The Viscount Always Knocks Twice

Heart of Enquiry #4

by Grace Callaway

A Hoyden's Prejudice

A spirited and unconventional miss, Violet Kent has a taste for adventure. All she wants is the freedom to be herself--and to not be judged, especially by that stuffed shirt Viscount Carlisle, her best friend Wickham's older brother. When an impulsive act brings her into scandalous contact with Carlisle, animosity flares, along with shocking, smoldering desire...

A Gentleman's Pride

A man of duty, Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, has always protected his brother Wickham, whose latest trouble involves a debt to a cutthroat. To survive, Wick must marry an heiress; instead he's distracted by that improper minx Violet Kent. As Richard strives to extricate his brother from Violet's wiles, the last thing he expects is to find himself ensnared by passion...

When Murder Leads to Love

Sparks fly when Violet and Richard are thrown together at a house party. Yet their forbidden passion and blossoming romance are not the only adventures afoot. For a guest is soon discovered dead--and Violet and Richard must join forces to solve the mystery and protect their loved ones... before the murderer strikes again.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Mystery, Regency, Historical Fiction

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2016

About the author

Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!

Put it on your "To Read" shelf ➤
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...

Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.

The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.

Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.

As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.

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About Grace

USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.

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Reviews

[Topastro]

DNF @ 25%

This was my first Grace Callaway book and I'm not going to totally give up on her yet. The heroine was very immature and the constant use of the word "chum" and strange slang got old quick. I wish the build up between the MCs was a little more drawn out. Traci Odom was the narrator and she did a pretty good job, my only issue was the the H was Irish but that was not done in the narration.

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am enjoying this author's books,this heroine in particular got on my last nerves.

[MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow....

[Emilia Redington · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Dagmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sensual murder-mystery who-done-it!

Enticing mix of suspense and emerging romance with delicious tension.

Opposites attract: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Viscount Carlisle, Richard, was my favourite kind of Hero: seemingly stern and reserved, weight of the world on his shoulders type, but oh so tender on the inside. Violet was spunky, clever, bright, and unapologetically authentic. Their sparks flew off the page and it was so refreshing how they got to know each other on a deeper level. Not to mention some off the charts close proximity steam...🥵

The interactions between the Kent family were witty and wonderful...the sibling bonds were a joy. As always the writing was superb. Interesting murder-mystery plot with my hot cop👮‍♂️ BBF extraordinaire, Mr Ambrose Kent😍, in command of the investigation.

Another stellar read in the Heart of Inquiry series!!

Definitely recommend!

[Sara Reads (mostly) Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Callaway does not dissapoint

[Amy Malory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am struggling between 4 and 5?Maybe 4,5.Good read,Totally my kind of romance 😍

[Jess Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was absolutely nothing special about this book. I do love me some enemies to lovers (it's my favorite actually) but this one was a little corny for my taste. I will say this author does write a sex scene well, kudos for that at least! 

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

2016: I read the first half of this book until 1 o'clock this morning then woke up at 6:30am to finish it so this should tell you how much I loved this book and couldn't wait to finish it. I would have finished it in one sitting but sleep was winning me over. I am never disappointed by anything I have read by Grace Callaway. She is an amazing historical romance author and I can't wait this fall for her next book.

Something you should know about the Kent family is that they marry for love, not for wealth or status. Violet Kent, even though surrounded by couples in love, never really understood what all the fuss was about. She is the tomboy in the family who prefer to wear trousers, ride horses astride, climb trees and play sports. She is constantly being criticized by the ton and she believes her family is ashamed of her. Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, is a "gentlemen's gentlemen" as Lord Blackwood has referred to him. He has plenty of pride, honor and is a bit of a stick-in-the-mud, almost a complete opposite to the wild free spirit that is Violet Kent. Carlisle needs his brother, Wickham, to marry an heiress to get rid of a large amount of debt. Carlisle doesn't approve of his brother's friendship with Violet (they really are just friends) as Carlisle sees Violet as another woman who will flirt without thinking of the consequences. Both blinded by their prejudices, they butt heads quite often. They misjudge each other but once they come to terms and reach an understanding of each other the sparks fly. She becomes more mature and he becomes more adventurous as they search for a murder at a lavish house party.

The plot was very interesting and had a great steady pace. Never a dull moment. I love the old fashion murder mystery. There are plenty of twists and turns I just couldn't see coming. There is a great blend of romance and mystery. The perfect blend of both which flowed really nicely. I am very envious of the Kent sisters who get to marry such amazing gentlemen.

