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Member Reviews

This is the second installment of the series and is a dark, atmospheric historical romance hits all the right notes—mystery, danger, betrayal, and sizzling chemistry. Geneva Wimbley is the kind of heroine I love: sharp, determined, and unwilling to let the ghosts of her past win. When she finds a half-written letter tucked away in the floorboards of her childhood home, it leads her straight into the heart of a mystery that’s been rotting in the walls of the Pender estate for two decades.

Enter Noah Oshea—brooding, brilliant, and hiding his own fair share of family secrets. Their dynamic is electric from the start, and as they dig deeper into the legacy of lies connecting their families, the tension (romantic and murderous) only ratchets up.

The pacing is tight, the plot twists are well-executed, and the romance? Absolutely scorching. The chemistry between Geneva and Noah simmers until it boils over, in true Dragonblade Flame fashion.

If you love your historicals dark, sexy, and soaked in gothic suspense, this is the book for you.

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

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This book was okay. It was a bit of a convoluted mess. I hate Docia she's super pushy. I thought Noah weak, really the fact that he capitulated to Docia was so annoying. Geneva is all right, the usual righteous kind of protagonist, nothing special there. Unfortunately this book was very lukewarm C grade for me

The only one I want to read about now is the new Earl and Meredith.

#ADaringPursuit #NetGalley

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Romance and suspense!

This enthralling romance introduces us to two captivating characters, Geneva and Noah. This book piqued my interest with its many twists and turns, secrets, and mysteries. It’s an exciting and engrossing read filled with action, drama, suspense, and emotions.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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A Daring Pursuit is the second novel in the Clandestine Sapphire Society. It can be read as a standalone.

Geneva felt a bit all over the place at times. I couldn't quite connect with her character as her motivations weren’t always clear. The connection to the Pender family felt underdeveloped. Noel's character was flat and their romance didn't feel convincing.

The pacing was another issue. In some parts the story felt rushed and in others it dragged on. There were interesting parts to the story like unknown family secrets. Geneva's past and her investigating the family secret kept me interested enough.

All in all the story didn't fully captivate me. A Daring Pursuit does have a very atmospheric setting though.

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Characters overlap from A Silent Accord, the first book in the series, to this one.
Geneva Wimbley finds evidence of a connection between her mother and the Earl of Pender. Seeking to find answers to her past, Geneva and her friend, Lady Abra, travel to Stonemare in Northumberland, to see the earl. Only the earl is dead. The only one who may have answers to her questions is the earl's second son, Noah. He is drawn to Geneva and wants to help her, but suspects he knows more than he is willing to tell, yet. Once again there is a murderer on the loose with connections to Geneva's past.
Many twists and turns with surprising revelations. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

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3.75 stars above 3.5 but not qute 4

I jumper into this series at book 2....there's a cast of hundreds and it took me some time to get my head around it. There's obviously an overarcing mystery and like the soap franchises, another mystery and a few more characters have been added. I surmised that the first book was about Lord Damien Pender's family, mainly his brother and sister-in-law (who was the governess to Damien's children?). This book is set 20 years after and Damien's three boys, Lucius, Noel and Julius are still in the picture. Our heroine is a friend of Lucius's wife and she needs to ask Damien about a dream she has and wants to find a locket. She believes her own father is dead. When she turns up at Lord Pender's house she finds out he's dead and there's going to be a funeral. Her other friend, Arba? has travelled with her. She is mixed race and her fiendish step mother is trying to marry her off to some old roue. Geneva (there's some odd names flying around) is a writer and ardent feminist and writes moralising diversity type tracts (though I don't really think in those days they were that accepting). IMO she vacillated around a lot, there was a memory lapse, the resurrection in character of a girl from the first book....I can see the elements are all in place for further mysteries and more intrigue. I thought the romance was a bit on and off, Noel was a bit of a cypher and why on on earth did the villain bother....some strange revenge kick? Findng out about Geneva's parentage was interesting and of course there's the mother's relatives to investigate but I'm not sure it won't all just give me a big headache....though it is a bit addictive!

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

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This second book in The Clandestine Sapphire Society was a very captivating and well written historical romance. it had drama, action, intrigue, secrets, a dark history, murders, emotions, and intense twists that are very engaging. I enjoyed their fiery chemistry. I highly recommend reading!

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A fantastic series! This is the second book of a hot, hot series. Geneva is determined to pursue secrets tied to old letters she found. Noah, is looking to unravel her connection to his families history. Together they set out to look deeply into the past. Both the characters and the plot are uniquely original as it spans many years past as well as long overlooked characters. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes. The ending will surprise you and you won't put it down until the very end.

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The murder mystery aspect continues in this series and the who done keeps you guessing. I had no idea until the very end. They aren’t investigating so there are not any red herrings to follow but the entire time, I needed to know who was after them again! Noah is definitely my favorite here. I am sure it’s carried over from the first novel and how he was so adorable in it. I’m glad his love for his Julius has grown and is still there just more in an adult way. I didn’t dislike Gen, she just didn’t really stand out to me. She was kind but tough when necessary. She may know her place in life but she knew when to push back.

This book has the messy aspect that the first had as well which makes this book very quick and easy to read. I wonder who the next book is about?

3.5 overall.

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This is a Victorian historical romance with more secrets than most. It is the second book in a series about young women who like to use their brains to help. Sometimes that must be done from the shadows. Our heroine has a very personal secret to uncover. It will change the course of many lives.

Our hero is about to face a traumatic time when a murderer targets his family.

All the characters are very interesting in different ways. The murderer will prove to be quite the surprise.

An action packed story.

Good fun.

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A wild tale! I greatly enjoyed the suspense which was written so exquisitely. Geneva comes from a less than ideal place and her flashbacks and memories add much tension to the story. Add in Noah's memories to complete the whole. Questions remain as to how the two will share their stories which would lead to more understanding and peace. I did not read book one, and did not feel that I had missed much of the story line. I am hooked into the characters now and may go back to read it. I definitely want to know what happens with Geneva us friends.

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Whew this one packs such a wallop you don’t really realize it’s been many years since the first story! It ties so neatly into this one and clears up several loose ends but opens the door for more questions!
We have Miss Geneva Wimbley with friends in high places even though her lodgings are in a okay sorta descent part of London!
We have Noah Oshea also from the previous story brothers of Lucius (the new Earl) and Julian! Geneva talks her best friend into coming with her to find answers about her past and get the Ruby locket which will set her up nicely and help fund the Sapphire Society writings!
Noah is being badgered into marriage by Docia also from the previous book! They are all adults now and things don’t always go as planned! Docia couldn’t marry Lucius has married one of Geneva’s best friend Meredith because Lord Damien Pender made a deal with the Duke of Rathbourne when they were all teenagers!
Some of these facts are necessary as we are now many years into the future and there has to be at least one more book!
There are murders twists and turns and you will learn what really happened to Lord Damien and Docia’s father!
It is absolutely astounding how someone can harbor such hatred and plot on a whole family for so many years!
There is the explosive chemistry between Noah and Geneva and the secrets she exposes are jaw dropping!
How many years will this next adventure be? Bravo well done!

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So good from start to finish! An exciting story of mystery, murder and passionate romance.

I loved Geneva and Noah. I thought they were the perfect team. They need each other to solve a mystery and their connection is simply undeniable. Their chemistry was great and I really enjoyed how their romance developed throughout the book. The steamy scenes were certainly hot too!

I liked the mystery and plot. It's intriguing and kept me guessing. The story was also the perfect length which kept the good pacing.

Would recommend!

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The second book in a series about the O’Shea family and their relationships.
Geneva travels to confront the Earl of Pender regarding her mother and her own circumstances.
Noah is entranced by her upon her arrival and her beautiful eyes.
But the old Earl has been murdered and his brother the new Earl has also just arrived.
So many secrets and mystery abounds between the characters.
Action packed and a lovely romance.

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