Dangerous Lover

Crime & Passion #3

by Mary Lancaster

A danger to the world? Or just to her heart?

Alexandra Battle is desperate enough to accept a new post as governess to the illegitimate daughter of Sir Nicholas Swan, without having met either of them. Fortunately, Evelina turns out to be delightful as well as challenging, though her father, from their first encounter in the dead of night, remains a disturbingly attractive mystery.

Why does a wealthy, well-born baronet choose to live in an old, dusty house in an unfashionable area of London? What is he hiding there that clanks in the night? And who is the dying lady he brought home with him from Italy? Even more worryingly, why does he have such an effect on the prudent Alexandra’s senses?

When Evelina vanishes one day, the search threatens to expose secrets they would both rather hide, not least Alexandra’s growing feelings for her distraught employer. Alexandra asks for the help of her friends, Lady Grizelda and Dragan Tizsa, who never leave a puzzle unsolved.

But will the solution provide hope for Alexandra and Nicholas? Or will it tear her from him forever?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Mystery, Historical, Fiction

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2021

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...

Reviews

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Crime & Passion
Publication Date: 6/22/21
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 360

I am thoroughly loving this historical mystery/romance series! Each book features our cunning and intelligent investigating couple – Lady Griz (a duke’s daughter) and her penniless, refugee, Hungarian, revolutionist husband, Dragan Tizsa. Each book also features a romantic couple – and the story is told from the standpoint of the romantic couple. I love it. Each book is well-written, excellently plotted, and perfectly paced. The mystery is filled with many suspects and red herrings galore, but the villain will surprise you.

Alexandra Battle has been a governess for the last several years, but this post might be the strangest she’s encountered. The housekeeper conducted the interview rather than the parent and the parent didn’t even make an appearance to question her whenever she arrived for her first day on the job. While all of that is strange, her new employer – one of the richest men in the British Isles, chooses to live in a moldering, dusty, house in a very insalubrious part of town. She doesn’t even meet her employer until she gets up in the middle of the night to investigate the strange, rhythmic, clanking sounds that awoke her. Her first meeting is … odd … to say the least. Perhaps she should think about resigning and finding another post – but she really needs this one now.

We briefly met Sir Nicholas Swan in Letters to a Lover and learned that he was a taciturn, enigmatic man with cold eyes and harsh features. Oh! Imagine finding him in a dark room in the middle of the night – especially when there have been strange noises in the house.

Nicholas hasn’t been back in England for very long. He’s lived the last almost 20 years – half his life – on the continent. He spent his time there making his fortune and now he is rich beyond belief. At nineteen, he fled England with the woman he loved. That caused a family rift and scandal his father never forgave. He’s learned to be distrustful of everyone – especially women – because they all want something from him. That something is usually his fortune and his name. Well, that isn’t going to happen. He’s going to care for his illegitimate daughter, Evelina, and continue to build his fortune. He’s so rich he has no use for the houses and funds he has inherited from his father, but business is fun – even charitable business.

As both Evelina and Nicholas begin to trust Alex, Evelina is kidnapped. Nicholas immediately blames Alex and goes into a panic. Alex, on the other hand, stays focused and her first thought is to get word to her friend Lady Griz and her husband Dragan because they’ll know exactly what to do and how to do it.

While searching for Evelina, they learn that other children have been kidnapped and held for ransom. Luckily, the children were promptly returned as soon as the ransom was paid, but the parents were in absolute terror before the return.

Scotland Yard soon comes to decide that Nicholas and Alex could certainly be the masterminds behind the kidnappings. Say what!

You’ll absolutely love feeling the chemistry between these two and then watching them fight their attraction before finally giving in and finding their HEA. They are both wonderful, very relatable characters and you’ll also love little Evelina.

I can definitely recommend this book and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A very suave and charismatic male in this romance, he will have you swooning for sure.
Nicholas has secrets that will intrigue you and make sure you stick with this story, his affection for the governess is another wonderful part of this book that rivets you to the pages.

There are twists in this tale and many tense moments too.
With kidnappings, and secretive pasts, families at odds, this is a great read.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Alexandra Battle is desperate enough to accept a new post as governess to the illegitimate daughter of Sir Nicholas Swan, without having met either of them. Fortunately, Evelina turns out to be delightful as well as challenging, though her father, from their first encounter in the dead of night, remains a disturbingly attractive mystery.

Why does a wealthy, well-born baronet choose to live in an old, dusty house in an unfashionable area of London? What is he hiding there that clanks in the night? And who is the dying lady he brought home with him from Italy? Even more worryingly, why does he have such an effect on the prudent Alexandra’s senses?

When Evelina vanishes one day, the search threatens to expose secrets they would both rather hide, not least Alexandra’s growing feelings for her distraught employer. Alexandra asks for the help of her friends, Lady Grizelda and Dragan Tizsa, who never leave a puzzle unsolved.'
____________________________

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

Dangerous Lover is the third book in Mary Lancaster's Crime and Passion series and is a historical mystery and romance.

I have read other books from this author before, but not the previous two books in the series. Despite two main characters from an earlier book showing up quite often here, I don't feel that my enjoyment of the book suffered at all from having not read the other books. Therefore I would say that this book can serve as a stand-alone if you wish.

I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the storyline, which was very much front and center in the plot. The series is called Crime and Passion and I think that is an apt name because the mystery or crime aspect is the main driving force of the plot, whilst the passion or romance simmers quietly in the background until everything comes together with the plot. The mystery was easy to unravel, there are some clear clues, but I enjoyed reading the unveiling even if I knew what the reveal would be.

I enjoyed this book and will probably read more from this series, perhaps going back to read the book about Gris and Dragan because I was intigued by the glimpes into their backstories that we saw.
_____

I would like to thank NetGalley and Drangonblade Publishing for sharing an eARC of Dangerous Lover with me. This is my honest review.

[Nabilah · Rating 3 out of 5]

More mystery than romance. The mystery was intriguing enough that I kept reading eventhough I was bored silly.
The insta-love was too immediate. The author didn't set up the necessary premise to show why they fell in love with each other. They just did. Great (snarky tone). I couldn't say I enjoyed this one. However, this is one of my fav trope - governess falling in love with her employer. So, I was dissapointed.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, Griz and Dragan are back, and that is what I found most delightful about this book. Would read any book by Mary Lancaster as long as she promised me a decent showing of Griz and Dragan.

However, I also enjoyed the mystery of this book more than Azalea's in book two. Although things did become a little obvious towards the end when an unexpected character was revealed.

The lust and love between Alex and Nicholas seemed a little fast... but I've read books with faster.

Not usually a fan of books with children main characters, but Evelina was sweet.

Tropes:
#instalust #fadetoblack #powerimbalance #governesstowife #baddad

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, intrigue and suspense had me invested in this book from the opening chapter, which had a Gothic feel to it. Knowing that Lady Grizelda and Dragan Tizsa play a part in the investigation also had me sold. After laying her father to rest, Alexandra is forced to fend for herself and as a young woman with a lifetime of experiences and the ability to speak other languages, she is grateful to accept the post offered by Lord Swan as governess to his young daughter. Young Evelina has a complicated past but Alexandra is more than able to manage her. Her employer is another matter altogether. Enigmatic, mysterious, and living on the borderline of respectability, Nicholas has a checkered past, and the activities taking place in his home both during the day and at night, leave Alexandra on edge. However, when Evelina disappears from the garden, Griz and Dragan step in to assist and the novel takes on a faster pace. The romance that develops between Alexandra and Nicholas moves fairly slowly but also escalates towards the end. Despite difficult family relationships, this novel does come to a good and satisfactory conclusion, and most of my questions were answered. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the melodrama with the h not quite sure if the H is a good man. She wants him to be because she's attracted, but there's the frightening clanking noises in the night. Kept me guessing for a while, not idea who the baddie was until the end. Loved it.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Talk about grabbing me from the start, I could not stop until the end! Well written and reading as a wonderful gothic novel, with the setting of a house with many secrets.

