Member Reviews

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

Attending her first society ball, Miss Theodosia Tothill knows that marriage is not for her. Every woman she has seen married has lost their power, lost their thought, and lost themselves, and she will not let that happen to her. Thea is determined to avoid the shackles of marriage, but while escaping the ballroom for the terrace, she overhears a conversation which puts her very life at risk. And just when it seems she's about to be caught, she is grabbed and hidden by the handsome Lord Ashton Grainger, who knows more than she could ever expect. Ash knows he needs to protect Thea, especially when the man he believes is at the centre of the case he is investigating is the one who is hellbent on marrying Thea.

This was a really good romance, much better than the second book in my opinion. Thea and Ash had an instant attraction, but they fought their feelings in the face of the danger they were facing. I liked how funny the book was at times, and the way Ash and Thea respected each other. The mystery was gripping, but a little predictable at times. A lovely regency read.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful Regency Romp! Thea and Ash are great leads and the supporting characters only add to the overall reading experience. Maggie never lets me down.
Thank you Maggie Andersen, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Was this review helpful?

Maggi Andersen is a favourite of mine and she doesn't disappoint in her latest outing. I love her two protagonists, Thea and Ash, they provide a great platform for the other characters all of whom give something to the story. The blurb does the book justice and you will enjoy this adventurous romp through the high society lifestyle of the ton. Great historical romance with a touch of mystery. BTW Thea is one feisty lady! My thanks to Netgalley, thee publishers Dragonblade and the author for the ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Regency Romance with Suspense

When Thea went into the garden to escape a dance, she had no idea that her life would be in peril. She heard two people discussing a plot to murder someone. Who were the two people talking, and who were they intending to kill? As Ash tackled her to the ground to stop her from getting discovered, their lives become entangled, in more ways than one.

There will be a mystery to solve, and Thea wants to be in on the action. Investigating murders is dangerous business, and Ash might be the right man for the job. However, he has no intention of involving an innocent debutante as independent as she might be. can Ash prevent a murder? Then, there is the matter of convincing Thea that marriage and independence can go hand-in-hand. Can Ash persuade Thea that such a thing is possible when evidence has proven otherwise? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like Regency romance with mystery and suspense.

Was this review helpful?

This was a first time read for me by this author and it was an absolute delight. It is a romantic, lighthearted, and fast-paced read with wonderfully charming characters. Theodosia does not have any desire to become a wife and lose her independence, and decides marriage is not for her. Her dream is to become a newspaper writer. Viscount Ashley Grainger works for the Crown. Similarly, he also intends not to marry. The two meet when he tackles her to the ground as she becomes witness to a dangerous conversation she shouldn't have overheard. Thus, Theodosia embarks on a dangerous adventure with Ashley, because this is her chance to write the ultimate crime story! This story is filled with a delightful mix of romance, mystery, and suspense and I was pulled into the story from the very start. The conversations and banter between Ashley and Theodosia were witty and full of spirit and had me smiling throughout. As they spent more time together, their attraction and feelings toward each other inevitably began to grow as well as their respect for each other. This was a very well-written story with charmingly lovable characters and I enjoyed it very much. I will definitely be going back to read the first two books in the series.

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thea is at the wrong place at the right time. Overhears some dangerous information. Ash comes in to save her from being seen by the bad guys. Thea and Ash try to get to the bottom of the death threat but instead get drawn further in. This is a love story but definitely has some dark moments.

Was this review helpful?

Theodosia Tothill overhears a conversation plotting a man's death. Ashton Grainger follows Thea to the garden and hears the last of the conversation. Fearing Thea was seen, he makes it his personal mission to protect her. When the cruel Lord Farnborough makes his move to propose to Thea, Ash steps in and proposes himself. Thea doesn't think Ash is sincere, but when she disappears, he wastes no time finding the woman he loves.
A mystery to solve in a race against time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

WONDERFUL!! Announcing Miss Theodosia by Maggie Andresen is book 3 in the Once a Wallflower series and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I really liked about this regency story was the action and mystery in this book. Also the chemistry between Theodosia and Ash was smoking hot. This is very well written and I could not put it down. The characters a wonderful and the story original. I love when a heroine dreams of one thing and ends up with something completely different. This story has a lady who wants to be a writer, a Lord who works for the home security, over hearing a murder plot, rescue, saving a child, murder, greed, pure madness, a kidnapping, a helpful great aunt and grandfather, not wanting to get married and falling in love. This book has it all and I am highly recommending you read it!!!

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

Was this review helpful?

Theodosia Tothill wants to be a writer, but her family is almost obsessed with having her married. So Thea must do all that she can to avoid marriage, starting at her first ball of the Season. However, in trying to escape attention, she overhears the plotting of a murder, which is also heard by Lord Ashton Grainger. When her father decides that she must accept a proposal from the man who she overheard, she finds herself working closely with Ash to uncover the plot, and to escape any marriage. Ash also has an ulterior motive, wanting to appease his grandfather, the Earl of Highworth, who is keen to see him wed before he dies. When he receives disturbing news from his grandfather, he must make a decision to keep Thea safe, but he is left uncertain, that his actions will be agreed to by her.
A fun, light and sweet romance, coupled with the threat of murder, made for an enjoyable read. Both Ash and Thea are two great characters who fall in love, at the last moment. The time spent together, finds the characters weathering all the twists of an entertaining read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What's a debutante to do when she wants to write for the newspaper instead of getting married? Why avoid men if possible!

Unfortunately (or really fortunate!), when she is on the terrace at a ball, she overhears a man plotting to kill someone and before he sees her, she is tackled to the ground!

He only wanted to protect her from being seen and had to get her out of sight quickly. He soon finds out the lady is determined to solve the mystery of the man talking, so reluctantly teams up with her to find the villian.

A sweet and romantic tale, full of humor, witty banter and two determined individuals who are perfect for each other!

Was this review helpful?

There is a bit of everything in this one. Lots of danger, mystery, murder, kidnapping, rescue, and, of course, romance. Ashton and Thea sort of meet when she climbs down a tree to escape her bedchamber. He sees her again at a ball where she is dodging dance partners. When Aston follows her into the garden, they overhear a murder plot. Thus begins their dangerous adventure. Thea is a deliberate wallflower. She wants to become a writer (of crime stories), and has no interest in marriage. Ashton wants to protect his heart; he has lost everyone except his grandfather. Thea is determined to be involved in solving the mystery and Ashton is determined to protect her. There are lots of twists and turns in the story. Will they solve the mystery and prevent the murder? There are several happy endings in this story. One of them just might be Aston and Thea. Good story, interesting characters, and a great epilogue!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Was this review helpful?

Announcing Miss Theodosia by Maggi Andersen is an unexpected light romance, which begins with a young woman dropping out of a tree, almost at his feet. Thea didn't want to marry. She wanted to be a newspaper reporter who write article about important things. She was having trouble convincing her father, especially now that her sister was betrothed. Ashton Grainger wrote the whole thing off and didn't give it another thought. His grandfather was elderly and sick and wanted Ash to marry. Ash didn't intend to marry. He saw what the death of his grandmother and parents in a carriage accident had done to the old man and he never intended to give his heart like that. He did, however, attend some balls, and dance with debutantes, simply to please his grandfather. One evening, he observed the young lady from the tree incident sneak away from a young man intending to invite her to dance. When he found her on the terrace, she was listening to a conversation in which he joined her. They were plotting the murder of a man. One man was called by name, but the others weren't, nor was the intended victim. Both were aghast. Both wanted to investigate. Only Ash would. He would also keep Thea safe.

This was a lovely and light romance and mystery to solve. Both fell in love, rather unexpectedly. The mystery was solved, but not before a life was lost. There were a couple of plot points, not important ones, left dangling. By and large, it was engaging book, with the outcome as promised, given it was a romance. Despite the fact lives hung in the balance, it was fun and kind of whimsical. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Announcing Miss Theodosia by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #announcingmisstheodosia #maggiandersen

Was this review helpful?

Theodosia Tothill attends her first Season but intends to remain unmarried while pursuing her dream to write for newspapers. But her father is just as determined to see her safely married to a good man.
At her first ball, Thea puts her plan into action. While avoiding a gentleman intent on dancing with her, she escapes onto the terrace. Forced to retreat into the garden, she overhears a frightening conversation through the open window in the room above her. A man comes to the window and peers out. Tackled from behind, she rolls into the shadows, to be held by a strong male body and a voice in her head which urges her to be quiet. Thea embarks on a dangerous adventure with Lord Ashton Grainger. Her father, furious at discovering her intention to avoid suitors, becomes more determined to marry her off. Ash intends to continue his bachelor existence until he receives disturbing news which forces him to make a snap decision that will affect both his and Thea’s lives.
This is the third book in the series & a delightful mix of romance & mystery. I really liked both Ash & Thea their verbal banter was humorous & entertaining, their attraction grew throughout the book. I also enjoyed the mystery but it became a bit of a damp squid at the end. I loved how Ash & Thea’s relationship grew & changed as they came to know each other & also to respect each other. A well written entertaining read that started really well but the ending whilst hapy was a little disappointing
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Was this review helpful?

A sweet and enticing mystery!
When Miss Theodosia inadvertently overhears a murder plot it becomes imperative that Ashton Grainger protect her. But Theo is not an average quiet wallflower. She dreams of investigative reporting and thus cannot help but insert herself in the endeavours to stop this murder. Through many twists and turns, the closeness of protecting her cannot help but open his heart. After losing most of his family, and was his grandfather’s health failing. Can Ashton embrace a life with Theodosia and find a new family to love?
The journey of this story has many twists and turns, doubt and insecurity to create a lovely pull of angst and resolution. With an ultimately satisfying Happily Ever After.

Was this review helpful?

This fast-paced Regency suspense is romantic with an independent debutant and a seasoned operative. Theodosia has observed the women in her family and amongst her friends who have had opinions and held interesting conversations, devolve into simple-minded females whose only opinion is their husband's. She refuses to take that route, but cannot avoid the upcoming season where she is to be chaperoned by her grandmother. Avoiding suitors takes her into the gardens at night, right into the arms of Lord Ashton Grainger. Ash initially attempts to keep Theo under control but quickly realizes his mistake, knowing that the stubborn young lady will do exactly as she pleases, in spite of it putting her in danger. When he accepts her help and together they start pursuing leads and sifting through the information, he recognizes an intelligent mind and an intrepid young woman that he is becoming enamored with. The romance and humor in this book made me smile, but the suspenseful side fizzled out a bit towards the end, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, this novel comes to a good conclusion with Theo finding a happy balance in her life. I received a copy of this romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Was this review helpful?

Miss Theodosia Tothill wants to be a crime reporter. The one benefit of being in London is the chance to hear and report on more stories. She has no idea just how dangerous that can be.

Viscount Ashley Grainger works for the Crown but this latest mystery is a more personal one. It will however turn into much more.

A fascinating historical romance with a very interesting mystery to solve. Our characters must draw on unusual sources to solve it. There is danger from a very nasty man who has nothing to lose.

This story is brim full of great characters. It is part of a series but each book can be read on it's own. I do love having more than just romance in the stories.

Great fun.

Was this review helpful?

Announcing Miss Theodosia by Maggi Andersen

Lady Theodosia Tothill has decided to never marry as she wants to be a writer. When she attends a ball for all new debutants of the season as is expected of lady’s of her position . She accidentally runs into Lord Ashton Grainger in the garden and they hear a plot to murder being discussed from an open window. They embark on a plan to stop the murder and protect the innocent and have the criminals charged.

This a fast moving mystery suspense novel and the budding romance of Ash and Thea along the way. 4.5/5

Was this review helpful?

Lady Theodosia Tothill is experiencing her first Season, but all she really wants to do is write about crime stories. When she overhears a plot to murder someone at a ball, she wants to help. Lord Ashton Grainger saves Theo from being scene when one of the suspects looks out the window into the garden where Theo was standing. Not knowing if Theo was seen or not, Ash uses all his skills trying to keep her safe. When they were caught alone together in the library, Ash does the only honorable thing he can - he proposes. Theo wants to help prevent a murder and agrees to the engagement to stay close to Ash, but she never expects to fall for the handsome lord.

I was enjoying this story until the end. Theo and Ash were both interesting characters and I loved how they fell for each other. However, the wrapping up of the kidnapping plot and the subsequent demise of the villain was so disappointing. It showed no imagination whatsoever after such a build up in the story and ruined an otherwise good book for me. The book still earned 3 stars for an inventive plot.

Was this review helpful?

Two independent strong worked individuals that are determined not to marry. They never expected to accidentally overhear a few unsavory characters and their nefarious plot.

The best part of this book is watching Thea and Ash become partners in crime trying to help others. The mystery and suspense in this book is great and adds to the blossoming romance.

I was really excited to read this book since I enjoyed Maggi's stories in the holiday collections. This is a third book, but read great as a stand alone book. I am excited to read the next one!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

"A marriage of convenience could suit them both."
"Breakfast was the most necessary meal, in her grandmother's opinion, for it set one up for the day"
For fans of Bridgerton but with softer vibes ... less spicy let's say but with the really same purpose and setting, this book is for you!
I absolutely loved this book!
It was exactly what I needed ... a soft, interesting, historical romance about a young woman who wants to marry for love or , instead, live as a spinster writing ...
Most readers' dream, I'm afraid!
I loved each and every character and the writing-style made the plot easy to get through and to follow!!
I loved how independent Thea is and how much she cares for other's stories, and her grandmama ... an icon!
Ash is a great love interest and the fact that this book involved a forced-proximity trope as well as a sudden strategic marriage ... well this should say it all!!
The reading felt sure but simply because it got into it, right after the fast few pages, and it kept me captivated till the very end.
I can't wait for this to be published and possibly read more about it.
"Do you object to marrying me, or just the idea of marriage, Thea?"
"He was the man of her dreams, even though she rather thought of him as a lover and not a husband"

Was this review helpful?