Annabel Leonard's wealthy father pays Lord Craventhorp for his title to marry her .The man's cruelty is ignored by her father and she flees London in fear of her life. Lord Henry Hudson knows Craventhorp and his cruelty. He's defended women against him. Unbeknownst to him one of the women is Annabel. Changing her name and identity, she and Henry form a romantic relationship. Everything falls apart when he's accused of Annabel's murder. A tumultuous relationship with kisses only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

What an amazing and sweet story. Inspiration for every woman who struggles! I couldn't put it down. Anne reminds me so much of myself, I was entirely entranced with her story!

Love and Dangerous Secrets

Both Annabel and Henry have secrets, but unbeknownst to them, Annabel's secrets were quite dangerous. She ran away from her father's home to escape marriage to a cruel man. However, she did not realize the extent of her betrothed’s depravity. Now, she was pretending to be a widow. The truth would become clear, but there would be much upheaval before it was all over. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with suspense, treachery, and secrets.

This is the third book in the Love and Literature series. Annabelle's father is interested in connecting his business with a title, so he wants her to marry a bankrupt viscount. But the viscount is a cruel man, who only appears charming in public, and Annabelle refuses to be bound to him. The only chance of escape she sees is to run away.
Henry has been drinking and gambling too much lately, ever since his paternity and title have come into question. His cousin is worried about him, so he travels to her ladies' college to volunteer there in an effort to rehabilitate himself and ease her worrying. It is there that he meets Anne, and is completely taken with her. But he only knows her as Anne Crawford, a widow, and not the missing heiress Annabelle Leonard, who has run away from home to escape a vile marriage. A marriage that is arranged with Henry's nemesis. Henry is falling deeply in love with the woman he knows as Anne Crawford. What will happen when he finds out who she truly is?
This was a well-written story that captured my attention from the start and kept me engaged till the end. Henry and Annabelle were wonderful characters and they had such great chemistry. The story was well-paced and the twists and turns kept me engaged. I enjoyed this latest addition to the series and look forward to reading more.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

A good story that had me turning the pages. Annabel Leonard, the eldest daughter of a wealthy businessman runs away when forced to marry the cruel Viscount Craventhorp for the sake of the family's desire to elevate themselves in the eyes of the ton. Craventhorp, the man her father has selected for her, has had a nasty reputation for torturing animals and enjoying it from his school days. He carries this into adulthood by being cruel with the women he meets - including Annabel, his intended.

Annabel runs away to escape said match and while incognito, meets Lord Henry Hudsyn, the Baron who saved her when she attempted to get away from Craventhorp. Henry, himself torn with his identity, seeks shelter in the house of his cousin and her family where he meets the runaway heiress once again but as he cannot remember what she looked like when he intercepted her interaction with Craventhorp, accepts that she is the widow Anne Crawford, the new nanny for Alice. Their chemistry with each other is quite evident as they slowly fall in love.

Things take a dark turn when Henry is accused of Annabel's murder and all the evidence is stacked against him. Riveting novel that had me at the edge of my seat anticipating when Henry would be acquitted of the crime. I would recommend this book. I received an ARC from NetGalley and submit my honest review.

Love and Liberty by Aviva Orr is a compelling story of just how far one man will go to assuage his own ego. Annabel Leonard was the daughter of a very wealthy businessman. He had just announced to her that he had accepted an offer for her hand and she would meet the man at tomorrow night’s ball. She was beside herself. Her stepmother was happy and gloating. This man was a viscount and that boded well for the marriages of her daughters, Annabel’s half-sisters. She met the man, Viscount Craventhorp the next night at Lady Dawley’s ball, took a walk with him, and when she spoke he grabbed her arm and held it so tightly it left bruises. She did the only thing she could do, she ran, bumped into a man, and kept going, pleading a headache in order to leave early. She showed her bruises to her ladies’ maid who reported them to her stepmother, thinking that, as a woman, she would not allow this to happen to another woman. She was wrong, so they did the only thing they could do: they fled. Lord Henry Hudsyn was the man that she had run into but he was so far into his cups that all he saw was the terror in her face before he punched Craventhorp for the second time that evening, both for the same reason. He stayed in his cups for months, as was his habit.

