I enjoyed getting to read the story of Jack Travers' sister. Though this could be read as a stand alone. Overall, it was great & interesting with a diverse cast of characters. It was great getting to see a reappearance of the character Wily. The book had great banter, humor and was a page turner. I had my suspicions about the mystery but even still the mystery and story was intriguing. Mr. Denning was witty! I thought their connecting felt strong and real. I loved Verity's tenacity, boldness and spirit! I enjoy a good Regency read and this was a new perspective to read so the story feels fresh even with the many Regency books I've read before.
Highlights:
*1st kiss
*Wily
*Drake and Rawlings
*"But what is he to you?" "The world, Mama. He is the world."
-Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are 100% my own

I really liked Nathaniel and Verity!! The suspense, mystery and romance of their story was absolutely captivating!

This was so good!! This was unputdownable delight of a story!
The romance was everything! The premise was unique and full of excitement. The love interests and the way they met was-- I just can't.
They literally ran into each other. And from that point on, they were--chemistry.
This author is going to the top of my list for romances.

Bravo! What A Wonderful Sequel!

I am saying an emphatic “YES!” to all the things that make up this perfectly written story! Its storyline, plot twists, mystery, characters, perfect settings and amazing quotes all work to pull this suspenseful tale together and create such a “hard to put down” novel.

Beyond all of those things, So True a Love is truly a love story at heart. I loved meeting feisty and unpredictable Verity in A Heart Worth Stealing, so I couldn’t wait to read her book. I was curious as to what kind of H could attempt to tame her and convince her that love could be trusted. I would never have dreamed up a Mr. Denning, yet he is more than perfect for her!

So, well done, Joanna Barker! I really hope you continue to add stories that include this crew of characters. Bow Street runners, mysterious clues, savory characters , a bit of danger and love winning over all, coupled with the shenanigans of Mama and Grandmama, have this reader begging for more!

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Another absolute winner from Joanna Barker! So True A Love took me on a fast paced, romantic journey with one determined, quick witted heroine & a swoon-worthy, charming Bow Street Runner. The intriguing mystery, witty banter, & sigh inducing, sweet, close proximity romance had me clamoring for more. Ever since reading A Heart Worth Stealing, I couldn’t wait for another Regency mystery & this one was just as amazing. If you’re a fan of Miss Scarlet & the Duke, you’ll love this!

Verity Travers is a talented artist with a knack for solving crimes. Her last disastrous assignment had her taking down her sleuthing shingle until her friend desperately seeks her help. Needing to retrieve a letter in a stolen reticule, Verity embarks on a dangerous mission. But, there at every turn is the handsome Bow Street Runner whom she met in an unexpected way and who keeps showing up where she happens to be investigating. The attractive, witty detective definitely gets under her skin, but Verity’s history makes her wary of falling in love. Rather than go their separate ways though, they decide to work together & that’s when the sparks really fly.

I loved Verity & Nathaniel! Their chemistry was off the charts & I loved the way they worked together. The underlying romantic tension was palpable & there were so many scenes I loved. The inn! I loved Nathaniel’s nickname Sir Chivalry & the way he was always looking out for Verity. Verity’s smart, stubborn, and I enjoyed her growth. Reading from her perspective was a delight. The mystery was balanced beautifully with the romance with enough twists and turns to keep me on my toes. I also enjoyed cameos from Ginny & Jack!

This is definitely one must read Regency mystery/romance! Don’t miss reading the epilogue from Nathaniel’s perspective on the author’s website. Though it’s a sequel to A Heart Worth Stealing, it can definitely be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend reading that book too! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

I feel quite fortunate indeed to have received an ARC of Joanna Barker’s "So True a Love," which comes out September 3rd. I really loved this love story, my darlings. The banter, the mystery, the familial relationships, the tug towards true love- I truly enjoyed reading about daring Verity's journey and how it intersected with the chivalrous Nathaniel. This romance has a beautiful weight to it, and I highly recommend it.

"So True a Love" by Joanna Barker is an incredible Regency romantic suspense novel! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it will certainly not be my last. This book hooked me from the first page and held me in suspense as I devoured and savored its contents. Ms. Barker’s writing is superb and keeps one invested in the story. I also love her use of humor throughout. The characters feel like real people, and I was so sad that I had to part with Verity and Nathaniel when I closed the last page. Readers will fall in love with Verity with her cleverness and stubborn streak. Her character reminds me of “Enola Holmes.” Nathaniel is just a sweetheart, and readers will fall for this Bow Street Runner nicknamed “Sir Chivalry.” This love story is one of rivals-to-lovers that is done so perfectly. The chemistry between the main characters sizzles off the page. I enjoyed their lively, witty banter. I must not forget their first swoony kiss! The side characters are all so well written and memorable as well. I am glad there is a story about Verity’s brother, Jack. Wily is another favorite. I appreciate that "So True a Love" highlights familial love, especially the love and sacrifices a mother makes for her daughter. I have been looking for more clean, well-written Regency books and I know I have found a winner!

I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: a character has tried whisky in the past; a character is said to have been born illegitimately and her parents aren’t married; characters drink alcohol; characters are at a tavern where people drink alcohol and are drunk; a man tries to assault a woman; it says someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; someone else has a child out of wedlock.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This book had some promising features but ultimately it fell flat for me. I had a hard time getting into it and it wasn't my favorite of Joanna's. I've loved all her other books, the writing was still beautiful but the story didn't suck me in as some of her others.

What do you get when you mix a lady detective, a bow street runner and a missing letter? A mystery with well written characters, with twists and turns and a romance that will have you swooning on your fainting couch. I could not put this book down, the author wrote a fantastic story. A must read for proper romance lovers everywhere!


Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

First - this is the 2nd book to “A Heart Worth Stealing” by Joanna Baker. Jack Travers is the lead in that novel - and is the brother of Verity Travers in this novel.

I highly recommend both. I went back and read the first novel before starting this one.

Verity becomes involved in a mystery and has to work with the good looking Bow Street runner Nathaniel Denning - aka “Sir Chivalry”.

These are the first novels I have read by author Joanna Barker and I will definitely be back for more. I would love to see a story for Elizabeth. She definitely came out on top as a great character - along with the main characters.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC on #NetGalley.

Romance mixed with a mystery to solve might be my favorite combo. Joanna does it again with her latest novel. I was completely sucked in by the chemistry between her two main characters.

I was intrigued by Verity in book 1 and was so excited to read her book. A female detective in an era when that was unheard of? Or course she ends up being a fascinating character! Verity tends to be impulsive and jump right into a situation.

Nathaniel is a bow street runner working on the same case as Verity. When their leads land them in the same places, they end up working together. This alliance allows for some great forced proximity moments! I loved watching them slowly let their guards down with each other. The transition from competitors to much more as they spend more time together was so fun to read about.

One of my favorite things in a romance are those opportunities when the main characters are on the page together. I loved that these two spent so much time together. All the witty remarks, moments of vulnerability, and intrigue made this an absolute gem. I can’t wait to read it again!

This story is such a perfect balance of romance, mystery, tenderness, and adventure!

I'm so glad to get to know Verity's story, after meeting her in A Heart Worth Stealing. She is a fun and daring character who skirts the bounds of tradition, while maintaining her caring heart and femininity. She feels like a person who would easily become a best friend.

And can we talk about Nathaniel!? 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 He is kind and chivalrous, and I just love his honest and straightforward style of communication.

Together, they are perfection. Their meet-cute is more like a meet-collision, and from there, their banter and chemistry are on point! The forced proximity and varying levels of rescues/keeping each other safe had me swooning!

You're going to want to read this one!

I received an electronic ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I just finished this with a big gigantic sigh and a sappy smile on my face. It was SO! Stinking! AMAZING!!! I found myself reading this every spare second I could find. Like, even if it was just sitting on the counter for 2 minutes while brushing my teeth 😆

This story is everything a story should be!!! Aspiring authors, take note. This book should be what you educate yourself with. It had wit, a headstrong FMC who is the perfect amount of headstrong (not obnoxiously so), an incredibly swoony MMC, suspense, mystery, romance, character building, friendship, family, the crazy old grandma… seriously everything. I love this book! I love this book!!!

You will find yourself totally hooked on Nathan Denning. He is a little more reserved but don’t let that fool you. He is so so good. He knows what he wants, and he will go for it. And he will make you melt into a puddle around 50%. You’re welcome 😂😉

Read this book. Just do it. Forget your TBR, forget your ARC’s. Pick up this book, and read it today!!!!

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Altough Verity has a secret passion, private investigation, she has a good position in the ton as the daughter of a famous actress. But after something went wrong in a past case, she gave up that dream, going instead through a dull life of attending events, balls and the likes.
But one night, she and her friend got attacked by an armed man. The nagging urge to delivers justice makes her do something risky and from that moment she gets involve in a environment of danger and mystery. But with every step she takes, the handsome Bow street runner Nathaniel Denning, Who she met that very night, follows her everywhere she goes to investigate.
Verity does not need his help to acomplished her task, as intelligent and witty as he is, but Nathaniel seems to complicate her progress and all the situation, is messing her heart. The two of them dont stop to cross paths, being Nathaniel intentions not only solve the case but more important, protect her from the dangerous menace.
When both discover that they are pursuing the same criminal, they must learnt to cooperate with each other while dodging the perils and strong feelings that seems to flame toward so true a love.

Joanna Barker has delivered again a masterpiece of mystery, love and adventure that has you turning page after page in order to know this characters better and what come next. I was so eager for this 2nd book ,in the same line as A heart worth stealing, to come, and finally the time came! Can't wait for more books from her!

I have been so excited for this release! A Heart Worth Stealing is my all time favorite regency novel (and, of course, Jack Travers 100% responsible for that)! I loved the whole premise of Bow Street and thief-takers, and I was smitten with Jack’s entire family, so this book combining those ingredients made for an amazing addition to Joanna’s repertoire.

