"...Henry leaned in to kiss her cheek tenderly and brushed his lips briefly over hers...He was certain now: this was the woman he wanted to marry, and she was worth waiting for."

Sir Henry March is a swoon worthy gentleman as shown in the above quote from The Gentleman's Daughter by Bianca Schwarz. We met Sir Henry, secret agent for the crown, in The Innkeeper's Daughter, the first book of The Gentleman Spy Mysteries. This second book is definitely a stand alone but reading the first will add texture to the continuation of Sir Henry's story.

It has been 3 years since Henry and Eliza thwarted the sex trafficking ring that abducted her. Eliza and Henry are no longer together and Henry is still a spy. He is also trying to find an acceptable lady to marry so his illegitimate daughter can be included into 1820s London elite society.

What he does not expect is to fall in love with independent painter Isabella who finds herself starting to care about Henry and his precocious daughter Emily. But to his chagrin and her sorrow she says she can never marry. When Isabella is kidnapped by the very organization Henry is investigating all bets are off on his remaining in the shadows and pretending he is not in love.

Once again, this author has used her talents to not only tell a sweeping regency romance but to showcase PTSD from sexual trauma and how consent is not just our right but also our choice if and when to give it.

Like the first novel it was almost like reading two different books. There is mystery with a secret society, some former enemies , and a creepy abandoned abbey. Then there is Isabella's story, which does intertwine with the mystery, but her emotional and physical journey to finding and trusting in love brought tears to my eyes. Luckily book 3 is in the works!

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

Title: The Gentleman’s Daughter
Author: Bianca M. Schwarz
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Sir Henry, secret agent to the crown, must marry a lady above reproach to afford his illegitimate daughter entrance into society. After narrowly escaping marriage to a highborn bigot, he takes an assignment in Brighton, leading him to an abandoned abbey full of dark whispers, and a sinister secret society, the very one Henry has been investigating for three years.

Isabella is as beautiful as she is talented, but falling in love isn’t part of her plans. She only wants to paint, forget her painful past, and keep her overbearing mother at bay. But gaining one’s independence isn’t easy for a woman in 1823, so Isabella embarks on a fake courtship with Sir Henry. Soon, love and a painting career no longer seem so utterly incompatible.

But when the man Isabella fears most kidnaps her, all appears lost. Realizing the kidnapper is part of the same organization he is investigating, Henry chases after them. Entrapped in a web of secrets, both Henry and Isabella must face old enemies, and fight for their happily ever after.

I had not read the first book in this series, so I read that, first. There was a completely different love interest/live-in significant other in that book—set three years prior to this one—so the change was a little off-putting. I actually liked her quite a bit, so to see Henry just move on without batting an eye was bit much.

I feel like this series is an attempt at a Regency-era James Bond. Henry is a ladies’ man, wealthy, suave, and always manages to land on his feet. But he’s more of a caricature than a believable character, and the abrupt switch from the first book to this one made this just a “meh” read for me.

Bianca M. Schwarz was born in Germany. The Gentleman’s Daughter is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Central Avenue Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 7/17.)

first id like to point out i did not read the first one and even so i felt this does stand good on its own for a second book because you get all the back story of the first, with that being said lets dig into this review.

This was a slow burn historical romance with a little bit of dark and twisty sprinkled in. I almost forgot what time period i was reading into because at first i was like wait a second? especially with all the marrying off his daughter and the way men reacted to somethings or how he couldnt marry the first woman he loved from the first book. but then i got my head into the right time period and i definitely enjoyed it, there were some parts that were pretty slow or i didmt quite enjoy but overall i did enjoy it for what it was.

after seeing some reviews for the first one to kinda get me ready for this one , i was hoping for a little more dark and twistiness to it, i love dark investigative mysteries but all in all it was a good book.

the romance between Sir Henry and Isabelle was very nice and thought they were a beautiful sweet pairing;

The Gentleman's Daughter is the much anticipated second novel in The Gentleman Spy Mysteries. Having read The Innkeeper's Daughter I was quite excited to read this one.
The subject matter in this series is quite dark involving sexual violence. But, the tension, sense of menace and threat, danger and suspense really leave the reader on tenterhooks and unable to put the book down.
I loved that the darker elements were offset with a lovely and sweet budding romance. Isabella and Henry make an adorable couple and I loved how sweet he was when he was trying to encourage her trust, confidence and friendship. Their romance gave the story a lighter feeling in the first half of the story. Then the excitement and suspense ramped up big time.

