"Notorious" by Mae Thorn is a captivating romance novel that skillfully blends intrigue, passion, and suspense. Thorn's storytelling prowess is evident as she weaves a tale filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

One of the book's strongest aspects is its richly developed characters. The protagonist is both relatable and compelling, drawing readers into her journey with ease. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their interactions are laced with wit and emotion, making their relationship both believable and engaging.

Thorn excels in creating an atmospheric setting that enhances the narrative. Her vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life, immersing readers in a world of opulent parties, clandestine meetings, and hidden dangers. The historical details are well-researched, adding authenticity and depth to the story.

However, while "Notorious" is a highly enjoyable read, there are a few moments where the plot feels somewhat predictable, following familiar romantic tropes. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been more fully developed to add additional layers to the narrative.

Overall, "Notorious" is a thoroughly entertaining romance that offers a perfect blend of intrigue and passion. Mae Thorn's engaging writing and memorable characters make this a must-read for fans of the genre, earning it a well-deserved four-star rating.

A little slow at times, but overall a good story. Delia blames the British for her brother's death during the Revolutionary War. Imagine her surprise at her attraction to British soldier, Lord Carrington. They are in for a Roller-Coaster ride to their HEA.
Thank you Mae Thorn, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley fr allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

In Love with the Enemy

Delia vowed to have revenge on those who killed her brother, so she became Foxglove. She aided the rebels, and no British soldier was safe from her poison. Delia’s mission was dangerous, but it became far more perilous when Lord Carrington, the British captain tasked with capturing Foxglove came to be a guest of her family’s. To make matters worse, Delia found herself attracted to William. He was the enemy, but her heart did not recognize the difference. . As she was about to find out, the truth was not as simple as she thought. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with suspense, action, and mystery.

This is the first book in a brand new series by Ms. Thorn, Poisonous Passions. It is also my first time reading something by her but it will definitely not be my last. The story is filled with intrigue and mystery and wonderfully delightful characters. I enjoyed the build up of the romance between Delia and Captain Carrington. Coming from a Loyalist family and being a rebel sympathizer puts her in a dangerous position. Carrington was a caring and honorable man and was invested in Delia's safety. An exciting plotline that caught my interest from the start and held it all the way through. Surprising twists and turns kept me glued and turning the pages anxious to see what happens next. I found this to be a very entertaining and enjoyable read and the story captured my attention from the start. The characters were nicely developed and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining series!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

(Teaser review to publish 3/22 at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2022/03/notorious-by-mae-thorn.html )

I love it when a book completely takes me by surprise with just how very much I enjoy it. I expect to enjoy what I read ... otherwise why would I choose to read them, right? But there are times, like now, when I just kind of expect to enjoy the distraction and end up gobmacked. I get so wrapped up in the story and the characters and when the book ends I start to hyperventilate a bit.

Moreso when it is the first book in the series and has only just been released and there is, as of yet, no more.

I need more Poisonous Passions. I need Mae Thorn to write and write and write and .... you know, write.

It looks like there will be three books in the series. I need them now.

And then I need more.

I read a lot of Regency and Victorian and sooooooo much set across the pond. But this book. Oooooh this book.

It's an American Revolutionary War story ... set in my dear New York.

New York City, of course. Not the center of the dang state like I am, but that's to be expected. Syracuse wasn't Syracuse until 42 years after this story took place. Even then, it wasn't much of anything at all until the Erie Canal. Hmmm ... I would be quite enthralled with some canal romance going on in a book or several at some point ... but now, back to Notorious.

We have the heroine ... who is also kind of the villain ... but isn't ...
And the hero ... who hates the villain ... but is enthralled with the heroine ...

There are friends and family members and other villains and other heroes and heroines and secrets and lies and and humor and intrigue and hopes and dreams and just the right bit of "just do it already" romance. It pretty much has everything.

Except for pirates.
Or vikings.
Or kilted Highlanders.

Although ... maybe they were in the pages of the book our heroine was reading in Chapter Nineteen. I'll just believe that to be the case.

Notorious by Mae Thorn is an American Revolution story taking place in New York City. Delia Wolcott was in a precarious position as the daughter of a prominent Loyalist and a second life as Foxglove, the notorious killer and a person who helped rebel families escape. The authorities thought she was a man and that she was a rebel, but the truth was she simply wanted to avenge the killing of her brother. At a ball she met the new person charged with investigating Foxglove, Captain Carrington, who as it turned out was also a viscount. She was instantly attracted, which obviously caused a conundrum. It also caused problems for her brother, Jeffrey and his friend, Richard Bradshaw, who seemed to think she was going to marry him. There were plenty of problems and wartime atrocities to go around.

