The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz

In the twilight of a November evening, Sir Henry March comes across a badly beaten
Eliza Broad, and takes her to his home.

This was a sizzling sexy book, Also included government spy’s and conspiracies. I liked learning more about this period in history. Well-plotted with good, strong characters. I enjoyed this book.

Thank you Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for review.

This novel delivered much that I wasn't expecting!

On the surface, it's a typical historical novel of a woman escaping her evil stepfather, and finding her place in the world against the odds. But be warned, there are sexually explicit scenes, depictions of violence, and actually... some really graphic sexual violence too.

If you're OK with this, then it's a great read. Personally, I felt that some of the explicit details in some of the sexual scenes were unnecessary (they did nothing to advance the plot or help us understand the characters) and in some cases detracted from the believability of the characters. Eliza is possibly a little unconvincing as a genuinely Victorian girl (some of her behaviour is a bit too modern I think) but I brushed this aside enough to read to the end.

I'll be interested to see where the author takes this in the next book as I believe this is the first of a series. I think I've got a fairly good idea what the "twist" will be, but how it's going to be delivered is something I'll watch for.

This is a historical Regency London novel full of intrigue, spying, romance, and more. This first in a series novel is well written with great characters. It involves a naive girl’s rescue from a cruel home situation and her introduction to a new way of life in aristocratic London. Besides learning culture, she is thrust into the cruel, stadistic underworld of traitors and sex traffickers. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting an interesting twist to the Regency era. I was given a copy of this book from Net Galley for my honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so sad about this one. I think this is going to be a wonderful book, and I encourage you to pick it up and give this a try, enjoy the beautiful writing and be taken away by the adventure, but I'm so sorry this was hugely triggering for me so I couldn't finish it.

The premise here is really cool. I love a Historical novel, I love a mystery, and I was excited to see how this one blends my favourite genres, but fair warning: there is some very graphic and brutal scenes very early on, and I just couldn't get past those.... I had to step away, and I did come back and read a little further, but I just couldn't get beyond that violence.

I do think the writing is exceptional, and I do think this will appeal to many. This book will definitely be enjoyed by lovers of HF and Mystery. I urge you to give this a go!

Sadly, a DNF.

I liked the summary of this book and thought it would be like the spy thrillers I enjoy reading. While there was enough action in the beginning of the book to keep me interested, I was surprised by the vulgar language. I was willing to get past that and keep reading until I got to the point where Eliza and Sir Henry have sexual relations. I did not care for the detailed description of the sex and wondered if I was reading erotica. I also thought there would be more intrigue into Sir Henry and his spying (I assume for the Crown.)

Unfortunately I won’t be finishing this book because I don’t read romance/erotica novels.

This was a good “knight on a white horse” story. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, but there was a lot of “telling” happening here. The action of the story seemed to drag due to the lack of descriptive language. It’s rather difficult to explain, but I hope that some editing happened before publication.

I really don't know where to start with this review, as I both enjoyed and disliked this book dependant of the chapter I was reading. The dislike was the in detail sexual scenes, they were not needed and did nothing to enrich the story, in fact it was almost like reading soft porn. I am not a prude no where near one but it all became slightly ridiculous and as I say have nothing to add to the story at all. On to the main story and the crime section, now this was good and a true reflection of how men treated women at the time the book is set. The story set a fast pace owards the end and left just enough intrigue to set up the following book in the series.
I have deducted a star based on the content that was not needed, but this aside this is a good read for a set weekend

really started off enjoying this book. But unfortunately, around half way through I did feel that the story had stagnated, though I still kept going, as I really wanted to give it a chance.

I couldn't finish it as I found it rather tedious. But that's not to say that someone else may be enthralled.

Do not read if you are offended by intimate sexual writing but I felt it was nicely written

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC

This was an enjoyable read. It started of with a bang, and then plodded along for the rest of the first half, but second half was increasingly better and more engaging. This is a 3.5 star in my book.

First what I liked about it: This is not a typically historical romance. I liked that at it's base it was more realistic (one of the major plot twists not withstanding) than most historical romances. The main characters were aware of their stations in life. The suspense elements were well written and the story was engaging.

That being said, the first half was a little rough. The romance/relationship between the main characters was "too easy" in my opinion. In general the responses/resolutions to the elements of the relationships were a little too quick, too automatic. (It's hard to describe without too many spoilers)

Still it was engaging enough to keep my interest to the end and the end sets up the next book nicely.

I do so love an interesting historical fiction, lately I’ve read a lot of regency. This was more interesting and addictive than the average historical romance. A bit of mystery, suspense and espionage. Younger woman escapes from a desperate situation and fate throws her int to path of a charming older gentleman. And then romance of course but also so much more going on. A rather enjoyable read.

Unfortunately, I requested this book without really knowing what to expect. I read a very well written critical review from a fellow NetGalley member and decided that the contents of this book would not sit well with me. In the interest of saving myself time and not wishing to denigrate the author's work, I have declined to read and review this. I have given a 1 star rating, but obviously that isn't based on anything.

The Innkeeper's Daughter is a thrilling romance with strong characters and a fantastic storyline. I really loved Henry and his crew and found them to be the best part of the whole story. The way they got together to take down the bad guy(s) was awesome. I also enjoyed the main character, she was really well-written and you generally cared for her well being throughout the story. It is a great story and. I can't wait to read more from this series.

I read it some time ago, and I feel that I am not yet ready to write a review for this book that would capture all the emotions that overwhelmed me as I turned the pages of this gritty book.
This is a story about Eliza Broad, a girl in a male world. Sold by her stepfather, she becomes a victim with no means to defend herself. The need to fight is too great, but the female body is powerless to resist those wretches. Beaten to death, abused, and thrown somewhere in the wilderness ..... Her body is about to give up, but the savior appears at the last moment. Sir Henry March, rich and noble is the man who will offer her shelter, a little bit of hope when she needs it most. But the healing process also brings closeness between them. A closeness between a man and a woman that is more and more reminiscent of happiness... But what will happen when the terrible past tries to drag her into the darkness? Will the hand, that saved her before, save her one more time?
A damsel in distress and her knight in shining armor, right? All that and so much more. Whether you admire it or not, this story, which has many elements reminiscent of other works, introduces us to a distant world when women, and especially female offspring, were reduced to pawns, or commodities sold by men. And it undoubtedly shows us that some things do not change to this day. Being a woman was both a curse and a gift at the time, and some things have not changed much today. Eliza Broad and her terrible destiny will make you think, compare and be grateful for the life we have today.
Although the topic is not a novelty in the literary world, the book still contains a series of unpredictable events and plots that will keep your attention until the very end. Some parts may not fit properly into the framework of a historical novel, classes, and behaviors that accordingly contribute to the feeling that the novel is a bit of a far fetched. Some dialogues between Eliza and Henry are not something that any reader expects to find in a historical novel. But all in all, it was quite enjoyable. The author has nicely conveyed the psychological states, the main and supporting characters are solidly built, as well as the tender romance.... everything is so nicely assembled into a whole that talks about love and hate, revenge and crime ...
If you are looking for a nice mix of romance and mystery that will take you on a journey back in time, then you should read this book. A book that will shock you with its descriptive language, yet give you hope as you turn the pages.

I'm on the fence: on one side I appreciated the plot and the characters, on the other side I skipped some parts (I'm not a fan of sex scenes).
On a general level it's an entertaining and well written story that I enjoyed.
Interesting characters and historical background, I liked how the authors deals with some serious issues like sexual exploitation.
I read some reviews by people who were shocked by the age of the characters (16, 30). Please note that in the XIX century a lot women were married with children at 16 years so this is historically correct
I want to read the next installment as I'm curious to read what will be next.
NOTE: some scene are quite disturbing as they refer to sadists.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This story is a little bit of a genre bender. Yes, you have romance....and a spicy one at that. You have historical fiction and some mystery/suspense but when you add them all together, it's not one or the other. Just a good read. This is volume #1 in a planned series and if it's any example, it will be a must read series for many of us.

Set in Regency London when a woman was the property of her guardian, we meet Eliza. Her stepfather's abuse has broken her spirit, up until the time he makes his intentions known. He will sell her to a man who will use her as barter to any and everyone. When she objects, she is severely beaten. Eliza escapes her prison, but will surely die without help. This is where we meet Henry. A young man who quickly realizes Eliza not only needs medical help, she must hide. This is the backstory of their relationship that will run throughout the series.....I think.

As in any good series, there is of course several story lines running at once. Henry is more than he seems. He serves the crown as a local spy, searching for criminals as he moves through high society. As their relationship matures, Eliza will join him. Her stepfather and his cronies will be their first investigation together.

This is an excellent beginning story. It sets the scene for a successful partnership between Henry and Eliza. There is some graphic violence and some topics that could cause readers to avoid the worst scenes. Overall, this will be a series to be followed.

A special thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have to say, I went into this book thinking that I wasn't going to like it, because romance isn't my thing. But, let me tell you that I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It wasn't just a romance, it has cruelty, historical fiction, culture, and much to my surprise as well issues that are still happening today, such as prostitution and sex trafficking.

