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One Step Behind
London, 1812. When the unconventional Gemma Lancaster embarked on a mission to infiltrate high society and avenge her beloved cousin’s murder she never would have guessed she’d end up in the arms of a thief. At least, that’s what she assumes when she discovers Lucas Stone breaking into a private safe.
Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester, has a reputation for arrogance and a soft-spot for his sister, which is how he ends up in the predicament of hiding behind a curtain at midnight with the dreadfully dull Miss Gemma Lancaster. But he soon discovers appearances can be deceiving when the country mouse turns into a spitfire in front of his eyes and she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with him.
Though one is chasing a blackmailer and the other a murderer, they quickly realize they are on the hunt for the same villain. Now they must work together, which would be fine, if they could decide if they’d rather fall in love or kill one another.
Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester, has a reputation for arrogance and a soft-spot for his sister, which is how he ends up in the predicament of hiding behind a curtain at midnight with the dreadfully dull Miss Gemma Lancaster. But he soon discovers appearances can be deceiving when the country mouse turns into a spitfire in front of his eyes and she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with him.
Though one is chasing a blackmailer and the other a murderer, they quickly realize they are on the hunt for the same villain. Now they must work together, which would be fine, if they could decide if they’d rather fall in love or kill one another.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2016
45 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 21, 2016
3.5 STARS
One Step Behind is not just a Historical Romance, it's an HR with a strong mystery theme. After the death of her cousin, Gemma Lancaster is set on finding his killer. His murder is said to have been the cause of a robbery gone wrong, but that doesn't sit well with Gemma, so she goes to London and with the help of her aunt begins a dangerous investigation. What she doesn't plan on is catching the interest of Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester who is conducting his own investigation. With the realisation that their investigations have a link, they begin working together and a partnership begins. To protect Gemma's reputation, they pretend to be engaged. On one hand Gemma does not want Lucas to feel honour bound to fulfill the engagement and on the other hand Lucas begins to realise that his idea may have surfaced because of more than just protecting Gemma's reputation.
I actually really enjoyed this book and would have probably enjoyed it a lot more had it been longer, because as it is I feel everything happened much too quickly. While Gemma and Lucas' relationship was convincing I would have enjoyed more detail, and there's the matter of the culprit of all the wrong doings in the book. I'm not quite sure if I was supposed to have known who it was from the very beginning. Let's say it was supposed to be obvious to the reader, the result made the characters seem a bit dense. Mild suspicion would have done a world of good, but in this case the characters had no idea.
I really enjoyed the romance, I loved how protectective Lucas was, I also enjoyed how strong and sassy Gemma was. The secondary romance between Beatrice and George was a welcome surprise, I loved how the author went outside the norm and did not focus on titled characters but did not leave out the fact that a title meant so much at the time. I thought this was a great debut from the author and I plan on reading the next book in the series even though at this point it seems as if this was a standalone.
"You do not only see what you are looking for. You see who people are. You saw through my ruse, after all.
"It was obvious to the casual observer that you were not what you appeared to be.
His grin was arrogant and peeved her a bit, even though she believed his were meant to flatter her.
September 14, 2022
Rerad: 9/20/19
Pretty good story though slow in some parts. I liked the characters especially the h
And the H
Pretty good story though slow in some parts. I liked the characters especially the h
And the H
September 25, 2016
'One Step Behind' by Brianna Labuskes is the story of Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester and Imogen Lancaster.
Imogen was an orphan that was taken in by her Aunt and Uncle. Imogen became close to her cousin and felt like he was a brother. Then he was murdered. So Imogen has left the country to come to town to find out who did this to him. Imogen has it set in her mind that she will remain a spinster for her life. But she is having a hard time keeping that in mind with Lucas.
Lucas is after someone one too..possible the same person. Lucas sister is being blackmailed and he is looking to catch the person. This leads him to find Imogen doing something similar and they decide to join forces. I must say I enjoyed this book a lot. I like the the whole story and I liked Lucas and Imogen too.
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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Imogen was an orphan that was taken in by her Aunt and Uncle. Imogen became close to her cousin and felt like he was a brother. Then he was murdered. So Imogen has left the country to come to town to find out who did this to him. Imogen has it set in her mind that she will remain a spinster for her life. But she is having a hard time keeping that in mind with Lucas.
Lucas is after someone one too..possible the same person. Lucas sister is being blackmailed and he is looking to catch the person. This leads him to find Imogen doing something similar and they decide to join forces. I must say I enjoyed this book a lot. I like the the whole story and I liked Lucas and Imogen too.
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
September 13, 2016
Title: One Step Behind
Author: Brianna Labuskes
Release Date: September 26, 2016
Type: Regency Romance
She thinks he’s a thief; he thinks she’s dowdy country mouse, but when Gemma Lancaster and Lucas Stone join forces to catch a murderer they get more than they bargain for. This is a story of intrigue, romance, and adventure. It’s absolutely not what I expected, but boy was I impressed.
What worked well: This regency romance has action, intrigue, and clever dialogue. I thought it would be a sweet predictable romance, but there’s so much more to this novel. It was truly a pleasant surprise.
The writing is top notch. The plot was well planned and executed. Although I figured out the identity of the bad guy before the big reveal, this was by no means a predictable read. There were several other details uncovered that I had not considered. I loved the main characters. Gemma is witty, feisty, and brave. Lucas is possessive, protective, and sexy. They were great together from the very start of the book.
What didn’t work so well: Other than the minor predictability… the romance took a while to get too. It was more of a slow burn than I prefer, but it wasn’t a huge detraction.
Overall, this was a very engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre.
**Advance reader copy provided via NetGalley for an honest review**
Author: Brianna Labuskes
Release Date: September 26, 2016
Type: Regency Romance
She thinks he’s a thief; he thinks she’s dowdy country mouse, but when Gemma Lancaster and Lucas Stone join forces to catch a murderer they get more than they bargain for. This is a story of intrigue, romance, and adventure. It’s absolutely not what I expected, but boy was I impressed.
What worked well: This regency romance has action, intrigue, and clever dialogue. I thought it would be a sweet predictable romance, but there’s so much more to this novel. It was truly a pleasant surprise.
The writing is top notch. The plot was well planned and executed. Although I figured out the identity of the bad guy before the big reveal, this was by no means a predictable read. There were several other details uncovered that I had not considered. I loved the main characters. Gemma is witty, feisty, and brave. Lucas is possessive, protective, and sexy. They were great together from the very start of the book.
What didn’t work so well: Other than the minor predictability… the romance took a while to get too. It was more of a slow burn than I prefer, but it wasn’t a huge detraction.
Overall, this was a very engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre.
**Advance reader copy provided via NetGalley for an honest review**
September 4, 2016
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a really good read. There is Gemma who is trying to solve her cousin's murder and Lucas trying to find a blackmailer. They come across each other and decide to team up. I enjoyed this read a great deal. It had a great story and great character development as well. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
September 28, 2016
This book is one of the rare cases where the story was exactly what I hoped for after reading the synopsis: there is witty banter, romance and mystery, all nicely wrapped up in a nice flowing story. I especially like the secondary romance story. I can definitely recommend the book! For more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
September 5, 2016
A Regency romance with a little murder mystery. The main characters were cute.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2016
I kind of liked it but it was just ok.
Too many historical inaccuracies to allow me to enjoy it fully.
Too many historical inaccuracies to allow me to enjoy it fully.
October 11, 2016
This book is a fast, fun, and spirited read. I absolutely love Bri's writing: It's simple and elegant, yet full of wit. I don't typically read romances, but this one drew me in with the sharp characters and driving plot. The mystery at the center of the narrative propels the action forward as Gemma and Lucas quip their way to happily ever after (with plenty of doubt, uncertainty, and stiff upper lips along the way). This teasing repartee and lively banter between the two is my favorite part of One Step Behind. It's great to see such a strong-willed, spunky protagonist and the way her playful energy mixes with Lucas's staid, protective nature is a delight.
A mix of Jane Austen, Miss Fisher, and Sherlock Holmes, with a bubbling ardor throughout, I highly recommend this novel.
A mix of Jane Austen, Miss Fisher, and Sherlock Holmes, with a bubbling ardor throughout, I highly recommend this novel.
September 9, 2016
London, 1812. When the unconventional Gemma Lancaster embarked on a mission to infiltrate high society and avenge her beloved cousin’s Nigel’s murder. She is hunting for Nigel’s watch when she encounters Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester who is looking for the person who is blackmailing him. They here someone coming & have to hide behind a curtain. Everyone thinks Gemma is cull & boring but he soon discovers appearances can be deceiving when the country mouse turns into a spitfire in front of his eyes and she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with him.
Though one is chasing a blackmailer and the other a murderer, they quickly realize they are on the hunt for the same villain. Now they must work together so agree to become betrothed so that time spent together hunting the villain won’t cause a scandal. Lucas’ adored sister Beatrice had acted indiscreetly & had written all in her diary, which has been stolen, now Lucas has to find the blackmailer. Lucas’ dour man of affairs George Harrington who sees Beatrice as more than a pretty face also helps them.
The first novel I’ve read by the author & I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery as well as the romance. Lucas & Gemma are well-rounded likeable characters. There is a good pace to the story & plenty of intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The secondary characters are also well developed & their story is fitting too.
I received an ARC copy
Though one is chasing a blackmailer and the other a murderer, they quickly realize they are on the hunt for the same villain. Now they must work together so agree to become betrothed so that time spent together hunting the villain won’t cause a scandal. Lucas’ adored sister Beatrice had acted indiscreetly & had written all in her diary, which has been stolen, now Lucas has to find the blackmailer. Lucas’ dour man of affairs George Harrington who sees Beatrice as more than a pretty face also helps them.
The first novel I’ve read by the author & I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery as well as the romance. Lucas & Gemma are well-rounded likeable characters. There is a good pace to the story & plenty of intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The secondary characters are also well developed & their story is fitting too.
I received an ARC copy
September 27, 2016
I don't do a lot of historical romance but I found that I enjoyed this one. It was a bit of a slow burn and but more than enough romance, intrigue, action, and great dialogue. The writing in this book is so good that I am certain that I will be rereading it often. It has managed to make my very small historical list. The plot was well planned and I found that I wasn't bored or wanting it hurry up. Gemma Lancaster thinks Lucas Stone is a thief while he thinks she is a dowdy country mouse. They team up to catch a murderer and find out they couldn't have been more wrong in their perceptions of one another. I really loved Gemma! She was witty and feisty while Lucas was the typical alpha male; possessive, protective and totally sexy. All in all this was truly a wonderful read!
This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/one-step-beh....
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
October 1, 2016
Amazing!!! Loved!!! Fresh & Wonderful!!
Just a few words to describe this wonderful historical romance.
Set in the early 1800’s, there aren’t tons of characters and the story isn’t just about finding a husband and the strange ways they did this during this time. I have read numerous historical romances and they seem to be a fun, albeit strange, way to find a husband. Which is good, it’s the whole premise of historical romance. There is mystery that this romance is wrapped around I enjoyed very much.
I don’t want to say too much since it is a sort of mystery but I can tell you that if you like historical romance you will definitely LOVE this one!!!
Gemma is just a gem of a character!!! Love her spunk and determination!! Her wit flies off the page at you. Lucas is an amazing man and so perfect for Gemma - even if she doesn’t see it. The mystery they set out to solve takes them on a wild ride. It’s just fantastic!!!
From the cover to the end there isn’t anything I didn’t love about this book. The fact that this is Ms. Labuskes’ debut novel just tells me that she is starting a career that she was meant to have! Just excellent!!!
Very Highly Recommend!!!
Just a few words to describe this wonderful historical romance.
Set in the early 1800’s, there aren’t tons of characters and the story isn’t just about finding a husband and the strange ways they did this during this time. I have read numerous historical romances and they seem to be a fun, albeit strange, way to find a husband. Which is good, it’s the whole premise of historical romance. There is mystery that this romance is wrapped around I enjoyed very much.
I don’t want to say too much since it is a sort of mystery but I can tell you that if you like historical romance you will definitely LOVE this one!!!
Gemma is just a gem of a character!!! Love her spunk and determination!! Her wit flies off the page at you. Lucas is an amazing man and so perfect for Gemma - even if she doesn’t see it. The mystery they set out to solve takes them on a wild ride. It’s just fantastic!!!
From the cover to the end there isn’t anything I didn’t love about this book. The fact that this is Ms. Labuskes’ debut novel just tells me that she is starting a career that she was meant to have! Just excellent!!!
Very Highly Recommend!!!
August 29, 2016
Ha! He's so shocked that she's calm.
He's totally already in love.
Madame LeCroix is probably Mrs. Cross.
Haha! Take some dancing lessons, Peterson!
Yeah, the couple who commits crime together, stays together.
Good for her. I love how she stands up for herself.
That's what happens when you go all over Town asking questions, Beatrice.
I hate Rathburn.
That was a fun wedding ceremony.
She's definitely not the scared-little-woman type.
Oh, nicely played, Ms. Labuskes. I had forgotten about that guy.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
He's totally already in love.
Madame LeCroix is probably Mrs. Cross.
Haha! Take some dancing lessons, Peterson!
Yeah, the couple who commits crime together, stays together.
Good for her. I love how she stands up for herself.
That's what happens when you go all over Town asking questions, Beatrice.
I hate Rathburn.
That was a fun wedding ceremony.
She's definitely not the scared-little-woman type.
Oh, nicely played, Ms. Labuskes. I had forgotten about that guy.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Danielle U
Book provided by the publisher
One Step Behind by Brianna Labuskes is a highly entertaining read. This historical romance brings readers to a clandestine mission that's hot, sexy, and too good to miss. Brianna Labuskes has created a female heroine that isn't anything like the normal woman of the time period. The character isn't flawlessly beautifully in a way defined by the ton back then. However, her natural beauty and attitude attract the attention of the one man she can't stop thinking about...and it so happens that they are one step behind each other. Bringing forth a man whose reputation and looks make him the most eligible bachelor and to have him fall for a normal, everyday, looking woman made me cheer for Brianna Labuskes novel. I loved how the writer brilliantly made her tale more three-dimensional to her readers. I felt like I had traveled back in time to watch the scenes unfold.
One Step Behind brings forth two unlikely characters and places them into each other's lives. From there the heat rises and readers' curiosity will be prickling with suspense. Every page is thrilling with adventure, mystery, and romance. I am in awe of Brianna Labuskes talent. Her characters are charming, strong, and sassy. The determination and good looks combo from both characters created a feisty spark that never dies. The build up of desire is an intensity that will shake readers' core. Hearts may just fall and crumble from the relationship that draws all into the plot. A murder being searched for and a top bachelor who knows how to steal...will captivate readers attention quickly. Fast-paced and daring. I loved reading One Step Behind . It's a regency era novel, I couldn't put down...
Book provided by the publisher
One Step Behind by Brianna Labuskes is a highly entertaining read. This historical romance brings readers to a clandestine mission that's hot, sexy, and too good to miss. Brianna Labuskes has created a female heroine that isn't anything like the normal woman of the time period. The character isn't flawlessly beautifully in a way defined by the ton back then. However, her natural beauty and attitude attract the attention of the one man she can't stop thinking about...and it so happens that they are one step behind each other. Bringing forth a man whose reputation and looks make him the most eligible bachelor and to have him fall for a normal, everyday, looking woman made me cheer for Brianna Labuskes novel. I loved how the writer brilliantly made her tale more three-dimensional to her readers. I felt like I had traveled back in time to watch the scenes unfold.
One Step Behind brings forth two unlikely characters and places them into each other's lives. From there the heat rises and readers' curiosity will be prickling with suspense. Every page is thrilling with adventure, mystery, and romance. I am in awe of Brianna Labuskes talent. Her characters are charming, strong, and sassy. The determination and good looks combo from both characters created a feisty spark that never dies. The build up of desire is an intensity that will shake readers' core. Hearts may just fall and crumble from the relationship that draws all into the plot. A murder being searched for and a top bachelor who knows how to steal...will captivate readers attention quickly. Fast-paced and daring. I loved reading One Step Behind . It's a regency era novel, I couldn't put down...
December 14, 2016
4 star read, very enjoyable story, likable hero and heroine. Imogen is looking for the person who she believes murdered her cousin. She has breached London society, but pretends to be as dull as dishwater so she can hide in plain sight.
Lucas is also searching for someone. The man who is blackmailing his sister. Imogen and Lucas are shocked when they end up searching the same room at the same house party. Lucas knew there was more to Imogen than met the eye and decided they should join forces - the person they are both looking for could be one in the same.
Characters were very likable and they were good together as a couple. No insta-love, but instant attraction that they both felt could grow into something more. Good mystery about who the blackmailer was and interesting side characters and a small love story there. There were a couple of semi-steamy, passionate scenes that helped seal the bond between the characters. Recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lucas is also searching for someone. The man who is blackmailing his sister. Imogen and Lucas are shocked when they end up searching the same room at the same house party. Lucas knew there was more to Imogen than met the eye and decided they should join forces - the person they are both looking for could be one in the same.
Characters were very likable and they were good together as a couple. No insta-love, but instant attraction that they both felt could grow into something more. Good mystery about who the blackmailer was and interesting side characters and a small love story there. There were a couple of semi-steamy, passionate scenes that helped seal the bond between the characters. Recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2018
DNF -- Reason: The first pages killed any desire to keep reading. You were fresh off some really good writers (Courtney Milan, Mary Balogh), so it was hard to swallow the insta-attraction plot of a story where the Hero instinctively knows that the shy, retiring heroine is actually fiery and hiding some deep secrets, and the heroines gasps and blushes at every innuendo the hero throws her way.
Oh, also, you was looking for a friends-to-lovers story a la The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, and this was recommended to you. Given that they're panting for each other on the first page, the story is clearly not taking them from friends to lovers. Please stop taking recs from random strangers!
Oh, also, you was looking for a friends-to-lovers story a la The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, and this was recommended to you. Given that they're panting for each other on the first page, the story is clearly not taking them from friends to lovers. Please stop taking recs from random strangers!
March 3, 2018
I love Regency set romance and mystery and so I was really looking forward to reading this.
Upon reading the first chapter I felt that I was missing part of the story. Gemma and Lucas had some interactions off page and before begun and so I was at a loss as to how they had made their assumptions about one another. I couldn't understand how Lucas knew by looking at Gemma that she was hiding secrets and playing a role.
The mystery was interesting enough and I quite liked the couple although I didn't like how Lucas forced kisses on her at the beginning of their acquaintance. Also, the story felt dragged out and a little tedious at times. It didn't really hold my attention and I read three other books while I stopped and started this one.
Upon reading the first chapter I felt that I was missing part of the story. Gemma and Lucas had some interactions off page and before begun and so I was at a loss as to how they had made their assumptions about one another. I couldn't understand how Lucas knew by looking at Gemma that she was hiding secrets and playing a role.
The mystery was interesting enough and I quite liked the couple although I didn't like how Lucas forced kisses on her at the beginning of their acquaintance. Also, the story felt dragged out and a little tedious at times. It didn't really hold my attention and I read three other books while I stopped and started this one.
October 3, 2024
This book showed up because a friend gave it five stars, but now that I went back to see who loved it, none of my friends have it on their list. Weird! I was afraid of the cover because I don’t like too much on page romance, but again, I risked it because of my mysterious disappearing friend. LOL! The story line was actually good and the sex wasn’t too much or too steamy. I liked the way the mystery unfolded and was solved. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
June 7, 2017
Wow. What can I say about this book? It had me hooked from the first paragraph. Gemma is trying to find a murderer; Lucas is on the trail of a blackmailer. Could they be looking for the same person? Excellent mystery. Loved the tension between Gemma and Lucas, and the plot kept me on edge. Great read.
November 17, 2023
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Lucas and Gemma are strong, interesting, feisty, relatable entertaining characters. I enjoyed this characters and going along for the ride with them. The romance and mystery subplots were both good and captivating. I enjoyed how the mystery plot played out. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story.
February 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this story and the banter between the hero and heroine. Kept me up reading way past my bedtime.
January 15, 2026
I have read other books by Brianna Labuskes, and this was a very different style of writing that I wasn't really expecting. It felt like a murder mystery matched with Bridgerton.
October 25, 2016
4.5 Stars!
I, for one, love a little intrigue mixed in with my romance fix. When I read the summary for One Step Behind, I knew I would be in for a treat. I got so much more than I ever imagined.
This debut from author Brianna Labuskes hits all the best elements of a romantic mystery. We have the dashing Earl of Winchester, Lucas Stone. He has a huge heart and a smile that would melt wax in two seconds flat. Of course we have his match, Miss Gemma Lancaster. She’s beauty and brains behind her dull facade. Together, they take on an enemy only they are looking for, a blackmailer and a murderer.
I am one of those pesky readers who seems to figure out the who-done-it early on in a novel. Sometimes, I’m just too good at reading the small clues. In this case, I was stumped until almost the very end. The way the duo goes about solving the case with the help of Winchester’s man of affairs, Mr. Harrington, and Winchester’s sister, Beatrice, was a surprise to me. At first, I thought Labuskes was just setting Harrington and Beatrice up to fall for each other. In the end, they were actually vital to the investigation. Each member of the team brought their own experience and made the investigation work. If one had been left out, the case }\very well might not’ve been solved.
As for the romantic aspects of the novel, Labuskes does not spare us one ounce of heat. From the moment Lucas and Gemma are pressed up together, hiding in a darkened library, the sexual tension is thick. Throw in a ruse of an engagement and the heat goes volcanic! The story flows fast, yet every aspect is well developed from the first touch to the last kiss.
For a fantastic journey into mystery and romance set in 1812 London, One Step Behind should be the next ride in your reading adventures.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I, for one, love a little intrigue mixed in with my romance fix. When I read the summary for One Step Behind, I knew I would be in for a treat. I got so much more than I ever imagined.
This debut from author Brianna Labuskes hits all the best elements of a romantic mystery. We have the dashing Earl of Winchester, Lucas Stone. He has a huge heart and a smile that would melt wax in two seconds flat. Of course we have his match, Miss Gemma Lancaster. She’s beauty and brains behind her dull facade. Together, they take on an enemy only they are looking for, a blackmailer and a murderer.
I am one of those pesky readers who seems to figure out the who-done-it early on in a novel. Sometimes, I’m just too good at reading the small clues. In this case, I was stumped until almost the very end. The way the duo goes about solving the case with the help of Winchester’s man of affairs, Mr. Harrington, and Winchester’s sister, Beatrice, was a surprise to me. At first, I thought Labuskes was just setting Harrington and Beatrice up to fall for each other. In the end, they were actually vital to the investigation. Each member of the team brought their own experience and made the investigation work. If one had been left out, the case }\very well might not’ve been solved.
As for the romantic aspects of the novel, Labuskes does not spare us one ounce of heat. From the moment Lucas and Gemma are pressed up together, hiding in a darkened library, the sexual tension is thick. Throw in a ruse of an engagement and the heat goes volcanic! The story flows fast, yet every aspect is well developed from the first touch to the last kiss.
For a fantastic journey into mystery and romance set in 1812 London, One Step Behind should be the next ride in your reading adventures.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 26, 2016
I’m going to put Brianna Labuskes in the rare category of a romance author who gets most of it right in her début work. One Step Behind is a great example of a complete romance from strangers, to friends, to lovers and making it believable. Mixed in with all the relationship hurdles is a mystery that kept me guessing right up to the end. Together it makes for a book that I highly recommend.
