Oh my heart!!! Another fabulous read from author Joanna Barker. This one has characters who are connected to her previous book, A Heart Worth Stealing. You don't have to read that one to enjoy this one, but I will say that they're both fabulous books and well worth reading!!! And aren't the covers of both of them gorgeous?! I love them! The colors and the couples on the covers!

I love the mystery and intrigue throughout this story. I was right there alongside Verity and Nathaniel as they worked their way through all of the obstacles in their paths to solve this whodunnit crime. The book reminded me a lot of the BBC TV series, Miss Scarlet and The Duke. Which is one that my whole family loves! So if you're a fan of that, you're sure to love the dynamics between Verity and Nathaniel! They are charming and delightful and full of surprises!

The sweet romance and chemistry was a great addition woven throughout the mystery and crime aspects of the book. It all balanced out beautifully! And kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could! I had heard great things about this one from other reader friends and I was so excited when I was finally able to pick it up and dive right in. It did not disappoint. And now I have another favorite book from this author...although, they are honestly, all my favorites! She's fabulous!

Grab your own copy and get ready for an adventure throughout the streets and back alleys of London, in grand homes and theaters and police precincts. You'll meet some shady characters, some characters who don't want to be know and some characters who are trying to save their secrets. Don't miss it!

Content: Clean. I love this author's books because I know they will always be clean and ones I can easily recommend to friends and family and whoever I end up chatting books with! There are some moments of mild peril but nothing graphic. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Sweet Romance, British Literature
Subplot: Mystery, Crime, Suspense
Spice Level: Kissing (liaison mentioned)

I'm fascinated with thief takers role in Regency England. SO TRUE A LOVE gives a twist to thief takers, and I was fully invested in the ride! Now look at the title: 1. Does this relate to the handsome man? 2. Does it relate to her love of a profession? Consider that as you read.

The romantic couple are both delightful to read, and I was enchanted to see how they worked together. Verity is changeable because she grew up with her mother, an actress (which was shocking in the Regency era). Her father was incredibly "hands-off" in her life. She and her brother were close and she'd helped him on cases when he was with Scotland Yard, but he was married now and too far away to easily visit.

We don't actually know as much about Nathaniel Denning—he's intelligent, willing to give a lady the benefit of the doubt, and of course, handsome. His family enters the story briefly to round out his character and background.

The mystery aspect was fun for me because it revolves around the art world, and I love paintings. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'm just going to say it was enjoyable to see how Verity and Nathaniel worked together to try and solve the problem. AND what a problem!

Yes! I highly recommend this book.

Happy reading!

I truly was not expecting a suspense/mystery book from the looks of the cover and the type of books the author usually writes.
But what a ride it was! The characters were so engaging, clever and full of life. The story moved along well and the talents of Verity were what made the story so interesting.
I loved the ending and would recommend this series to anyone who loved these books:
Freddie and Grace mysteries by Pepper Basham, Black friars Lane series by Michelle Griep and The Imposters series by Roseanna M. White.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

The daughter of a renowned actress, society lady Verity has a secret past as a private investigator. She’s forced back into the world of crime after she and her friend are robbed. Her pursuit of justice leads her to clash with Nathaniel, a charming and persistent Bow Street Runner. As they pursue a cunning criminal, their rivalry turns into a dangerous dance of attraction, forcing them to confront their feelings amid escalating peril.

I loved this novel. The title novel doesn’t really capture the mood—it’s as much mystery as romance. The characters are well-developed and likable, while the fast-paced plot immediately caught my interest and held it until the end.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a cute mystery/suspense novel, with a sweet side romance. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, about Verity's brother Jack, though this story can be read as a standalone. This felt a little slower, as the romance didn’t start to develop until much later in the book. It didn't quite capture me like the romance of the previous book. It felt more of a side plot here rather than the main element, with the mystery element being the main focus.
Overall, a sweet and enjoyable historical romance mystery!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book is now on my favorites list. I love the characters. Verity Travers is independent, creative, loyal and smart. She has an instinct that is very helpful when solving cases and uses it to help others. Nathanial Denning is discerning, kind, smart and a Bow Street runner. I loved their first meeting, it was very unconventional. Evey interaction thereafter is full of depth and meaning. Danger and love seem to go hand in hand with some people. This is a book I will be rereading often.

AH! This book just hooked me from the beginning. Verity is awesome--I like how she's strong, smart, and capable but also had some self-doubt; it made her so realistic and relatable. And Nathaniel...oh, what a fantastic leading man! I loved seeing him and Verity together. The chemisty and the banter were so much fun to read. My only quibble with this book is that I sooo wish we could've had some scenes from Nathaniel's POV! I so would have loved to have some scenes directly in his head! Besides loving both of them, the plot was interesting; I liked seeing how the msytery unfolded.
Excellent book! Highly recommend!