With a satisfying and nail-biting conclusion, this book is an all-around winner.

Okay I’m conflicted about this story. It was still an amazing story, not as dark as the first story but still deals with the same dark situations as the first book. Loved the plot, the action, loved the characters.

My issue was that I really, really loved the first book and I love Eliza and Henry’s relationship and how it grew. So imagine my surprise when I start reading this story only to find out that they are not together anymore. 😭 Now nothing against Isabella, I really liked her character but I think reading the first book, which you don’t need to, to read this, but she’s not Eliza. That thought stuck with me throughout the whole story so I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book.

I actually had to go back to the first book to make sure I wasn’t confusing things and that maybe Eliza wasn’t short for Isabella. 😅 This book as well as the first leaves you with a cliffhanger, so now I’m wondering if Sir Henry will have a different girl for every book now.

Thank you to Central Avenue Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sir Henry is a a devilish rogue, but has a heart of gold and is very loyal to his family. On the surface, he’s your typical rich aristocrat, but he’s secretly a spy to the British crown. One day, he sees a beautiful woman painting.

That’s Isabella. She is a painter with a bit of a past. Her trauma has left her sure that she never wants to marry. Unfortunately her mother has other plans. She decides to give Sir Henry a chance. Is it against her better judgment..?

I hadn’t realized this was a sequel when I started, but judging by how much I enjoyed it, it’s definitely not necessary to read it. However, I will for sure be going back to read The In Keepers Daughter and you should too!

First of all, let’s talk about this stunning cover!!! I know we aren’t supposed to judge a book but obviously when it’s this pretty, we’re going to anyway.

The writing style is great. It’s very easy to get hooked into the story. Sir Henry is a great character and it’s a lot of fun to get in his head. Likewise with Isabella when her POV enters. I did occasionally get confused because there wasn’t anything marked, but that could’ve just been me.

The romance for me was definitely the focus, so I feel like I could have done completely without the spy plot and rival secret organization. It’s entirely possible this is something that I would appreciate more if I had read the first book though.

Either way, take my review with a grain of salt—but if you enjoy regency romance, I would give this one a shot!

4/5 Stars

Sir Henry March is on the search for a respectable bride, to bring his illegitimate daughter out into society. A secret agent for the crown, Sir Henry finds himself on assignment in Brighton, where he meets his perfect bride, artist Isabella. Sir Henry sets about wooing Isabella, who just wants to focus on her art and has no desire to marry. Isabella comes across an enemy from her past, and finds herself at the very heart of the secret society Sir Henry is investigating.

This book does need a content warning - for descriptions of rape, assault, kidnapping, and suggestions of sex trafficking. But Schwarz does a good job tackling the PTSD and healing from these events. While the book certainly has a heavy dose of mystery, it's not altogether resolved by the end of the book, and was a little slow and boring. While it can be read as a standalone, the book also makes reference to the mystery in the first book in the series that might have been helpful background. The Innkeeper's Daughter is also about Sir Henry, but with a different woman, which is very unusual for a romance and might be offputting for some.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, and despite some other graphic aspects of the story, is lovely, but not very steamy. While Sir Henry and Isabella had the makings of interesting characters, there wasn't much tension between them. I think some of this was the writing style itself, which was a little staid - but the book definitely leaned more towards historical fiction than romance.

Sir Henry needs an innocent lady of the ton to marry, to facilitate his illegitimate daughter into good society. Given the period in time, I admire his open, unashamed love for his daughter. While spying on a degenerate secret society, think Epstein, Sir Henry comes across Isabella who loves to paint, he decides on her; after he dumps a Lady who plays a deceitful game on him, she is a closer snob, renter Isabella. I liked Sir Henry; and his daughter. I don't like the gritty talk of the degenerates and their treatment of women, it doesn't need to be spelled out, we all know what they are doing to them. To me, it is titillating, no necessity for such in-depth gruesome details. I love Historical Mysteries; and hope the next one is better.
Thank you Netgalley.
carolintallahassee

I did enjoy this entertaining story very much. The characters of Isabella and Sir Henry were very engaging. Isabella was a talented artist and loved to paint outdoors. Unfortunately, she had a very domineering mother who was determined to see her married. Due to something that happened a number of years ago, Isabella just wants to live in a cottage and paint. Sir Henry comes across Isabella, when she was painting and on coming to know her, realised she is the one for him. But how to make her see they were meant for each other is his problem. I just loved the way that Henry was so gentle and tender with Isabella, always allowing her to make the decisions. There are other matters in the story, some connected to the first book but this could still be read as a stand-alone. This story was a little slow at first but then there was plenty of action. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trigger warning at end of review]

3.5 Stars

Sir Henry March is back and he is still searching for the the illusive Knights of the Snake Pit before they can hurt anymore innocent females in their rituals… and he is also on the prowl for a wife!

