First, you must get past the idiotic and untrue title. Sophia Monmouth is not a virgin and Lord Gray was not ruined. Now, get ready for a clever mystery, a perplexing heroine, and a hero who blushes. Sophia grew up at the mysterious Clifford School for girls when Lady Clifford found her at the age of six or seven covered in her murdered mother’s blood. How did Lady Clifford know to go look for the child? I don’t know. Fast forward about 15 years. Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray, a former Bow Street Runner, looks out the window and sees a boy lying on the roof of his next door neighbor. Or does he? Now the excitement begins. Prison escapes, chases through graveyards, and the body count rising all while falling in love! I can’t wait to find out more about the Clifford School. Is Lady Clifford on the right side of the law? Is she really having a steamy affair? How did the other three girls come to be there? So many questions I hope are answered in upcoming books.

Melt-your-Kindle hot and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! Anna Bradley has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance authors. I look forward to anything she releases! The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray is the first in her new series - The Swooning Virgins Society. The books has a decidedly darker grittier feel than her previous books and features a prominent murder mystery story-line. We follow Sophia Monmouth, a pupil at the mysterious Clifford School For Wayward Girls, as she fearlessly sets out to exonerate her dear friend after he's been convicted of a gruesome murder. Sophia quickly crosses paths with stern former Bow Street Runner Lord Gray. I was quickly swept up in the thrill of the story and really enjoyed Sophia and Tristan's chemistry-filled enemies-to-friends-to-lovers journey. My one criticism is the title - it is catchy, but it just doesn't make sense after reading the book. I cannot wait for the next in the series!

Ms Bradley is a favorite author of mine and I usually love her books, but this wasn't one of those books I loved. I almost stopped reading after only a few chapters--just didn't hold my interest. My first criticism was the title. It doesn't really apply to the book. Once I got past the first couple of chapters, the plot began to pick up.

I did love Tristan. He was so honorable and willing to listen to Sophia, at least when he got to know her a little better. The 3 stars is for the mystery running throughout the book. That was clever and interesting. While this book didn't rate high for me, I'll be interested in reading more books for this talented author.

This is a book where the characters really sit with you after you have finished the last page. Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray, is a man who a woman wants by her side, and in her boudoir. He is a strong man with righteous morals, but also a man with compassion and love to give. Sophia Monmouth is a woman who is also strong, and independent, but not so independent that she will not take help when she is in need.

The story revolves around Sophia needing to find justice for a friend who has been accused of murder, and Tristan also also wants to find justice for a friend. His friend, however, is the man who was murdered. Their goals seem at odds, and of course like any good romance, that sets up for a clash of wills, and attraction.

When Sophia realizes she needs Lord Gray to help her to free her friend, she challenges him to go against some of his set in stone morality; to face the true colors of the life of those beneath his station. This is compounded by his previous job of having been a Bow Street Runner who was used to following the laws by the book. Sophia’s methods slide more to the other side of the law.

In their pursuit of justice, they also find attraction, and that is where the best part of the book lies. The author has woven the mystery, and justice story very brilliantly into the falling love, and tension all lovers of the romance genre enjoy. You cheer for their relationship, and feel the emotions as you turn the pages into the next chapter.

This is the kind of book you stay up all night to read, and hate that your eyes get heavy. You fall into the world and get lost in the atmosphere and the lives of the characters, so much, you almost feel like they are your close friends. When the book is over, they stay with you; and truthfully, I had a bit of a book hangover from it.

This, is to be the beginning of a new series, I believe, and the other ladies in the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls which Sophia resided I am sure will most likely be part of the other books. I am particular interested in knowing more about several of them, and anxiously await the next novel.

Anna Bradley has started this new series with an bang! Sophia and Tristan are more alike then either would care to admit. They soon discover that they need each other to solve a mystery haunting Bow Street. They soon discover that just solving this case and going their separate ways won't ever be enough for either of them.

Sophia Monmount was rescued by Lady Clifford when she was an orphan. Lady Clifford then trains orphans to help her get justice against aristocrats. Sophia sneaks around London at night dressed as a boy trying to clear her friend from a false murder charge. She's much more than a wilting virginal heroine you often find and I liked that about her.

Tristian Stratford is the second son of an earl who trained as a Bow Street Runner. With the death of his older brother, Tristian now finds himself an earl and he's bored of the trappings. He meets Sophia in a manner that is far from typical after retiring from his Bow Runner days where he was known as the Ghost.

Their relationship grows, as they try to solve the murder charge against her friend. Tristian thinks society works as it is set up, so he's a bit of a rule follower, but Sophia doesn't see that is true for the members of the lower class, so she is set on breaking them which drives him a bit nutty and I loved their interactions.

