I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I won't lie, I picked this book up because of the cover - absolutely stunning

I absolutely loved this
Was completely hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down
For me, it was a perfect read

Can't recommend this enough. A wonderful read

An atmospheric tense and twisty read that I felt immersed in the 1810s well. A surprising read, and quite unusual in its telling which made it compelling to read.

The year is 1812 and travelling theatre actress Dora Fitz-Pennington can't be said to mix in the same circles as recovering addict and army medic Dr Jacob Sandys. Once Dora's brother is murdered however, their lives become linked in dangerous and confusing ways. Following clues left for her to decipher it soon becomes clear there is far more to Antony's death than either of them first imagined.

Finding themselves caught between warring groups Dora and Jacob know that more than their own lives are in danger as they battle influential and desperate men with far reaching power and no concerns about being held responsible for their actions. As they get closer to discovering the identity of Antony Pennington's killer and its consequences they realise their growing feelings for each other might be the only thing they can be certain of.

Described as 'Bridgerton meets The Da Vinci Code', Julia Golding's novel starts with a bang, never really pauses for breath, and has two main protagonists who are instantly likeable and easy to cheer for! The relationship between them is enjoyable from the start, even though everything which happens is uncertain, with their various antagonists being either violent, cunning, or both! This is slightly different to my normal type of book but I would read more like this in future.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Harper Collins UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this and am glad I took a chance with it.

I was lucky enough t9 receive an advamce copy of this novel which has echoes of the Da Vinci Code.
It tells the story of Dora and Dr Sandys who are investigating the death of Dora's brother, who is a member of a secret society the Hellfire Club. They have several brushes with the Illuminati on the way and their life is endangered many times.
There are plenty of twists and turns and noone is quite what they seem. The end made me want a sequel.
A well told story