If you like books that have a lot of twists and turns this is it. What I liked was how the main character Lana life well fitted the plot of the story. Cover was pretty, but the book plot made me turn pages so fast, I have not noticed that I am almost at the end of the book. That made a bit sad, because the book was super great!

Reckless in Red is another great in the Muses’ Salon series. Clive, one of the Somerville brothers, has his opportunity for love when he meets Lena, an artist. This is a romantic mystery with a true who done it plot. There are several unexpected twists as Lena slowly begins to love and trust Clive. Trust does not come easily to Lena and love is even more difficult for her.

I liked the way Ms. Miles gives glimpses of Lena’s prior life. You know there is something that is going to cause problems to their love. Those glimpses are revealed slowly of the Lena’s life and how she was mistreated are revealed causing her to not trust anyone.

Having read the previous books in the series, I was already somewhat familiar with Clive and his family. Being a younger son, Clive went into the medical profession and became an investigator. He believes in the use of cadavers for research, but not in the methods by which some of the bodies are procured. This adds to the mystery of who is causing problems for Lena.

Lena made herself into a strong, resilient woman who is still caring of others. Circumstances in her life have given her a bit of an edge, but not unnecessarily so as you will see.

The Muses’ Salon series has been thoroughly enjoyable series that can be read as standalone books or is even better read in sequence. Ms. Miles uses previous characters from her books as secondary characters here, in addition to some great ones that are part of Lena’s life.

Complex and convoluted and completely gripping to me.

I loved this, because the mystery was allowed to develop well, the setting - an artist, working on panoramas was fascinating to read about, as was the part of the plot about the Resurrectionists, and body snatching. I really enjoyed the gothic suspense of this story. I also found Lena, as a character very compelling, her difficult childhood, how she was trying to hold her plans and life together with little support and practically no resources, including her inability to trust and confide in Colin, which was very believable. I thought that the plot with the villains Charters and Flute well done, and Colin and his family were a delight. I did struggle a bit with the cast of thousands, but I loved the POC representation, the strong women living differently from the aristocracy, which is what we normally read in this setting, and the idea of the muses salon. On the strength of this ARC, I have bought the other books in the series and read 2 of them.

Highly recommended

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

Lena Frost has survived without family or funds and is well on her way to establishing herself as an artist in England after 10 years in France. Her latest exhibition is shaping up to be a great success until her partner absconds with all her money and she finds a dead body in her rooms. Now she has a handsome investigator breathing down her neck and must decide how much she dares entrust him with, if anything at all.

Lord Clive Somerville wears many hats: he moves in high society as a duke's younger son, is a respected surgeon and teacher, and he moonlights as a secret investigator for the Home Office. It is in this latter capacity that Lena appears on his radar and he's determined to learn what she's hiding. But the more time he spends with her, the more protective he becomes of her and the more he begins to think she is just another victim of a larger crime ring. It soon becomes apparent that there is more going on than was first evident and it may all be part of a larger conspiracy that could have dire consequences for them both.

You chance spoilers from here on; though I've tried not to add them, it does tend to happen when I rant.

I have some mixed feelings about this one. There was a large cast of characters from previous books that were a bit of a struggle to keep straight, but what really confused me was the simple fact that some things just didn't make good sense. Some scenes are told from the point of view of the villains, which was interesting, but this just made it difficult to keep track of all the different villainous elements at play here. I kept thinking we were going to get this great mind-blowing twist with the two masterminds and it never came so that was a bit disappointing, though perhaps this is being saved for later books in the series.

I enjoyed the mystery and suspense aspect of the story, but I definitely felt like the romance element took a back seat, especially because much of the time Lena is just being one of the prickly "independent" women that seem to be so popular now and she just came off as hateful to me; even she acknowledged the unfairness of her behavior at times but she didn't really ever change it. Much of the time Lena is just being awful to Clive while he's just trying to help and keep her safe which also doing his job as an investigator. I also felt that both Clive and Lena kept making stupid decisions that didn't mesh with the intelligence their characters previously demonstrated and came off as a sloppy way to keep them engaged with the villains and just had me rolling my eyes and literally yelling out loud at them. It also didn't make sense that Lena was the daughter of a wealthy baron but her inheritance was just a house and land; this didn't jive with other mentions of it in the story and leads me to think that perhaps the attempted complexity here got just a bit out of hand with too many twists to keep track of.