Eliza, the main character, get swooped up by Sir Henry,who is And works for royalty, where he takes her away from her cruel stepfather and cares for her, bringing her to London and showing her a world of the arts and the finer things in life. But everything does not come up roses as their love blossoms, because of trouble invading their happiness. Fraught with the underbelly of London, where there are pimps, prostitution, spies stealing military secrets, sex trafficking And threats all around, it is Henry's job to fight crime and protect London and Eliza,. The book gets gritty. So much more than romance and Eliza is stronger than he thought, at his side, helping him get rid of the violence swirling around them

Also, the descriptions of London's architecture and the arts, author Maria B. Schwarz did her homework because it was beautifully envisioned and brought to life in the story. This book made me open my eyes to historical and romance books and taking a chance and read a genre that I thought I wasn't going to like. Great job to the author!

"...what's scandalous is that I'm your mistress, but I find I'm quite unconcerned about scandal."

Such are the surprising reveals throughout this very unique historical fiction romance. The Innkeeper's Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz is a novel that went places I never expected but definitely kept me reading all night long.

From the very first page I was taken aback by the vein of this book's plot. Eliza is barely 18 in 19th century England and literally fighting for her life. Her evil stepfather has sold her to a very sadistic sexual predator and as she tries to escape she is beaten and left for dead.

Sir Henry finds Eliza and gives her safe refuge at his home. Eliza starts to heal from the abuse she has suffered while Henry deals with his own secrets and painful past. As their relationship blossoms her nefarious stepfather and cohorts learn she is alive and they plan to get her back for their sex trafficking ring. Lucky for her Henry is a spy for the crown and has been after these villains for awhile.

Obviously, the subject matter of this story is intense and can be triggering so be forewarned. I appreciated the author's intentions of detailing the abuse women have endured for centuries and Eliza's emotional strength to bring down these criminals. I was confused by her and Henry's relationship which takes a very unexpected turn. This is book one in a series so I am intrigued to see where these two lovers find themselves down the road.

The novel is written in such a manner that in between the violence there are sweet passages of romance, friendship and camaraderie. It is almost like reading two different stories at once but both have their merits.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. Though this era is my absolute favourite as a backdrop to a novel, I just couldn’t get past the 21st century language being used. I found this a bit jarring, along with the sudden (and miraculous) development of the relationship between the two main characters.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the interiors and clothing, however. These were fantastic and helped me to imagine the scene vividly.

Thank you for this e-book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

My review is in the link below.

I thought this book was great! I was drawn into the story within the first chapter. I felt for Eliza and how she had to deal with an abusive situation. Then, she met Henry and he opened up her world to the possibilities of education and love.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️½⭐️ (2.5 stars)

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a sucker for beautiful book covers. The first thing that drew me to this title was the gorgeous – and I mean gorgeous – cover art. And after reading the synopsis I was even more intrigued! The Innkeeper’s Daughter boasts of having it all – historical romance, suspense, mystery… As a fan of both period romances and mystery/thrillers, you can bet how excited I was to pick this novel up.

The mix of genres aside, from what I can see, The Innkeeper’s Daughter is first and foremost advertised as a romance between Eliza, the daughter of a deceased innkeeper on the lam from her abusive fiancé and step-father, and Henry, a known playboy and secret agent of the crown … something I found unfortunate, because the romantic aspects of the plot were my least favorite.

Between the insta-love, the constant reminders of their notable age gap, and the uncomfortable power dynamics – not only was Eliza noticeably less experienced than Henry, but she spent almost the entire narrative feeling indebted to him for saving her life, and, being poor, had only her virginity to give him in thanks (cue: eye-roll) – this relationship just didn’t do it for me.

When it comes to period romances, I’m typically a little more forgiving than this, but just the combination of all these factors together made this one in particular feel like there was too much to overlook.

Another thing worth mentioning, is that while Eliza is the titular character, the aforementioned innkeeper’s daughter, Henry was the actual main character of the novel. So this story ended up being less about a badass woman teaming up with her man to take down a seedy, unground crime organization (like I had hoped it would be) as it was about a man being a secret agent, teaming up with his war buddies, and bedding his mistress along the way…

Eliza’s portrayal throughout this story was probably my biggest let down. The narration kept saying how intelligent she was… but it didn’t really feel that way with her constantly being coddled and rescued. Honestly, the way women were portrayed in this novel in general wasn’t my cup of tea. I just felt like they were too often the victims of sexual violence and… rarely anything else.

Overall, I gave this novel two and a half stars, because my previously mentioned complaints aside, the “case” part of the plot itself wasn’t half bad. Full of suspense, it kept me engaged until the very end, and paved the way for a promising premise in the next instalment. Plus, this book had lots of beautiful gown descriptions throughout, which I have to admit I’m biased towards.

Thank you to the publisher, Central Avenue Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.