She took the job as governess to his daughter. He was an enigma, that took time to unravel, but was well worth the journey!

Step into the imagination of Mary Lancaster and be taken into a story of secrets, suspense, and amazing characters that will keep you on the edge trying to figure out what is happening!

A slow burning attraction begins and you never know where it will lead! I have to say this is my favorite of the series so far, although each story is well worth the read! Mary at her best!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Battle accepts the position of governess for the natural child of Sir Nicholas Swan. He left England 18 years before, because of a scandal, and spent those years on the continent making his fortune. She quickly proves her value in her treatment of Evelina, the 6-year-old, and in her effect upon Sir Nicholas when the child is kidnapped. An even larger scheme is afoot, which draws Lady Grizelda, Alexandra's friend, and Dragan Tisza into the mystery.

These are wonderfully-drawn characters. It's easy to become absorbed into the story and invested in the outcome. I love this series.

[Red Ink Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dangerous Lover (Crime and Passion Book 3) – Mary Lancaster



I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to provide an honest review.



Mary Lancaster is a Scottish author who writes romance novels. She has also written “The Imperial Season” series and the “Blackhaven Brides” series.



“Dangerous Lover” is about a young lady, Alexandra, who finds herself employed as a governess in the household of a Mr Nicholas Swan.

At first all is well and it is a simple appointment, Mr Swan hardly home, she is left to govern and teach his daughter, Evelina. Yet he is your typical dark and mysterious gentleman.

Things quickly get complicated when Evelina is kidnapped under Alexandra’s watch. Fortunately, with the help of some friends she is quickly recovered. Yet it soon becomes clear this was part of a much larger plan at hand.

The police soon suspect her employer, Mr Swan, is behind it all, though that is not the secret he is working so hard to keep. Will the truth be uncovered before the wrong man is punished? Can Alexandra figure out her true feelings for Mr Swan?



“Dangerous Lover” is a short romance fiction story that is an entertaining read. Filled with mystery, love and a little bit of danger. Perfect read for those that like a quick, romantic read. It was well written and I dearly loved Mr Swan’s character, he was the right combination of dark and mysterious.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Battle is hired as governess to the illegitimate daughter of Sir Nicholas Swan, without having met either of them. Fortunately, Evelina turns out to be delightful as well as challenging, though her father is more enigmatic. When Evelina vanishes one day, the search threatens to expose secrets they would both rather hide, not least Alexandra’s growing feelings for her distraught employer. Alexandra asks for the help of her friends, Lady Grizelda and Dragan Tizsa, who never leave a puzzle unsolved.
This is the third book in the series & is easily read on its own. A lovely mix of romance, mystery, kidnappings & secrets. I loved both Nicholas & Alexandra both had secrets a plenty but their attraction sizzled from their first meeting. It was a fast paced book that at times had me at the edge of my seat. It was also very touching in parts especially surrounding Lady Nora, which heightened my opinion of Nicholas. I loved the verbal banter & the family dynamics & of course Evelina was a true delight. A very well written book, which I read in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Carolyn Smelser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous lover

I was so sorry that the governess dad was Ricco. She was such a good loving lady and her father just used her to get money. She had a great love and overcame the adversities her father caused!

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Yes, this book definitely worked for me. The characters are interesting and the mystery unusual. I'm so glad I still have a lot of this writer to read: her stories hit all my sweet spots. I have finished several of her series so far, and I still want more. I'm a super fan.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too lusty for me

I usually enjoy Mary Lancaster's stories despite their obligatory steamy scene (apparently necessary for bestseller status). But this one was handled badly on several levels. For the time period, one would expect the h to be an innocent and have era-specific sensibilities. Not so with Alexandra, which muddied her character and caused an ambiguity as to whether her secret was that she'd already been ruined and thus had experience in physical pleasures.

It was also unclear as to how low-born the h was. And due to the use of pronouns rather than give the name in a couple of places, this was further confused. You can't mention two women without making it clear which detail goes with whom.

There were far too many draggy passages repeating the loves me, loves me not dynamic. And then my least favorite plot device, the quick to jump to a wrong assumption, further dragged this story down into mediocrity. The actual plot took a backseat to the constant lustfulness of the H and h. So interesting plot developments were glossed over weakening this story even more.

The previous novels in this series have been better. I hope the next one will be too.

And btw, if you really want to see a budding romance and introduction into intimacy of an innocent of this era, look no further than Gail Carriger's Soulless novel, which is the first of her zany Parasol Protectorate series. Totally rings true and is delightful.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Lover by Mary Lancaster is an enticing love story full of intrigue, lies, and mistrust. It is a Crime and Passion book #3. One of the best things about it is how much we see of Griz and Dragan. It is a stand-alone but we have met these characters in the past. Alexandra Battle is just starting her third job as a governess and, to be honest, she is startled by the state of the house. It is an older home, perched in a neighborhood that has seen better days. Mrs. Dart met her at the door and introduced her to Evelina, who would be her charge. The house was definitely in a period of transition. Some of it was spotless, some of it was not. Alexandra had definite ideas about how to do her job. There were few rules here, and none she couldn't obey. After just a day, she became aware that Sir Nicholas was a touch over protective of his daughter, but Alex could deal with that, too. It became clear to her that Evelina was both spoiled and neglected. She threw tantrums, occasionally, bad ones. Alex could help with that. Sir Nicholas was a frightening man, except when he wasn't. Alex fell a pull toward him, but she never trusted him. Her self-esteem was so low that she anticipated being let go on a daily basis. It was all very strange. Then Evelina was taken, and Alex called Dragan and Griz for assistance.

Alex had lived a privileged life on the good days and one of poverty on other days. Her father was a less than honest man, and she had helped fake his death to save his death. In actuality she was glad to be rid of him. She really needed this position but no man had ever affected her as Sir Nicholas did and there were so many secrets. Nicholas carried many burdens, but he was a kind man at heart. He had been hurt when his father and his brother stopped communicating, but her deserved that, too, in a way. His luck with women had been dismal and he had paid for that as well. He was a good man, when all he secrets were uncovered, and he loved Alex, despite their difference in station. The journey to their happily-ever-after was an interesting one. A clever story, full of clever people. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Dangerous Lover by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dangerouslover

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, GOVERNESS, KIDNAPPING, DRAMA

Mary Lancaster gives us another 5 STARS read with Book 3 in her powerful Series: Crime & Passion. One more mystery for one of my favorite couples Lady Griz & Tiza. This book is about a friend of their's from Griz's musical playing gatherings, Alexandra. Alex is the daughter of the famous piano performer of Europe, Alexander Battle. She was now a governess since the death of her father. She goes to work for Sir Nicholas. He has a natural born daughter that he had with a famous Italian actress, Eva who has since passed away. Though in this era most men didn't take their own natural born or anyone's natural child in to live in their own home up front of society & expect them to accept her. Evaline, the little girl had a tendency to throw temper tantrams that many people couldn't handle & needed different care than other children, but then every child regardless of who they are have individual needs. Alex & the little girl just hit it off plus Alex had a way that seemed to be getting rid of the tantrams.

Spooky Halloween house would probably come to mind to us today when looking at the house Nicholas had decided to live in even though he owned a wonderful house in the very posh Ton section of town that his younger brother had moved into. His brother lives there with his wife & 3 children. When Nicholas was 19 years old he ran away to Paris with Lady Nora that created a very huge scandal in the society of the Ton. Lady Nora was 8 years older than him & his brother was 16 at the time.

There is a great BLURB provided. There are mysterious clanking noises, Evalina is kidnapped, there is a child kidnapping ring taking Ton children, and it seems that Nicholas is up to something, but what. If that isn't enough of excitement then the sexual attraction, plus more than that between Alex & Nicholas will keep you flipping pages like you are eating popcorn at the movies.
Well written & witty. What are you waiting for, there is a surprise near the end for Griz.

RECOMMEND

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh I do love this series. 

Miss Alexandra Battle has accepted a job as governess to a sweet little girl who has had a few problems to face in her young life, and is known to let her feelings be known.  Alexandra is a very good governess with a few secrets.  

Sir Nicholas Swan ran away from his family to the continent as a young man who thought he was in love.  Now many years later and a good deal wiser it's time to settle into his real life.  He does have a few ideas that maybe wouldn't be popular among the English elite.  

Our characters in this book may not be quite what you are used to reading about in historical romances of this era, but I promise they will easily grab your attention and keep it.  Don't expect to find meek mannered ladies and gentlemen who do nothing except spend their inheritance. 

This is part of a series that, if you are reading all of them, are best read in order.  You will otherwise find some spoilers.  Each book has,  however it's own lead characters and a fabulous story.  

I have read and enjoyed each one and I'm hoping there will be many more like it.  

I loved it. 

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing mystery led romance!

A flare of the gothic emanates from an air thick with tension and shadowed by secrets as this engaging series continues. DANGEROUS LOVER drifts away from being centred around the Duke of Kelburn's family to two such intricately intriguing characters in Sir Nicholas and his newly appointed governess, Alexandra.
Smuggling, kidnap, lingering historical scandal, secrets, forbidden love and suspicious family ties and discord encompasses the delicious allure and mystery that surrounds Nicholas - is he hiding dark secrets and dark tendencies? Is Alexandra safe as unexpected desire simmers and sparks between them? I really did enjoy finding out, in this tantalisingly captivating, mystery led tale.
Where we again delightfully get to smile and remain in awe of Griz and Dragan as they come to their rescue and help whittle out the clues with their usual keen wit, panache, wealth of love and engaging teamwork.
A fabulous book from a fabulously well written series!

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Mary Lancaster's Crime and Passion series pretty much back to back and although the books can be read as stand alone, reading the series in order helps you to become familiar with the main characters, especially Lady Griz and Mr Tisza, who are involved in solving mysteries.
I liked this particular story because Alexandra, the governess and Sir Nicholas, her employer are particularly strong, intriguing personalities. The conversations between the two are witty and entertaining. I liked the way both characters backgrounds was gradually revealed.
What is interesting too is he relationship between the sleuths and the police. It would have been too easy to make the "Peelers" to be bumbling, incompetent characters. Instead they are shown to work in partnership with the sleuths, each valuing and respecting the other's input.
All in all, it is entertaining and easy reading with just enough radical political comments to make it thought provoking too. I look forward to reading the last in the series

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Battle is true to her name, and ready to face anything, even accepting the post as governess to Evelina, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Nicholas Swan. Whilst Evelina is a challenge, Alexandra comes to care for her whilst her father, is a mystery and a very attractive one. What Alexandra cannot fathom is how a wealthy baronet would choose to live in an unfashionable area of London, caring for a young dying child. When Eveline disappears, Alexandra must call upon her two friends to help in finding Nicholas’ daughter.
The mystery aspect of this storyline was well delivered with a subtle romance happening in the background. Both were interesting and I particularly enjoyed how the mystery was gradually revealed. Not having read books in this series, I am so looking forward to reading about Tisa and Griz, who make a great team, helping Alexandra and Nicholas to find Evelina.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Excellent story and a great addition to the series.

Griz and her husband (book 1) turn up in this book. Alexandra, the heroine, is a member of Griz's music group. She is working as a governess to Evalina, Sir Nicholas's illegitimate daughter. The hero is mysterious and brooding. He's also at odds with his brother, who has usurped his house and is busy spending his money. Evalina goes missing so Alex asks Griz to solve the mystery and find her. When she's returned, Sir Nicolas reluctantly visits his brother's family, and it's obvious that the nephew is missing too. It's a good mystery and an interesting set of characters. I'd throughly recommend not just this book but the whole series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book early. Rating and review are my own.

I did not know this book was the third in a series when I got the arc. However, it is not needed to enjoy this story. There are characters on the side from the previous books, and I liked this book and those characters enough to want to go back and read the ones before!
This book is about a governess and her mysterious employer and a mystery involving missing children. I don't think I have read a historical romance quite like this before but I am pleasantly surprised by it. I enjoyed the mystery and I liked the characters and though at first I did not feel their immediate attraction to each other, I was fully there for it by the end!

I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical romances with more unique characters and a little mystery.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's in the past

Nicholas has lived a life of some reckless deeds when it comes to women! You can blame most on his youth! Alexandra aka Alex has led an infamous life with her father who was so debt ridden and scandalous she helped him fake his death! You will have to read to find out that this did not impact positively on his future life choices! I love the chemistry between the two especially in the end!
At times Nicholas aka Nick seems to toying with Alex others he just seems smitten! When children start missing and fingers start to point at Alex and Nick! Griz and her husband offer their assistance and things really heat up! With a last name like Battle this fiesty heroine lives up to her name!
If you like trips to a basement with a sexy but enigmatic employer and a beautiful well traveled governess then get ready to not put this one down!!!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all 3 books in the series and they are stand alone. But, the couple in the first story have a big part in this one. You may get more enjoyment if you read the previous ones, but not necessary.

Each have secret's and you are not sure if one of them is the villain who is kidnapping wealthy children and ransoming back to their parents. I thought I knew who the villain was, but as in the last story, I was totally wrong.

Romance builds slowly, some spice near the very end of the story - heat level 1.5 out of 5 if that, outside of marriage.

Suspense, intrigue, twists, romance and an interesting group of secondary character's too. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA and tad of spice. The daughter of the h adds to the story too. Would recommend this author and series. (ljb)

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this light mystery, Alexandra gets a governess job, taking care of Evelina. She's a bit of a supernanny and solves Evelina's tantrum problem. Her father Nicholas is scowly and sardonic and somewhat mired in scandals and secrets but when Evelina disappears they both get drawn into an investigation that is larger than just one missing child. I figured out the clanking noises and the cloaked person's identity before the reveal but it was an interesting ride. Griz and Dragan from the first book are here, helping out again, and Griz has a lot of grit.
Steam level: A brief lovescene, not very detailed.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Governess Alexandra can't help the attraction she feels to Sir Nicholas, her mysterious new employer. She soon discovers he's keeping secrets. Could he be connected to the kidnapping ring threatening the children of Mayfair?

This romantic mystery has a gothic feel to it. It's a quick read with a satisfying conclusion to both the romance and the mystery plots. I always enjoy Lancaster's characters, and this book did not disappoint.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story that draws you in from the beginning.

This is the third book in the series, with the theme of a mystery that needs to be solved. The story is about Alexandra a governess and Nicholas who employes her for his daughter we see them briefly in book two. The daughter is kidnapped and this is where Griz and Dragan come into the book. They are a central set as a crime solving couple. I hope the author continues with this series. Her character are well developed and likeable.

[J P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to go on forever needlessly until everything was tied together near the end. I would have preferred a little more action throughout. It has been a while since I read a romance that was heavy on the crime (although I found this lacking, too) with little passion, but it did manage to keep my interest.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[JANET SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Probably a better read than the 2nd book, this was an exciting and engrossing read. Alexandra the governess and central female character was a delight but hid troubling secrets, but they didn't compare to those hidden by her employer , Sir Nicholas Swan the central male character. There were also a number orAlly in all other interesting and secretive characters. Evelina Sir Nicholas 's illegitimate daughter became a sweetie under the guidance of Alexandra. All in all with the inclusion of Lady Grizelda and Dragan the plot was really enjoyable. I would thoroughly recommend this book, I certainly hope there will be other books in the series.

[E Oygard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story from Mary Lancaster

Another good story in this series. It is well written with strong main characters, plus the added bonus of characters from previous books. The storyline held my interest to the end.

Alexandra becomes governess to Evalina, illegitimate daughter of Nicholas Swan. When Evalina is kidnapped, she calls on her friend Lady Grizelda and husband Dragan Titsa to help, but there is so much more to be uncovered.