Also, I'm all for twists in a plot line when they're well done, but that last one seemed wholly unfair to Clive and unnecessary for the a story that already felt like it was dragging. Despite the mystery and suspense, the pacing was rather slow, especially when it came to the romance, and their intimate scenes together were a letdown after how long their chemistry and tension was built. This book also hit some pet peeves of mine: the characters are kept apart for a time due to their lack of communication, a plot device I detest; Lena is very hypocritical at times, becoming angry with Clive for being less than forthcoming with her (while he's in the midst of a murder investigation mind you) and yet she is withholding major parts of herself and her story from him, despite the fact that he has been much more open with her.

Overall, this story was interesting and kept enough loose ends for me to want to continue the series. The writing itself was good and I'll try something else from this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story of an exceptional artist and the physician/investigator/brother of a duke had a very slow beginning, but the ending more than made up for it. Lena was an interesting character and Clive was instantly like able. The only reason it is not a five star read for me is the mystery was confusing and took the reader in too many circles. 4 stars.

Reckless in Red by Rachael Miles
Muses Salon #4

Complex, complicated and completely captivating...this book had my attention from the first to the last page!

What I liked:
* The time period
* The slow unfolding of the story
* The strength of the main male and female characters
* Learning about Panoramas and how they were created as well as what a big deal they must have been long ago
* Clive’s family...all of them
* The intrigue provided by the spy-factor
* Resurrectionist information shared in the story
* The mystery and quest Lena and Clive were involved in
* The Muses and the strength of the women together
* The path Clive chose to follow as a younger son
* The slow building of trust between Clive and Lena
* The way Lena thought in terms of color, composition and character – it reminded me of taking up watercolor and how I began to see the world in a completely different way
* and more

What I did not like:
* Charters (& Flute)….think he must eventually, in this series, get his comeuppance (at least I hope so!)
* Lena’s father and the woman who ran the school she attended for awhile
* The horrible childhood that Lena endured
* The lack of value some put on a human life
* Having to say goodbye to the characters at the end of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This is the first story I have read by this author and I have to say it pulled me in and did not let go until the end! Her detailed descriptions had me feeling I was there with the characters and could also imagine walking in their steps and feeling their thoughts. I was wrapped in the mystery immediately when the heroine Lena found her business partner Horatio gone and the money they had collected to open the exhibition with him. But there was a note with one word on it "RUN." It was at that time when she was alone that a man, looking like a classical god come to life! She was able to escape acting like she was looking for someone too.
The journey is long, filled with a lot of twist and turns, mystery, suspense, secrets and a slow romance that makes you want to hurry and turn the pages to see what will happen.
I really want to go back and start at the beginning and catch up on the other characters who appear.
If you like a mystery with your history and romance, you cannot miss with this great story. Thank you Netgallery and the Publisher for helping me find this new author! Looking forward to reading more

Lena is about to open her panorama where she hopes to finally get recognition for her artistic endeavors. But just a few weeks prior to it opening, her business partner goes missing with all the subscription money and leaves a cryptic message. The same day that her business partner and the money go missing, Clive comes snooping around her office. She lies to him about who she is as she doesn't know what he wants. Hopefully she'll never see him again...

Clive is a physician and is trying to solve a string of murders. Lena's missing business partner reached out to him, saying that he had evidence that would help Clive. When he arrives to talk to him, he runs into Lena. He is intrigued by her, but doesn't look beyond the image she portray herself as.

They soon meet up again and Clive learns who Lena really is. They both realize that her life is in danger and work together to find the culprits. As they spend more and more time together, they develop feeling for each other. Can this painter and son of a duke find their HEA with each other?

