What do you think?
Rate this book
Dukes and Secrets #3
Project Duke
Overprotective rake. Adventurous bluestocking. Keeping her safe is driving him mad. Loving her could heal his soul.
Adventurous bluestocking Lady Calliope Seaton can solve any mystery—including the disappearance of her brother. All she needs is a little help from naval officer Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the disreputable Duke of Kelford.
Nathaniel is eager to assist the foxy little wallflower right into his bed. And he needs a wife and an heir to claim his vast inheritance. So they strike a deal: a marriage of convenience.
Moving into Nathaniel’s decaying Mayfair mansion and taking on his three untutored sisters would challenge even the bravest new bride. But it’s not long before Calliope is fixing up his home, winning over his sisters and claiming his heart.
Nathaniel will take down every thug in London to protect his daring wife. Especially when he learns there may be a baby on the way—and a threatening stranger sends knife-wielding attackers.
Feeling caged, will Calliope escape her overprotective husband? Or can the towering duke move past his fear and join forces with the wife he has come to cherish?
Adventurous bluestocking Lady Calliope Seaton can solve any mystery—including the disappearance of her brother. All she needs is a little help from naval officer Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the disreputable Duke of Kelford.
Nathaniel is eager to assist the foxy little wallflower right into his bed. And he needs a wife and an heir to claim his vast inheritance. So they strike a deal: a marriage of convenience.
Moving into Nathaniel’s decaying Mayfair mansion and taking on his three untutored sisters would challenge even the bravest new bride. But it’s not long before Calliope is fixing up his home, winning over his sisters and claiming his heart.
Nathaniel will take down every thug in London to protect his daring wife. Especially when he learns there may be a baby on the way—and a threatening stranger sends knife-wielding attackers.
Feeling caged, will Calliope escape her overprotective husband? Or can the towering duke move past his fear and join forces with the wife he has come to cherish?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
1501 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Stone
57 books749 followersWhen time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. Subscribe to Mariah's newsletter for a free time travel book today!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 28, 2024
This was my first Mariah Stone and there was a lot of meat on the bones.
A sister fighting for her lost brother all on her own. A disgraced Duke doing everything he can to make a future for his sisters. He needs a wife and an heir. She needs access to Naval records to discover where her brother has been shipped off to. Nathaniel and Calliope become united to help each other. A marriage of convenience seems like just the thing!
However, their personalities and the things that are important to them may be less aligned then they originally thought. They may have a passion and lust for each other but that doesn't make everything a sure thing. They both have very real traumas that conspire to keep them apart.
I was immediately sucked into the chemistry and camaraderie between Calliope & Nathaniel. They spark off each other in a beautiful way. So I was HOOKED. However... once they get married.. it went downhill from there. I really struggled to see why they should stay together. They both continued to hurt each other again and again. I'm okay with some conflict but.. at a certain point I'm gonna check out. especially when one character *cough cough* Calliope is being irrational.
I'm not saying Nathaniel is perfect, he makes missteps too.. one thing he does puts him in the dog house for sure. However... his trauma and his past made me much more sympathetic and I got really annoyed with Calliope for not seeing his side even once. It seemed like their physical attraction is the only thing that kept them coming back together.
I would possibly still read another from this author though. The writing was compelling, so I see promise. These characters just weren't my cup of tea.
What I did LOVE, was the audio performance. Justine Eyre and Shane East were stunning and kept me listening even when I wasn't loving the story as much as I wanted. They brought the story to life and I loved the pairing of their voices.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: death of a loved one, violence
A sister fighting for her lost brother all on her own. A disgraced Duke doing everything he can to make a future for his sisters. He needs a wife and an heir. She needs access to Naval records to discover where her brother has been shipped off to. Nathaniel and Calliope become united to help each other. A marriage of convenience seems like just the thing!
However, their personalities and the things that are important to them may be less aligned then they originally thought. They may have a passion and lust for each other but that doesn't make everything a sure thing. They both have very real traumas that conspire to keep them apart.
I was immediately sucked into the chemistry and camaraderie between Calliope & Nathaniel. They spark off each other in a beautiful way. So I was HOOKED. However... once they get married.. it went downhill from there. I really struggled to see why they should stay together. They both continued to hurt each other again and again. I'm okay with some conflict but.. at a certain point I'm gonna check out. especially when one character *cough cough* Calliope is being irrational.
I'm not saying Nathaniel is perfect, he makes missteps too.. one thing he does puts him in the dog house for sure. However... his trauma and his past made me much more sympathetic and I got really annoyed with Calliope for not seeing his side even once. It seemed like their physical attraction is the only thing that kept them coming back together.
I would possibly still read another from this author though. The writing was compelling, so I see promise. These characters just weren't my cup of tea.
What I did LOVE, was the audio performance. Justine Eyre and Shane East were stunning and kept me listening even when I wasn't loving the story as much as I wanted. They brought the story to life and I loved the pairing of their voices.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: death of a loved one, violence
March 16, 2024
1.5 stars
In which no cliche is left unexplored, no overly melodramatic proclamation is left unsaid, no preposterous action untaken.
In which no cliche is left unexplored, no overly melodramatic proclamation is left unsaid, no preposterous action untaken.
February 28, 2025
ughh what a waste of time!!!
The blurb sucked me in! And im sorry to say i wasted hours slogging thru this ridiculous mess until i got to the 60% mark and finally had to bail! Another annoying obnoxious modern heroine acting like a pendeja at every turn. She wants to be an “investigator” but she has all the sense of a retarded dung beetle and the grace, subtlety and tact of a bull in a ballroom!
The first time is when the heroine goes barreling into the admiralty department—BY HERSELF!! And demands to see some ledgers held by the admiralty. Im sorry, but what alternate universe is this fool living in?? Talk about privilege! Thinking she can walk into a military building and DEMAND to see ledgers that would only be accessible to the military. But the stupid doesnt stop there!
On another visit to the admiralty, the hero is trying to work on her behalf and tells her to wait outside while he goes about trying to find the info she needs. Mind you, the hero actually works at the admiralty and knows the ins and outs better than she would. Does she listen tho?
Of course not!!! Just as the hero is about to get the information she wants, she comes barging in again and spooks the person. Can someone please invent a way where we can slap fictional characters? Because my hand be tingling!
To continue the trope of reckless, stupid shit decisions heroine makes, she gets dressed up as a man and goes down to the docks, where she promptly gets into trouble. Because of course she would!