Joanna Barker is one of my favorite authors, so I wasn't surprised when I finished this book and all I could think was WOW. She absolutely delivered on Verity's story. The characters are fun and dynamic, The love story is on point. I love having a lead female character with so much spunk, strength, and determination. And to make everything all the better, Nathaniel absolutely adores her for all of her qualities. This book is a must read!

Another absolute hit from Joanna Barker!

I LOVED this one - after reading A Heart Worth Stealing I was so excited to hear Verity's story. She's such a fun protagonist - feisty and capable and just so good at what she sets her mind to! I adored her chemistry with Nathaniel - the banter and swoon worthy moments were sprinkled so well throughout the mystery they were trying to solve! Overall, just a fabulous clean romance that I would recommend to anyone!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars. This was an entertaining and heartfelt blend of romance and mystery with a wonderful cast of characters. I highly recommend for fans of both historical romances and historical mystery series such as Deanna Raybourn, Anna Lee Huber and Andrea Penrose. This is the first book I've read by Joanna Barker, but I will definitely check out her other titles, including book 1 in this series which features Verity's brother (who we meet here briefly).

Verity quite literally runs into Bow Street runner Nathaniel Denning while they are both chasing the same robbery suspect. As the sister of a former Bow Street runner, Verity had dreams of becoming a private investigator in her own right, but the dangerous realities of the work forced her to reconsider. However, she is thrown back into investigation work when her friend asks her to recover a stolen purse that contained a very personal letter. After Nathaniel and Verity's separate investigations keep crossing paths, they reluctantly agree to work together.

Joanna Barker does an excellent job of capturing the emotions in the building relationship between Verity and Nathaniel. Growing up as the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman and a largely absent actress mother, Verity believes she can only rely on herself and doesn't even consider marriage as an option. Nathaniel is initially suspicious of Verity's motivations when she keeps showing up during his investigations, but soon grows protective of her while respecting her need for space and independence. It's a slow process for Verity to start letting down her defenses, but their chemistry from the start is obvious to everyone around them. Speaking of supporting characters, I hope Nathaniel's fellow Bow Street Runners featured here get their own books (or at least the mysterious Scottish one).

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

What a great story! I just loved it! This is book 2 in the series. It definitely works as a standalone but there is a little bit of spoilers for book 1 so keep that in mind. In book one we get Jack Travers, in book two it’s his sister Verity Travers. And of course Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning. I really loved the relationship between Verity and Nathaniel. They work together on the case well and then the chemistry is great! I also liked learning more about Jack and Verity’s mom. Verity’s friend Elizabeth, was also a great part of the story. I hope we get to see more of her. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

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

Joanna’s books just keep getting better and better! I absolutely love the Travers family and this series. Verity is a spirited individual who has a talent for detective work. When she takes a case to help a friend she ultimately ends up working with Detective Denning. Sparks are soon flying between them as they race to solve the case.
This book is a great combination of romance and mystery. From tense moments to tender kisses this story will keep you drawn in from the start. I highly recommend this and the first book in the series! 10 stars in my opinion!
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was so surprised and taken with how wonderful A Heart Worth Stealing was (my first Joanna Barker read) that I couldn’t wait to read So True a Love. This book did not disappoint.

My favorite romances show a true connection between the characters, and I loved how Verity and Nathaniel’s relationship was strong and based on mutual interests, compatibility, and trust. It was also quite a treat to get to see Jack and Ginny again, and not just in a passing way. Their personalities shine through in the scenes where they appear. The mystery was enjoyable—not too complex but with twists I didn’t see coming.

If I could have changed one thing about the book it would have been for it to be written in duel perspectives, but that’s just because it would have been nice to see the progression of Nathaniel’s feelings more closely. It also took me awhile to get into the story, but after I got about a third of the way in I was hooked.

Overall I would highly recommend this book, and I’m grateful to NetGalley for giving me an ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily.

So True a Love checks all the boxes for me. Verity is brave, intelligent, and determined to pursue justice. Nathaniel makes me think of a smoldering hero. He is reserved and cautious, but undeniably drawn to Verity. Their initial interaction sets the stage for a perfect story, and I so loved seeing them grow together as things progressed. Joanna Barker knows how to write romance that draws in the reader. The heart is captured through dialogue, experiences, glances, and unforgettable kisses. The addition of art, London, and a mystery set a great backdrop. I did enjoy the emphasis on family and friendship and making sacrifices for those you love. I highly recommend this for those who enjoy clean regency with a lot of heart and excellent writing.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Please note that this is a standalone story but has characters connected to A Heart Worth Stealing. It doesn't need to be read in order, but I think it is more enjoyable that way. I don't like when there are related books but that connection isn't made clear on purchasing or reviewing platforms. I really like to read a series in order.

