I'm such a huge fan of the Proper Romance line and have loved these two books from Joanna Barker! Check out the Bookstagram tour and giveaway here (ends 9/9) and read my reviews below...
A Heart Worth Stealing
(A Proper Romance)
By Joanna Barker
Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 288 Pages
May 2, 2023 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Sowerby, England, 1802
Miss Genevieve Wilde—a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress—is determined to meet life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late-father had taught her. So when her father’s pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities prove incompetent.
Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.
But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, the two enter into a risky charade—pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much danger as her life.
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My Review
A HEART WORTH STEALING is about a woman who is unknowingly threatened and the Bow Street Runner who comes to her aid. It has wonderful characters, a country setting, danger that intensifies as the book unfolds, humor and swoon-worthy moments. An adorable and fun read perfect for Regency romance fans!
This was such a fun story! Not that it was all "fun." The author did a fabulous job in making it not too light and fluffy with her genuine, relatable characters and so much being told through meaningful looks. I felt this story instead of being told it, which I feel like shows that an author has really arrived and is doing well in the craft. The banter, chemistry and humor were all fantastic! There was also an underlying feel of suspense throughout that grew to a climatic point towards the end. The story was predictable, but I loved all of it regardless. Plus, I got what I expected when I pick up one of this author's and publisher's books: a well-written story with a happily-ever-after ending.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a pure delight to read! Lovely characters, engaging plot, and sweet romance. Highly recommended!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
So True a Love
(A Proper Romance)
By Joanna Barker
Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 256 Pages
September 3, 2024 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.
London, 1803
As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society—and the last woman one would suspect as having worked as a private investigator. But she has hung up that dangerous hat to live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of an armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.
Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as his keen mind, quick wit, and determination to keep her out of danger muddle her progress—and her heart.
When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.
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My Review
SO TRUE A LOVE is a witty story about a Bow Street Runner and a young woman both trying to find a thief. The characters' backgrounds are unique, as is the plot, which makes for an intriguing read. The banter between the two main characters makes this a delightful read, while there are aspects that are full of depth. Definitely recommended to historical romance fans!
These characters were so much fun! Verity is a young woman who is a bit impulsive and confident in herself. She's intelligent and has a strong interest in solving mysteries and crimes, being influenced by her former-Bow-Street-Runner brother. She is a bit feisty with a quick wit and also loyal. Nathaniel is a dashing Bow Street Runner who doesn't know her past or family as he's newer to the job. He's a hard worker, intelligent, and steady. It doesn't hurt that he's also very good looking. They literally run into each other when they first meet and from there are thrown together a lot trying to solve the same crime. I loved that they spent a solid time together getting to know each other, which naturally leant to a friendship and then something more developing between the two of them. I liked how both of them had different family aspects and that is a big part of their lives. There are a few twists and turns. Some of it is overly predictable while a few pieces aren't tied up all prettily, which I appreciated as it allowed the story to feel more realistic. There is some action and suspense that leads to a climax, and then a beautiful and sweet ending.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. Likable characters, an engaging plot, and a sweet romance with plenty of banter and wit. I'm looking forward to picking up the next book from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Joanna Barker firmly believes that romance makes everything better, which is why she has fallen in love with writing Regency romances. When she’s not typing away on her next book, you’ll find her listening to podcasts, eating her secret stash of chocolate, or adding things to her Amazon cart. She thinks being an author is the second-best job in the world—right after being a mom. She is just a little crazy about her husband and four wild-but-lovable kids.
Joanna is a two-time Whitney Award Winner for Historical Romance (A Game of Hearts, 2023 and A Heart Worth Stealing, 2024) and a five-time finalist. She is a two-time finalist in the Foreward Indies Book Awards, and her novels have received praise from Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Foreword Reviews, and Library Journal.
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Have you read any of this author's books or this series? What do you love about Regency romances? Are you reading one now?
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