride of Blackfriars Lane. Griep's books are always something I eagerly anticipate, and sequels are my favorite. Her latest story doesn't disappoint!

As there is necessary backstory required to appreciate The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, I would advise reading The Thief of Blackfriars Lane before reading the most recent edition.

In 1885 London, detective Jackson Forge and streetwise Kit Turner work together once more to rid the city's streets of nefarious characters. Reading this book makes you feel as though you are walking through the grimy, desolate, foggy and unforgiving streets of London, where abject poverty is on display and evident at almost every corner.

Kit is a sassy, feisty young woman who has had to rely on grit, drive and street smarts to survive. She doesn't always abide by the law but rather bends and stretches it to meet her demands and goals.

Jackson had an unconventional, albeit more normal, childhood, and as his vocation suggests, he adheres strictly to the law. Naturally, the two styles don't always mix.

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane wraps up Jackson and Kit's tale in a way that is captivating and is brim full of enigmatic adventures with lots of action, twists and turns, as well as realistic Victorian London history.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

To tell the truth I had a hard time getting into this book. And I don't think it was because this was the second book in the series and I hadn't read the first one. I say that because the foundation and world building was pretty good and easy enough to know what was going on. But for some reason it just wasn't my cup of tea and didn't pull me in as much as I had hoped. Which is a shame because I did like both Kit and Jackson and they both were unusual people and that is something I do enjoy. So the author does get points for that from me.
There were a lot of things going on with other plots happening and I know that is something that isn't that easy to write. However, I felt like at times that I was just pushing through all of that, because there was so much. And I just wanted the answer to a couple of questions. Which made me keep reading until FINALLY those answers came. I was happy with not only that but how uniquely things finished with Kit and Jackson.
So I think it's safe to say that I had mixed feelings on this book, making it harder to rate.

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

It takes some courage for an author to return to characters who have already had their happily ever after and show that, in fact, the happily ever after was actually a happy for now. And this is exactly what Michelle Griep does in The Bride of Blackfriars Lane.

From their upbringing to the way they go about doing things, Jackson and Kit are opposites in almost every way, yet they fell in love and look forward to being married…until those little things that they once found endearing in each other become annoying. Both Jackson and Kit exhibit stubbornness when it comes to their relationship, which puts a huge chasm between the two of them.

Yet, a cold case they are both looking into keeps bringing them back together (not that their thoughts don’t wander that way on their own). This is a story about looking into ourselves and finding our own faults before we point them out in others. It’s about finding a love big enough to forgive perceived hurts and wrong doings and it’s a lot of fun getting there with this particular hero and heroine.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this second book in this series. I loved Kit and Jackson. There were a lot of twists and turns in this story. I loved finding out how Kit and Jackson were going to get through this newest twist in their relationship. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

“Pride preserves yerself, humility preserves yer relationship."

So this book is the second book in Blackfriars Lane series and I do think you should read the first book before picking up this one. There is a lot of backstory in the first book and Kit and Jackson's relationship in this book is best enjoyed with the background of all the events in the previous book. The author infuses a good dose of humor with quite a bit of action as the plot unfolds - not one but two - fascinating mysteries to be solved. The dialogue between Kit and Jackson is witty and fun, as always. Though completely different, their love for each other is undeniable, but they still need to learn to compromise as they plan their life together. The reminder that "anger and bitterness are a choice" and the growth in faith that they both experience are powerful.

Though I did thoroughly enjoy the book, I didn't always connect with Kit as she insisted and manipulated to get her own way. I didn't always connect with Jackson either, as he drowned in his insecurities and indecisions. But still, the mysteries were interesting and the conclusion was satisfying.

I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Griep has given readers another entertaining romp in historical London. We are immersed in the atmosphere of the back streets, the ruffians and even the sewers of the city. What makes this novel work for me, though, is the character Kit. What a feisty woman. And that she has agreed to marry is amazing. Of course, she is so bent on solving a mystery she wreaks havoc to her own wedding day. It was interesting to follow her as she recognizes her independent ways and comes to grips with what that means.

This is a fun historical novel for readers who like a strong and gutsy female heroine who can sometimes be a bit too independent for her own good. There is a good balance of police investigation, personal experience with character development. Griep's writing style is a pleasure to read. I do hope there is a sequel as I'll be watching for it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I really loved The Thief of Blackfriars Lane so I was very excited to see that Michelle Griep wrote a sequel! I love that this books jumps right back in where the first finished. I love the descriptions and feeling like I'm running along the streets of London right alongside Kit and Jackson. The first half of this book was slower than I had anticipated; I kept waiting for more clues, more action, and more romance, which we do get after the halfway mark. Once I got to halfway, I flew through the rest of this story and remembered why I adore Kit and Jackson and their story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

I was so excited to read more about Kit and Jackson after greatly enjoying the first book in the series and this novel did not disappoint! I do recommend reading the series in order, as the characters and even some of the mystery in this book continues seamlessly from the first one. Kit is stubborn but I love her deep compassion and heart for others. Jackson, too, has his bull-headed moments, but beneath it is a man who cares deeply for Kit. I loved reading about the realistic conflicts they face in this novel as it made their relationship even more genuine to me. The mystery has several twists and turns; just when I thought I had it figured out, it twisted again! It easily kept my attention and made me want to read more. I also like the spiritual reflections that both Kit and Jackson have during the novel. I really enjoyed this novel and I cannot recommend it enough!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I just finished reading The Bride of BlackFriar's Lane and it was fabulous! I really enjoyed visiting with Kit and Jackson, two of the most stubborn, but enjoyable characters ever! The descriptions of Victorian London are realistic and sometimes stomach-turning, but also quite necessary to the story. I loved the way they recognized their faith and longing for family. I highly recommend this book and sincerely hope for a third adventure! I purchase Michelle Griep's books as soon as they are available, I don't even need to read the synopsis to know it will be a fantastic novel.

So brew up a pot of tea, find a comfy chair and enjoy a romp through the streets of Victorian London.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Wow. This is another absolutely amazing historical novel.
You will want to have read the first book in this series, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, before reading this one.
Jackson and Kit are eagerly anticipating their wedding, and all is well.
Or so it seems when the story begins.
But...both of them have cases they are determined to follow through on. And, even though they don't mean to, they are not telling quite everything to their spouse-to-be.
So, what does this all mean? What happens next?
I don't want to give any spoilers, but will say this story is action packed and takes some unexpected twists and turns.
This pair, the constable and the street-thief turned detective...well, they are humorous and FUN to read about!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I will read anything by Michelle Griep and I was very excited for more adventures with Kit and Jackson. True to form, Griep provides outstanding character development and an immersive setting. Unfortunately, the story itself did not hold my interest nearly as much as her other works. I love the characters of Kit and Jackson, but I would have been content to have their story end with the first book given the drawn out drama of their relationship in this book. It was simply less fun than it's predecessor, but still an entertaining light read. I will definitely look forward to Griep's future works. This one left me underwhelmed, but I am still a huge Griep fan.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Barbour for the opportunity to review this ARC.