Delia was not a coward; if anything she leapt before she thought, which was the opposite of courage. Carrington was eventually replaced and returned to England where he faced his own problems. He was replaced by a man who had much less sympathy for the entire situation. Delia had the ability to put a good face on and plunge forward. War is a terrible thing and she recognized that without judging or taking sides, usually. She had her own sense of morality and was disturbed when others saw things differently. It was hard not to root for her. Carrington was a good and honorable man who wished for nothing more than Delia's safety, which was no small thing, the way she ran headlong into danger. What a good book!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Notorious by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #notorious #maethorn

Delia is searching for revenge. William is doing his job. Can they reconcile the differences?
This is set during the American revolution and with any war are realities.
This book had a little more gore than I was expecting . The descriptions in the beginning were a little more descriptive than I would have liked. It kept me awake. There is one long love scene and several shorter between the two.
I did enjoy the book. I could hardly put it down without my mind racing in different directions. My first inclination for the ending wasn't quite right but close.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

It's the time of Revolutionary War in New York City and Delia Wolcott is still single, with her mother despairing that she'll become a spinster. The family is forced to house a British officer, and Lord Carrington comes to reside in what used to be Delia's favorite brother's room. Arthur was murdered with no witnesses and Delia is determined to uncover the truth and avenge his death. She becomes the infamous traitor Foxglove, helping rebel families escape the clutches of the enemy while gathering information and poisoning some of the worst British offenders. But her identity as Foxglove is at risk now that the Lord is constantly underfoot, and right next door. The worst part is that he's been assigned to find and hang Foxglove for treason.
While the writing seemed a little choppy in some parts, overall I liked the story. The descriptions of clothing from the era, the focus on propriety at all times, the romance, the intrigue...
I loved the teasing and not so subtle innuendo between Delia and William. Despite their differences, their attraction was like a powder keg about to blow, but still William was warm and affectionate even when she was being nonsensical. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

In war torn New York, the Foxglove is qietly making the English pay for their crimes. Delia Wolcott is skilled with herbs and is obsessed with the murder of her brother.

Captain Lord Carrington has been sent to catch the Foxglove. Whoever the man is, he's been mocking the authorities. Stay with a wealthy royalist family, he finds more than he was searching for.

This is a very amusing historical romance. Our heroine is about the most stubborn I've read about. She's in a very vulnerable position, but doesn't seem to care. Our hero is extremely patient and understanding.

Great fun.

During the Revolutionary War in New York, Delia Wolcott is looking for her brother's murderers under the moniker Foxglove. Helping rebels escape and revenge on those who commit heinous crimes against them, she uses poison as her weapon of choice.and carries knives for her protection. When her parents offer a room to a British captain, it curtails her activities at night, but she can't stop looking for answers. What is unexpected is falling in love with a British officer, Captain Travers, Lord Carrington. Believe it or not there is a lot of subtle humor, flirting and Delia creating chaos
wherever she goes. I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. A new author and her first book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Set during the Revolutionary War, this story begins fast pace and does not stop until the end!

She was determined to find out who really killed her brother, but meanwhile was helping families escape the british who were punishing those they deemed traitors to the crown. She left her calling card and had gotten the moniker of Foxglove.

He was an officer of the British and was determined to find Foxglove and bring justice. After all, a few English soldiers had been killed and he had his eye on her.

An attraction begins that cannot be denied, but there is so much at stake. Can she reach her objective without getting caught? Would her turn her in?

I love this time in history and this author has brought it to life. Cannot wait for more in this series!

I was so excited with the premise of this book. Revoluntary War, yes please! The story starts out on an exciting note but unfortunately it did not sustain my interest. The story seemed choppy and repeated itself several times. I did not finish and tried to hang on when she purposely kills someone for reasons I did not think warranted it at the time. Maybe it explains it later, I gave up. Sorry. I won't write a review on Amazon, etc. because I do not wish to give a one star review.

I had trouble getting into this book and then sticking with it. The premise sounded good, and it was refreshing to find a historical romance set during the American Revolution and not the Regency period. But the characters are screaming for more development and depth, the dialog is frequently too modern, and some scenes are choppy or just not well explained.

The backstory: American h's brother had died under mysterious circumstances, with many colonists suspecting the invading British soldiers as the culprits. This led the h to become Foxglove, helping rebel colonists to escape while avenging her brother's death. It's a great set-up, which should have been rife with tension and drama. Unfortunately, emotion is lacking, and emotion, for me, is the backbone of a good romance novel. I have to feel invested in the MC's HEA. Instead, there's insta-lust--h is interested in a sexual relationship with the H way too early in the plot; she's a sheltered 20 year old virgin, and her prurient thoughts don't fit the character or time period. The H runs hot and cold; it's hard to get a handle on who he is as a person. Various secondary characters and family members flit around, including the stock Matchmaking Matriarch, but I kept wondering if the brother's death really meant much to anyone.

Overall, I would give this 2 1/2 stars, but bumped up to 3 because this is a new author and the book ends on an upbeat note.

It is the Revolutionary war in America and General Washington has left New York City. Just what is a girl to do, when her loving brother turns up dead and it is blamed on the British Soldiers? Delia Wolcott is besides herself with grief and decides to fight back the best way she can. Suddenly a notorious person called Foxglove enters the city and the enemy starts mysteriously dying. The British are confused and send Captain Lord Carrington to investigate. Amazing plot, interesting characters, including a marriage minded mama, to set the stage for a fascinating story.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Very much enjoyed this book, some excellent characters and a thrilling story that had me completely hooked.
I can almost see the way the series will shape up, and who will be the next star of the following book, and I can hardly wait.
This is going to be a series that’s on my ‘must buy’ list.
Don’t miss this one!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review