What a delightful conclusion to the stories of these cousins! This is by far the best in the series, head and shoulders above the other two. What started as a series that didn't lean enough into the mystery or romance aspects has evolved into a series with a great cast, highlight reels for female AND male friendships, and an action-packed, heart-stopping novel that balances the romance (swoon!) with action (murder! conspiracy!).

The core strength of this last book is, rightly, Charlotte and John. They're both incredibly strong-willed, but there wasn't too much wishy-washing around about their feelings and the obstacles they faced in their romance. John is dedicated to keeping Charlotte safe and finding answers for her, but he never veers into condescension. He's handsome AND respects her intelligence and independence. Charlotte is equally determined, but is willing to accept help and doesn't push everyone away in her quest for justice.

Their story has so much action and romance that I was turning pages almost faster than I could get them read! The mystery, as it was, did slightly confuse me at the end, as there was a lot of setup for a big reveal that felt anti-climactic. However, this is a delightful conclusion to the series and I wish that there were more cousins to keep me in this world.

"If tonight has taught me nothing else, it is that love is not guaranteed, that one doesn't always love someone who will return it, and that with one blow, a life can end. I do not want to have regrets, and right now, this very minute, I want to know you are mine and I am yours."

My rating: 4.25

A stunning conclusion to the Hampton cousins' trilogy. With the perfect amount of mystery, romance, healing, and lighthearted fun.

I'm actually pretty sad this trilogy is ending. I loved this family, their dynamic, the support they gave each other—everything. The Hamptons are fun, unique, and delightfully unorthodox at times. In a time where women were encouraged to fall back, be quiet, and follow the status quo, Charlotte, Eva, and Amelie stood up, stood out, and followed their hearts. These women were incredibly well-crafted, and I thoroughly enjoyed each of their stories.

Charlotte and John were utterly entertaining, and their friendship was darling. I loved their obliviousness to each other and appreciated the distinct lack of miscommunication in general. The way they bantered with and supported each other was beautiful, and I know I'll be coming back to enjoy their antics again.

The mystery of was delightful and kept me guessing right until the truth was revealed. I appreciated that the author didn't skirt around difficult topics and situations. Everything was done and crafted incredibly well.

Gneral notes:
Book: Protecting Her Heart
Author: Nancy Campbell Allen
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance
Language: None
Romance: Kisses
Violence: Mild
Trigger/Content Warnings: Death of a parent, murder, etc.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and the author for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5

Reasons to read:
- Murder Mystery
- Suspense
- Friends to lLovers romance
- found family
- Victorian Era Setting
- Historical notes
- Surgeon FMC, Detective MC

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Romance: Clean Read (kissing only)
Trigger warning: Murder, death

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

The third installment in Nancy Campbell Allen’s Victorian Mystery series, Protecting her Heart, may be my favorite yet.

After Charlotte returns from America for her father’s funeral, she discovers disturbing details about her late mother’s death that raise suspicions about her father's passing. She quickly calls on the help of her cousins and the detective, John. John and Charlotte have been in the same circles since their first meeting, yet have had nothing but respect and friendship between them, that is until a different sort of feeling starts to grow amid danger.

I loved watching the progression from friendship to love between John and Charlotte. I felt it developed realistically, and I enjoyed the banter that passed between them. Their chemistry was great, and I especially enjoyed the respect and open communication they had with each other, it highlighted the depth of their relationship. Both characters played off each other well, but each was equally strong individually. I loved Charolotte's independence and determination to make it as a surgeon and help others. John has had a heavy load on his shoulders, running a detective agency and trying to balance his family's expectations. Both held their ground and were a delight to read.

While the romance and the characters in this story were great, there is something to be admired about the mystery and suspense elements added. I could not guess the way that things would unravel, even if I had my guess as to what the final villain was. I was completely pulled in by the family secrets and conspiracies that haunted Charlotte. John’s protective nature and drive to see her safe, but figuring out the root of the mystery played beautifully into the plot.

With the final cousin having her happily ever after, I hope to see more of this family and their unconventional lives in more books.

While this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order, as to get the full journey between John and Charlotte.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for my copy of this book!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Oh I think this one was my favorite, but all of these books in this series are wonderful! The Victorian Era was fascinating and exciting! So much was happening in terms of progress and design! I love it! This author keeps your attention throughout her work! Loved it!

Thank you to Net Galley and Shadow Mountain! The thoughts and opinions are my own!

This is the third installment of her romantic mystery series. Each story follows a cousin, all of which are loosely connected with a swoony romance and a mystery to solve.

Protecting Her Heart focuses on Director Ellis of the Metropolitan Police and a firecracker of a redhead who just became a Doctor.

I think this one might actually be my favorite of the three books! A well-rounded mystery with suspense and intrigue and a great friends to lovers romance with all the swoon and protective vibes.