Sir Henry is quite busy, he must find a wife in order for his illegitimate daughter to have a proper come out in a few years time. His family is his priority and soon he starts to see the fair Isabella in the same light. She would make the perfect wife for Henry and already loves his daughter, but her secrets put a wedge in-between them and the Sanake Pit uses this wedge to get its revenge on Sir Henry and his family!

This book was a little lighter than the first in the series, The Innkeepers Daughter, but still is heavily focused on the Snake Pit organization and their dastardly dealings.

I was surprised to see that Sir Henry was the hero again in this book. I had assumed that he had made his unlikely match with his mistress in book one and that they would have their unconventional HEA, opening us up to another character in the fold taking the lead in this book. That was not to be, as Sir Henry had to marry proper miss in order for his daughter to be accepted. In the beginning we learn that Sir Henry’s mistress, who is also assisting in espionage now, take a mission and leaves in order for him to fulfill his familial duty.

This book was written well and I enjoyed the courtship between Sir Henry and Isabella. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the Snake Pit characters played a lesser role.

The Gentleman’s Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz is scheduled to release July 6th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Central Avenue Publishing via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Trigger warning:
-Past rape is discussed
-Beating and torture of females
-Forced prostitution discussed
-Talk of and playacting of rape/ torture

#TheGentlemansDaughter #BiancaMSchwarz #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

I enjoyed reading this and the previous book in the series. It was an interesting, fast read that I did not want to put down!

For the sake of his illegitimate daughter, who needs a sensible older woman to bring her out into society, Henry decides that the time has come to be married and he sets out to find himself a bride. But old enemies are not prepared to let him forget what he has done, and are primed to try and take their revenge on him through his fifteen year old daughter.

I didn't realise that this was the second book in a series and I was a bit concerned about that at first, but thankfully you don't need to know what went on in the first story to enjoy this one. I was worried that the whole revenge scenario might be a bit gratuitous and melodramatic but it wasn't. I enjoyed the extremely slow burn romance and I liked the characters of Henry and Isabella. I do think more could have been made of the revenge elements of the plot - it lacked some depth - but as I was enjoying the romantic elements much more than that part of the narrative, it worked for me as it was.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Bridgerton but make it a mystery with a cult. The Gentleman’s Daughter pulled me in from the first chapter, it was so good.

This is the second book in The Gentleman Spy Mysteries series and I’ll be honest I haven't read the first one. I trusted the reviews that said you didn’t need to and they were right. I am definitely going to circle back and read the first now though, I need more of these characters!

The Gentleman's Daughter
(The Gentleman Spy Mysteries #2)
by Bianca M. Schwarz

The Gentleman's Daughter is the second in a series by Bianca M Schwarz entitled The Gentleman Spies Mysteries.

Bianca M Schwarz has once again catapult the reader into the Regency period of England. Sir Henry March has sadly parted ways with his beloved mistress Eliza.
An assignment as a secret agent to the crown lead him to Brighton. This offers a perfect diversion from barely making his escape from a marriage that would have ended disastrous to say the least.

Arriving in Brighton he comes across the path of the beguiling Isabella. She is a talented artist and enjoys escaping the heavy weight that lays on her shoulders.
Like most women during 1823’s she struggles for independence.

Meanwhile Henry most marry for the sake of his young daughter, who is approaching her coming out. This along with an ominous, abandoned abbey that holds a dangerous, sinister society. The very same treacherous organization that he has been investigating for quite sometime. The villainess Knights of the Snake Pit are eager to extract revenge on Sir Henry March. Along with Isabellas most haunted fears that might well become a reality.

This was lovely suspenseful book with a wonderful regency romance that it engaged me and had me flipping through the pages.