I also found it particularly annoying when she kept calling the prostitutes “sex workers” like shes a modern day Tik Tok twat who has swallowed propaganda from perversion peddlers trying to normalize prostitution by using euphemisms to describe depravity. No, fuckwit, prostitutes werent called sex workers in the 1800s. They were called prostitutes.
It was at this point I had to bail. The stupid was too strong, only equalled by my own stupidity in wasting hours on this crap.
And thats not even to mention the stupidity of the hero. The hero is locked out of his inheritance, and all he has to do is marry and produce an heir. But—to defy his father, to cut his nose off to spite his face, he remains unwed for YEARS, causing his family to fall into poverty, where he cant pay for the few remaining servants who now have to do the jobs of several people, and his sisters are toiling away, facing food uncertainty and living in a home thats falling apart. This is a level of selfishness and stubbornness that is narcissistic in the most malignant. And to scrape together enough money to pay for food and occasionally pay his servants, the hero prostitutes himself to old bored rich whores. Apparently there was no limit to the depth of scumbaggery that the author wouldn’t sink her hero to.
Safety unknown—didnt finish. Up to this point, hero was an oozing std-trap manwhore until he met heroine, at which point he was faithful to her. Slight om drama from when heroine was younger. OM caught heroine touching herself while reading a smutty book and humiliates her. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero.
Ending details unknown
The blurb sucked me in! And im sorry to say i wasted hours slogging thru this ridiculous mess until i got to the 60% mark and finally had to bail! Another annoying obnoxious modern heroine acting like a pendeja at every turn. She wants to be an “investigator” but she has all the sense of a retarded dung beetle and the grace, subtlety and tact of a bull in a ballroom!
The first time is when the heroine goes barreling into the admiralty department—BY HERSELF!! And demands to see some ledgers held by the admiralty. Im sorry, but what alternate universe is this fool living in?? Talk about privilege! Thinking she can walk into a military building and DEMAND to see ledgers that would only be accessible to the military. But the stupid doesnt stop there!
On another visit to the admiralty, the hero is trying to work on her behalf and tells her to wait outside while he goes about trying to find the info she needs. Mind you, the hero actually works at the admiralty and knows the ins and outs better than she would. Does she listen tho?
Of course not!!! Just as the hero is about to get the information she wants, she comes barging in again and spooks the person. Can someone please invent a way where we can slap fictional characters? Because my hand be tingling!
To continue the trope of reckless, stupid shit decisions heroine makes, she gets dressed up as a man and goes down to the docks, where she promptly gets into trouble. Because of course she would!
I also found it particularly annoying when she kept calling the prostitutes “sex workers” like shes a modern day Tik Tok twat who has swallowed propaganda from perversion peddlers trying to normalize prostitution by using euphemisms to describe depravity. No, fuckwit, prostitutes werent called sex workers in the 1800s. They were called prostitutes.
It was at this point I had to bail. The stupid was too strong, only equalled by my own stupidity in wasting hours on this crap.
And thats not even to mention the stupidity of the hero. The hero is locked out of his inheritance, and all he has to do is marry and produce an heir. But—to defy his father, to cut his nose off to spite his face, he remains unwed for YEARS, causing his family to fall into poverty, where he cant pay for the few remaining servants who now have to do the jobs of several people, and his sisters are toiling away, facing food uncertainty and living in a home thats falling apart. This is a level of selfishness and stubbornness that is narcissistic in the most malignant. And to scrape together enough money to pay for food and occasionally pay his servants, the hero prostitutes himself to old bored rich whores. Apparently there was no limit to the depth of scumbaggery that the author wouldn’t sink her hero to.
Safety unknown—didnt finish. Up to this point, hero was an oozing std-trap manwhore until he met heroine, at which point he was faithful to her. Slight om drama from when heroine was younger. OM caught heroine touching herself while reading a smutty book and humiliates her. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero.
Ending details unknown
November 5, 2023
Rating: 4.5 stars
I'm a little upset over the ending...I mean I now have to WAIT to see what happens with Spenser. Really??? I need to know now....anyways, I really did enjoy this one. I wasn't in the mood for a historical romance, but this book is publishing in a few days, so I figured I should probably read it. I'm really glad I did though because it ended up being amazing. I loved the marriage of convenience trope plus this had a rake who thought he didn't deserved to be loved...I mean, it's right up my alley. You should read this series in order. It will make WAY more sense if you do, so go and read book one first. But I do love this series and am excited to read the next book.
I received an eARC of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm a little upset over the ending...I mean I now have to WAIT to see what happens with Spenser. Really??? I need to know now....anyways, I really did enjoy this one. I wasn't in the mood for a historical romance, but this book is publishing in a few days, so I figured I should probably read it. I'm really glad I did though because it ended up being amazing. I loved the marriage of convenience trope plus this had a rake who thought he didn't deserved to be loved...I mean, it's right up my alley. You should read this series in order. It will make WAY more sense if you do, so go and read book one first. But I do love this series and am excited to read the next book.
I received an eARC of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 6, 2023
Adventurous bluestocking Lady Calliope Seaton can solve any mystery including the disappearance of her brother Spenser. All she needs is a little help from former naval officer Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the disreputable Duke of Kelford. Nathaniel needs a wife and an heir to claim his vast inheritance. So they strike a deal: a marriage of convenience. Moving into Nathaniel’s decaying Mayfair mansion and taking on his three untutored sisters would challenge even the bravest new bride. But it’s not long before Calliope is fixing up his home, winning over his sisters and claiming his heart.
The third book in the series & what a series it’s turning out to be. I loved both Nathaniel & Calliope & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA. I love a romance with mystery & danger & this delivered in spades. Strong characters & a well paced story had me devouring this little gem in two sittings the only downside was I have now to wait for the next book to find out what happened to Spenser.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in the series & what a series it’s turning out to be. I loved both Nathaniel & Calliope & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA. I love a romance with mystery & danger & this delivered in spades. Strong characters & a well paced story had me devouring this little gem in two sittings the only downside was I have now to wait for the next book to find out what happened to Spenser.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 9, 2023
I think this may be my last attempt to read Mariah Stone. The mmc and his family were violently attacked when he was a child. As a result, his “papa” (the author never uses any other word for father by any of the characters regardless of their level of relationship or status) blamed him. Weird, but okay. Therefore the papa writes an iron clad will that his son must marry and have an heir before he turns 30. If he marries and has said heir, he inherits millions. If he doesn’t, he gets nothing.
