This book was disappointing for me. I found the plot to be confusing. Was Portia a Duke's daughter or was she not? There were so many holes in this story and so many plot points left unanswered. Also, would a daughter be able to inherit a dukedom? I don't think so.

I had high hopes for this book, but was let down pretty quickly. I did not like the characters Portia and James. Could not connect with them either.

Being the 2nd in the series I was expecting a lot more as I really enjoyed the first. Although I not as enjoyable as the first, it was a good read. The book was a bit slow to start and the subterfuge of our heroine went on a bit longer than necessary, but overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend.
Thank you Avery Maitland, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Regency, sexy is my cup of tea. I love historical novels with a twist and this one definitely did it for me. This is a new to me author and I’ve already planned my next read from her!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Meddling in the love lives of others, Lady Constance Blackwood has another matchmaking scheme on her hands, but this time, there's an old feud and ancient rivalry to contend with, one to compete with the likes of Romeo and Juliet. Miss Portia Godfrey arrives in London under a cloud of mystery, with no one knowing the truth about her name or her family, and she needs to do everything she can to keep safe from the wicked Lord Anworth and his desolate sons. James Anworth has lived in New York since his father and brother, Edward, killed the late Duke of Carmichael and his heir, and were exiled from England. Now allowed to return on the whim of the Queen, Lord Anworth is adamant that he will get his hands on the duchy of Carmichael, and anyone who gets in his way - including his own son - will be dealt with. Even though she needs to stay away from James, she's drawn to him, and he to her, so when they wish to flee England, and marry, it seems like everything has turned out for them. But with a vindictive valet, and mysterious man hiding in the shadows, will they be able to achieve their happy ending.

This book was so much better than book 1. I was immediately hooked, and adored James and Portia's love story. I wish we had more communication, especially about who Portia really was, and about the marriage/wedding issue, but all in all, I loved it. There were shocks and surprised at every turn, and though I had guessed at a few things, I was still blown away. I'm hoping that Constance manages to get a happy ending, and can't wait to see her next foray in matchmaking.

I was very excited to receive an arc of this book since I enjoyed the first one. I also enjoyed this one, but it was not as good as the first one. The mystery in this one was really well done, but I got kind of irritated that Portia did not tell James as soon as they got serious. I’m also happy that this miscommunication was not a third act breakup, but was handled well and James showed that he was not like his father. In the last ten% there was a plot twist that shocked me. All in all it was enjoyable but not a new favorite
3,5⭐️

Lessons in Spectacle by Avery Maitland is book 2 in Her Majesty’s Matchmaker series. Although the story starts out rather slow it does improve after about halfway. This story follows along the trope of enemies to lovers with the added fun of secret identities, lots of misunderstandings, a greedy half brother, an evil father, and murder! What more could you want?? I myself would have enjoyed a bit more romance and less background noise that took away the focus of the story on the central couple. Overall this was a good story and an easy read once it got going.

3 Stars ⭐️

Lord Anworth and his three sons have returned to London from being banished to New York for 10 years. Lord Anworth claims to be the Heir to the Carmichael estate and title.
Miss Portia Godfrey has arrived in London from India. Her mother has sent her but has given her no explanation and no details of why she is there. Portia just knows she must keep her secret.
When Lord Anworth's youngest son James and Portia meet, they fall in love.
The story has secrets, scandals, forbidden romance, great characters, as well as some very unpleasant characters.
You will need to read this story to find out how Constance is able to provide the Queen with the gossip and entertainments she demands of Constance.

Lessons in Spectacle by Avery Maitland is the third in Her Majesty's Matchmaker series, although to be sure, Constance, the matchmaker, had very little to do in this story as the match she intended to make got made on its own, with a lot of grief and aggravation to boot. Lord Anworth believed himself to be the heir to the Carmichael estate, title and all. In fact, he had made sure of it when he killed the last duke and his son had killed the duke's son and heir. They then left for a ten-year stint in New York, where they had been banished by the king. Now word had come that the queen had lifted their banishment. Lord Anworth and his three sons returned, determined to claim what they saw as theirs. At the same time, a young woman known as Portia, was returning to England after ten years in India. She was, indeed, the Carmichael heiress, but that was a deep secret. James was the youngest Anworth son, but not really a consideration to his father. He had had a different mother and it showed and his only real worth was finishing the fights his older brother started. He had no interest in the feud. Of course, they met and fell in love, neither knowing each other's secrets. Mayhem was to follow.

This was an interesting and different plot. One might call it explosive. Women were nothing more than chattel in this time and Anworth's treatment of Portia (really Charlotte) shows this more than most books. Not only was he without honor and didn't care about killing to get what he wanted, he didn't hesitate to mistreat her, despite her being female. Maitland has written some great characters, not the least of which was this dark lord. He made the reader want to reach into the book and slap him silly. James was different. For one thing, he could think long-term and didn't react in the moment. This made him a good character. Charlotte was understanding and could also think long-term. She has spent ten years in India practicing, after all. This was a deceptively simple plot that played out masterfully to the anticipated end. Queen Charlotte was entertained. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Lessons in Spectacle by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #lessonsinspectacle

Historical Romance with Intrigue and Suspense

People from two families returned to London from abroad, and with them, they carried deadly secrets. James and Portia fell in love, but they both had secrets that would change their lives. This story, with its scandals, secrets, and forbidden romance, kept me turning the pages. was James and Portia’s romance doomed to fail, or would they find a way to save their love? As I read, I found myself wondering if James could have done more to save himself and his love the heartache they suffered. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Portia had to live under false pretenses because she had ruthless enemies, and her destiny put her right in their path. Where would her journey take her? I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with intrigue and suspense.

Generations of a feud over a Dukedom.
Murder and an heiress in disguise. The love of a third son and the daughter of his family's enemy that can end in tragedy. A scandal that only Lady Constance can have a hand in to secure their happiness. A gripping romance that took a long time to resolve. I thought James was very weak to be the strongest browser and had ample opportunity to set up their escape. What's up with that? Portia is definitely stronger then James. What a disappointment for a hero! Some really evil, scary characters. Emily is a pain with her endless naivete. Constance is my favorite. One surprise character I hope to see again.
This could easily be
3 1/2*STARS, but I decided to go ahead and give it 4*STARS.*
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

An unlikely couple come together in England as fate brings them together.

He and his family had been banished to the Americas, but now they return to England to be granted back their lands and title.

She had come from India and only wanted to go back. Especially after her arrival and problems getting to her destination.

A long ago feud separates their families, but will it prevent them from finding love? A great addition to this new series!

In the midst of greed and manipulation, love finds a way in this romance. Central to this series is Constance Blackwood who only manages to hold her position in Court by feeding the Queen the latest scandal. When it comes to the Answorth family, they epitomize scandal, violence, and every other vice. However, James is the exception. Portia Godfrey attracts James' attention the night she arrives in London, but the way of true love is not smooth. Although the book closes on a successful note, I cannot say that I really enjoyed this novel, as there were more bad characters than good. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

GOOD READ! Lessons in Spectacle by Avery Maitland is book 2 in Her Majesty’s Matchmaker. This is my first read of Ms. Maitland and it won’t be the last. I will admit that this book starts out a tad slow but get half way through it and you will not be able to put it down. This enemies to lovers story has the true felling of regency era and I found it very easy to read. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. I just hated James’s brothers and that show a true talent for writing when the author can express that much hatred in me. This story has a secret identity, a half brother who is always having to fight for their brother, greed, a misunderstanding, running away, death, a evil father, murder, going to the queen, a new friend that helps and falling in love. This book has it all and I am highly recommending you read this book. As I said… don’t give up because half way through this book it really gets good!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

3.5 Stars
A spy in the bedchamber’s of London’s elite, Constance Blackwood must provide her royal mistress with gossip and amusement, or risk losing her own place in court and face the ruin of her family and reputation. Thankfully, Constance is able to pull some inspiration from Shakespeare himself to bring an ancient family grudge to the forefront of court gossip. Constance is also a matchmaker. Lord Anworth’s sons are as unruly as they are handsome, but James Anworth, the youngest of the three, has proven the most troublesome. After a chance meeting on a rainy London night, James discovers that he has fallen head over heels in love with a young woman who is also a stranger to the city. But Miss Portia Godfrey has arrived in London under a false name, and the secrets she wishes to distance herself from could leave more than a broken heart in its wake.
The second book in the series & a well written book with strong characters but I didn’t warm to James, I found him a bit lacklustre. I did like Portia but wondered why she’d been put in danger without support. An interesting read which I enjoyed but I did find my interest wandering at times & I read over a few days putting it down, then going back to it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Could a match between mortal enemies heal a feud that has burned for generations? Or will tragedy be the only outcome.
Lord Anworth’s sons are as unruly as they are handsome, but James Anworth, the youngest of the three, has proven the most troublesome. After a chance meeting on a rainy London night, James discovers that he has fallen head over heels in love.
But Miss Portia Godfrey has arrived in London under a false name. Is she really the daughter of a sworn enemy?
Can these two lovers find contentment?
This is the first book I have read by this author. Although it is longer than I generally like it was good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Constance Blackwood is one of Queen Charlotte's ladies in waiting. To keep the favour of the Queen a lady has to be interesting or know interesting things. Constance is also a matchmaker, this latest match is going to have an awful lot of problems to overcome.
James Anworth is the third son of a very ambitious Lord. His father was banished to the Colonies ten years before, but has recently been given permission to return.
I didn't really like James. He is not a very heroic hero. For a man that's so big and tough, he doesn't stand up to authority very well.
Portia Godfrey has been sent to London under an assumed name. If her true heritage was known she would be in grave danger.
What I found hard to accept, is why her mother would send her into such danger without proper support.
A very interesting read.

This story is similar to a Romeo and Juliet romance. Portia is sent to England to claim her families land but does not have anyone to help her do it. She falls in love with James whom is the younger son of the family that murdered her father and brother. James’ violent family will not rest till they claim the land for themselves. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.