This one is filled danger, mystery, heart pounding action and swoony worthy romance. Slow-burn perfection. Verity is a force to be reckoned with and Nathaniel is the man confident enough to match her strength and will accordingly. He is a heart stealer in his own right.

The cameo from Jack and Ginny was terrific! I loved how protective and supportive Jack is of Verity.

It would be amazing if Joanna gave us an entire series with the Bow Street runners. If you love Miss Scarlet and the Duke, you will love this!

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I was so excited to hear we’d get another bow street book with Verity after how much I loved A Heart Worth Stealing. I adored this story & was hooked from the beginning.

Verity & Nathaniel are everything. The way they’re thrown together… their growth throughout the story… their vulnerability with each other… their chemistry!! Your honor I love them.

Other things I loved:
Witty banter.
Edge of your seat action & suspense.
Swoony kisses.
Travels all over London & the English countryside.
Heart warming family moments.
Amazing friendships.
Visits with favorite characters from book one.

Another gorgeous Joanna Barker book! Can’t wait for what she does next.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the chance to review an advance copy.

I read and loved A Heart Worth Stealing and was excited to see a familiar character , Verity Travers.
Female detective /investigator.
I loved her attitude , curiosity and ability to find the “bad guy”.
I loved the authors ability to show the characters strengths and their vulnerabilities. Verity is a strong character but feels such vulnerabilities over her father and her mother for never being there. She learns as an adult that things aren’t quite as black and white as they appear.
Nathaniel is a detective /investigator who works hard in his job to support his mom and dad. He wonders who this girl is and know that because he met her life will never be the same.
I really enjoyed this book and its many layers : friendships , spies , family love , romantic love. , relationships , danger and intrigue . Well done !!!!

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

So True a Love by Joanna Barker
Well, Joanna has written another winner again, this time in So True a Love, Nathaniel's and Verity's story. Another seriously amazing, nail-bitingly, edge-of-your-seat regency era mystery with plenty of sizzling romance. Gah! so good!

 I definitely did not predict any of what was going to happen. The mystery was so well-done and kept me wondering and trying to figure it out (but to no avail) right until the end. So many good plot twists. The banter and tension and relationship between Verity and Nathaniel at the beginning was soo good and also throughout, I loved their teasing and the way they fell so hard for each other. I don't want to give anything away.
Nathaniel is just such a fun character. I adored him in every way. So protective, so sweet!
Verity isn't sure about love, but oh man, does she change her mind when Nathaniel shows her what So True a Love can be!
I keep wondering if Joanna's books can get any better, and then guess what? They most certainly do! I am loving these Regency mysteries.
Another favorite for me! I wish I had amnesia so that I could forget it all, and read it and experience it all again for the first time, because it was just soo good. Perfection personified!
My Favorite Parts:
Suspense
Hiding
Nathaniel
Meeting parents
Secrets and mystery
Sketches
One blanket
Small gestures 
Forced proximity
Jack and Ginny’s cameo
Everything!
Book info:
Series: bk 2
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency with mystery and suspense
Romance Level: kissing only
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Shadow Mtn: Proper Romance

Content Warnings: Language: none
Sexual content: “body (clothed) pushed up against mine”, steamy kisses
Violence/gore: mild-some blood, fist fight, peril involving drowning and guns
Substance use: some drinking in tavern
Prejudices: none
Religious themes: none
Trigger Warnings: parental abandonment, illegitimate child

I received a copy of the ebook from Netgalley, the publisher and the author. All thoughts are only my own.

Verity Travers is following in the footsteps of her brother Jack in being a thief-taker, or more accurately, a private investigator. She is guarded, determined, inquisitive, loyal, and fiercely independent, which make her the perfect for this type of work. I love that even when she was faced with danger she didn’t shy away because she wanted to help a friend.

Nathaniel Denning is such a dear man. He is loyal, brave, honest, and will do anything for those he loves. His relationship with Verity was so fun to watch as she infuriated him and at the same time charmed him.

Things you will love:
Exciting first meeting
Complex characters
Self defense moves
Forced partnership
Sir Chivalry
Art
Humor
Superstitious grandmama
Bozoar pendant
Colorful informant
Mystery and danger

This book has characters from A Heart Worth Stealing, and while you do not need to read it, I highly suggest you do. It’s not because it affects the story, but it provides depth and was so fun to see the return of beloved characters. This is a book that readers of all ages will enjoy. I didn’t think author Joanna Barker would be able to exceed my expectations after reading A Heart Worth Stealing, but she absolutely did. I am really hoping there will be more books with these great characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Joanna Barker for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for So True a Love coming out September 3, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a wish granted to me! I definitely wasn’t expecting to receive this. I’ve read a few books by this author and I really enjoy her work. I love Regency romances. I read a Heart Worth Stealing, which features Verity’s brother Jack. This book had a wonderful plot. I love that the characters were strong. Verity has an interesting family dynamic with her mother being an actress. There were a couple plot points that I’m not sure actually happened at that time, but I still loved it. I thought Nathaniel was a really sweet character and I enjoyed his banter with Verity. The action was fun and I loved the Bow Street Runners plot.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sweet regency romance!