I will say it again, Nancy writes fantastic dialogue and banter, and she delivers that in this book!

Thank you @shadowmountainpub and @properromanceseries for my #giftedcopy
All thoughts in this review are my own.

*Romance- kisses
*TW- murder, trauma/assault, grief

This book reads well as a standalone, but it’s the third of three books surrounding three couples in Victorian England. I have not read the previous two books but I plan to. This story stars John Ellis and Charlotte Duvall. Charlotte left earlier for America to get trained as a doctor and has just returned after receiving a cryptic letter from her father. The letter implies that her mother’s death may not have been an accident. Her father, who had been very sick, dies before she arrives in England. She reconnects with her dear friend John Ellis, the director of the London police force, and their friends from the previous books. They work together to find the truth about her mother’s death. They battle against powerful and ruthless villains as Charlotte tries to find her place in a society that looks down on her because she is a female doctor. It makes me grateful to live in a time where women are free to pursue the career paths of their choice. In the midst of all this Charlotte and John try to understand the strong feelings they have for each other. I enjoyed reading this book. The romance is sweet and the mystery kept me guessing what really happened. I did, however felt the ending was rushed a bit and a few loose ends felt untied, although they were not huge loose ends. I just wanted to know a bit more about how John’s family reacted to him choosing Charlotte and how the relationship between her and her brothers began to change.

This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

Charlotte's last letter from her father hints darkly at long-buried secrets about her mother's death, but he dies before she can reach him and learn more. But it soon becomes apparent that the present danger he also hinted at has not died with him. However, her return to England has given her a chance to reconnect with her best friends - including John, the director of police and only other unmarried member of their group. And somehow, there's something new between them now, but his family and her career as a newly-fledged doctor, not to mention the person who seems out to drive her away, stand in the way. Will they be able to uncover the truth behind her mother's death before anyone else is killed? And can they find a way to make a relationship work?

An interesting mystery combined with some great friendships (including characters we've met before) and a satisfying romance, as well as plenty of action - it definitely kept my attention from the start. I loved watching these friends gradually develop into 'more' - and come to accept it. And seeing them try to unravel a years-old mystery with too many suspects and not enough information was also enjoyable (since they succeeded!). So the result was a good story, clean and well written. Note that, though part of a series, it's a completely standalone story, but with shared characters. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next! 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

3 ½ stars rounded up to 4

Charlotte Duvall has returned home after the death of her father. While going through old letters of her mother’s, she discovers there’s more to her past than she could have ever guessed. She enlists her friend, John Ellis to help her solve this mystery. We watch the mystery get solved, as well as a sweet romance bud.

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

I enjoyed this third book in the trilogy about the Hampton cousins!

The storytelling is fascinating and captivating. I am pulled into this story from the first pages. The whole book starts with the mysterious letter from Charlotte’s father that begins her whole journey. The mystery of how her mother died and the people involved that seek to keep her from the truth is intense and captivating. I couldn’t put it down as I pieced together the details and uncovered the mystery alongside Charlotte and her friends. While some of the violent encounters were a bit much for me, the mystery is compelling. It’s not obvious who the killer is and the climax is dramatic and satisfying.

I enjoyed getting to know Charlotte and John in this story. It’s a joy to read a series that focuses on characters that you meet in previous books. So fun to see favorite characters from previous books make appearances in this story and loved seeing how the cousins and friends still support and love each other. We have seen these two before and now we get inside their heads. I loved having this story focus on Charlotte and John and getting their full backstories. Charlotte is a fascinating and favorite protagonist for me in this series. I admired her dedication to medicine and how she trailblazes her way in a profession that was quite new to women at this time. I admire John for many of the same reasons. But most of all, I love that he is willing to do anything for Charlotte. True love conquers all for these two.

Their love story is a beautiful addition to a story that revolves around a painful uncovering of a past death. There are so many things keeping John and Charlotte apart — their careers, their families, the murder mystery. But somehow they find a way to be together. I love the light and beauty that their love adds to this story. We learn a lot about the past for Charlotte especially. She has had a lot of difficulties in her life. To find John who loves her and protects her so fiercely is truly beautiful. The ways they both open up and support each other is lovely. And I love their first kiss in a stolen moment alone. So tender and so sweet.

A unique, clever series set at a fascinating time in Victorian England. The mystery is engaging and intense. I don’t love the most violent of moments. But the overall story is told with heart and complexity. I enjoy these books!

I LOVED this book. We have two people who are the last of the group to get married. They have secretly pined for each other for years but don’t want to ruin anything. But when they are forced together with a mystery and possible homicide, things heat up, between them and on the trail of a murderer. I just adored these characters. They are both in jobs that would frown upon having a spouse. So what are they to do?

And the mystery part? So well done! I didn’t know until the end who it was. And it pulled you in from page one.