It is the first book in a series, so it sets the reader up for some characters I think will show up later. I hope Sophia and Tristian also appear in later books!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bwmurf's review Aug 01, 2020 · edit
really liked it
bookshelves: arc, netgalley

** spoiler alert ** I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been on a historical romance binge lately and saw this recommended in a Facebook group so I joined Netgalley just to request this book. I don’t see myself being great at writing reviews but in order to read this I decided to give it a go. Usually my reviews just say what I liked and what I didn’t, but I will try to be a little more detailed. I think that’s what may be expected.

I’m a huge fan of the unconventional heroine in historical romance, other romances too but def historical. Sophia is an unconventional heroine, she is not part of the ton or a lady. Honestly I’m not sure how you would classify her. When Tristian first sees her (on top of his neighbor’s roof) he believes she is a boy and a thief, also that she is dead. Tristian used to be a Bow Street Runner but since his older brother passed away he is now an Earl. He’s a reluctant Earl and looking for distraction because he finds being a lord boring and doesn’t want to go to the country and deal with his matchmaking mother. So thinking there is a dead boy on his neighbors roof he goes to check it out. And thus begins their adventure. Thank you Netgalley for giving me this book for an honest review.

This is my first time reading this author and I wasn’t disappointed and will definitely be checking out more books by her.

4.5 stars - The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray is a satisfying tale of two people finding love where they least expect it. She’s a loyal and fearless orphan turned crusader. He’s a revered and feared former bow street runner turned earl. Together they are fired and ice and more alike than either could have imaged. The only thing that doesn’t make sense is the title. The heroine isn’t a Virgin and admits as much toward the end of the book. The Pixie Who Ruined Lord Gray, would be a more appropriate title. Regardless of the title, it’s a great read. I recommend it!

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

I haven’t ever read a book that was placed in this time period and I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t like it. I LOVED it!! It was such a fun romance. It had mystery, thrilling aspects and of course romance that was just addicting!!

The spectacularly fabulous author, Anna Bradley, sent me an ARC of "The Virgin who Ruined Lord Gray." This is the first book in her new series of The Swooning Virgins Society... what a catchy name for a new series. Sophia Monmouth and Tristan Stratford, former Bow Street runner, now the Earl of Gray, meet in the most unexpected, never-could-have-imagined scenario. There's an instant mutual attraction and sparks flying all across. The book was so intriguing that I had a hard time finding a moment to stop and write down what I liked about it because I loved every moment. Together, they both try to solve a murder mystery while fighting their feelings. Simply Spectacular!

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an intriguing romantic mystery with a strong heroine and a solid hero. Although it was a bit more mystery than romance, the storyline kept you on your toes. Worth the read.

3. 5 stars
This is the first book I've read by this author. This book was very exciting. I was much intrigued by the murder mystery crime suspense and romance all thrown in the mix together. The character background and build up was well written with plenty of descriptions and events. I also want to add that when reading it's very important to me that I have physical description. Why? Because I want to know how the people I'm reading about looks like, and the author did a really good job on that too.

I also loved how it had a heroine disguised as a male trope feel to it in the beginning when the H met the h. With that being said that particular scene was one of my favorites. I loved how sophia met Tristan. How he thought he was chasing a meek little boy, and how wrong was he? Well He was wrong because when he realized he was a she it was love at first sight even if he didn't know it. There was instant mutual attraction between the two.

The only thing that did start to overwhelm me was the crime, the mystery, and chase. It started to swallow up the romance part in the book which made me feel a little torn. In my honest opinion there was more crime-murder-mystery in it verses the romance in this book. But the heated moments they shared were lit. How one simple kiss turned into a desperate need. I just loved loved her love scenes!

After reading this book eventhough I felt the crime part overtook the romance I still very much enjoyed it. It was a first, something different, and something new. I definitely look forward to reading her other books. Lastly just because I felt this way I know for sure some y'all would love the crime and mystery part.

Tristan Stratford has left Bow Street to take up the Gray family earldom after his elder brother’s death. Out of his depth and mired in grief of a fellow runner, he doesn’t want to leave London until he’s seen a murderer swing. But what if they arrested the wrong man?

That doubt is brought to him in the form of a breeches wearing, shadow clinging, feisty student of the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls, Miss Sophia Monmouth. Her simple friend, Jermey, could never murder anyone and she clashes with Lord Gray while she investigates who the real killer might be. As they dance together close to danger, the fiery passion simmers to the surface to the point of no return.

Anna Bradley has started this series with an explosive novel that will have you second-guessing at every turn. The explosive love story entwined with a complicated mystery had me devouring every word. The world she built is incredibly accurate and drops some interesting facts from the time period.

