This is a collection of three novellas. I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories. I liked all of the couples, and the setting--aboard the Orient Express--was really cool. I also really enjoyed the Victorian era for the time period; I haven't read nearly enough books set then!
To Break a Betrothal by Elizabeth Johns Kate is appalled that her now-deceased father arranged a marriage between her and Lord Darlington. She's only met him once, years ago, but his attitude then was enough to convince her she wants nothing to do with him. She sets out for England to convince him that he doesn't want to marry her, either--and she finds herself even more sure that she doesn't want to marry him when, aboard the Orient Express, she meets just the sort of man she could find herself wanting to share her life with.
Stephen has one last duty to complete for the War Office before he returns home to marry an heiress. Disguised as Mr. Brown, he searches for a spy--and in the meantime, finds himself charmed by a fellow traveler, Miss White...but as neither he nor she is traveling under their rightful name, he fears the secrets they hold could prove disastrous when they are revealed.
This was a fun story, and I liked both characters. I haven't read much by Elizabeth Johns before (only one other novella, I think), but I'm glad I had the chance to read her novella here.
Detective Grace Meets Her Match As the (secret) owner and only employee of a detective agency, Grace has found men as a lot to be untrustworthy rogues. She prides herself on being able to notice details and read people--and plays whatever role she needs to in order to protect others. So when she meets Marshall Bailey, she can tell he's hiding something and determines to protect other women from his nature. Only, as she spends time with Marshall, she finds that perhaps his nature isn't what she originally thought.
Marshall Bailey may be a successful author, but he isn't so good at talking to people, especially women. However, he finds himself both drawn to and confused by Grace, who is flirtatious one minute and angry with him the next.
Marshall is pretty adorable; I loved how he wasn't at all the rogue Grace thought he'd be. Grace was kind of rough around the edges; her distrust of men made her unkind to Marshall at times. I thought she was a realistic character, if not always entirely likable. I enjoyed seeing their story unfold and the ending was very sweet.
Married on the Orient Express by Nancy Campbell Allen Emily Grant's brother has been abducted, and his captors demand that Emily provide a valuable statue he won in a card game before he will be released. Emily sets out to save him--only to be joined by Vincent Brady, a Scotland Yard detective working the case. With no room left on the Orient Express, Emily can't get a ticket--until Vincent tells everyone they are married. Posing as husband and wife, the two must devise a plan to rescue Emily's brother, but they also find themselves hoping that this journey will not be the end of their relationship.
This was my favorite of the three stories. I just really, really liked smart, capable Emily and strong, smart Vincent. I loved how Vincent wasn't dismissive of Emily, but instead he supported and welcomed her ideas at the same time as he watched out for her. This was a very sweet and enjoyable story.
I loved this collection! I can't wait for more! 4.5 stars.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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