Now here is the problem that I have with the premise of the book.
Instead of getting married and having said child, the mmc waits like 7 years until he is 29 and 1/4 - forcing his younger sisters to live in abject poverty without enough food or clothing and suffering without heat in winter. All of the servants, including their governess and tutors are let go ensuring that his sisters are uneducated and he uses them as servants. He also basically sells off everything of value instead of *checks notes* getting married and having sex with his wife.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the mmc comes of as mentally not all there and selfish to the point of pathology. The book then picks up with him getting married in 3 days and screaming in a froth that his new wife also has to live in total squalor because he won’t let her use her own money to fix anything in his ramshackle, falling down house.
Now here is the problem that I have with the premise of the book.
Instead of getting married and having said child, the mmc waits like 7 years until he is 29 and 1/4 - forcing his younger sisters to live in abject poverty without enough food or clothing and suffering without heat in winter. All of the servants, including their governess and tutors are let go ensuring that his sisters are uneducated and he uses them as servants. He also basically sells off everything of value instead of *checks notes* getting married and having sex with his wife.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the mmc comes of as mentally not all there and selfish to the point of pathology. The book then picks up with him getting married in 3 days and screaming in a froth that his new wife also has to live in total squalor because he won’t let her use her own money to fix anything in his ramshackle, falling down house.
June 27, 2024
Mariah Stone is a new author for me and this is only my 4th book by her. I couldn't put Book 1 down it was so good, so decided to get the complete series. I don't read book descriptions so I have no idea what I'm reading when I start a book but I assume it will be about some of the characters from previous books :). Makes for a more interesting read, I think. :)
Wow what a stubborn minx Calliope was. Poor Nathanial didn’t stand a chance. I loved this story and this couple. I loved their adventures and heartaches and their family. There was such excitement during their investigation and I just loved it. A great read.
Wow what a stubborn minx Calliope was. Poor Nathanial didn’t stand a chance. I loved this story and this couple. I loved their adventures and heartaches and their family. There was such excitement during their investigation and I just loved it. A great read.
October 18, 2023
Thanks Mariah you have done it again. What a wonderful story that started out as a marriage of convenience but turned into something more.
The twists and turns Nathaniel and Calliope story takes before finding love and respect for each others views is reflected in this story.
The extended epilogue was great too- it finished off the story well.
I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The twists and turns Nathaniel and Calliope story takes before finding love and respect for each others views is reflected in this story.
The extended epilogue was great too- it finished off the story well.
I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2024
The fact this has an average of 4 stars for a rating makes me question the legitimacy of the reviews here.
Spoilers
This book was painfully terrible. The FMC has “trauma” from being caught touching herself as a 12 year old by a boy she had a crush on. He called her a whore and PINCHED her on the neck. Ever since she can’t fathom being touched or get sexually excited. I can’t even call this a full read as 90% of it was skimmed through just looking for developments in finding her brother Spencer.
The FMCs “horrific” past is focused so heavily on meanwhile the MMC literally saw his mother get shot and die in front of him.
The whole plot is odd, the FMC wants freedom and the MMC ends up locking her away for like a night then she saves him while he’s on a quest looking for her brother and then they bang and she wakes up with some post nut clarity stating they were over and he moves out. He comes back weeks later after she finds out she’s pregnant and they admit to loving each other and her brother miraculously shows up on the docks on the same day her OTHER brother was going to leave the country to search for him. No explanation. And he gives googly eyes at another brother’s wife - weird. I’m assuming this continues in the next book but I absolutely do not care to find out.
The characters lacked depth and the plot lacked reason but the details of the scenery were decent though.
Overall don’t waste your time unless you’re looking for a cookie cutter story with no real plot.
Spoilers
This book was painfully terrible. The FMC has “trauma” from being caught touching herself as a 12 year old by a boy she had a crush on. He called her a whore and PINCHED her on the neck. Ever since she can’t fathom being touched or get sexually excited. I can’t even call this a full read as 90% of it was skimmed through just looking for developments in finding her brother Spencer.
The FMCs “horrific” past is focused so heavily on meanwhile the MMC literally saw his mother get shot and die in front of him.
The whole plot is odd, the FMC wants freedom and the MMC ends up locking her away for like a night then she saves him while he’s on a quest looking for her brother and then they bang and she wakes up with some post nut clarity stating they were over and he moves out. He comes back weeks later after she finds out she’s pregnant and they admit to loving each other and her brother miraculously shows up on the docks on the same day her OTHER brother was going to leave the country to search for him. No explanation. And he gives googly eyes at another brother’s wife - weird. I’m assuming this continues in the next book but I absolutely do not care to find out.
The characters lacked depth and the plot lacked reason but the details of the scenery were decent though.
Overall don’t waste your time unless you’re looking for a cookie cutter story with no real plot.
June 9, 2025
Too much repetition.
I can save you all the trouble of reading this book: he’s a broad-shouldered duke with aquamarine eyes who fears not being able to protect the women in his life. She’s a strong independent woman who can’t be told what to do.
The end.
I can save you all the trouble of reading this book: he’s a broad-shouldered duke with aquamarine eyes who fears not being able to protect the women in his life. She’s a strong independent woman who can’t be told what to do.
The end.
May 21, 2024
Tricked by another Kindle Unlimited ad.
November 6, 2023
My love for this series has grown with each installment, and this one continued the trend!
Calliope was a force to be reckoned with; no apologies or excuses. It mattered not to her the danger she might be in. It mattered not that the things she did were not the things done by ladies of her status, or women in her time at all. It mattered not if a man found her becoming or likable otherwise because she was fine being a bluestocking that followed her own mind, morals, and heart. Would she have liked a companion to walk with in life? Sure...but she wasn't willing to squeeze herself into the ton's box to make it fit. SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HER...
Nathaniel was the man for her, whether either knew it from the start! He carried a title, but no fortune, as it was locked up tight thanks to his deceased father...however, what first looks like a strike of vengeance from beyond the grave might actually turn out to be a stroke of genius to uncover a heart hurting for so long, and expose it to the love it truly deserves. Anywho, let we wax less sentimental because Nathaniel is definitely ALL man, doing manly things, and making sure his sisters and limited staff are taken care of until the will and pending fortune can be sorted. He's rather remarkable, if I do say so myself, and while I can't say I didn't want to box him about the ears a time or two with his stubborn ways, and flare ups of small mindedness, it all stemmed from experience without guidance, so it was understandable, and he eventually comes round.
All in all, so many reasons to celebrate this release and the characters within, if I keep listing them, we'll be here all day! Do yourself the favor and catch this release as well as the previous two! Recommended for adult readers as there are a few scenes not intended for younger eyes, but a definite MUST for fans of the genre!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
Calliope was a force to be reckoned with; no apologies or excuses. It mattered not to her the danger she might be in. It mattered not that the things she did were not the things done by ladies of her status, or women in her time at all. It mattered not if a man found her becoming or likable otherwise because she was fine being a bluestocking that followed her own mind, morals, and heart. Would she have liked a companion to walk with in life? Sure...but she wasn't willing to squeeze herself into the ton's box to make it fit. SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HER...
Nathaniel was the man for her, whether either knew it from the start! He carried a title, but no fortune, as it was locked up tight thanks to his deceased father...however, what first looks like a strike of vengeance from beyond the grave might actually turn out to be a stroke of genius to uncover a heart hurting for so long, and expose it to the love it truly deserves. Anywho, let we wax less sentimental because Nathaniel is definitely ALL man, doing manly things, and making sure his sisters and limited staff are taken care of until the will and pending fortune can be sorted. He's rather remarkable, if I do say so myself, and while I can't say I didn't want to box him about the ears a time or two with his stubborn ways, and flare ups of small mindedness, it all stemmed from experience without guidance, so it was understandable, and he eventually comes round.
All in all, so many reasons to celebrate this release and the characters within, if I keep listing them, we'll be here all day! Do yourself the favor and catch this release as well as the previous two! Recommended for adult readers as there are a few scenes not intended for younger eyes, but a definite MUST for fans of the genre!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
March 29, 2024
“You’re not a detour from my path. You are my destination.”
Based in London 1813 it follows Duchess Calliope and Duke Nathanial both in a position where they can help each other. Nathanial needs a wife and heir. Calliope needs information to help find her missing brother.
I enjoyed this historical romance. A daring, fearless independent FMC who doesn’t want to marry and to open her own investigation agency and then Nathaniel is burdened with memories of the past that have made him an overbearing Duke. Great tension and chemistry between characters with strong passionate stances but have a vulnerable side as well. Had a great plot, side characters and loved the guard dogs.
Highly recommend the audiobook as the narration is brilliant. Shane and Justine did a fantastic job bringing the story to life.
If you love:
🔹Historical Romance
🔹Marriage Of Convenience
🔹Strong Independent FMC
🔹Overbearing MMC
🔹Dangerous Investigation
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Historical Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook - ALC ARC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 45mins
Narrators: Shane East and Justine Eyre - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book Three On Dukes And Secrets
Tropes or Themes: Marriage Of Convenience, Opposites Attract, Rake/Bluestocking, Investigation, MMC Duke, Strong/Independent FMC, Guilt, Protective MMC, Broken MMC, Violence, Pregnancy, Past Memories, Betrayal, Third Person, Sexual Content and Virgin
Mentions: Eating Disorder and Death Of A Parent
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Based in London 1813 it follows Duchess Calliope and Duke Nathanial both in a position where they can help each other. Nathanial needs a wife and heir. Calliope needs information to help find her missing brother.
I enjoyed this historical romance. A daring, fearless independent FMC who doesn’t want to marry and to open her own investigation agency and then Nathaniel is burdened with memories of the past that have made him an overbearing Duke. Great tension and chemistry between characters with strong passionate stances but have a vulnerable side as well. Had a great plot, side characters and loved the guard dogs.
Highly recommend the audiobook as the narration is brilliant. Shane and Justine did a fantastic job bringing the story to life.
If you love:
🔹Historical Romance
🔹Marriage Of Convenience
🔹Strong Independent FMC
🔹Overbearing MMC
🔹Dangerous Investigation
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Historical Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook - ALC ARC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 45mins
Narrators: Shane East and Justine Eyre - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book Three On Dukes And Secrets
Tropes or Themes: Marriage Of Convenience, Opposites Attract, Rake/Bluestocking, Investigation, MMC Duke, Strong/Independent FMC, Guilt, Protective MMC, Broken MMC, Violence, Pregnancy, Past Memories, Betrayal, Third Person, Sexual Content and Virgin
Mentions: Eating Disorder and Death Of A Parent
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
November 7, 2023
The game is afoot!
“Tell me, Lady Calliope...do you like to be a naughty girl?”
This novel is amazing! It grips the reader's attention since its first page. It was such a superb read! It has: marriage of convenience trope, forced proximity, steamy scenes 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, rakes, angst and mystery.
The main characters are perfect! She is a brave, intelligent, yet reckless. And he is a "cinnamon bun' but does not know it yet. Also über protective and unfortunately as some ghosts of its own.
I Highly Recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Tell me, Lady Calliope...do you like to be a naughty girl?”
This novel is amazing! It grips the reader's attention since its first page. It was such a superb read! It has: marriage of convenience trope, forced proximity, steamy scenes 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, rakes, angst and mystery.
The main characters are perfect! She is a brave, intelligent, yet reckless. And he is a "cinnamon bun' but does not know it yet. Also über protective and unfortunately as some ghosts of its own.
I Highly Recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2024
Do you love a regency romance? I do! And I really love when the FMC doesn’t like to follow the rules. This is definitely my favorite so far of the 𝘿𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 by Mariah Stone. Calliope has been a part of the other books, and it was fun to get to know her more in this one. She is a new favorite of mine, I love how smart, sassy, and independent she is. One of my favorite parts of this series is the mystery surrounding what happened to Calliope’s oldest brother, Spencer. This story really delves into that and we learn much more.
🎧 What made this all the more entertaining was listening to the audiobook! @shaneeastreads and Justine Eyre are absolute perfection. I could listen to them all day, every day 👏🏼
If you love:
💛 Historical Romance
🤍 Opposites Attract
💛 Marriage of Convenience
🤍 Protective MMCs
💛 Mystery and Suspense
🤍 Fierce FMCs
💛 Spice
🤍 Amazing Narration
Then go grab this audiobook!!
🎧 What made this all the more entertaining was listening to the audiobook! @shaneeastreads and Justine Eyre are absolute perfection. I could listen to them all day, every day 👏🏼
If you love:
💛 Historical Romance
🤍 Opposites Attract
💛 Marriage of Convenience
🤍 Protective MMCs
💛 Mystery and Suspense
🤍 Fierce FMCs
💛 Spice
🤍 Amazing Narration
Then go grab this audiobook!!