This was an exiting novel with twists and turns that kept the reader engaged. There were good guys, and bad guys, and deluded guys. The main characters were charismatic and empathetic. The pacing of the plot was excellent and the outcome, just as one might imagine, it being a romance. One striking difference, always present in these types of novels, is the stark contrast in the way women are treated, as opposed to men. Sometimes that is to the benefit of the woman, but usually not. Another noticeable thing is the cavalier use of dangerous drugs by doctors. They had not yet discovered how detrimental this could be. It was a good and interesting book.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Love and Liberty by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AvivaOrr #LoveAndLiberty

4.25 Stars
Annabel Leonard’s life takes a drastic turn when her father, a wealthy confectionary merchant, demands that she marry a bankrupt viscount to merge the family fortune with a title. Annabel soon discovers that the intended viscount is a brute who masks his sadistic proclivities behind good looks and charm. Since discovering a family secret that casts doubt on his paternity and title, Lord Henry Hudsyn has been on a downward spiral, causing those who love him to grow concerned about his drinking and gambling habits. Things look up when he meets Anne Crawford, a charming young widow. But little does Henry know the woman he is falling in love with isn't a widow named Anne Crawford.
A well written quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed & devoured in a sitting. I loved both Henry & Annabel, their chemistry sizzled & I was routing for them. The trial had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen & hoping there was the right outcome. My favourite of the series so far
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This novel, which is set in the Victorian period, puts much of its focus on women being victimized by men. Annabel, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, was being forced to marry a penniless nobleman. Beneath a handsome exterior, Lord Craventhorp was pure evil. Fearing for her life if she married the Viscount, Annabel fled London. She reinvented herself as a widow named Anne. While living as Anne, she meets Henry and they instantly take a liking to each other. Coincidentally, Henry and Craventhorp are old rivals. The question then is how far is Craventhorp willing to go to get his revenge? Is he willing to commit murder and implicate someone else for a crime they didn't commit? Annabel doesn't know who she can trust.
In terms of being a crime drama, this book was interesting. It was well-written and had good character development. Even though some aspects of the plot were a bit far-fetched, it was an entertaining read. As far as the romance went, this book was sorely lacking. The plot revolved around a woman fleeing an unacceptable union, but poor Henry didn't have much chance to sweep Anne off her feet.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

For readers seeking a finish-in-one-sitting romance,  Love and Liberty is a short, enjoyable page-turner with a late 1860s setting and a relatable heroine whose comfortable life takes a sudden turn when her father decides to marry her off. Dad is a confectionary tycoon with social ambitions. The suitor is the Viscount Craventhorp, a sadistic bully willing to marry 'beneath him' for money.

The reluctant bride is Annabel Leonard, an avid reader of novels and an independent spirit. Her mother died in childbed. Alas, her stepmother is straight out of Cinderella, and no ally when Annabel confides that she was physically bullied by Craventhorp the first time they met. Annabel explains why she can't marry the vicious viscount, but her parents will hear none of it. Forced to take desperate measures, she concocts a story of running away to marry for love, and decamps to Canterbury with the help of her loyal maid Stella and Stella's nephew Nate Trawler.

Posing as a widow, Mrs. Anne Crawford, Annabel revels in her new liberty, and the proximity of the (fictional) Canterbury Ladies' College sparks thoughts of a future of broader horizons. Women's higher education is a theme of the story. Author Aviva Orr slips in references to Emily Davies, the real-life educator who became mistress of Girton College, and to the political efforts to make schooling available for all children.

After a fairly long set-up,  Annabel meets Henry, Lord Hudsyn about a quarter of the way into the story. He is in Canterbury staying with one-time rake and "Byronic novelist" Jack Bastin and his wife Ottilie,  MCs from Book 2 in this series. The couple have plucked Henry from an angst-driven life of dissolution. Being devoted to Ottilie (a cousin who is probably his half-sister), Henry can't bear to be lowered in her estimation, so he gets with the self-improvement program and soon finds himself volunteered to help out at the ladies' college run by Jack's older sister Violet.

Henry is a well characterized, engaging hero whose instant attraction to Annabel is revealed through his viewpoint. Unfortunately for him, she convinces herself that he is a spy on her father's payroll. This contrivance leans heavily on suspension of disbelief: if Annabel's whereabouts and new identity were known to her controlling father, why send a spy when he could simply show up and drag her back to town to marry the vicious viscount?

Logic aside, the developing romance is believable and hooked me in. Annabel encounters Henry at a class at the college. His presence makes her uneasy, but he duly lays her fears to rest and (implausibly for the prevailing period etiquette) they are instantly on first-name terms and the romance kicks off.

