By Joanna Barker
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: March 3, 2026
Description from the publisher:
From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper romance meets page-turning mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.
After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.
Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.
With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.
My Review:
This book gets to be the first one I label as "Best Books of 2026"! I absolutely adored it!
I love how these two characters with opposite personalities end up falling in love--optimistic and energetic Beatrice is the perfect contrast to Alexander's more serious personality. (These two actually remind me of myself and my husband a bit, lol!) I loved all of their interactions, from their initial not-so-impressed-by-each-other introduction to coming to know one another better, teasing each other, revaluating their initial opinions, and ultimately supporting one another. The slow-burn romance was perfect!
I also loved seeing characters from earlier books in this series. In the middle of this book, I simultaneously wanted to keep reading this one and go back and reread the previous two books! (Although this book is a stand-alone, you should definitely go read the other books while you're waiting for this one to come out!) I also really hope that Drake, one of Alexander's fellow Bow Street runners, will be getting a book of his own very soon!
The plot was great--there's mystery and danger and romance, with lighthearted moments as well as real pain and frustration mixed in. I really liked seeing how things unfolded.
Absolutely a delight to read! I loved everything about it! 5 stars!
*I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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