April 10, 2024
Calliope plans to never marry, and actually wants to open her own personal investigation firm, inspired by the search for her missing brother, a member of the British navy. Rakish Nathaniel is forced to marry and have an heir before his next birthday in order to access his inheritance which he needs to provide a quality life for his sisters. Calliope and Nathan agree to help each other out with their problems.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the times that Calliope spent with Nathan's sisters. It was clear that they enjoyed their time with an older female figure in their life like Calliope, even if there was some hesitancy at first for the sisters. I love finding regency romance books where the FMC is strong and feisty. However, Calliope is downright selfish and irresponsible at times, but this helps drive home the “love conquers all” message. This story is written in third person pov, and while I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, you can hardly tell when listening to the audio.
Justine Eyre and Shane East were both remarkable in their performance as Calliope and Nathan, not to mention all the extra characters. Couldn't have asked for a better performance!
Thank you to the author and Must Love Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook! Opinions are my own.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You are a “my wife” person 🫠
One of my favorite parts of the book was the times that Calliope spent with Nathan's sisters. It was clear that they enjoyed their time with an older female figure in their life like Calliope, even if there was some hesitancy at first for the sisters. I love finding regency romance books where the FMC is strong and feisty. However, Calliope is downright selfish and irresponsible at times, but this helps drive home the “love conquers all” message. This story is written in third person pov, and while I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, you can hardly tell when listening to the audio.
Justine Eyre and Shane East were both remarkable in their performance as Calliope and Nathan, not to mention all the extra characters. Couldn't have asked for a better performance!
Thank you to the author and Must Love Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook! Opinions are my own.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You are a “my wife” person 🫠
November 14, 2024
2.5 stars.
I was really enjoying this book up until the wedding. I found the writing to be well paced even if some of the details were far-fetched. After the wedding, it all just goes downhill.
I think the male main character is more open to change. The female main character is a spoiled, selfish brat. Both are flawed and awful at communication. If you hate books where a huge part of the plot is miscommunication, then skip this.
Spoilers...
The female main character is traumatized because she was pinched hard on the neck and called a whore by the boy she liked while reading a naughty book and touching herself through her dress when she was 12. That is her major life trauma and it dominates so much of her story. I'm not saying her trauma isn't valid, but she uses it to treat her husband horribly even while knowing he has his own significant trauma. I really thought we would discover she suffered a serious assault but no, she's just embarrassed and worried the boy (now man) will tell others.
The husband, however, is a wreck. Not only is he a pauper, a joke to his peers, getting beat up and prostituted for money, has a full time job plus raising his sisters, he also saw his mother murdered and blames himself for it. Some of that his now wife knows just from seeing him and his home, but she doesn't care. Nothing compares to her being embarrassed as a kid and her obsession with her missing brother.
She treats him awful. She goes behind his back to do things, knowing it will upset him. She's not understanding at all. She wants to "help," but really, she just wants to be in control.
Her brother is missing, and her husband has told her he will help, but she will not leave it alone. It doesn't make sense that she needs to be at his job with him. The author even has supporting characters questioning it, which is perfectly logical because her behavior is illogical. But that doesn't stop her. SHE must be there to see everything firsthand. She puts herself and others in danger, further traumatizing her husband, but nope, she doesn't care. It's all about her.
The husband has his own hangups, but he is more believable and more traumatic. His obsession with his pride and not getting help from anyone is annoying. The timeline with him having to marry and have an heir by 30 but he waits until 29 seems very unrealistic. I mean, I get spending some time looking for a loophole, but how realistic is it to think you will have a kid within the first year of marriage? And what if it's a girl? Doesn't it say he needs an heir? I mean, he's willing to do some crazy things for money but not this? It doesn't seem realistic, which is a theme in this book.
I'm not happy I spent so much time reading this. The characters were not likable. The mystery was secondary to the lust (hard to call it ramance). So much didn't make sense and wasn't logical. There was so much potential for this idea. The characters and plot could have been so much more. But the author just went for trope after trope irregardless of what made sense.
I really don't think the people who gave this book high reviews have read a lot of good historical romance or historical mystery books. There are others that are so much better.
I was really enjoying this book up until the wedding. I found the writing to be well paced even if some of the details were far-fetched. After the wedding, it all just goes downhill.
I think the male main character is more open to change. The female main character is a spoiled, selfish brat. Both are flawed and awful at communication. If you hate books where a huge part of the plot is miscommunication, then skip this.
Spoilers...
The female main character is traumatized because she was pinched hard on the neck and called a whore by the boy she liked while reading a naughty book and touching herself through her dress when she was 12. That is her major life trauma and it dominates so much of her story. I'm not saying her trauma isn't valid, but she uses it to treat her husband horribly even while knowing he has his own significant trauma. I really thought we would discover she suffered a serious assault but no, she's just embarrassed and worried the boy (now man) will tell others.
The husband, however, is a wreck. Not only is he a pauper, a joke to his peers, getting beat up and prostituted for money, has a full time job plus raising his sisters, he also saw his mother murdered and blames himself for it. Some of that his now wife knows just from seeing him and his home, but she doesn't care. Nothing compares to her being embarrassed as a kid and her obsession with her missing brother.
She treats him awful. She goes behind his back to do things, knowing it will upset him. She's not understanding at all. She wants to "help," but really, she just wants to be in control.
Her brother is missing, and her husband has told her he will help, but she will not leave it alone. It doesn't make sense that she needs to be at his job with him. The author even has supporting characters questioning it, which is perfectly logical because her behavior is illogical. But that doesn't stop her. SHE must be there to see everything firsthand. She puts herself and others in danger, further traumatizing her husband, but nope, she doesn't care. It's all about her.
The husband has his own hangups, but he is more believable and more traumatic. His obsession with his pride and not getting help from anyone is annoying. The timeline with him having to marry and have an heir by 30 but he waits until 29 seems very unrealistic. I mean, I get spending some time looking for a loophole, but how realistic is it to think you will have a kid within the first year of marriage? And what if it's a girl? Doesn't it say he needs an heir? I mean, he's willing to do some crazy things for money but not this? It doesn't seem realistic, which is a theme in this book.
I'm not happy I spent so much time reading this. The characters were not likable. The mystery was secondary to the lust (hard to call it ramance). So much didn't make sense and wasn't logical. There was so much potential for this idea. The characters and plot could have been so much more. But the author just went for trope after trope irregardless of what made sense.