One of Lady Clifford’s girls is off the market. Who will be next? Could one of them find happiness with Lord Gray’s best mate, Lord Lyndon? I’m anxiously awaiting another story about The Swooning Virgins Society.

This book was a fun read. The heroine, Sophia, is not afraid of danger and will stop at nothing to get to the truth. She seems to have found her perfect match when she becomes entangled with the books hero, Tristan. Tristan can’t keep himself away from Sophia. They are the perfect pair. It kept me involved until the very end.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Lyrical Press for gifting me an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
<i>The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray</i> follows Sophia Monmouth and Lord Gray whose paths cross when Lord Gray spots Sophia on the roof of his neighbors home. Soon, he learns that she is a pupil at the Clifford School and might be entangled in something that interest him. Sophia never expected to be followed by the Ghost of Bow Street but when she becomes entangled with him and a plot bigger than she can handle on her own, she starts to realize he is more than his name.
Oh man I really liked this book and need to read Anna Bradley's backlist now! As I stated above, I did receive an ARC of this book and I am so glad that I did. I'm so excited for other people to pick this book up when it becomes available in October.
First off, I loved the characters in this book. I will always be drawn to strong female characters who defy societies norms in historical romance novels so this was pretty much made for me. I also really love the grumpy earls who open up to the woman they fall for which is exactly what Lord Gray was. It was really interesting to see how they come from two different schools of thought due to their backgrounds. Sophia has not had the easiest life by any means and has had to always stay strong due to the circumstances she has found herself in. Lord Gray has a privileged upbringing but his own thoughts of the law and what is right and wrong are called into play in this and the reader starts to see him change.
I also really loved the friendship between Sophia and the fellows girls at the school she is at. IT's very clear that Lady Clifford loves all her girls who are at the school and they have become the best of friends. The girls have a club that I really loved and found to be funny and sweet. I can't wait to see more of them and their friendships in the next book.
I really liked the plot of this book. It was a mystery that really kept me invested in the story. There was a few plot twists I didn't see coming near the end that had me on the edge of my seta and not wanting to stop reading. I pretty much flew through this book because the plot kept me very compelled and I wanted to know more. The reason this got a 4.5 though was that there was some things in the plot that weren't resolved but I know there will be a second book in this series so I am hoping that they will be resolved in that book.
The romance was really sweet and I loved seeing the two grow to care for each other. They were a couple who challenged each others beliefs and I really enjoyed that about them. They were willing to listen to the other person and let their world views be challenged. There was a lot of respect nad permission asked in this novel which I really enjoyed as well.
If you love historical romance novels and are a looking for a new one that will suck you in right from the beginning, definitely pick this one up. It was a prefect balance of a love story and the mystery that was prevalent in it. I'm so happy I received an ARC of this and have been opened up to this author's work. This book comes out October 27, 2020.

3.5 stars

I had enjoyed Anna Bradley's previous books and had no qualms trying this and I was not disappointed.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It had all the tropes that I liked - A stern Hero who is actually a marshmallow inside :) Tristan is my absolute favorite kind of hero. I like a good man turned good as much as the other person, but there is something to be said about a Man who is good and yet slightly dangerous so not boring. Sophia was also a darling. I admire how the book struck the right balance in her character by her not being a pushover and yet not pushy. I loved that she was a woman of agency and their chemistry was so good.
It also had good class struggle although that was ultimately on part of heroine.

Then come the friendships, as always I am a sucker for a good bromance and sismance and there was this in spades here. The women friendships was so good and I can't wait to read about their future adventures.

As I mentioned earlier, they had fantastic chemistry and although the romance aspect of the book was not the major focal point, I believed in their story, journey and HEA. That is not an easy thing to do especially in a book that had a murder mystery that needed solving but the author did a great job of building the world.

TBH The 2 things I didn't really care for were the title (LOL) and the mystery I felt was quite amateurish. I think I knew the bad guy almost immediately.

All in all, this was a lovely book. It had great pace and awesome characters. Give it a try if you adore feisty women and the men that love them.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

This was great! I truly enjoyed all the different angles and plot twists. These characters were so well written and I was instantly hooked! I am anxious to read more in this series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There was a perfect mix of romance and mystery, all while remaining within the historical period in which the story was set. The dialogue is fantastic and I truly enjoyed trying to figure out who was the true villain of the story before the big reveal! I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. If you're looking for romance and lovely and suspense, you got it!

This was a brilliant work. I loved how Anna Bradley created a world of independent, cunning and strong heroines, with a strong hero who has a soft spot for this heroine.