I realized I have never taken a moment to appreciate Ambrose Kent who is the head of the Kent family. He works so hard, never gives up until his work is done and has such love and loyalty to his family. He really needs a vacation and more time alone with his wife because he has earned it.

After reading nine of Callaway's books, I definitely am seeing a common theme that people should be themselves and be with other people who love them for it. This is such a lovely theme her books center around. I love seeing all of these wonderful characters and learning more about the Kent family. I am very excited about Polly's story in Never Say Never to an Earl coming Fall 2016.

[Gilgamesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yayyyy for the return of the Kents :). Ok so the plot is not so original but I loved Violet and Richards chemistry. The way they treat other is hilarious but the sizzling chemistry could literally burn the pages if I was reading a paperback. There is not much to say about this book except to read and enjoy it. It was a decent challenge to guess the identity of the killer, so it was good mystery too.

I can't wait for the next Kent book :)

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. Kobo+. #4 in Hearts of Inquiry Series. MC's h Violet Kent 22, Richard Murray, 32, Viscount Carlisle.
Series Couples
The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Alaric & Emma) baby Olivia - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
M is for Marquess (Gabriel & Thea) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Marcus & Penny) 3 sons - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Richard & Violet)& baby - ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Never Say Never to an Earl (Sinjin & Polly)
The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Andrew & Primrose)

Kent’s
Ambrose ( Marianne ) Marianne’s daughter Primrose 18 & their son Edward 9, Baby Sophia
Primrose & Andrew Corbett (Miranda, Oliver and Lily) Andrew knighted by King for philandthropy.
Harry & (son)
Emma ( Duke of Strathaven) daughter Olivia
Thea ( Marquess of Tremount)son Freddy
Violet (Viscount Carlisle). (son Jamie & more) Friend (Marcus Marquis of Blackwood & Pandora)
Polly & Sinjin Earl of Revelstoke (children)
Quotes
Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle and Violet Kent
*Richard doesn’t approve of her friendship with his brother Wickham
Red saturated her vision. Her hands acted of their own volition, shooting upward, planting on his chest. They gave a shove—and time suddenly slowed. She had the sensation of watching from the outside as Carlisle stumbled, surprise rippling across his face as he lost his footing in a puddle of champagne, his large body falling backward like a felled tree…
The thudding splash brought her to her senses. In stupefied horror, she took in Carlisle sitting on his behind in the fountain. Blood-red champagne rained merrily over his head and shoulders.
Gadzooks, what have I done?
She took a halting step toward him… stopped at the hellfire raging in his eyes.
He growled, “Get out of here. Now.”

*Viscount tells Violet to stay away from Wickham at the Billings House Party
In tones that brooked no refusal, he said, “I want your word that you’ll stay away from Wick.”
“You’ll get no such promise from me.”
Enmity crackled between them. His blood pounded, the pressure in his veins rising.
“This is no lark, by Jove. Wickham’s life is at stake,” he growled. “You’re no good for him.”
“I’m no good?” Her eyes blazed.
God, he hated how women always twisted his words. “That is not what I said—”
“Well, you’re nothing if not consistent when it comes to judging my character,” she snapped. “To think I was going to apologize for our prior encounter.”
“I don’t expect an apology from you,” he said flatly.