In keeping with the series theme "Love and Literature," Ms. Orr begins each chapter with a pertinent quote from a novel or poem, a touch I enjoyed. Literary references run through the story, along with dashes of commentary in the MC's viewpoints. For their 'first date' Annabel and Henry attend a performance of Othello. Interesting choice. I wished the author had balanced the focus on the play and its subtext with visual images of how Annabel and Henry looked going out together, and a focus on the chemistry between them. Readers familiar with Victorian social mores might wonder what Annabel chose to wear: luxury clothing from her life in London or was it a gown she sewed in keeping with her 'recently widowed' persona? Her invented husband supposedly died just over a year ago, so she need not appear in full mourning black. It seems odd that she goes out to the theater with a man who is not a family member, without any concern over appearances.

In the aftermath of the play, Henry and Annabel draw closer, sealing their attraction with a first kiss. Henry ponders whether 'Mrs. Anne Crawford' is Annabel Leonard, based upon a brief drunken recollection of her from London. Mutual misunderstandings impede their developing romance. Through some surprises and dramatic twists, they discover who their real friends are. Henry is framed for a murder in a far-fetched plot development that drives the remainder of the book. A trial in the House of Lords occupies the final chapters. While this is interesting and well-researched, I was disappointed that Henry and Annabel were apart throughout the unfolding drama. Their separation made the HEA seem abrupt and less romantic than ideal.

Love and Liberty is the first romance I've read by Aviva Orr. Book 3 in its series, it's a standalone and I did not feel I'd missed any crucial plot elements by not reading the prequels. It's not the most slickly written book, but the story has emotional integrity and some fresh elements that lift it above the read-one-read-'em-all yarns proliferating in the Regency/Victorian lane these days. It earns a 3 from me. The Regency Chronicle team looks forward to seeing more from this promising author!

Our thanks to the author, Dragonblade Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy.  Cover image courtesy of Dragonblade © 2023.  Review by Pam Baker © 2023 The Regency Chronicle.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book!

I’m a sucker for a historical romance, especially when they challenge societal norms and feature strong female leads. I loved the main character and would honestly read her papers on women in literature and attend a debate where she challenges others’ stereotypes about women. I also appreciated how the love interest acknowledged his biases and privileges and was ready to shift his perspectives when challenged.

My only dislike was the ending. It felt really rushed and I was frustrated that we didn’t see the main couples reunion or the end of the courtroom drama. I also wanted to see her dad grovel and her stepmother/ex-fiancé go to jail rather than have it retold via summary. Just one or two chapters there would have made this a 5 star read for me.

A clean historical fiction period romance of a young woman born to a wealthy merchant father, determined to raise their family to the peerage. Things go amiss as the pressure is on to make the most affluent match.
The plot and pace are solidly written with twists and turns that keep it interesting. The author added a sweet dynamic between Annabelle and Henry making it a quick entertaining read.

I wish that the ending hadn’t felt so abrupt with a meet-up scene before fast-forwarding to the future. Otherwise, it is fun enough to give it a go.

I received this as an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

3.7/5 star

One week was all it took for Annabel Leonard’s life to fall to pieces. Her father, a wealthy merchant, had announced she was to marry a bankrupt viscount. Refusing was not an option, and when she learned first hand just how cruel her intended could be, there was but one way out: to run. With the help of her beloved maid she made it to Canterbury, and created an entire new identity. She no longer led a life of luxury, but at least she was safe and free.

Once almost a published poet, discovering the truth of his creation had sent Lord Henry Hudsyn into a life of darkness, alcohol and gambling. His one beacon of light was his cousin and her husband. So when said husband came to collect him at his country estate after being banished from London after a particularly bad night, he obliged. Maybe Canterbury could bring some clarity and peace of mind. And that’s where he encounters Anne Crawford, a lovely young widow.

Newspaper headlines about the disappearance turned murder of a young London heiress betrothed to his nemesis keep plaguing his conscience. If only he hadn’t been in a drunk haze that night…
The same headlines have Anne on edge. What if they find her? What if Henry is a spy hired by her father? And worse, what if Henry finds out?

📚 There’s a lot of light, friendship and good in between the drama, cruelty and darkness of this tale, yet something was missing for me. A solid, well-crafted plot. Very captivating A page-turner, run-for-your-life murder mystery with interesting characters (good and bad), intrigue, conspiracy and a fascinating trial, but I never quite felt the romance between the MCs even though they made a lovely couple. There’s love between them, and they do get their happily ever after, but with no steam and very little actual romance. A good book, but not what I expect from a historical romance.

