Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. A story full of intrigue and romance. A good read which should not be missed

Widowed Mrs Charlotte Pennyworth has been receiving strange gifts left on her doorstep. Some of them rather nasty. The police in Scotland Yard are extremely busy with the murders of several prostitutes in London, so advised her to hire an investigator.
Our heroine has a secret she doesn't want uncovered, but that can't have anything to do with what is happening. Can it???
Mr Elliot Baker left his job with Scotland yard after he made an drastic error in judgement that caused another policeman to be injured. Now occasionally the police recommend him for investigations.
Our hero has a very black and white view of the world. Someone is either good or bad. He knows his latest client is hiding something, but he is only being paid to find who is stalking her.
A lovely mystery for us to solve. There is no way to tell who our villain is until our author tells us. The "gifts" get more strange as time goes on. Police investigation in Victorian times was a rather hit and miss affair. Find proof of guilt could be almost impossible.
A fascinating story. I enjoyed every page.

This was a different type of romance for me. An interesting mystery story. It was a bit slow to pick up for me, the romance and sparks. There was something missing, and I am wondering if it was because I was more intrigued in trying to figure out who was behind all the packages and gifts being left behind for the heroine. The end was pretty unique and I was completely surprised to see how much different than what I expected. There was a minute there when I really did not like the hero and it almost made me put away the book and stop reading. But I plugged along and glad that I did.

This was a most intriguing story, it had me second guessing on the villain many times. A fast paced story full of mystery, betrayal and of course romance!

Charlotte Pennyworth is a widow, who has been through much and not about to give up on her wealth and independence for marriage. After her near escape from a vile man, her marriage was a Godsend but unfortunately didn’t last long. Just when her life seems to be going smoothly she feels she’s being watched especially when she gets certain so called gifts left on her doorstep.
#he fears that her past has come to confront her.

Eliot Baker is not to be made a fool twice by a pretty face, not after what happened the last time. He was publicly humiliated and lost his position at Scotland Yard. Even though the beautiful young widow asks for his help he’s reluctant to help her, even though her nearness makes his blood sizzle.

Is the threat on Charlottes life true or is it a lark? Can they let go of past hurts to explore their budding attraction?
This was a well written suspense romance, I loved all the elements of the story. I loved Charlotte she was brave and fearless and a woman who guarded her secrets, and her heart.
Eliot has his own failures but they are understandable, what I wasn’t fond of was that he placed Charlotte in the same mold. Of course he blunders gravely when she needed him the most. Overall this was an extremely satisfying read. I never expected the villains identity.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author for my unbiased opinion.

This book was actually a very enjoyable read. Like with any read I had a few areas that I felt like should have been different but as far as form and character development this was well written. I like the mystery and twisted mind of the stalker. I love how the hero went through great trails to keep Mrs. Pennyworth safe risking his own life. The story came with a lot of mystery and twist eventually a HEA. Worth the read.

I really liked Charlotte and Elliot's story! I really liked the mystery portion of the story.

I really enjoyed Charlotte. She came from modest means, but that didn't stop her from making her way in the world. After getting married, her life seemed to be on the right track. Even though her husband died a month after the marriage, he had left her well suited. She was finally secure in her life, until some unwanted packages started arriving for her. She hires Elliot to figure out who is sending them. They are quite taken with each other from the start and that just seems to aggravate the sender even more. Can Charlotte's past have something to do with the unwelcome packages? Will Charlotte and Elliot solve this mystery before one of them is seriously injured or even killed?

This was different from Hutton's other work and I hope she continues to write more like it as I was throughly entertained!

Publisher's Description:

From USA Today Bestselling Author Callie Hutton is a new captivating and suspenseful historical romance...

Recently widowed, Charlotte Pennyworth is relishing her independence and it rankles to have to rely on a man to help her with an increasingly sinister stalker. Former Yardman, Elliot Baker, is reluctant to take on Charlotte's case but despite himself and his history with another woman, he is drawn to the bright, attractive widow.

Sparks smolder between the PI and his client but neither is looking to form an attachment. Elliot thinks Charlotte is hiding something. Charlotte has no desire to marry again, especially to a private investigator, no matter how handsome, brave and kind he is. The risk to his life and her heart is too great. But more dangerous than a menacing stalker is secrets and if Charlotte's come to light, even the passion between them might not douse the flames of Elliot's distrust.

My Thoughts:

Who is the mysterious person leaving sometimes horrible and unwanted gifts on the steps of Charlotte Pennyworth's home?
After making an unhelpful trip to Scotland Yard when she finds a couple of gruesome things on her doorsteps, Charlotte seeks the help of a former Yardman turned PI, although it rankles her to need the assistance of any man.
Elliot Baker really doesn't want to help. After all he has reasons to not trust women in general. He is certain that Charlotte is hiding something and indeed she is.
The better the two get to know each other the more Charlotte is certain that she is right in keeping her secret, although her feelings for Elliot are becoming stronger.
Will Charlotte's secret be linked to her stalker? Will her secret lead to her downfall?
These are questions that will be answered late in this convoluted tale.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. The couple holds off on any real intimacy for an extended period of time as both feel that they may be anticipating a relationship that simply can not be.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title by invitation from the publisher via NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Very slow moving for a mystery. I didn't feel the connection between the main characters. Who was leaving the packages was a mystery til the end so I appreciated that. Can't say I'd read this book again.

I do love a Victorian suspense novel. It is not Jack the Ripper inspired but a parallel story in the same world. Elliott is a private investigator who is a manly guy, not flirtatious, and has a way of seeing things as right or wrong. No in between for Elliott. Charlotte is also a very nice person but has a secret. Seeing Elliott and Charlotte navigate their way through the suspense of the stalker and finding love in the interim was wonderful to read (even through the major bump at the end). The mystery in this story is quite good. I had a hard time figuring out the villain until they were revealed. Can Elliott let go of his past? Can Charlotte let someone in?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are honest and I hope fair. Well! Didn't this come as a surprise. Not only is there chemistry between the hero and heroine but quite a mystery as well. Kept me intrigued!