I loved Lena and Clive's story! Lena is scared to share much about herself as she doesn't know if she can trust Clive, therefore the romance starts out slowly. But it was enjoyable to watch the slow burn as they were both very attracted to the other from the beginning. I loved seeing some of the other Muses as I've throughly enjoyed this whole series! This was a great addition to the Muses' Salon series!

4.5 stars - First, I think this book is misnamed. It should be Resilient in Red or Vindication Wrapped in Vermillion. The heroine is the stuff of legend. Born of a gentleman but treated like chattel, often when her father was in a mood or always after being sent off to school, the heroine has grown, endured, and again and again transformed herself into someone new to survive. She is a brilliant artist who is eager and afraid of love and trust in equal measure. The hero is equally admirable. Handsome, yes, but loyal, smart and kind too. He is likely the only man worthy of the gift that the heroine proves to be.

It’s a delightful read full of villains you live to hate, friends and family overflowing with love and a few folks you can quite get a read in until the very end. I loved it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rachael Miles is a new author to me! Unfortunately I wasn't in love with this book.

Lena has been abandoned by her partner close to the opening of her artistic panorama. Workers have begun to go missing, and all that was left for her was a note telling her to "RUN".

Clive is a surgeon, promising to solve the murders of 6 men to date.

They meet when Lena meets a friend of a friend and begins painting lessons with her daughter.

This book, I think a lot of people would like. If you enjoy a mystery aspect especially, this plot just keeps on going with that.

For me, I just found the romance so boring. The book itself isn't boring, but I read romance for the romance. 20% in they had barely had a conversation. One that lasted only a few moments. Just a snoozefest to me.

It does start to pick up a bit after that. I feel like this story is much more murder/mystery with a hint of romance versus romance with a hint of mystery to drive the plot along. So not for me, sadly.

Reckless in Red by Rachael Miles is book 4 in The Muses' Salon Series. This is the story of Clive Somerville and Lena Frost. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Lena has worked hard to get her art out there and to get by on her own accord. But then the unthinkable happens that seems to be taking her dream away. Clive is doing some investigation for the Home Office that brings him to Lena who he is trying to figure out what is going on with her as a victim or something else. Enjoyed their story.

Lena Frost is a force to be reckoned with. A woman who has made her way in society without family or fortune, she’s about to realize her first big success as an artist then her business partner makes off with her money, leaving her with little more than her hopes. Clive Somerville is a doctor working on a secret investigation for the Home Office &has him determined to uncover Lena’s hidden agenda. But the closer he gets to her, the more he longs to be her protector.
An interesting read that was more of a mystery, murder story I felt the romance took second billing. A well written book, which I found a little difficult to get in to but once I’d read a few pages, I was hooked & eagerly read to find the outcome. I liked both Clive & Lena both were strong characters . I liked how Lena’s story was gradually revealed & the more that was revealed the more her actions become more believable. There are still issues to be resolved so I look forward to the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Rachael Miles’ fourth book in The Muses Salon series tells the story on Lena Frost, portrait and escape artist. Lena has been running from her past for a long time, and very possibly it has caught up with her. With the help of swoon-worthy Clive Somerville, she is going to have to face up to her enemies whether she is ready or not.

While some parts of Lena’s story stretch credibility, this is a fast-moving tale with interesting and unusual characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The highly anticipated fourth book in The Muses' Salon series by Rachael Miles is titled Reckless in Red. A historical romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet with steamy romance! The characters are complex and intriguing, sure to engage your emotions while you invest in their lives and happiness. Miles is a remarkable storyteller and it shows in her writing. She weaves together a hint of mystery and danger into a historical romance that will have you turning the pages quickly. The perfect blend of mystery, romance, and intrigue. I can't wait to read the next book in The Muses' Salon series.

It's been a while since my last Rachael Miles book and I had forgotten how very much I enjoy her writing. Her characters are complex and intriguing, engaging my emotions while ensuring my full investment in their lives and happiness.

In Reckless in Red, Miles returns to the Somerville family for the story of younger brother, Clive, a physician researcher and special agent for the Home Office, and Lena Frost, a gifted artist with a mysterious past. I really enjoyed these two. They are so perfect for one another. Miles gives them many layers that she unravels slowly and skillfully as the story progresses. With each reveal, I found myself caring more deeply for that character; more invested in them. In particular, my heart ached for what Lena had endured and I admired her strength and determination all the more.

A talented storyteller, Miles also weaves an intricately crafted thread of mystery and danger that binds the couple even tighter together as they work to find Lena's missing partner, solve several mysterious murders, and, most importantly, stay alive themselves. I enjoy mystery mixed with my romance and this series has an enjoyable blend of it.

Another aspect of Miles' writing that I enjoy is her attention to detail. In this book, the technical and historical details relating to both Lena's and Clive's careers add an extra layer of richness to the story. I love finishing a novel, having been entertained, emotionally engaged, and gaining new knowledge.

Many of Clive's family members are prominently featured in this book along with some new characters and one persistent villain whose unmasking I am most eagerly anticipating. Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with the Somervilles while those new to Miles' books should have no difficulty jumping in with Reckless in Red.

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is book 4 in the Muses series. This is the story of Clive and Lena.
I consider this a romantic mystery thriller. Clive is investigating the mysterious deaths of Emigrees showing up in his surgery school. His investigation takes him to a Mr. Calder, where he meets Lena. They are both looking for Mr. Calder, who is Lena's business partner. They decide to look for him together. As people around Lena start turning up dead, Clive becomes concerned and protective. There is an attraction between them. They both feel it.
But who is committing these murders and why? The investigation becomes dangerous, as at the same time their relationship grows.
I enjoyed this book. It was for the most part fast moving and kept you guessing. I like her characters and their personalities.
I did find the conversations among the ressurectionists confusing at times. And we do and we don't know who's responsible.
I'd like to thank netgalley for the chance to review this book.

This was one of those novels that while well written, was also a bit confusing. It wasn't confusing because it was the fourth in a series, let me be clear on that, it was confusing because a lot of it just didn't make sense.

I can get behind the fact that no one recognized Lena despite her name changes. Moving around the way she did makes sense. I didn't quite understand why her inheritance was merely a house, but even without that, the moment she moved to collect said inheritance, it would have put her right back in the crosshairs of the people she was trying to avoid so doing what she did made the whole thing seem unnecessary. Especially when you factor in what it did to Clive.

Another flaw that I found with this story is that at times, it drags on. Even with the fact that it changes points of view in certain areas, I didn't feel utterly captivated by this story. I did enjoy Lena's firey survivalist personality, and I thought it meshed well with Clive's. Despite the fact that they both harbored some pretty serious secrets and were slow to trust anyone, those qualities made their eventual trust of each other more believable (and more endearing).

All things considered, I know there are people who will enjoy this story more than I did, and I would definitely read more from this author as I have read other works in this particular series and enjoyed them.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Over a sinus infection quarantine weekend, I read Book #2 of this series (which has one of all-time favorite tropes, "hiding from danger and/or investigating something uncover"), then this ARC, and finally Book #3. (I didn't read #1 because it doesn't look like my thing.) Miles does a nice job taking the things you're used to seeing and spinning them in a fresh (albeit not groundbreaking) way. Of the three, this book was my least favorite, but I still enjoyed it, and the fact that it kept me reading for 3 of the 4 books available in the series when I have approximately 7 million other things to read pays a big compliment.

<b>✓s</b>: Overall, I liked the book solidly across the board: characterization, plot, & etc. The thing that worked the best for me, however, was Clive and Lena's jobs, particularly Clive's. I don't necessarily dislike a random viscount investigating a crime or a duke serving as part of the Home Office despite the reality factor because: 1) I prefer reading mystery and crime-based plots (or at least books with those elements) and most of the time, people want the characters to be lords, so whatever, make that money, authors; 2) I'm not exactly reading these for the accuracy and realism factor; and 3) occasionally, it will make sense. Clive's job functions really well here, though; he had a legit reason to look into things, a reasonable connection to the home office, it served the plot well, and it made his character (and the book) stand out. <spoiler>[Spoiler: since it's not mentioned in the summary (although it is in previous books in the series and it's mentioned early on in the book), I'll spoiler tag that Clive is a physician, and because of that, he kind of works as a medical examiner type person for the Home Office, although he obviously goes way beyond that role at times like a TV police procedural ME. [/spoiler]</spoiler> Likewise, Lena has a regular job, and that job is the thing that brought the investigation to her and that kept her involved.

<b>Neutrals/Possible Negatives</b>: So, if you haven't read the other books, the family plays a strong role and has a steady presence in the book. I think you can follow along without reading the other books without much problem, but while I had read Book #2 before and liked seeing them again (especially Colin and Lucy—I was beyond thrilled for them) you probably won't appreciate their presence as much and they'd probably clutter the book for you a bit.

<b>✘s</b>: The plot stalled a few times and could've used some sharpening, sometimes a few too many elements feel slapped together for the sake of it, and while I understood the reasoning behind some of Lena's actions, my brain screamed <a href="http://giphygifs.s3.amazonaws.com/media/1MsVgdR7uWECY/giphy.gif">tell him the truth</a> more than once or twice. Also, I appreciate the idea of the Muses' Salon, but it sometimes feels a little forced and gimick-y? (Or is that just because I'm an introvert loner who sucks at joining things?)

<b>tl;dr</b>: 3.5, and a series/author I'll keep an eye out for, yay!

Disclaimer: Thanks Netgalley & publisher for the free ARC, with no incentive or coercion on your parts.

Will he be able to win her trust when she is determined to save herself alone...

I confess even if intriguing, this story has a slow beginning then a secondary line in the plot confused me.
The author takes its time introducing her protagonists, setting the plot and giving some pointers about their background.
During a time, I followed with them the leads and clues, eager to learn with them who was after Lena.
Then they lost me, too many protagonists from previous books, and probably the too many mysteries behind Lena’s past and her silence about it.
There were so many secrets, so many different Lena and only few hints were given, some flashbacks to keep me in suspense but the more importants were kept silent, which unbalanced the story.
Clive is no complicated guy, he is kind and caring, so much he was branded and nicknamed for his good deeds. But it does not stop him to keep going and he still help as much as he can.
So when entranced by Lena, he is drawn to her and will do anything to protect and save her, if only she lets him in.
He is an easy soul, he knows his place in society but it did not deter him to make his own on his own schedule, he became a forensic surgeon to give answers and serve his country.

While Lena is a puzzle, who is she truly.
A glimpse of a part of her past is quickly revealed, as it explains her present situation, then some recalls slide to older memories, adding a piece to house of cards her life is. So yes, I was sad for what she went through as a young girl, the abuses she suffered would have destroyed many persons.
She is a chameleon, the most important parts of herself, she kept secret until the very far end.
Because of her different experiences, she appears to trust no one, she seems weary of men and women but at the same time, her path crossed with great peoples who helped her, she learned under the tutelage of a talented woman, she has an associate and she will require the Muses’ help.
Why I was conflicted with her, she refuses to confide in Clive when every day he proves her he is a trustworthy fellow, ready to jump in front of her to protect her, never dismissing her for being a woman, but she at the end goes to others.
The worst is the last twist, I saw it coming for what it was but the pain it caused to Clive was nearly unbearable.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.

I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Kensington.
Here is my true and honest opinion.

Lena Frost has known hardship in her life, but she's a survivor and she's determined to be judged by her artistic talent and not by her sex. Clive Somerville comes across Lena in his work for the Home Office. The more time he spends with her, the more he wants to help her. Her hired craftsmen are disappearing, later to be found murdered. Someone wants her new panorama exhibit to fail and Clive is determined to find out who the murderer is all the while trying to keep Lena safe.

I enjoyed this book although it did start out slow in the beginning. The mystery of who the murderer is kept the book moving along. Lena is a strong character, unused to anyone offering help and she tries to keep her distance from Clive. All too soon, however, she finds herself craving the company of Clive. If she's not careful, she'll not only lose her livelihood, but also her heart to the handsome lord. The ending is full of twists and turns, but I didn't like that one of the threads was left unresolved.