Excellent story!! I really loved watching Ash & Juliana get to know each other both as husband & wife and as work partners working to solve mysteries in Georgian London. The author did an excellent job of bringing Juliana through the trauma of her first marriage and then the trauma of being accused of murder. The character growth for Juliana was very well played out. Ash is pretty perfect and his way of being is just what Juliana required to recover and thrive.

I love all of the supporting characters — they are unique and widely varied, this helped to add an extra dimension to the story and make it more enjoyable.

The moment we have all been waiting for, Ash face to face with the Raven, comes to pass in this story. I knew it would be someone connected to Ash but I didn’t expect who it is revealed to be.

As far as I know this is a two book series which really needs to be adjusted—this series needs more books!!

5 Stars ⭐️

I liked the first book in this series and liked this one. It's an engrossing and well written story, the plot flows and the characters are well developed.
I look forward to reading the next book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Newlyweds Lady Juliana and Sir Edmund “Ash” Ashendon's marriage is currently one of convenience ........ but on discovering a dead body , one with links to "Raven" from their past they feel the need to track down the culprit .
Its a task that they are both familiar with - but also one that could place them both in danger , most particularly Juliana .
The race to find the murderer can only bring them closer , their marriage one of love and respect , if only they can survive .

This is an entertaining historical romantic mystery with characters that you can become invested in

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

As a mystery, this book was not very surprising or suspenseful. However, given the context of the setting and characters, I found this to be an enjoyable read. It takes place about one year following the events in book 1. This is a mystery series that has an overarching mystery connecting thread, with a main mystery to solve for each book thus far.

Ash & Juliana were married at the end of book 1 in a marriage of convenience. Juliana had a horrible first marriage and was not ready for another. However, to protect her from her parent's machinations, Ash marries her. In this book, we get to see that Ash & Juliana get along well together in a working capacity and an everyday life capacity, and that there is a growing attraction between them. If wanting some romance with your mystery, this book delivers. Ash's patience and Juliana deciding to embrace life were highlights for me in this book. I also enjoyed the richly described Georgian time period.

The weakest part of the story was the mystery. Both the main mystery and the reveals concerning the overarching mystery were predictable in my opinion. If hoping for a suspenseful mystery that keeps you on your toes, this book does not deliver, in my opinion. However, the world built is worth revisiting and I'm looking forward to the next and possibly final installment.

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.

Opening around a year after the events of the previous book (The Wedding Night Affair), The Sign of the Raven, the second book in L.C. Sharp’s series of historical mysteries set in Georgian London sees husband and wife Ash and Juliana looking into the suspicious death of a nobleman at a firework display. Like the previous book, this story benefits from a strong sense of time and place and two very engaging leads whose evolving relationship is one of the book’s main draws – but the slow pacing meant I found it difficult to get into and the mystery was so simplistic that I was left with a feeling of ‘is that it?’ by the end.

Please note that this review contains spoilers for the previous book in the series. While it’s not essential to have read that first, I’d advise it, as it provides important background information about the two principals and their relationship.

Sir Edmund Ashendon is with his family – his wife and his siblings – at a firework display at Vauxhall Gardens when a member of staff summons him to the scene of “an incident”. The incident in question is actually a dead body – that of a man lying face down on the ground, blood still seeping from the bullet wound to his back. By the look of his clothing and possessions, the man is obviously well-to-do, but neither Ash nor Juliana can identify him. An examination of his pockets yields little of interest other than some tokens made of a dull, silvery metal with something stamped on the surface – and it’s not until Juliana’s parents put in an appearance, disapproval radiating from them, that Ash and Juliana can put a name to the victim – Lord Coddington.

The name rings a bell for Ash; he’s heard of Coddington and his “exploits” – a fondness for gaming hells and running up debts among them. At first, the gossip puts Coddington’s death down to a robbery gone wrong, but Ash isn’t so sure; too many things don’t add up, and when another gentleman is murdered, Ash and Juliana find themselves setting an elaborate trap to catch the killer.

Unfortunately, after a strong set-up, the pacing starts to flag and there is little progress for the first half of the story. I did, however, enjoy the introduction of some important new secondary characters – Ransom, the nosy journalist whom Juliana very cleverly recruits to ‘Team Ash’ – and pickpocket and scoundrel Cutty Jack, who can recruit any number of urchins to be Ash’s eyes and ears on the less salubrious streets of London. I enjoyed reading about the development of Ash and Juliana’s relationship, too, but the mystery here is weak and didn’t really capture my interest.

In fact, the most interesting part of it is the involvement of the eponymous Raven, the mysterious and dangerous criminal mastermind who rules London’s underworld with a rod of iron. He’s been a thorn in the side of London’s lawmakers for some time, and here, he and Ash are set up as major antagonists. I’d begun to suspect the truth of his identity – but only just before the reveal, which certainly puts the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons – or, indeed, ravens – for future entries in the series.

It’s clear that the marriage of convenience Ash and Juliana embarked upon in the previous book has evolved into a strong friendship, and that by the time this book begins, they’re on the cusp of more. For the first time ever, Juliana has someone in her life who genuinely cares for her and her welfare, and Ash is delighted to see his wife growing into herself and recognises that his feelings toward her are changing – but although their relationship has come on in leaps and bounds, what we see here is the result of progress that has happened mostly off page, in that year between stories, and I have to say that I felt a little bit cheated by that.

Once again, the story is very firmly grounded in mid-eighteenth century London, whether the action is taking place in a palatial mansion, a bustling coffee house or the worst of the slums, and those who enjoy their mysteries served with a good helping of historical background are sure to appreciate the author’s skilful way of incorporating interesting historical detail into the story.

Unfortunately however, the stodgy pacing and the lacklustre mystery mean this outing for Ash and Juliana isn’t as strong as the first. I can’t quite recommend The Sign of the Raven, but I’m going to keep an eye out for future instalments and hope the next one grabs my attention more than this one did.

Grade: C+ / 3.5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book so I couldn’t wait to read this one.

This one starts about a year after Juliana and Ash have gotten married. When they’re at Vauxhall with AshMs siblings, they find a body. And when it turns out that body is connected to someone from their past, the Raven, things start to get interesting.

This book has everything I like in historical mysteries - it’s gritty, has extremely well developed characters who are coming into their own after not so great pasts (particularly Juliana), and it has a romance that’s not center stage but nicely done in a way that adds to the story.

I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series!

Endurance, love and in intrigue!

Saved from the gallows by her now husband Sir Edmund Ashendon, Lady Julianna is finding a place for self at Ash’s side, and he’s glad to have her there.
Understanding the abuse Julianna received at the hands of her dead husband, Ash is giving her time to heal.
The result is a beautiful intimacy of thought. They come to know and appreciate each other. In that atmosphere Julianna is free to cast off the shackles of her former life.
Ash finds Julianna an astute partner. When they are drawn into a shocking discovery of a dead body at Vauxhall, the search for justice comes close to them.
Ash finds himself pitted against a crime lord known as the Raven.
I’m loving the secondary characters who saunter across the pages, like the link boy Cutty Jack.
Now waiting for the next in the series!

A Harlequin - Carina Press ARC via NetGalley

Wow! I really liked this book. I love the "historical mystery" genre with authors such as C.S. Harris, Harriet Smart, S. M. Goodwin, Deanna Raybourn, Ashley Gardner, Andrea Penrose, Karen Odden, etc. So I was quite pleased to find another author writing good mysteries with excellent characters. The story was well written, the characters appealing and likeable. The writing was top notch. If you have read the first book of this series, you know the characters and their situation. I have not read the first book, but I felt the author provided enough background from the first book so that the reader of this one can understand what is going on in this book that is a follow-up or reference to the previous mystery. It wasn't confusing and it wasn't "too much." It was very rewarding to have the hero and heroine further develop their relationship. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. #NetGalley #TheSignoftheRaven

The Sign of the Raven by L.C. Sharp
Ash & Juliana #2

LOVED this book and the continuation of this series ~ Can’t wait for the next book!

This book picks up about a year after Juliana and Ash have married. They have formed an alliance and friendship and Juliana has had time to heal from the wounds inflicted by her first husband. That is all covered in the first book and was a tale that left me eager for more, too. As book two begins we find Juliana, Ash, his brother Gregory, and sister Amelia at Vauxhall for a big event with many people, music, theatrical performances, and fireworks. As they are leaving, they come across a body. Ash, a lawyer and sometimes sleuth, is intrigued and requests the case. It seems that Juliana has become his partner and they work together to solve cases. Their task this time is to find out who the murderer is and that is what they set about doing…although that is only a bit of the story <smile>

What I liked:
* Being reminded of the first book and how much I enjoyed it
* Juliana: a woman abused by more than one but finally free and coming into her own. She is resilient, observant, intelligent, interesting, caring, aware, and so much more. I really like her!
* Ash: lawyer, brother, crime fighter, sleuth, incorruptible, on the side of right, brilliant, capable, honorable, honest, kind, and so much more. I really like him.
* How much both Ash & Juliana have overcome ~ their backstories were not easy.
* The slow growth of the relationship between Ash & Juliana and getting to watch it. The two are so well suited to one another and deserve happiness together.
* Cutty Jack & Col: criminals that are good at what they do but also informants-assistants to Ash in his sleuthing endeavors. I hope they will show up in future books and that they will find a way to make an honest living eventually.
* Parrish: educator, physician, ex-slave, potential friend and part of the team as the series continues
* Silence/La Senza: Ash’s sister, courtesan, businesswoman, knows who and what she is, an intriguing person that should appear in future books
* The Raven: lethal, dark, vengeful, criminal mastermind, gang lord ~ his backstory, as it comes out, makes him sympathetic…at least in some ways
* Siblings of Ash: We haven’t seen a lot of their part in the series but have a feel for them. I have a feeling they will show up in each book and have parts to play.
* That I was reminded a bit of the Inspector Pitt series but found these books deeper and more enthralling in every way.
* The gritty aspect of the story
* That I felt I was there as all of my senses were engaged
* It was real and believable with a feel for the era.
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The killer – heartless, cold, calculating, ruthless, and evil
* Knowing how difficult the lives of Juliana, Ash, and his siblings were growing up
* Having to say goodbye to the characters as I wait impatiently for the next book in the series

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Without a doubt!

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

1749 A year has passed since the accusation of murder and her proven innocence. Now Lady Juliana and her husband Sir Edmund 'Ash' Ashendon investigate the murder of James, Baron Coddington, shot while visiting Vauxhall Gardens. But what of a motive or suspects. Is the master criminal known as The Raven involved.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone novel.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sir Edmund “Ash” Ashendon is a solicitor & barrister who runs a successful practice in London, which specialises in property but Ash is making a name for himself in seeking justice even a newspaper has dubbed him The Falcon. He is driven to make up for the one he couldn't save. Ash married Juliana nearly a year ago after clearing her name (I'd recommend reading the first book), their marriage is a marriage of convenience as Juliana flinches from the slightest touch. The couple take Ash's brother sister to Vauxhall Gardens to view a firework rehearsal only for Ash to be approached as there’d been 'an incident'. What at first appears to have been a robbery gone wrong leads Ash from Mayfair to the Rookeries & his adversary The Raven.
This is the second book in what is building into a brilliant series, it could be read on its own but if you really want to get to know Ash & especially Juliana I’d recommend reading the first book. The characters are wonderfully portrayed from the main characters to minor secondary ones. I love the mix of society from Dukes to urchins. The mix of mystery and romance is very well intertwined. I love both Ash & Juliana & adore how their relationship is developing & how much Juliana has healed & come alive in the past year. I also love how they work together & feed off each other. And the ending!! I just want the next book now. I must also mention the author’s attention to historical facts & attention to detail – absolutely superb
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the first book by this author that I have read and found it to be a very enjoyable read. Although this can be read as a stand-alone I would have much preferred to have read the first one. There is a wonderful underlying story that has enough of the past written into the story. to give an idea of what happened but no enough to discourage you from going back and reading the first. The characters were well written with lots of emotion and understanding. The storyline flowed beautifully without giving too much away as to who done it. There was also a few “I didn’t see that coming” episodes which is wonderful to keep you on your toes and turning the page. There was a mild sex scene that fit perfectly into the story. I so enjoyed this and hope there will be more. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

London, midst 18th century: Newlyweds Lady Juliana and Sir Edmund “Ash” Ashendon have just attended the rehearsal of the big fireworks display accompanied by Händel's "Music for the Royal Fireworks" when Ash is asked to help. A man is found dead on the premises.

Ash has a lawfirm but as that can run itself he rather spends his time catching murderers for the Fielding brothers (Bow Street Runners - first police force) who prosecute them. A detective avant la lettre.

Apart for a very good mystery novel this is also a nice picture of the time period: how to wear a wig, how to cross the river by rowing boat) Like Juliana who is a duke's daughter married very much beneath herself as she married "only" a baronet (So highest and lowest level of the aristocracy) and thus excluded from a lot of social affairs.

Both Ash and Juliana have a lot of baggage from their past and that is the reason they are only married in name (apparently part of the plot of the first novel). She is so traumatised that he cannot even give her his arm at first. Part of the plot is how the two strangers become trusted friends.This personal development gives the story depth.

Some sexual content, lots of sexual violence that is not describe though and in the past tense, trauma, dead bodies

I am already recommending this book, I enjoyed so much all the storytelling. Firstly, one will remember the main characters, how they develop their relationship, and also all the importance of what they are fighting. The quest for justice is central, and gives the opportunity to learn about crime and justice in the 18th century London, without getting bored a second. The accuracy of any description, about the surroundings, the clothes, the food, the social manners is absolutely fascinating and never slowing down the pace of the story. Same with the explanations about how the main characters have ended up together, (from the first book), So it is possible to read this book if you haven't read the first one and to understand everything. The whole chapters are like a cleverly devised mosaic of information about the murders, with a few logic hints to help the reader to guess. I cannot wait for the next book !
All opinions are mine, I received a copy from NetGalley.

Will they be able to navigate through the murky waters the culprit throw them in …

I had to fight with myself to not dig immediately in this second addition to The Ash and Juliana series once I got my hands on it, I so wanted to read it since I closed the first book. Alas I was duty bound to read other arcs before this one, but today, is the day.
Oh boy!
I am each time amazed by the author’s finesse at displaying details and the richness of her historical facts portraying.
Each time I learn more than a little something new.
And it feels like I am a mouse following the heroes footsteps, such is vivid and lively the narrative and description of the era.

Juliana, after her previous year ordeal is slowly finding her mark in her new life away from her domineering controlling parents and time is healing the deep inner gashes left by her one day length first marriage.
Ash too is finding his way in their now two brains business. One step at a time, he introduced Juliana to his world, letting her some moments to adjust but also testing her fortitude. And each time, she takes up the gauntlet. They now are truly partners. He might be taking precautions to protect her, he always asks her opinion and how far she is willing to follow him. For the first time in Juliana’s life, someone is caring for her and is truly concerned about her welfare. And Ash’s sentiments have evolved too, she has become more than a reduced case and a convenient wife. They are friends, friends with something deeper lurking if and when she will be willing to change the course of their marriage in name only.

I so enjoyed watching their relationship takes a new turn along the time of this new investigation. The investigation shows how far they come from and how strong the bonds that link them have become. They are an entity of two.

It also brought under light some savory side-characters which all add spice to the tale.
And the ending, oh my!
I really need the next book like now!

I know the author signed a two books deal for this series, I just hope there will be more after this one, as I can’t wait to see this unusual couple continue to work together and sort out their next challenging case.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Carina Press, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Goodness! I surely do hope this turns out to be one of those very long-running series because I absolutely adore Ash and Juliana. The mystery is intriguing, the villain is vile, and the secondary characters are a mixed and interesting bunch.

Sir Edmund (Ash) Ashendon is constantly searching for justice – whether it is finding the perpetrator of a crime or defending someone he is sure has been falsely accused. It is the driving force in his life because he is trying very hard to make up for the really important one, the one he couldn’t save. He solved it too late and guilt still eats at him.

Ash and Juliana married almost a year ago after Ash saved her from the gallows (The Wedding Night Affair) when she was accused of murdering her husband on their wedding night. Juliana had been horribly brutalized, but she swore she didn’t kill her husband – and Ash believed her. They ended up in a marriage of convenience because her parents were immediately auctioning her off to the next brutalizer before the funeral had even been held. Juliana couldn’t stand to be touched in any way and since Ash never planned to marry because of his dedication to his work, having no intimacies between them was fine with him. Since she was very intelligent and observant, she’d make a good partner for him in his work – especially within the ton because she and her family are from the highest echelons.

It seems everyone in London knows of Ash’s penchant for helping Bow Street with the more ‘interesting’ cases. He had taken his family – Juliana, his sister Amelia, and younger brother Gregory – to Vauxhall to attend a fireworks rehearsal, where he was soon approached because there had been an ‘incident’. Oh! There was an incident alright – a dead body. While most would have put it down to a robbery gone wrong, Ash was certain it was murder.

Ash and Juliana pursue their investigation regardless of the rank of those they are questioning. From dukes to street urchins, to the infamous Raven, everyone was suspected until they could be cleared. When another murder is done, Ash and Juliana know their main suspect is getting desperate and they have to put a plan in motion to catch them out. The culprit might surprise you – or it might not – but you’ll love getting to the identification.

There was so much I enjoyed about this book! I loved that the villain didn’t get off with no punishment. I loved that Juliana has come so very far in her healing process and that she and Ash have found they care more for each other than they thought. I loved the new relationship between Ash and the newspaperman. I loved that we learned the identity of the Raven – but – he sure left us hanging about what would be next. Oh! My!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Having both a romance and a mystery is a double treat!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Stellar plot, incredible characters. I couldn't put this book down. Ash is so honorable, and Juliana is so courageous. I won't write a spoiler, so I can only tell you that it's an excellent story and I hope you'll love it as much as I did.

Now I look forward for the next book in this series!

I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the series. The characters are well written and the mystery was good. The romance regarding Ash and his wife, Juliana made the book a dual romance and mystery. The period of time of the story is captured well and the descriptions of everyday life added a lot to the book. I have not read the first book in the series but have ordered it. It works as a stand alone but I did feel I missed something not knowing the history. The book ties up the plot and leave me excited to read the next. I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This one felt slightly more disjointed than the first book in the series, partly because of the multiple viewpoints, but was still an enjoyable read. I enjoy the Georgian setting and fashions, and the developing relationship between the protagonists. The identity of The Raven was not really a surprise, but it sets up interesting possibilities for the next book in the series.

I loved this story. It was exciting, challenging. and Charged. So many things were going on around them and at a fairly rapid pace. This was a well-written novel and easy to read. It moved very well and it definitely kept your interest.
It started with the death of a man at the fireworks display that was a practice for the big show in a week. It was to celebrate the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle. He had been shot in the back and was now lying on his face with blood leaking into the grass. He didn't have a purse on him even though he was dressed extremely well. Ash would next need to call upon the widow and tell her what happened.

Juliana had started to help her husband in his cases. Her father was an earl and she had access to many of the aristocracy. She is trying to heal from what her parents did to her. The cruelties they threw at her, also the totally unsuitable men they wanted her to marry.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.