*Proposal & Passion after refusal

“For the last dashed time, Wick is my friend. Get it through your thick skull: I have no designs on your brother whatsoever. In fact, I don’t want to get married at all.”“That’s inconvenient, isn’t it,” he said acidly, “since I’m offering for you.”
A heartbeat passed.
She glared at him. “That is not amusing, Carlisle.”
“I don’t think so either. Unfortunately, it must be done, given what happened between us in the Priest Hole.” He managed to adopt a pragmatic tone, despite the fact that his heart was beating like a fist against his ribs. “I am not in the habit of seducing innocents, Miss Kent, and my honor demands that I answer for my mistake.”
“Your… mistake?”
Her incredulity made his neck heat, yet he blundered on. “Obviously, I wasn’t in my right mind. If I had been, I wouldn’t have gone near you. You’re obviously not the type of female who would suit a man of my temperament.”
“I don’t suit you?”
“Well, yes,” he said impatiently. “It’s obvious that we are opposites in nature. As you yourself have said, I respect tradition. I envision a calm, orderly sort of life, one centered on my duty to my title and estate. Ideally, my wife would share my goals and views on marriage.” Finally, he was on stable ground; he could talk for days about duty. “She would understand the importance of abiding by rules of convention and propriety. She would not be prone to flights of fancy or the silliness which plagues most of your sex Rather, she would strive to live up to the honor which I would bestow upon her.”
“What lottery did she enter to be so lucky?”
Ignoring the interjection, he said, “You, on the other hand, are a modern female, which means… well, I don’t know what it means exactly, other than you’re prone to scrapes, flirtations, and generally wreaking havoc wherever you go. In sum, you are nothing like the sort of wife I had imagined for myself. Nevertheless,” he said, holding up a hand when she made to speak, “I am willing to overlook those differences between us because of the weakness of a moment. It happened, there’s no going back, and thus, I must do the honorable thing. So will you?”
She was staring at him. “Will I… what?”
“Marry me,” he said.
Violet was not a girl prone to romantic delusions. Growing up, she hadn’t been one to dream of a knight in shining armor sweeping her off her feet because she’d wanted to be the one riding the steed—and not side saddle either. Knights, to her mind, received the better end of the bargain: they got to ride off on exciting quests while their poor wives were left to slave away in some drafty old castle.
So, no, she wasn’t a particularly sentimental girl. But that didn’t mean she expected her first and only marriage proposal to be slung at her like mud. Anger blasted through her.
“I’d sooner… eat a horse than marry you!” Her voice shook. “And I adore horses.”
She had the satisfaction of seeing Carlisle’s expression harden. “So your answer is no.”
“You have a screw loose if you think I’d say yes to such a proposal!”
Emotion smoldered in his eyes; it was quickly banked. “Then my duty is done.”
“I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth.”
“Spare me the clichés,” he clipped out. “Your answer has been duly noted, and, I might add, with no little relief.”
Relief? Her fury found fresh legs. “Your relief could not be possibly greater than mine. As wrong as I may be for you, you are infinitely more wrong for me. You’re nothing like the sort of man I would wish to marry.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Your behavior in the Priest Hole would suggest otherwise.”
Heat scalded her cheeks. “It was dark. A moment of weakness.”
“Admit it, you little baggage. You wanted me,” he gritted out.
She refused to give him the satisfaction. “You could have been any man.”
A dark flame leapt in his eyes as he leaned over her. “So you would have allowed any man’s tongue between your lips? Any man’s hand down your bodice? You’d ride any man’s thigh and pant in his ear?”
“You… you’re no gentleman.” Not the strongest riposte, but it was difficult to think when she could scarcely breathe. His nearness made her feel lightheaded. More than a little crazed. Clinging to her last vestiges of rationality, she shot back, “Only a troglodyte would say such things.”
“Troglodyte? Impressive word.” His eyes glinted like raw ore. “But can you spell it?”
That does it.
Black lines exploded across her vision. Her hand raised to slap him.
He caught her wrist. Her other hand automatically came up, but he caught that one too. Before she knew what was happening, he’d driven her backward, her spine pressing up against the end of a bookshelf. He caged her, pinning her hands above her head with one big hand. Bosom heaving, staring into his glinted like raw ore. “But can you spell it?”
That does it.
Black lines exploded across her vision. Her hand raised to slap him.
He caught her wrist. Her other hand automatically came up, but he caught that one too. Before she knew what was happening, he’d driven her backward, her spine pressing up against the end of a bookshelf. He caged her, pinning her hands above her head with one big hand. Bosom heaving, staring into his dark impassioned eyes, she felt… anticipation.
“By Jove, you drive me mad, woman,” he growled.
Her heart hammered in her ears. “Not as mad as you drive me.”
Pure masculine triumph flashed in his eyes.
“Then let’s go to Bedlam together,” he rasped.
His mouth slammed onto hers All thoughts of honor and duty were washed away by a flood of red—anger and desire so intertwined that there was no hope of separating them. Together, they lashed at him, whipping him into an animal frenzy. Control slipped from his grip, replaced by the burning, driving need to tame and claim the recalcitrant goddess in his arms.
He ravaged her soft lips, shuddering when they parted on a breathy moan. When she licked his invading tongue, he felt that lush swipe all the way down in his groin. His balls swelled, his engorged cockhead butting against his trousers.
Her sweet, hot flavor wiped reason from his brain. He was driven by one imperative.
Make her mine.

Dr. Seuss’s Horton the Elephant

She was no namby-pamby miss; she meant what she said and did what she set out to do

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Great to see the Kent family again and was fun to read about Gabby, Garrity, and Wick, given that I've just recently read Callaway's newest release which features Gabby and Garrity's love story (and Wick as a strong supporting character).