I have LOVED this series! I especially adore John and Charlottes dynamic! I loved the balance of mystery and romance!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Those Hampton women. Always causing trouble

John and Charlotte are a great couple, watching them work together and realize their feelings was a true delight. This book reminded me of a few different shows/movies, with the tangled web and cover up.

If you like intrigue, proper romances, found family, cousins, the Van Horne sisters and mysteries, add this one to your list! Add all three, really.

I enjoyed this third installment in this series. I loved the characters, particularly John. He was so supportive of Charlotte's life goals, he was willing to set aside his own feelings for her happiness. And Charlotte had ambitious goals in a time where society didn't allow women to do any number of things. And Charlotte heard about it. Actually John did too. He just never found her life choices to be inappropriate.
I was reading this book last night and trying to stick with going to bed at a relatively decent hour. I had just gotten to the mystery climax section and needed to stop. But as I was laying awake in bed I knew that if I didn't continue to the resolve I would dream that I was the one being chased by the bad guy and that wouldn't allow for a good nights sleep, right? Plus, I was hungry. And that makes it harder to sleep as well. Yup. Talked myself into continuing to read. It wasn't hard. I had a snack while I finished the book. I was glad I did.
As I read, I was worried about how one particular element would be resolved and feared that the author would take things in a direction that I wouldn't be happy with. So I was very happy with the story taking a different turn that I hadn't even thought of.
My only question is, in the end what happened with the funding at the hospital and the awful doctor? Both are minor details in the plot but I'm still curious.
I enjoyed reading this book as I did with the first two books.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: murder, attempted murder, physical violence, verbal abuse
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

3.75 ⭐️
0.00🌶️

Victorian Era Historical Romance with a murder mystery to solve. Charlotte is a doctor, returned from her American studies and fledgling career, was called to her father’s deathbed. She’s reunited with her detective friend who conveniently can help solve her mother’s mysterious death that occurred 20 years in the past.

It’s friends to partners, I hesitate to call it lovers since they only kiss lol, but friends to “lovers” since they declare love for each other and of course there is a HEA.

My favorite thing is that Charlotte has a wonderful relationship with her cousins and aunts. Her cousins and their respective husbands are friends with each other and John from their Victorian era policework. John respects Charlotte’s profession (rarer than rare at the time for a woman doctor!) and has a competence heart boner for her. Love me a supportive family, found family, and partner.

There are literally no doors to close, so if this all sounds like something you would like I definitely recommend. Even though Charlotte gets beat up more than twice (!!!!) it’s a fun lighthearted-ish, true crime adjacent love story. It kind of reminds me of a soap opera-y Clue “it was Mr. White in the library with the candelabra” type story. Fun, serious topics, but not a lot of angst.

I will say this book made me look up what the term “proper romance” meant, and that term makes me feel uncomfy. Which is why I prefer a term like open/closed door romance. “Proper” and “clean” implies there is something “improper” or “dirty” if sex is involved, and I don’t like that inference because language is very important and shapes opinions. Readers who read open door romances or full on smut are not “improper” or “dirty” just as readers who read closed door romance or zero sex involved romance are not “proper” or “clean”. Words are subjective but inherently can be used to cast judgement or skew perception.

Though I enjoyed this book, I would not read any additional works from this publisher because of my aforementioned dislike of the term “proper romance”. That said, appreciation and thanks to publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. My review is voluntary and thoughts/opinions are my own. And I will do my research on publishers beforehand so I won’t find myself leaving a book I enjoyed with a bad feeling.

LOVED!

What a fantastic ending to an incredible series!

Charlotte has finally achieved her dream of becoming a doctor when she receives a mysterious note from her father, begging her to return to London and hinting that her mother's death before was not an accident. As she tries to unravel the events of years ago, she knows just the person to ask for help.

John Ellis may be the director of London's police force, but even he is surprised at the strength of his feelings for Charlotte when he sees her again. Before long, they are both caught up in a decades-old mystery that someone is desperate to keep hidden, no matter the cost.

As danger follows them at every turn, John and Charlotte race to uncover the truth before it's too late, and any dreams they may have of a future together are gone forever.

What I loved:
Victoran era
Dual POV
Protective MMC
Reignited sparks between friends
Heart-pounding suspense
Cold case murder mystery
The library scene
The banter!!
Cameos of past characters
“Who did this to you?”
That first kiss!!!
Perfectly perfect ending

This book (and the entire series!) needs to be made into a movie! There is so much to love: catchy dialogue, dynamic characters, intriguing mystery, heart-pounding suspense, and a super swoony romance! A skilled, protective law enforcement officer matched with an intelligent, determined heroine is just perfection, and I loooooved the banter between John and Charlotte so much.

