I had an itch for something unique - so when I saw "Historical Mystery Romance", I couldn't resist. I enjoyed this book, it was different and it kept my interest until the very last page. I loved that it made me think and work on filling in the gaps as I read, there were moments that kept it from 5 stars for me, but that could 100% have been a me thing. Definitely recommend this book!

This one had such a strong gothic, romantic vibe and I was into it right away. The setting felt moody and atmospheric, and the mystery woven through the story kept things interesting the whole time.

Rosalind was such a standout character for me. She’s stubborn, wild, and completely unwilling to be controlled, which made her really fun to read. I loved that she pushed back instead of just falling into the role expected of her.

Kristoff was a great contrast-very structured and duty-driven, but clearly thrown off balance by both the situation and Rosalind herself. Their dynamic had that tension-filled, push-and-pull energy that made the romance feel earned instead of rushed.

The mix of secrets, hidden pasts, and the looming threat of Raven added a nice layer of suspense alongside the romance. It kept the stakes high without taking away from the character development.

If you like historical romance with a bit of mystery, strong-willed characters, and a slightly darker, atmospheric feel, this is definitely one to check out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Set within the wild woods of the Englebright estate, Lady Rosalind has always lived life on her own terms, which includes being unmarried and unwilling to bend to expectation. Her world shifts when strangers arrive, forcing her father to confront a hidden past tied to the treasonous figure known only as Raven. Meanwhile, Kristoff Von Reede arrives on what should have been a straightforward mission to locate a long-lost heir, only to find himself entangled in a web of conspiracy, looming danger, and a woman who challenges him at every turn. As the threat of Raven closes in, their uneasy alliance sparks into something far more dangerous.
Rosalind was easily the standout of the novel for me. She is stubborn and refreshingly strong-willed, with a real sense of spirit that keeps the story engaging. Kristoff serves as a solid contrast as he is disciplined and far more serious, which makes for an interesting dynamic between them. However, the story itself felt somewhat disjointed at times. With a large cast of characters and multiple threads in play, the story occasionally loses cohesion, making certain plot points feel disconnected. While the mystery surrounding Raven adds tension and raises the stakes, it sometimes gets lost amid the shifting focus of the storyline. That said, the novel still delivers moments of intrigue, particularly when the danger feels most immediate.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.