Definitely not my favorite Callaway book though. Had a lot of potential and I liked the contrast of Violet and Richard—it's both enemies to lovers and opposites attract—but it didn't have that special something and was a bit eye-rolling and unoriginal at times.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viscount Always Knocks Twice
4 Stars

Determined to protect his brother who is in debt to a crime lord, Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, insists that he wed an heiress. Unfortunately, Wickham Murray is more interested in the impulsive and unconventional Violet Kent. When one scandalous act causes sparks to fly, Carlisle and Violet vow to stay away from each other, but a murder at a house party finds them joining forces to solve the mystery and protect those they love.

Carlisle and Violet's opposites attract/love-hate relationship is very engaging. Violet is adorable and her penchant for getting into sticky situations, in which she inevitably involves the stern and reserved Carlisle, is delightful. Their bickering is entertaining without any undue nastiness, and their chemistry is intense and sensual. The fact that they come to love and accept one another without reservation makes them all the more appealing.

The updates on the various members of the ever-growing Kent family and friends is an added bonus.

The mystery is the weakest element as there are few clues and insufficient background on the suspects for the investigators to make the necessary deductions. As such, the culprit comes out of left field. Nevertheless, the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.

Overall, this series is going from strength to strength and I look forward to Polly's story next.

[Nabilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read on 29th of May 2022:

Five stars to 4 stars. Upon re-reading, I noticed that the MCs were too sweet at times, making my teeth ache. I would have liked more tension between them. With that being said, her love scenes were wonderful and her books are still a cut above the rest. There are a couple of stand-out/funny moments too.

When both Richard and Violet were in the priest hole:

“For God’s sake, stop moving.” His voice sounded oddly husky. “Do you want us to be found?”
“I’m not… comfortable,” she whispered back. “What in blazes do you have in your pocket? It’s hard and poking into me.”
He tensed, his caged potency jolting through her at the same time that recognition struck her.
Oh. Gadzooks. It’s… that.

I thought this was pretty neat.

“Fear leads to failure. To conquer fear, one must lean into it, laugh in its face. One must be bold, remorseless, willing to take any risk when it comes to art and life. Alors, you wish to know the secret to success?”

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viscount Always Knocks Twice bk 4 was a very well developed story and I enjoyed it a lot. If you like suspense and murder mysteries to solve in your History Romance story this is for you. Violet Kent and Viscount Carlisle confirmed enemies, stumble upon a dead body in the early morning hours in a library; while they are attending a House Party. These two don't get along but as they set out to prove Carlisle's brother Wickham Murray didn't murder the women they grow Passionately in love. There are twist and turns in the story. It was very well done and I like the H/H a lot. This was an excellent pairing. Oh boy!! They had some sensual and erotic loving making sense in the book. So If you like some spice in your stories this will fill the bill. I Highly Recommend The entire Hearts of Enquiry series by Grace Callaway!!

[Ursula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet Kent is a bit of a wild thing. Richard, Viscount Carlisle, is considered a stuffy man who does not believe he should take a hoyden to wife, and a hoyden is clearly what Violet is. Then a guest is found dead and the two set out to solve the mystery.
There was lots of lovely sexual tension and they actually complemented each other well. Great to see stuffed shirts brought to their knees!
We meet old friends from previous books in the series and it was another fun episode in the Kent family adventures.

[Jocelynereadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to find Grace Callaway’s books the perfect blending of sensuality, mystery and romantic tension. This is another wonderful addition to this series. I loved watching the hero and heroine fight their attraction and learn that they maybe were wrong in their preconceived notion’s. They romance grew from enemies to lovers with the perfect amount of banter and steamy encounters. Definitely worth a read!

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off well, I was enjoying Violet and her and Carlisle’s dislike for one another was great, you could feel their chemistry. But then we seemed to have jumped straight into them resolving their personal conflicts and the murder plot was of no interest to me. Some of the word choices during the sex scenes are a bit cringe and the use of the words ‘gadzooks’ and ‘jove’ became a bit too frequent for my tastes. I was intrigued with the other members of the Kent family but I don’t think I can really tolerate reading another from this series right now.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callaway as always delivered super spicy as well as a well thought out and written plot/storyline. This is part of a series and even though it can be read as a standalone, I wish I had read the first books in this series before reading this one because I kept getting some of the side characters confused. Regardless this was another great book by Callaway.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! The romance worked for me here, and while Violet is not always my favorite kind of heroine, she was handled in a way that mostly I could appreciate. (I would perhaps have appreciated if some of her repetitive exclamations had been toned down, but that is maybe a writing thing, and I admit that while I enjoyed this, the writing is decidedly mediocre.) Some of the subplot with Wick didn't really work for me, but I liked this overall enough that I could let that slide. Excited to read more of this series.