Secrets, lies, and murder form the backdrop to this suspenseful novel, forcing Miss Annabel Leonard to flee from her home when she recognizes that she will never receive the support of her father whilst her stepmother has him under her thumb. When the only person who really cares about her comes under threat Annabel knows she has run out of time. Her path crosses that of Lord Henry Hudsyn more than once and even when she didn't know who he was, he tried to protect her. Misunderstandings complicate their relationship, but when he is blamed for her disappearance, it is fortunate that they have friends who stand by them. Ultimately, evil-minded characters receive their just deserts, leaving the way open for Henry and Annabel to find their own happiness. The novel is well-written and keeps one engrossed until the conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Addicting!!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It draws you into the story instantly. It was an easy read, while still containing a complex story, and the descriptive writing is almost POETIC. I couldn't put it down.

This is the third book in the series and continues where the previous book ended, here we get Henry's story. I recommend reading this series in order as the characters carry through all three books Anne Leonard is threatened into marriage to a cruel, manipulative peer of the realm. She has no-one to turn to when it seems a marriage is inevitable and she runs away. Living in fear of discovery she lives quietly in Canterbury with a new identity and background.
Henry is the cousin of Ottilie and is persuaded away from his dissolute life in London by his cousin in law Jack. He meets Anne and is smitten. Thus begins confusion with both characters hiding truths. Always enjoyable stories from this author I would recommend the series. My thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishers for an ARC of Love and Liberty.

Thank you very good read I couldn’t stop flipping the pages to see what happens next it gave me Cinderella evil step mother vibes and the main character was the only one that I trusted through the whole book. didn’t know who they tried to marry her off with. The story had a lot of twists.

Such a delightful short read. I was transported back to England 1860s. Anne and Henry's chemistry hit off from the start. Anne is an admirable woman, Henry as lovable. His moment with lil Alice was the cutest. The most thrilling part of the novel was the court trial case which keeps you turning the pages and unable to put down the book. I was seated and on edge, wondering if Anne can overturn the situation.

My only criticism is a bit more could have been added to the plot. The author focused writing about the two characters and their relationship only it seems, keeping it short. I believe certain stuff like Anne and her father having a heartfelt reconciliation could have been added. It would have the story more emotional. Likewise, narrating her stepmother pleading for insanity would have added more effect to the story and the readers.

Despite all this, I loved the story and would like to recommend to everyone who loves historical fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing ARC.

Wow, just WOW! This book has been a thrill ride of twists and turns that could make your head spin! It was amazing to see how the author wrote Henry, a disillusioned peer, totally distraught over a secret his mother kept from him. Anna is a headstrong Miss who refuses to be railroaded into a dangerous situation. I found the story very enthralling with so many secrets in play. I never expected Mr Trawler’s situation at all and was totally blown away when the villain(s) was revealed, something I never saw coming. Would have loved to have read a scene with Anna in the courtroom and the resulting fireworks with Lord “Nasty”, but the ending was at least satisfying. Overall, very well paced and the characters were well developed so that we could feel every emotion they were experiencing.

I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.

This was almost a 4.5 star book for me but I had some problems with the ending (more on that later). This was one of those books that once I picked it up I didn't want to put it down. I loved Annabel/Anne right the beginning - she tried to do things the right way and when that didn't work wasn't afraid to have to do what was necessary to save herself. And I felt the same way about Henry. Although he was often quick to judge what he thought he saw Anne doing he was always willing and ready to offer his apologies and admit that he was acting out of jealousy. It was also nice to watch their relationship develop over the course of the novel. As I stated previously my problem with the book was I thought there were so many abandoned and/or unresolved plot points. Did Henry ever reconcile with his mother? We didn't get a confrontation between Anne and Nate - not only did he lock her in his home where she almost died in a fire but he also just ran off without any punishment for what he tried to do to Henry in court. I also would have liked a scene between Anne and her father where he apologized and explained his actions (instead we received this information from Stella). And I would have loved a final scene with Anne's stepmother - we are told she pleads insanity at her trial but it would have been nice to see a little of that crazy toward the end when her entire plot fell apart. It was also never made quite clear why the doctor insisted on drugging Anne rather than letting her go to London to save Henry. Her being the one to show up in court would have been a much more satisfying ending to that part of the story. Another unresolved plot point was Henry never getting to confront his so-called friends after they pretty much threw him under the bus (one of them does try to make up for it when testifying, but that was after making him look bad during the initial investigation). Considering that I had all these complaints and still gave it 4 stars should tell you how good the rest of the book was. As a final note, I did not find having not read the previous books in the series to be a problem, so if you are jumping into the series with this book you should be just fine.