That being said, I liked Jack and Ginny from A Heart Worth Stealing a lot. But I think I loved Verity and Nicholas even more! I was more invested in the mystery that this story had. I loved Nicholas' desire to protect Verity despite her desire for independence.

The connections the main characters had with other characters in the book was compelling as well. I really liked Nicholas" parents.

There is just so much that I found enjoyable in this story. I look forward to the audiobook being released so that I can hear these events come to life.

Many thanks to Shadow Moutain Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

London, England 1803

Verity Travers has a knack for solving crime, and it’s not an occupation that a young woman such as herself advertises publicly. Verity is a privileged lady of high society, the daughter of a renowned actress. After one case costs her nearly everything, she decides to hang up her investigating life and live the life of a gentlewoman though it is uninteresting to her.

Those of you who have read Joanna Barker’s, A Heart Worth Stealing will probably realize that Verity is Jack Travers' sister. And it seems to solve crime runs in the family!

After she and her friend Elizabeth and her parents are part of a harrowing armed robbery, she finds herself swept back into the world she swore she wouldn’t enter again. Nathaniel Denning, the Bow Street Runner is assigned to the case and they keep bumping into each other despite not wanting to.

I really liked the easy banter between Nathaniel and Verity, even though she has sworn not to marry, she can’t but notice all the good things about, his family, his protective nature towards her, and his willingness to work his case with her. He has this smoldering vibe, but it worked well for me! Nathaniel early on seems to understand who Verity is, and that she is not one to stay still.

To be honest, I like Verity’s story so much more than her brothers, and I wanted to stay in this fictional world of London longer than this story entailed. Recommended!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.

This was as fun one! I loved the characters and the drama and humor and the interactions! Fun second book in this series. Highly recommend reading them in order. Clean regency romance.

I loved this book! It was refreshing to be in this time period with a different perspective coming from bow street. It had so many elements including romance, mystery, action, untangling relationships and ones past. One of the best I can remember for describing falling in love and all of the emotions that come with it! You won't want to miss this one.

Loved the suspense, intrigue, and most of all, the romance of this story. Verity is determined to help her friend before disaster ensues and easily gets herself into trouble dealing with dangerous characters. Nathaniel, a true swoony hero, “Mr. Chivalry,” sees the value of Verity’s contributions in solving the case, but hates having her in harms way as she works her way into his heart. Oh, the looks they gave each other practically sizzled on the page and the author herself described it best, “…the leap in my chest, the fire in my veins. Oh but it was addicting.” I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing but was not required to give a positive review. The opinions are completely my own.

So True A Love was so charming, it stole my heart! The romance was off the charts and I couldn't get enough of Nathaniel and Verity's witty banter. Historical romance perfection!

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 💕
- Regency era
- Chivalrous MMC
- Mischievous P.I. FMC
- Aggravated robbery
- Meet cute
- Mystery & suspense
- Forced proximity
- Self defense scene 🤭
- Sketches
- The inn scene 🫠
- The boat scene
- Stolen moments
- The first kiss 😍
- The perfect ending 💕

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 💬
The mystery plot sucked me in like a vortex. The plot twist caught me off guard but I was here for it! And who doesn't love a little danger served with romance? It's like adding a dash of hot sauce to your favorite dish - it spices things up! And let me tell you, this book was like a rollercoaster that I couldn't get off of!

The road trip was epic! The hand-holding through the curtain had me swooning! So tender and sweet. I’m a puddle of mush now. 🫠

Verity was my spirit animal. Nathaniel was the perfect gentleman. The ending could not have been more perfect, with Verity and Nathaniel being the perfect pair. (Did I say ‘perfect’ too much? 🤭) Their love story had me giggling and left me feeling delightfully entertained.

This book stole my heart and deserves all the accolades! Seriously, I finished it in one sitting! It's nestled comfortably on my favorites shelf. You’ve also gotta read A Heart Worth Stealing in the series! Both are standalone gems that will have you swooning and laughing out loud. All the stars and hearts for Joanna Barker's masterpiece!

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓
🛁 No sex, nudity or profanity, however, there is reference to children out of wedlock.
⚠️ Bar fighting, kidnapping, aggravated robbery. Child abandonment.