I saw this book and read the summary and knew immediately I wanted to read it and I wasn't wrong.

Catrin is our main character and she has a special ability to spot flaws in the construction of the holy sanctum before anything bad can happen. When she is out one night looking over the building, she witnesses a murder and is pulled into the investigation to help try to stop the murderer before they strike again.

Assigned to officially investigate the crime is Simon, a distant relative of the town leader. He has insights into the mind of the killer that prove to be strangely accurate and as he and Catrin work together to stop the murderer, they find themselves drawn to each other and as their relationship changes, they disclose secrets that could put them both in danger.

I really enjoyed this book and if you're looking for a new standalone YA with a bit of mystery and magic, definitely pick this one up.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Rake's Daughter by Anne Gracie. It is the second book in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series but I think you can read this one even if you have not read book one.

Having recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he is now the guardian of an heiress. While not ideal, he is determined he will fulfill the commitment but he wasn't counting on her bringing along her illegitimate half sister with her and he's a bit perplexed as to how to handle the situation.

Clarissa (legitimate) and Izzy (illegitimate) were great. I loved how we got a glimpse of how they came to know each other and from day one, I could see the devotion they have for one another and it was a great aspect to the story. Neither wanted to hurt the other and weren't willing to compromise their relationship for the sake of what the aristocracy thinks is acceptable or not.

Leo empathizes with both but he does everything he can to make them understand what is / is not appropriate but when he goes out of town, Clarissa and Izzy take things into their own hands and essentially launch themselves into society and they do it successfully! With no way to go back, Leo must join in and support. What he doesn't count on is his own attraction to Izzy and sparks fly between them whenever they are together.

I enjoyed how Gracie built out the many relationships in this book. I also think the story itself was engaging and kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider picking this one up.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.