[Lady Whitbrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read good characters fun little mystery plot. Plot 7(1[-10) steaminess 8(1-10)

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLUE, but make it spicy

[romancelibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun!!!

I absolutely love love/hate relationships. There was so much tension and chemistry between Violet and Richard especially during their early interludes, yet they were very much a fun couple. They were always bickering and with each interaction, the tension and heat rose higher and higher eventually leading to the inevitable.

At first glance, anyone can see that Richard and Violet are complete opposites: she's a lively and active "hoyden" and he's a traditional and stiff man. But they ended up complementing each other in other ways. They shared similar interests; Violet was his perfect counterpart, bringing fun and laughter to Richard's life; Richard was her perfect counterpart, being steadfast and mature. Their relationship was actually very Pride and Prejudice-like. I had originally thought I would find Violet annoying, but I actually ended up loving her. She kind of reminded me of how I used to be when I was younger, always full of energy and unable to sit still.

Moving onto the plot...while the mystery is quite mundane, I absolutely enjoyed it:
- House party ✓
- Murdered guest ✓
- Dark secret passageways ✓
- Hero and heroine in close proximity ✓
- Sizzling chemistry ✓

Essentially, the author used a lot of my favourite tropes in this book, part of the reason why I enjoyed reading it so much. The whole murder-at-a-house-party mystery made things so much fun for me. It felt like I was reading a romance novel and a cozy mystery novel at the same time.

I had a hard time liking Wick to be quite honest. I wanted to know exactly how he will be working his debt off and how Gabby had managed to convince Garrity to allow Wick this opportunity. I hope the author will be addressing these loose ends in the future books. I always assumed that Gabby would end up with Harry, but this might not be the case anymore....There's obviously more to this situation than we know of. I also absolutely loved reading the few short chapters on Marianne and Ambrose, whose book remains my favourite Grace Callaway book.

I'm not overly fond of the pattern that the author uses often for books with virgin heroines: There's a lot of foreplay and the actual love scene only happens in the last chapter, which is kind of frustrating to be honest. The only exception so far is Charity's book. I don't like it when it is rushed in the last chapter. Either way, this minor complaint never detracted from my enjoyment.

I am looking forward for the youngest Kent, Polly, to find her HEA.

[Madame Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 TikTok || Instagram 📖

Story 📖📖📖📖📖
Depth 💔💔💔💔
Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Comm. 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Growth 💗💗💗💗
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a delightful adventure!! I always have a soft spot for stories that involved outside influences (my favorite trope being the adventure romance) because I think it tests the mettle of the two main characters more so than simple inner-struggles.

Richard is probably one of my favorite Callaway heroes. He had such a self-awareness about his feelings and attraction towards Violet that I don't think I see often in lordly fellows. His inner dialogue actually felt consistent in its growth and his actions with Violet and his younger brother--who was also refreshing as a gentleman that genuinely regarded Violet as a friend and eventual paramour for Richard. I do wish there was a bit more Scotsman in Carlisle but I can't be too disappointed since he was so dashed charming!

Violet as well was endearingly charming, there was a something relatable for me with her constantly feeling like she was too-much for a society that cared about her too little. Her 'otherness' wasn't too out-of-this-world either; she just wanted to enjoy things that looked fun. It wasn't so much that men were allowed to enjoy them and women weren't, which is quite refreshing to read for a heroine!

Callaway's writing for some could be considered "too modern" as she uses a lot of slang and phrases that are current but I think she has the writing style to make it work. Her prose flow quickly and smoothly that I find myself think, "I like that phrase, I should start saying it more," and no one would be the wiser that I pilfered it from a historical romance novel, haha!
______

Notable Intimate Scenes:
15% First Kiss
19% H imagines taking the h
26% Accidental "footsie"
28% f*nger*ng🌶️
49% mutual m*sturb*tion🌶️
69% sixty-nining🌶️
77% mutual m*sturb*tion🌶️
97% PIV🌶️

[Aila · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

As always, Callaway delivers such steamyyy scenes. *fans self*

But I loved the couple in this one! Violet's a total tomboy and is usually labeled "hoyden," while Carlisle is all propriety and sticks to the rules. Egads, I love the opposites attract trope.

The murder mystery was a nice addition, if a bit dull sometimes (hello yes it's me I just want to get to the snogging bits :P).

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you're a fan of Clue you will love this!!

-also Callaway writes some of the best steamiest scenes!!

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4/5*
I really liked this one, a murder mystery at a country house party.
Violet did read a little immature but I found I liked how playful she was against Richard.

[Clare · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note to self - don’t bother reading another of this author’s books as they are rubbish