Thanks again to the author and publisher for the chance to read this seamless historical mystery romance

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Overall this story is very cute I love how much Henry adores his daughter and doesn’t really care what the world thinks about him. I also
loved that he immediately stoped courting the other woman when he overheard her talking and how he always stands up for his daughter. I also really liked Isabella she was able to support herself through her painting and I like that she wasn’t immediately okay with romance once she had Henry, Isabella has some trauma to work through and I adore that she is given that time to heal and deal with what’s happened to her in the past and the story line. I also love Isabella and Emily’s interactions they are both cute together and I like that Isabella went to fix things with Emily before going to Henry. Overall it was super cute premise with a fun family and friend dynamic that has me wanting to go and read the first book again.

I got 32% into this book and although I had read the first one I couldn’t get into it this time. Overall written well just not for me right now.

It's 1823 and Sir Henry wants a wife and Isabella does not want a husband. Of course the two of them will meet, feel an attraction and embark on a fake relastionhip that turns real. Sigh. I'm not usually a fan of this trope but Schwarz has written two delightful characters and created a very atmospheric setting in Brighton- with spies! It helps with historical fiction if one has a good sense and a bit of knowledge about the period and that's the case here as well. Schwarz ably evokes all the issues without making this too complex to enjoy the romance. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I missed the first book and this was fine as a standalone-now I'm looking forward to the next one!

The Gentleman's Daughter had all the makings of a great read for me. Historical romance. Slow-burn romance. Mystery. Suspense. Unfortunately, it was not the historical romance I expected.

Although this is the second in the series, I am glad I didn't read the first since Henry was with a different lady in that book. Not really what I expect with my romance.

Speaking of romance, this story definitely leans toward the historical rather than the romance. The slow-burn was the slowest I've read, and I wasn't even anticipating it all that much. Frankly, I didn't feel much connection between Henry and Isabella, but that may have been due to the writing style. There was nothing wrong with the writing style, persay, but it just didn't lead me to connect with the characters.

Also, the mystery/suspense aspect was predictable: no plot twists or unexpected happenings. Furthermore, the secret society with their sexual depravity contrasted greatly with the quite chaste romance. It seemed very incongruous to me.

I just didn't altogether care much about this book. But for those who do, there will be a third in the series.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

The Gentleman's Daughter is the second book in the Gentleman's Spy Mysteries series. I have not read the first book, but this stands well on its own.

This was so enjoyable, it was a slow burn historical romance with a little bit of dark and twisty sprinkled in. I enjoyed reading about the early 1800s and how men went about courting women and how drastically different it is now! It's like a completely different world. I had to google what a bathing chamber was and had to educate myself on women's 'coming out' and the 'seasons' (most of my historical reads have been WW1 or WW2!)! It's just so crazy to think that back then a man seeing a women without shoes on is completely inappropriate 😂

Sir Henry and Isabella were such a dreamy couple, and I loved the addition of Grossmama and Emily as supporting characters.

I wished there'd been a little more to the dark and twisty side, I love a good investigation, and I wanted to know so much more about the Knights.

I bought the first book immediately after finishing this one so I can have the whole story!!

I was sent this ARC before I had even read the first in the series, so I had to put this one on the back burner until I’d read that one first. Having devoured the Inkeeper’s Daughter in less than a day, I had high hopes for the sequel once I got stuck in.

Whilst the first book grabbed me instantly, I felt this one had a slower start, but at the same time was busy and rather confusing, I felt there were a lot more characters in this one to keep on top of, and it took me a little longer to get settled into it.

Bianca proves the first novel wasn’t just beginners luck as her writing is as beautiful in this book as it was in the first. She strikes the right balance between enough description and filler to keep the reader interested but no so much that they get bored.

I instantly fell in love with the main character of Henry Marsh in the first book but I felt he wasn’t as loveable in the sequel, but I’m not sure why. He just felt aloof and unsure without his darling Eliza by his side.

I’ll be honest and say I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book. That’s not to say I didn’t like it, on the contrary I thought it was very good. But maybe because I came to the first book fresh with no expectations, but with this one, I have something to compare it to, I just felt I wanted more.

It’s nowhere near as explicit as the first one, and is slower paced, but I’d say the final quarter is very fast paced and action packed.

I could really see, with the right publicity, this series becoming the new must read, especially after reading the tantalising preview for book 3. Where’s Reese Witherspoon’s book club when you need it? Get on it Reese!