The pages practically turned themselves with this one and I loved every single bit of it. The series ending was absolute perfection with so many happy sighs. I cannot recommend this book enough! This author continues to be a must-read author for me, and I will happily pick up everything she writes (maybe Dirk's story next? One can only hope!).

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

After completing her medical training at a prestigious school in the United States, Charlotte Duvall accepted a position at a women’s clinic where she thought she’d stay for a while. However, those plans changed when she received an enigmatic letter from her father saying he was ill and had stirred up stuff about her mother’s death. Charlotte promptly took a leave of absence and headed back to England – only to receive word during the crossing that her father had passed away.

Charlotte quickly returned to her old relationships with her other Notorious Hampton cousins and their spouses and friends. Finding out the truth about her mother’s death is Charlotte’s priority – and preventing her from finding the truth is someone else’s priority. Charlotte turns to one man she knows she can trust – her friend, Johnathan (John) Albert Ellis, second son of the Earl of Ashby, and director of the newly revamped Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Division.

When Charlotte is attacked, John quickly pulls out all of the stops and brings in the detectives at his agency and private ones as well. He’ll protect Charlotte at all costs because, though he hardly even admits it to himself, he’s always had a soft spot for Charlotte. He won’t act on it though because he would never do anything to endanger their friendship – and that is all Charlotte wants – isn’t it?

I loved Charlotte and John! Charlotte is a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of lady who has worked hard to achieve her goals. She is definitely NOT a TSTL heroine (thank goodness) and she readily shares her problems with her friends – and especially with John who can actually help. John is also straightforward and no-nonsense. He puts together a plan to find whoever murdered Charlotte’s mother and is now threatening Charlotte. He’ll find them – and he’ll see they are punished – and all while keeping Charlotte safe because he cannot imagine a world without her in it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because the characters were wonderful, the plot was well put together and cohesive, the excitement kept you holding your breath, and the romance kept you rooting for them to both finally realize – and admit – they loved each other. Wow! It is amazing that so much emotion and excitement can be crammed into the pages of a book!

I’m not sure, but this may be the last book in this series since all of the Notorious Hampton cousins are now married. If it is the last book, it was a delightful wrap-up for an equally delightful series. I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know those notorious Hampton’s and I’m glad to have seen each of their HEAs. I’ve enjoyed this author’s writing style with witty banter, captivating characters, true romance, and mysteries that were complex enough to hold my interest. When I read the first book in the series, Nancy Campbell Allen was a new-to-me author; she’s proven to be an author that I will read again and again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The third and last book of the series is heavy on the mystery and light on the intrigue and romance. It can be red as a standalone, but with reoccurring characters, I would recommend reading books one and two first. There is mystery that comes from a letter, Charlotte’s father sent to her just prior to his death. This letter draws suspicion to her mother’s untimely death many years ago. After living in New York, and becoming a doctor Charlotte returns to London. Her dear childhood friend, John is a detective, and helps her reopened the case of her mother’s murder. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought the plot could’ve been a little more suspenseful. The romance was sweet and John was the perfect patient gentleman. I do appreciate the wholesome romance. I was able to read this in a day, and although I didn’t feel a great connection with Charlotte , I truly have enjoyed this book and series. I am looking forward to more stories from this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nancy Campbell Allen is such a phenomenal writer, and this is especially true with Protecting Her Heart. Dr. Charlotte Duvall works with her friend John Ellis director of the MET police force to unravel the mystery of her mother’s death. The twist and turns of this story keep you guessing to the very end! The swooned kisses of this friends to lovers romance round out the story so nicely! It was my favorite book of The Hampton House Trilogy!

Mystery, romance, and the independence of the Victorian era.

Charlotte has finished her medical training in the US when she receives a troubling letter from her father. He apologizes for poking a hornet’s nest, warns her that people may be coming after her, and that her mother’s death wasn’t an accident. By the time Charlotte returns to England, her father has died. Should she keep up the investigation he started? Should she try to quietly return to normal life? As someone who is friends with several detectives we know which way this is going to go!

I loved the mystery, the gathering of information, and the ruses to test those involved. John was a great detective and love interest. I liked how their friendship built to more. This book will keep you turning pages, and neglecting your chores. Who needs a clean house when your characters are in danger?

This is the third book in the series, but could be read independently. Each book focuses on a different cousin and inspector.

I've been trying to come up with how to describe the incredible chemistry between Charlotte and John. I've decided that if it was a scent, it would be Unforgivable by Sean John (my husband's cologne). ❤️🔥🙌🏻
Warm, alluring moments, with some low-crackling fire. Delicious.
The mystery is great as well - layered, a little gritty, and crucial to the story. I highly recommend this to fans of Miss Scarlett and the Duke, Michelle Griep's Blackfriar's Lane, and Erica Vetsch's Thorndike & Swann.
Two thumbs up!

I received an advanced copy for my honest review. All thoughts are mine. ❤️