Gemma Lancaster is banking on the fact that the ton spares no notice for an unassuming wallflower. Behind a quiet demeanor and a fake pair of spectacles she has managed to stay hidden while in plain sight when attending several of the high-profile gatherings of the season with her aunt. Gemma’s self-appointed mission during these events is to track down her cousin’s murderer. Using the guest list from the house party where he was killed, Gemma has narrowed down her suspects to a few prominent members of society. All she needs is evidence in the form of his antique pocket watch that was stolen from the crime scene, but so far she’s found nothing. While searching the study of her latest suspect, Gemma is interrupted when another person sneaks into the room. She instantly recognizes the Earl of Winchester but is confused by his covert behavior. Caught alone and without a ready excuse for her actions, Gemma takes a risk and tells the earl exactly what she’s looking for.
Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews
Gemma Lancaster is banking on the fact that the ton spares no notice for an unassuming wallflower. Behind a quiet demeanor and a fake pair of spectacles she has managed to stay hidden while in plain sight when attending several of the high-profile gatherings of the season with her aunt. Gemma’s self-appointed mission during these events is to track down her cousin’s murderer. Using the guest list from the house party where he was killed, Gemma has narrowed down her suspects to a few prominent members of society. All she needs is evidence in the form of his antique pocket watch that was stolen from the crime scene, but so far she’s found nothing. While searching the study of her latest suspect, Gemma is interrupted when another person sneaks into the room. She instantly recognizes the Earl of Winchester but is confused by his covert behavior. Caught alone and without a ready excuse for her actions, Gemma takes a risk and tells the earl exactly what she’s looking for.
Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews
November 25, 2016
There are books for which I'm willing to suspend a bit more belief than usual, and overlook some editing issues, because I like the characters. This is one.
Regency romance, as far as I can tell from reading several of them, tends to use the social restrictions on women and the class distinctions of the time as plot drivers, while simultaneously having characters who think, talk, and act as much like 21st-century people as possible given those constraints. This book is certainly an example, and it cheats a bit on the restrictions (I'm reasonably certain that even an engaged couple would have been better chaperoned than the one in this book, and even more sure that a young gentlewoman of the time would always wear a corset). The kickass heroine belongs in a 21st-century thriller or urban fantasy more than a Regency romance, but I could let that go - though I would have preferred it if her kickass potential had been better fulfilled.
The prose is full of modern phrases like "she could relate to that," "she decided she wouldn't overthink it" and "a lose-lose situation," as well as Americanisms like "still a ways in the future" and "a few blocks over". The two combine in the frequent use of "smart" to mean "intelligent," and at one point something is measured in centimeters, a unit which modern British people use but early-19th-century British people did not. The whole gives an impression of an author who is only passingly familiar with the period she is writing in and its language and ways of thought; but as I say, I largely forgave it because I enjoyed the characters.
Likewise, I was willing to overlook the use of "holster" to refer to a knife's sheath, "tortuous" used instead of "torturous" and "discrete" instead of "discreet," "shuttering" for "shuddering," and a few typos and missing words out of sentences.
A secondary plot can help to carry a romance along, and give the main characters some other goal to focus on apart from getting together, plus provide moments of tension, characterisation and reasons for them to interact. The mystery plot in this book does that, but such secondary plots need to be competently done and work in their own terms, and often they're a bit shaky. This one... is a bit shaky.
A big plot driver that I've noticed in romance generally is coincidence; authors will keep lobbing sometimes unrelated crises at the characters to give them something to react to, rather than making them proactive and letting the actions that they take in response to one crisis naturally precipitate the next. This book is better than average in that regard - the mystery plot helps - though it does start with a lot of coincidence, on which the author hangs a lampshade. However, it does commit the parallel error of having the characters jump to a correct conclusion (here, that the person who murdered the heroine's cousin and the person blackmailing the hero's sister are one and the same) on inadequate evidence.
The flaw I found hardest to forgive, though, is that the sensible, intelligent heroine suddenly does something incredibly stupid and dangerous, without taking the hero along as backup, and does it apparently solely to advance the author's plot by precipitating a crisis. I really dislike it when heroines do this, whether it's in character for them or not (if it's in character, I don't find them admirable, and if it's out of character I see it as bad writing). In this case, it's out of character.
The villain is also suddenly stupid at a key moment - the heroine drops a handkerchief as a clue for the hero, and even though the hero sees it instantly as soon as he enters the room, the villain somehow overlooks it and doesn't tidy it up.
There's a Chekov's knife strapped to the heroine's ankle, which, disappointingly, she never gets to stab the villain with. This is the second Regency romance I've read in which the heroine has a knife and doesn't stab the villain with it, and I found it disappointing in both cases.
Overall, then, a book that could have been better plotted, could have been better edited, and could have been more authentic to the time (even without removing the unlikely elements that made it interesting). All the same, I did enjoy the ride, and I did like the characters - especially the heroine, when she was acting in character - so it just barely gets its fourth star.
Regency romance, as far as I can tell from reading several of them, tends to use the social restrictions on women and the class distinctions of the time as plot drivers, while simultaneously having characters who think, talk, and act as much like 21st-century people as possible given those constraints. This book is certainly an example, and it cheats a bit on the restrictions (I'm reasonably certain that even an engaged couple would have been better chaperoned than the one in this book, and even more sure that a young gentlewoman of the time would always wear a corset). The kickass heroine belongs in a 21st-century thriller or urban fantasy more than a Regency romance, but I could let that go - though I would have preferred it if her kickass potential had been better fulfilled.
The prose is full of modern phrases like "she could relate to that," "she decided she wouldn't overthink it" and "a lose-lose situation," as well as Americanisms like "still a ways in the future" and "a few blocks over". The two combine in the frequent use of "smart" to mean "intelligent," and at one point something is measured in centimeters, a unit which modern British people use but early-19th-century British people did not. The whole gives an impression of an author who is only passingly familiar with the period she is writing in and its language and ways of thought; but as I say, I largely forgave it because I enjoyed the characters.