I really don't think the people who gave this book high reviews have read a lot of good historical romance or historical mystery books. There are others that are so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
Edgy Regency. I think Nathaniel is likeable and a bit relatable, I couldn't really connect with Calliope though. I do love her independent streak but I think she took it way too far. As far as commonalities, I think they are both driven and pretty good at sleuthing. Chemistry and steamy times just isn't all romance should be about for me, their dangerous antics did keep me on edge but I'd prefer the dark mystery elements to have been secondary. Definitely has shock factor, I really struggled with this especially with his young siblings and William portions, I think a little more romance would have helped balance things all the drama out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2023
That was fantastic.
I kind of feel stupid now, because I loved the story, love the journey the characters had to take to arrive at their HEA, but oh my god! the FMC… there is being independent and there is being stupid, she was so selfish! All she was thinking was her, and what she wanted, and how something was making her feel, zero consideration for others.
I love when the story makes me feel everything. I don’t have to love everything if it is done well and make sense at the end. Big congratulations to the author!
The story feels very real. The struggle both sides have is real. I love it, despite the 🤬 FMC 😂😂😂
Super Highly Recommend!!!!!
I kind of feel stupid now, because I loved the story, love the journey the characters had to take to arrive at their HEA, but oh my god! the FMC… there is being independent and there is being stupid, she was so selfish! All she was thinking was her, and what she wanted, and how something was making her feel, zero consideration for others.
I love when the story makes me feel everything. I don’t have to love everything if it is done well and make sense at the end. Big congratulations to the author!
The story feels very real. The struggle both sides have is real. I love it, despite the 🤬 FMC 😂😂😂
Super Highly Recommend!!!!!
April 3, 2024
Project Duke- Mariah Stone
Narrated by Shane East and Justine Eyre
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Let me be the first to admit that I went out of my typical comfort zone on this one. I am not a historical/regency romance girly. I wanted to give this a try to see if it would do anything for me, and while it was a very well written book with a great story and message and the narrators did a phenomenal job with the storytelling, it just wasn’t the book that’s going to turn me into a historical/regency romance girl. Those who do read that sub-genre, on a regular basis, would probably eat this up.
I think it’s the general sexism aspect of the 1800s for me. Needing to have a man-husband, father, brother-to escort a woman to do anything in her life other than sit at home and being a doting wife and mother. However, Mariah did a phenomenal job in writing a very strong willed FMC who will stand for none of that. Calliope doesn’t care about her reputation or getting married, she just wants to start her own sleuthing business and to find her lost brother. The only reason she did get married to the rakish duke was because with his position in the navy, he has access to files that will help her find her brother. The delicious mutual pining Nathanial and Calliope have for each other is just an added bonus.
I don’t know what it says about me that the loud, growly, angry voice of Shane East did things to me. I don’t think I’ve heard him get loud or angry like he does in this one in any other books I’ve heard him in and when I heard it in this one it gave me a shock, in a good way. I had never heard Justine Eyre narrate before but she did such a great job as well. I’ll be honest, I don’t really read a whole lot of books that aren’t based in the US, therefore I don’t listen to a whole lot of books with non-American accents, but I think I need to start venturing out to other parts of the world in my reading because these narrations were fantastic and I love other accents.
Narrated by Shane East and Justine Eyre
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Let me be the first to admit that I went out of my typical comfort zone on this one. I am not a historical/regency romance girly. I wanted to give this a try to see if it would do anything for me, and while it was a very well written book with a great story and message and the narrators did a phenomenal job with the storytelling, it just wasn’t the book that’s going to turn me into a historical/regency romance girl. Those who do read that sub-genre, on a regular basis, would probably eat this up.
I think it’s the general sexism aspect of the 1800s for me. Needing to have a man-husband, father, brother-to escort a woman to do anything in her life other than sit at home and being a doting wife and mother. However, Mariah did a phenomenal job in writing a very strong willed FMC who will stand for none of that. Calliope doesn’t care about her reputation or getting married, she just wants to start her own sleuthing business and to find her lost brother. The only reason she did get married to the rakish duke was because with his position in the navy, he has access to files that will help her find her brother. The delicious mutual pining Nathanial and Calliope have for each other is just an added bonus.
I don’t know what it says about me that the loud, growly, angry voice of Shane East did things to me. I don’t think I’ve heard him get loud or angry like he does in this one in any other books I’ve heard him in and when I heard it in this one it gave me a shock, in a good way. I had never heard Justine Eyre narrate before but she did such a great job as well. I’ll be honest, I don’t really read a whole lot of books that aren’t based in the US, therefore I don’t listen to a whole lot of books with non-American accents, but I think I need to start venturing out to other parts of the world in my reading because these narrations were fantastic and I love other accents.
October 22, 2023
Soul Searching Freed There Hearts FornLove
Project Duke Book 3 : Dukes and Secrets Mariah Stone has again given us another look into the Seaton / Grandhampton Family legacy. Only this time get your tissues ready for an emotional rollercoaster. The Lady and the Duke share hidden burdens from there past. When they have a Soul Searching Moment , Look out for the tears to flow. There is so much in this storyline going on that you can’t wait to see where it takes you next. The Adventure, Danger, Mysterious Disappearance , Constantly looking over your shoulder, and the coming of an unexpected Love story.
Lady Calliope Seaton was the daughter of the Duke of Grandhampton. Raised as a Lady , but was very independent and strong willed. Hiding behind that she was just a Bluestocking. Her dream was to own her own Investigation Agency.
Nathiel Fitzgerald the Marquess of Kelford was an officer in the navy. He had to work hard to get money to raise his three sisters. His inheritance was tied up due to his Fathers Will. The things he did to earn the money became questionable.
Calliope and Nathaniel meet at a ball. They dance and they make a connection. Neither had no desire for marriage. Only Nathaniel needed to marry by the age of 30 and produce and heir to receive his inheritance. So , a marriage of convenience in formed. In the midst of this a quest to find the missing heir Spencer the Duke of Grandhampton. This adds another strain on there relationship . Along with the safety and raising his sisters. As you can see with all this happening you are turning the pages to get to the answers.
This Dynamic Story is Amazing! The question of Spencer the Duke of Grandhampton is still not fully answered. Can’t Wait for Book 4 !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Project Duke Book 3 : Dukes and Secrets Mariah Stone has again given us another look into the Seaton / Grandhampton Family legacy. Only this time get your tissues ready for an emotional rollercoaster. The Lady and the Duke share hidden burdens from there past. When they have a Soul Searching Moment , Look out for the tears to flow. There is so much in this storyline going on that you can’t wait to see where it takes you next. The Adventure, Danger, Mysterious Disappearance , Constantly looking over your shoulder, and the coming of an unexpected Love story.
Lady Calliope Seaton was the daughter of the Duke of Grandhampton. Raised as a Lady , but was very independent and strong willed. Hiding behind that she was just a Bluestocking. Her dream was to own her own Investigation Agency.
Nathiel Fitzgerald the Marquess of Kelford was an officer in the navy. He had to work hard to get money to raise his three sisters. His inheritance was tied up due to his Fathers Will. The things he did to earn the money became questionable.
Calliope and Nathaniel meet at a ball. They dance and they make a connection. Neither had no desire for marriage. Only Nathaniel needed to marry by the age of 30 and produce and heir to receive his inheritance. So , a marriage of convenience in formed. In the midst of this a quest to find the missing heir Spencer the Duke of Grandhampton. This adds another strain on there relationship . Along with the safety and raising his sisters. As you can see with all this happening you are turning the pages to get to the answers.
This Dynamic Story is Amazing! The question of Spencer the Duke of Grandhampton is still not fully answered. Can’t Wait for Book 4 !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2023
Thank you so so much to the author for letting me be part of the ARC team for this book!!
“Tell me, Lady Calliope...do you like to be a naughty girl?”
“Her scent lingered in the room, and he shamelessly took a lungful of it, craving every last drop.”
“Step away from my wife,”
Amazing. Absolutely thrilling and spicy and romantic and mysterious and wonderful !!! I am legitimately obsessed with this series!!! After Preston and Penelope and Jane and Richard, I knew I wanted to keep exploring this universe. The story of this family is compelling and intriguing and so so interesting!!! And right now Calliope and Nathaniel … they won my heart!!!! Marriage of convenience, forced proximity, working together, mutual strong and undeniable attraction … all these tropes made this book absolutely magnificent!! The tension between them was soo thick. The spicy scenes were perfect. Nathaniel … you can’t not fall in love with him till the day you die!!! And the way he used his words and his actions … so good!!! Calliope is such a strong character. After getting hints of her in the first two books, we understand how determined she is to find her brother and start her investigative business. But I loved how deep we went into her personality and feelings this time around!!!! Loved it so much!!!! The frustration they put each other (and me) through was endless but oh so good!!!! And that ending … WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!!!!! I expected their HEA but that aside … I was not expecting that AT ALL!!!!! I can’t wait for the next book !!!
“He had no place being part of your life in the first place. You’re mine, love. Mine. There will never ever be anything you cannot do or say to me.”
“He couldn’t stop himself. She was his undoing. His fearless woman. This gorgeous creature he knew he would always love … His precious wife, who was his salvation and his destruction.”
“Tell me, Lady Calliope...do you like to be a naughty girl?”
“Her scent lingered in the room, and he shamelessly took a lungful of it, craving every last drop.”
“Step away from my wife,”
Amazing. Absolutely thrilling and spicy and romantic and mysterious and wonderful !!! I am legitimately obsessed with this series!!! After Preston and Penelope and Jane and Richard, I knew I wanted to keep exploring this universe. The story of this family is compelling and intriguing and so so interesting!!! And right now Calliope and Nathaniel … they won my heart!!!! Marriage of convenience, forced proximity, working together, mutual strong and undeniable attraction … all these tropes made this book absolutely magnificent!! The tension between them was soo thick. The spicy scenes were perfect. Nathaniel … you can’t not fall in love with him till the day you die!!! And the way he used his words and his actions … so good!!! Calliope is such a strong character. After getting hints of her in the first two books, we understand how determined she is to find her brother and start her investigative business. But I loved how deep we went into her personality and feelings this time around!!!! Loved it so much!!!! The frustration they put each other (and me) through was endless but oh so good!!!! And that ending … WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!!!!! I expected their HEA but that aside … I was not expecting that AT ALL!!!!! I can’t wait for the next book !!!
“He had no place being part of your life in the first place. You’re mine, love. Mine. There will never ever be anything you cannot do or say to me.”
“He couldn’t stop himself. She was his undoing. His fearless woman. This gorgeous creature he knew he would always love … His precious wife, who was his salvation and his destruction.”
March 30, 2024
**Audio Review**
Just entered my historical romance era, and I’m here for it. Project Duke by Mariah Stone had the perfect touch of suspense, spice, and swoon. Calliope and Nathaniel both had several obstacles to overcome on their way to finding their HEA, but with every twist and turn I found myself falling more and more in love with this marriage of convenience romance.
Justine Eyre and Shane East perform this audiobook in dual narration. This story is written in the third person, and while it's not always my preferred, I did not mind it one bit. Justine and Shane gave so much life to Calliope and Nathaniel that I found myself completely lost in the story in all the best ways. Justine’s posh British accent captured Calliope’s inquisitive and fierce spirit as she searched for her brother, and discovered her true feelings for Nathaniel. Plus, Shane’s dreamy voice made you ache for Nathaniel’s pained past, but also swoon over his love and dedication to his family and Calliope.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a historical romance with a hot hunky rake, an independent investigative heroine, loyal canines, a marriage of convenience, steamy virginal times, danger around every corner, loyal loving brothers, inheritance issues, a haunted past, protecting the ones you love, new additions, finding your long lost brother, and a HEA that is worth the risk, then you will love Calliope and Nathaniel’s story. I’m looking forward to more from Mariah Stone.
Just entered my historical romance era, and I’m here for it. Project Duke by Mariah Stone had the perfect touch of suspense, spice, and swoon. Calliope and Nathaniel both had several obstacles to overcome on their way to finding their HEA, but with every twist and turn I found myself falling more and more in love with this marriage of convenience romance.
Justine Eyre and Shane East perform this audiobook in dual narration. This story is written in the third person, and while it's not always my preferred, I did not mind it one bit. Justine and Shane gave so much life to Calliope and Nathaniel that I found myself completely lost in the story in all the best ways. Justine’s posh British accent captured Calliope’s inquisitive and fierce spirit as she searched for her brother, and discovered her true feelings for Nathaniel. Plus, Shane’s dreamy voice made you ache for Nathaniel’s pained past, but also swoon over his love and dedication to his family and Calliope.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a historical romance with a hot hunky rake, an independent investigative heroine, loyal canines, a marriage of convenience, steamy virginal times, danger around every corner, loyal loving brothers, inheritance issues, a haunted past, protecting the ones you love, new additions, finding your long lost brother, and a HEA that is worth the risk, then you will love Calliope and Nathaniel’s story. I’m looking forward to more from Mariah Stone.
