Member Review

Ivy Cavendale is a friend of the Queen's Deadly Damsels and the current (and newest) headmistress at an orphanage. After a harrowing incident she encounters Commissioner Edward Worthington, spy for Queen Victoria. They grow closer as the danger surrounding them increases, but can they both overcome their past and find their way to happiness together? I liked it! I have read the previous books in this series and have enjoyed them all. This one was a little slow to start for me but the pacing picks up as you go along. Both Ivy and Edward are haunted by their past and closed off for their own reasons. Ivy has been emotionally scarred by family trauma and abuse. Edward is wracked by guilt over his sister's death 20 years ago. It was satisfying to watch Edward help Ivy draw on her inner strength to overcome some of the horrific events of her past, as Ivy did the same for Edward. (Pay attention to content warnings, there's always delicate content since the series deals with human trafficking, but this one has some especially troubling content.) This is not a standalone and as with the other books in this series, there's a nice mix of intrigue, danger, and romance. Throughout there are touches of dry wit, which I always enjoy. Great choice if you're looking for an open-door historical romance with intrigue and suspense and a mystery to (continue to try to) solve. Definitely read the other books in the series for peak enjoyment! Publishes June 6, 2025. This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book and all opinions are my own.