Likewise, I was willing to overlook the use of "holster" to refer to a knife's sheath, "tortuous" used instead of "torturous" and "discrete" instead of "discreet," "shuttering" for "shuddering," and a few typos and missing words out of sentences.
A secondary plot can help to carry a romance along, and give the main characters some other goal to focus on apart from getting together, plus provide moments of tension, characterisation and reasons for them to interact. The mystery plot in this book does that, but such secondary plots need to be competently done and work in their own terms, and often they're a bit shaky. This one... is a bit shaky.
A big plot driver that I've noticed in romance generally is coincidence; authors will keep lobbing sometimes unrelated crises at the characters to give them something to react to, rather than making them proactive and letting the actions that they take in response to one crisis naturally precipitate the next. This book is better than average in that regard - the mystery plot helps - though it does start with a lot of coincidence, on which the author hangs a lampshade. However, it does commit the parallel error of having the characters jump to a correct conclusion (here, that the person who murdered the heroine's cousin and the person blackmailing the hero's sister are one and the same) on inadequate evidence.
The flaw I found hardest to forgive, though, is that the sensible, intelligent heroine suddenly does something incredibly stupid and dangerous, without taking the hero along as backup, and does it apparently solely to advance the author's plot by precipitating a crisis. I really dislike it when heroines do this, whether it's in character for them or not (if it's in character, I don't find them admirable, and if it's out of character I see it as bad writing). In this case, it's out of character.
The villain is also suddenly stupid at a key moment - the heroine drops a handkerchief as a clue for the hero, and even though the hero sees it instantly as soon as he enters the room, the villain somehow overlooks it and doesn't tidy it up.
There's a Chekov's knife strapped to the heroine's ankle, which, disappointingly, she never gets to stab the villain with. This is the second Regency romance I've read in which the heroine has a knife and doesn't stab the villain with it, and I found it disappointing in both cases.
Overall, then, a book that could have been better plotted, could have been better edited, and could have been more authentic to the time (even without removing the unlikely elements that made it interesting). All the same, I did enjoy the ride, and I did like the characters - especially the heroine, when she was acting in character - so it just barely gets its fourth star.
September 30, 2016
•Murderer—Blackmailer
This story is set in London in 1812, when women were wallflowers that attended parties and balls waiting for suitors to as for their hand in marriage. It will have you smiling from the get go, as well as being a love story full of mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is my first Brianna Labuskes story, but it won't be my last, I enjoyed her writing style and well rounded story!
Gemma Lancaster is looking for whoever murdered her cousin Nigel, who was more like her brother. As a young lady or rather a spinster of twenty-five, her aunt Rosalind and her have a scheme: to make sure as few people as possible paid attention to her while they attend as many parties as they can, Gemma assumes the role of a wallflower with the ton. By wearing dowdy gowns, spectacles, and carrying on boring conversation—that she cultivated to one or two word replies, to keep anyone from noticing her compared to the rest of the glittering butterflies that flitted through society, she was a mousey nobody. But with those piercing eyes, Lord Winchester seemed to see beyond the facade, but with her unruly fire red hair she was never going to be the type of woman to turn heads when she walked into a ballroom. Except Lord Winchester, he definitely spelled trouble, he's the type to do what he wanted, regardless of her opinion and being one of the ton’s most eligible gentlemen, using an engagement to her is the perfect ruse for them to spend more time together to collaborate and find the blackmailer-murderer together. After they do, Gemma will "cry off" and return to the country alone as she planned, because she refuses to ever be a burden to someone she loved again.
Lucas Stone is a wealthy man who is searching for the blackmailer that is after his sister, or are they actually after him and using his sister's diary information as leverage? While working with Gemma under the ruse of them being engaged as a cover to search for clues and information during house parties/balls, he has to fight his instantaneous attraction to the little spitfire. She is not like other women who drown in expensive perfume to make themselves be noticed. He thinks Gemma is fire and light, smart with a sharp humor he admires, courageous to hunt a potential murderer, but shy in society, and a riddle on one hand, an open book in the other... Uniquely Gemma, something about her pulled at him.
What happens between Lucas and Gemma? Will they fall in love or kill each other? You'll have to read ONE STEP BEHIND to find out, but it'll be worth it! It's a funny but witty, mysterious historical romance story set in the early 1800's. I received an ARC copy via IndieSage in exchange for a blog tour review.
FAVORITE PASSAGES~
“Timing has never been our strong suit, has it?”
The appearance of a panther holding deceptively still during a hunt.
This story is set in London in 1812, when women were wallflowers that attended parties and balls waiting for suitors to as for their hand in marriage. It will have you smiling from the get go, as well as being a love story full of mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is my first Brianna Labuskes story, but it won't be my last, I enjoyed her writing style and well rounded story!
Gemma Lancaster is looking for whoever murdered her cousin Nigel, who was more like her brother. As a young lady or rather a spinster of twenty-five, her aunt Rosalind and her have a scheme: to make sure as few people as possible paid attention to her while they attend as many parties as they can, Gemma assumes the role of a wallflower with the ton. By wearing dowdy gowns, spectacles, and carrying on boring conversation—that she cultivated to one or two word replies, to keep anyone from noticing her compared to the rest of the glittering butterflies that flitted through society, she was a mousey nobody. But with those piercing eyes, Lord Winchester seemed to see beyond the facade, but with her unruly fire red hair she was never going to be the type of woman to turn heads when she walked into a ballroom. Except Lord Winchester, he definitely spelled trouble, he's the type to do what he wanted, regardless of her opinion and being one of the ton’s most eligible gentlemen, using an engagement to her is the perfect ruse for them to spend more time together to collaborate and find the blackmailer-murderer together. After they do, Gemma will "cry off" and return to the country alone as she planned, because she refuses to ever be a burden to someone she loved again.
Lucas Stone is a wealthy man who is searching for the blackmailer that is after his sister, or are they actually after him and using his sister's diary information as leverage? While working with Gemma under the ruse of them being engaged as a cover to search for clues and information during house parties/balls, he has to fight his instantaneous attraction to the little spitfire. She is not like other women who drown in expensive perfume to make themselves be noticed. He thinks Gemma is fire and light, smart with a sharp humor he admires, courageous to hunt a potential murderer, but shy in society, and a riddle on one hand, an open book in the other... Uniquely Gemma, something about her pulled at him.
What happens between Lucas and Gemma? Will they fall in love or kill each other? You'll have to read ONE STEP BEHIND to find out, but it'll be worth it! It's a funny but witty, mysterious historical romance story set in the early 1800's. I received an ARC copy via IndieSage in exchange for a blog tour review.
FAVORITE PASSAGES~
“Timing has never been our strong suit, has it?”
The appearance of a panther holding deceptively still during a hunt.
February 7, 2017
It's 1812 in London and the season where the high society gather to impress and find suitable spouses.
Gemma is in London to discover what really happened to her cousin. The last thing on her mind is to find herself a husband. She doesn't dress to impress and does her best to go unnoticed. She is succeeding or so she thinks.
Lucas is an Earl with an air of aloofness and arrogance. He too is on a mission. To identify his sister's blackmailer. He is not interested in finding a match but attends the balls with the sole purpose of solving this problem.
Gemma goes in search of evidence and finds herself in the same room as Lucas. She thinks that he is a thief whilst he assumes that she might be meeting someone in secret. Something which is not acceptable in society. When they discover why they are there, they come to the conclusion that they might both be looking for the same culprit. They come to an agreement to work together. To avoid any scandal, they get engaged. It's only temporary until the crime is solved! Then they can both go about their lives as before.
Lucas can see right through Gemma's facade and is intrigued by her projected appearance and her behaviour. They get used to working together and trust each other. They make a good team.
The relationship between Gemma and Lucas gradually turns into something that neither of them really understands as it doesn't fit in with their plans. Lucas is desperate to safeguard his sister's reputation and at the same time he wants to protect Gemma. They are both stubborn but funnily enough, this strengthen their relationship.
Family secrets are unearthed. Crimes that were buried and long forgotten resurface. The culprit's identity is predictable but his motives remain a mystery right to the end.
I like the banters between Lucas and Gemma. The caring relationship between Lucas and his sister Beatrice is endearing. It's nice to see Beatrice getting another chance at happiness.
I really enjoyed reading this well rounded story and would recommend to those who like this genre.
I was kindly issued with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gemma is in London to discover what really happened to her cousin. The last thing on her mind is to find herself a husband. She doesn't dress to impress and does her best to go unnoticed. She is succeeding or so she thinks.
Lucas is an Earl with an air of aloofness and arrogance. He too is on a mission. To identify his sister's blackmailer. He is not interested in finding a match but attends the balls with the sole purpose of solving this problem.
Gemma goes in search of evidence and finds herself in the same room as Lucas. She thinks that he is a thief whilst he assumes that she might be meeting someone in secret. Something which is not acceptable in society. When they discover why they are there, they come to the conclusion that they might both be looking for the same culprit. They come to an agreement to work together. To avoid any scandal, they get engaged. It's only temporary until the crime is solved! Then they can both go about their lives as before.
Lucas can see right through Gemma's facade and is intrigued by her projected appearance and her behaviour. They get used to working together and trust each other. They make a good team.
The relationship between Gemma and Lucas gradually turns into something that neither of them really understands as it doesn't fit in with their plans. Lucas is desperate to safeguard his sister's reputation and at the same time he wants to protect Gemma. They are both stubborn but funnily enough, this strengthen their relationship.
Family secrets are unearthed. Crimes that were buried and long forgotten resurface. The culprit's identity is predictable but his motives remain a mystery right to the end.
I like the banters between Lucas and Gemma. The caring relationship between Lucas and his sister Beatrice is endearing. It's nice to see Beatrice getting another chance at happiness.
I really enjoyed reading this well rounded story and would recommend to those who like this genre.
I was kindly issued with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2016
The bespectacled country bumpkin with no fashion sense is the disguise Gemma Lancaster uses to traipse around ton unnoticed in order to discover who murdered her cousin. The only one who sees through the disguise is Lucas Stone, the infuriatingly handsome Earl of Winchester. The same man who finds Gemma in a gentleman's study one night. Since he's also searching for a villain, someone who's been blackmailing his sister, it makes perfect sense for the two to combine their forces in their pursuit of, as they come to believe, the same culprit.
And the easiest way for them to spend a lot of time together under the watchful, gossipy eyes of the ton is to claim to be affianced. But the fake engagement soon starts to become something more...
I chose this book simply based on the excerpt—the first chapter—on the author's website. And I must say the beginning of the story was quite promising. The premise was indeed quite promising.
Unfortunately, the story was soon bogged down with a mystery too many, a secondary romance that didn't take well with me, because I didn't much care about the chit, and unnecessary filler in the form of different issues dealing mostly with the MCs inner scars, and incessant parties, coach rides, strolls around parks, and chatter about finding the villain instead of concentrating on actually doing anything about it.
The main characters were nice, somewhere around the middle ground, actually, not really making any impressions, though I wouldn't call the characterization bland, and the villain was nicely insane, though the reveal of his identity was no surprise, since I deduced who it was from the second scene he appeared in. Once the initial "novelty" wore off, the whole story slowed down considerably (maybe it could've been shorter and the plot more condensed instead of stretched so far it became thin), and though some sort of predictability is expected, since the HEA between the MC is accepted in any romance, I didn't appreciate the predictability in the villain department. Though, I should give the story points for veering off the template hero-saves-the-damsel routine.
And the easiest way for them to spend a lot of time together under the watchful, gossipy eyes of the ton is to claim to be affianced. But the fake engagement soon starts to become something more...
I chose this book simply based on the excerpt—the first chapter—on the author's website. And I must say the beginning of the story was quite promising. The premise was indeed quite promising.
Unfortunately, the story was soon bogged down with a mystery too many, a secondary romance that didn't take well with me, because I didn't much care about the chit, and unnecessary filler in the form of different issues dealing mostly with the MCs inner scars, and incessant parties, coach rides, strolls around parks, and chatter about finding the villain instead of concentrating on actually doing anything about it.
The main characters were nice, somewhere around the middle ground, actually, not really making any impressions, though I wouldn't call the characterization bland, and the villain was nicely insane, though the reveal of his identity was no surprise, since I deduced who it was from the second scene he appeared in. Once the initial "novelty" wore off, the whole story slowed down considerably (maybe it could've been shorter and the plot more condensed instead of stretched so far it became thin), and though some sort of predictability is expected, since the HEA between the MC is accepted in any romance, I didn't appreciate the predictability in the villain department. Though, I should give the story points for veering off the template hero-saves-the-damsel routine.
September 24, 2016
**4.5 star review**
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
One Step Behind is a historical romance novel by Brianna Labuskes. It is set in London, 1812 and we meet the unconventional Miss Gemma Lancaster who is on a mission to avenger her cousin’s murder by infiltrating the high society. There’s no way that Gemma could have foreseen, however, ending up in the arms of a thief. Well that is what she assumes when she witnesses him breaking into a private safe.
Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester, is chasing a blackmailer. He needs to break into that safe to help with his investigations – he didn’t plane to be hiding behind a curtain at midnight with the dreadfully dull Miss Gemma Lancaster. It doesn’t take long for Lucas to realise though how deceptive looks can be and they embark on their missions together when they discover that they maybe be looking for the same villain.
Ahhh I do love a good historical romance novel but One Step Behind also has a great suspense storyline running through it that kept me guessing right until the very end. I think I love these types of stories because being from England it’s easy for me to envisage what I am reading because we have so much history still around us. I thought the author did a great job with the descriptive writing, it felt like I was watching a period drama on television or a movie – it was fantastic.
I really liked the characters. I liked Gemma because she wasn’t your stereotypical female from that time period, she was independent with a feisty side and Lucas definitely reminded me of Mr Darcy, he sounded particularly yummy!!
Overall I thought that this was great story, was well written and had a great storyline – if you like this genre you will definitely love this book.
I give One Step Behind 4.5 stars.
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
One Step Behind is a historical romance novel by Brianna Labuskes. It is set in London, 1812 and we meet the unconventional Miss Gemma Lancaster who is on a mission to avenger her cousin’s murder by infiltrating the high society. There’s no way that Gemma could have foreseen, however, ending up in the arms of a thief. Well that is what she assumes when she witnesses him breaking into a private safe.
Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester, is chasing a blackmailer. He needs to break into that safe to help with his investigations – he didn’t plane to be hiding behind a curtain at midnight with the dreadfully dull Miss Gemma Lancaster. It doesn’t take long for Lucas to realise though how deceptive looks can be and they embark on their missions together when they discover that they maybe be looking for the same villain.
Ahhh I do love a good historical romance novel but One Step Behind also has a great suspense storyline running through it that kept me guessing right until the very end. I think I love these types of stories because being from England it’s easy for me to envisage what I am reading because we have so much history still around us. I thought the author did a great job with the descriptive writing, it felt like I was watching a period drama on television or a movie – it was fantastic.
I really liked the characters. I liked Gemma because she wasn’t your stereotypical female from that time period, she was independent with a feisty side and Lucas definitely reminded me of Mr Darcy, he sounded particularly yummy!!
Overall I thought that this was great story, was well written and had a great storyline – if you like this genre you will definitely love this book.
I give One Step Behind 4.5 stars.
September 26, 2016
one step behind is a delightful regency romance with a little hint of mystery mixed in to spice things up. gemma lancaster and lucas stone keep tripping over each other, she is searching for her cousin's murderer and he is searching for his sister's blackmailer. when they realize their suspects overlap they join forces, using a fake engagement as a cover to comply with regency society's standards of respectability.
soon they find themselves battling more than just a murderer-blackmailer, they must fight against their own issues of insecurity and fear of commitment, because the attraction between them burns too hot and they are going to get singed--either by reputation or by a broken heart--if they don't figure things out. what's great about gemma and lucas is that they are on equal ground from the first moment they meet. and while lucas does that gentlemanly thing of trying to protect gemma, he doesn't go overboard with it either, and he surrenders to the fact that they are partners pretty easily.
i figured out who the villain was pretty early in the story, but i've read some other reviews of people who were surprised. but i am never generally surprised by plot twists, so this didn't upset me. i guessed it was the character, but i didn't have any idea as to his motivation, so i still found the sleuthing done by gemma and lucas, and george and beatrice to be of interest. all in all, if you like regency romances, you won't do wrong here. the characters are strong and the plot is entertaining.
**one step behind is scheduled to publish on september 26, 2016. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (select historical) in exchange for my honest review.
soon they find themselves battling more than just a murderer-blackmailer, they must fight against their own issues of insecurity and fear of commitment, because the attraction between them burns too hot and they are going to get singed--either by reputation or by a broken heart--if they don't figure things out. what's great about gemma and lucas is that they are on equal ground from the first moment they meet. and while lucas does that gentlemanly thing of trying to protect gemma, he doesn't go overboard with it either, and he surrenders to the fact that they are partners pretty easily.
i figured out who the villain was pretty early in the story, but i've read some other reviews of people who were surprised. but i am never generally surprised by plot twists, so this didn't upset me. i guessed it was the character, but i didn't have any idea as to his motivation, so i still found the sleuthing done by gemma and lucas, and george and beatrice to be of interest. all in all, if you like regency romances, you won't do wrong here. the characters are strong and the plot is entertaining.
**one step behind is scheduled to publish on september 26, 2016. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (select historical) in exchange for my honest review.
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