October 23, 2023
This author got me again!
I adore historical romance. And I adore spicy historical romance. And this book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
Calliope and Nathaniel are just so lovable and heart-wrenching. You can see why they make the decisions they make every step but it still didn’t make me want to throttle him less knowing that. Yes, just him. I would have done everything Calliope did.
I love Calliope’s mind, her fierceness, her bravery, her honesty. I love Nathaniel’s protectiveness (for the most part) and his determination to keep everyone in his life safe, as misplaced as that anxiety might become at times.
The search for Spencer continues and now my heart is in tatters from that cliffhanger. I need more. I can’t fathom what is coming in the next book but I will be patiently waiting for the next installment of this beautiful family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I adore historical romance. And I adore spicy historical romance. And this book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
Calliope and Nathaniel are just so lovable and heart-wrenching. You can see why they make the decisions they make every step but it still didn’t make me want to throttle him less knowing that. Yes, just him. I would have done everything Calliope did.
I love Calliope’s mind, her fierceness, her bravery, her honesty. I love Nathaniel’s protectiveness (for the most part) and his determination to keep everyone in his life safe, as misplaced as that anxiety might become at times.
The search for Spencer continues and now my heart is in tatters from that cliffhanger. I need more. I can’t fathom what is coming in the next book but I will be patiently waiting for the next installment of this beautiful family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2024
Such a fabulous story full of intrigue, mystery and some delicious pining. The pure angst of pining after someone who is within reach is heartbreakingly beautiful. This marriage of convenience quickly becomes incredibly inconvenient when they both catch feelings and refuse to accept it. Nathaniel is a protector to the core, he has built an entire life of service to that goal. But how do you protect a woman who constantly seeks danger and is independent enough to continue to do so? This is just one of the many hurdles they must overcome to achieve their happy ever after. If there is one thing the Seaton’s are it is determined and Calliope will carve out the life of her dreams at any cost. Full of love, excitement and passion, this is a story to remember.
The audio performed by Shane East and Justine Eyre was so entertaining to listen to. They create a drama of intense emotion and thrilling excitement.
The audio performed by Shane East and Justine Eyre was so entertaining to listen to. They create a drama of intense emotion and thrilling excitement.
May 20, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Summary: Calliope has a dream to start her own sleuth agency but she must first find the answer to her own mystery, where her beloved brother disappeared to. She seeks help from a naval officer and he provides an opportunity for them to both get what they need.
Thoughts: This book had a very cozy mystery feeling about it. There’s an ongoing suspenseful situation happening from the earlier books and I really enjoy how the author is revealing pieces of it.
The characters were really great in this one, I loved their back stories. There is, however, a lot of drama and build up to one of the situations that really felt unwarranted. It gets a little cheesy in spots but I enjoyed the chaotic energy there was.
Overall I truly am enjoying this series and cannot wait to see how it wraps up.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Summary: Calliope has a dream to start her own sleuth agency but she must first find the answer to her own mystery, where her beloved brother disappeared to. She seeks help from a naval officer and he provides an opportunity for them to both get what they need.
Thoughts: This book had a very cozy mystery feeling about it. There’s an ongoing suspenseful situation happening from the earlier books and I really enjoy how the author is revealing pieces of it.
The characters were really great in this one, I loved their back stories. There is, however, a lot of drama and build up to one of the situations that really felt unwarranted. It gets a little cheesy in spots but I enjoyed the chaotic energy there was.
Overall I truly am enjoying this series and cannot wait to see how it wraps up.
October 17, 2023
I received this book as a ARC. It’s a great read and I love Calliope and Nathaniel. She’s headstrong, bullheaded and the perfect person for Nathaniel although it takes them awhile to figure it out. They are tossed into intrigue by trying to find her oldest brother Spencer who’s been missing and assumed dead. There’s still the matter of figuring out who has been trying to stop them from finding him. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
October 19, 2023
It’s an excellent romance book.
It has different twists and turns, some suspense and strong, loyal and loving main characters. I did not want to put the book down until the end. If you like strong independent ladies and brave and handsome gentlemen this is the book for you. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has different twists and turns, some suspense and strong, loyal and loving main characters. I did not want to put the book down until the end. If you like strong independent ladies and brave and handsome gentlemen this is the book for you. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2023
4 1/2*STARS*
Lady Calliope Seaton hasn't forgotten her dance with Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the Duke of Kelford, at the Royal Navy Ball. In fact, she needs his help to investigate the paper trail at the Admiralty offices in her brother's disappearance. She's a good investigator and wants to have her own agency. Nathaniel has one year left to fulfill the stipulations in his father's will to claim his inheritance. He needs a wife and an heir. These two strike a bargain, but neither expected to fall in love. Questioning the right people in her brother's disappearance, brings dangerous results and Nathaniel loses all perspective when it comes to her protection. It's a race against time for Calliope to find her brother and have a baby. Who wanted her brother to disappear and why?
Expect the unexpected with a very over protective duke and his headstrong wife.
Very explicit open bedroom and some violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Lady Calliope Seaton hasn't forgotten her dance with Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the Duke of Kelford, at the Royal Navy Ball. In fact, she needs his help to investigate the paper trail at the Admiralty offices in her brother's disappearance. She's a good investigator and wants to have her own agency. Nathaniel has one year left to fulfill the stipulations in his father's will to claim his inheritance. He needs a wife and an heir. These two strike a bargain, but neither expected to fall in love. Questioning the right people in her brother's disappearance, brings dangerous results and Nathaniel loses all perspective when it comes to her protection. It's a race against time for Calliope to find her brother and have a baby. Who wanted her brother to disappear and why?
Expect the unexpected with a very over protective duke and his headstrong wife.
Very explicit open bedroom and some violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 24, 2024
2 5
Promising start and good premise.
Got worse and worse as it went on.
Felt like the author couldn't decide between a mystery theme or a regency romance and tried, unsuccessfully, to combine the two.
Promising start and good premise.
Got worse and worse as it went on.
Felt like the author couldn't decide between a mystery theme or a regency romance and tried, unsuccessfully, to combine the two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews