Emily Sullivan writes the historicals I want to be reading in 2022. And shoot, second-chance? A widow taking back her life and time? A starchy & buttoned up blushing former-fortune hunter AND former-military captain turned PI? I EAT IT UP.

I really wish they'd make a cohesive look for this series, because I don't think the covers quite capture the setting (Gilded Age) and combined with the "if you like Bridgerton" meaningless comp I think these aren't landing with the readers who will eat them up.

I envisioned darling Lady Georgiana Arlington and Captain Henry Harris has the actors who played Lady Caroline & Dr. Ennis from Poldark (IYKYK) - so keep that in mind as you read.

Georgie appears to be a rich, spoiled, socialite who's living off the wealth of her now dead husband, but she's actually working hard at running various factories with fair wages and safe conditions - bucking society and putting herself at risk of other capitalists and politicians who loathe her "radical" ideas.

Enter PI, former Captain, Henry Harris, hired by Georgie's brother to find out who is sending her threatening letters, following her, and overall making her family Concerned™. Too bad Georgie's brother doesn't know that she and Henry were falling in love during her debut - and both think the other chose pride and money over each other.

I shan't say too much more about the plot, because it really becomes quite a ride (and to Monte Carlo!!) but I adored it and more please.

I will note I was a bit concerned about a potential CW

Spoiler

magic baby epilogue

but fortunately that did not happen, and I was happier for it.

Some characters and couples show up in this third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy!