Thank you to Minotaur Books, for the free copy for review.

From the first page, I found myself gleefully reunited with the indomitable Lady Petra, the enigmatic Lord Duncan, the lovable Teddy, and the rest of the colorful cast that made the first book such a joy.

Lady Petra, our feisty and determined heroine, remains a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering pursuit of truth is as admirable as it is entertaining. This time, I’m treated to a deeper exploration of her vulnerabilities, particularly as she grapples with secrets that threaten her relationship with Lord Duncan. Her internal struggles add a poignant dimension to her character, making her even more relatable and endearing.

Lord Duncan, ever the mystery, continues to intrigue. His complex relationship with Lady Petra forms the emotional core of the story, their chemistry crackling with tension. The secrets between them create a palpable sense of anticipation, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The plot is a delicious tangle of mystery and romance, centered around an investigation assignment from the Queen. This royal connection adds gravitas to the proceedings and raises the stakes considerably. As Lady Petra delves deeper into her mission, the author weaves an intricate web of clues, red herrings, and surprising revelations that kept me guessing until the very end.

What truly sets this book apart is the author's ability to intertwine multiple plot threads seamlessly. The way Duncan's secret mission intersects with Petra's investigation and her mysterious past is nothing short of brilliant. Each revelation feels like a perfectly placed puzzle piece, creating a satisfying and cohesive narrative that left me in awe.

The pacing is relentless, with never a dull moment to be found. The author's attention to historical detail brings Regency England to vivid life, immersing readers in a world of both elegance and danger.

This sequel is a triumph, building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and exciting territory. The character growth, intricate plotting, and pitch-perfect blend of romance and mystery make for an engaging read.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

All's Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally is a third person-POV mystery set in the Regency period. Lady Petra Forsyth lost her fiancé, Emerson, a few years ago and has moved on with her friend, Duncan. At least, that was how things were going until not only did Petra learn that Emerson was murdered, but Duncan might be the one responsible. Petra needs to uncover what happened to Emerson even if that means learning who he really was.

One of the more interesting parts was the discussions around what happened to orphans during the Regency period. I think most are familiar with orphanages, but All’s Fair in Love and Treachery specifically asks about orphans who have a substantial inheritance. Many of the girls are assumed to either be lying about how much money or their relatives who are in charge of the young women's affairs (but don't take the girl in) spend it all, often on gambling, and the young woman is none the wiser. Many then go on to be working class, a very different life than they were expecting.

It's not hard to find a Regency novel that mentions or draws attention to the lack of autonomy many women faced, but this is the first time I'd read a novel pointing to this particular situation. It's very unclear how many girls would lie about having money and how many were swindled and how even more were essentially robbed by their own relatives. I remember reading A Little Princess years and years ago and just assumed that all orphaned girls in the main character’s situation had someone keeping an eye on their funds because that's something I would just expect of the nobility. Apparently not. I'm gonna be doing more research into this because I'm quite interested now.

The other thing I liked was how Petra and Duncan are kind of dancing around each other even though they are something of a couple. They have a physical relationship, which would be scandalous since they are both unmarried, but are also struggling to navigate the accusations against Duncan. Petra also still has some feelings for Emerson, remembering the goodness that he showed her and the love she felt for him even if there are layers there. I'm happy to see her move on with Duncan, someone who appreciates and respects her mind, but I also get why she was cautious for a decent chunk of the book around him.

Content warning for mentions of abuse

I would recommend this to fans of historical mystery who prefer the Regency period, readers of Regency Romance who want the Romance to be more of a subplot with mystery twists and turns, and those looking for a book going into how the system failed orphans in the 19th century

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

I really liked the first book in this series, so I was excited to dive into this sequel. It's full of a lot of twists and I was surprised throughout reading. Lady Petra is such a fun character that really sets herself apart from her historical romance counterparts. I spent half this book not sure what I wanted the end result to be for the characters. I can't wait to read more of her mysteries and see more of her friends and her world.

21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross—yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.
So what’s a lady to do when she can’t hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage’s matron. What’s more, there may be a link between the matron’s death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter.
Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London.
As the clock counts down and London’s streets teem with revelers, Petra’s nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all’s fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.

Loved it! The mystery was back and forth, with so many false turns and red herrings. Lady Petra is a woman to admire, and I can only hope we get to read about her and her intrepid group of friends solving new mysteries in the future.

Set in Regency England, 1815, Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman ahead of the times.

This story starts off with a stunning and disturbing revelation of who murdered Lady Petra’s fiancé. Quickly followed by Petra receiving an “assignment” from Queen Charlotte asking for help looking into the murder of the matron of an orphanage. Naturally, everything is not as it seems and more developments arise.

Fast-paced with twists and turns that keep you thinking and guessing!

This book may be read as a standalone, but I hope you do read Connally’s first, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Gentleman. It is outstanding!

I am definitely looking forward to more adventures for Petra.

Many thanks to NetGalley & St.Martin’s Press for a complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Celeste Connally for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for All's Fair in Love and Treachery coming out November 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I loved the first book, so I was excited to receive this one! I really love regency era mysteries. I think Lady Petra and Duncan have a complicated but interesting and fun relationship. The mystery was really complex and I think Lady Petra is a really intelligent character with an interesting backstory. I would definitely read more books in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency era mysteries!

Historical Mystery set in England 1815 in which an earl's daughter looks into an orphanage's matron's death, it's connection to a treasonous plot and questions about her fiance's death.

4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Connally's Lady Petra Inquires series, which is a Historical Mystery that takes place in England 1815 and features a determined earl's daughter who's tasked by Queen Charlotte to look into an orphanage's matron's death and it's connections to a treasonous plot by radicals with ties to the aristocracy and also must deal with new questions about her fiance's death and if her oldest friend and lover was his killer. Showcasing plenty of twists and turns, Connally has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, I like the resolution of the secondary plot-line about Petra's deceased fiance. Connally's writing and character work are excellent and have a modern feminist spin; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Petra's a determined woman who uses her position in society and highly connected friends and associates to great advantage in her investigations. Plus I love her relationship with Duncan, her half-Scottish beau. The historical research Connally's done is evident and well done without being oppressive to the overall mystery plot. Connally touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

This was a lovely sequel. I can't tell you the RELIEF I felt with our main man not being a murderer. The intrigue and plot relied heavily on the first book, picking up mere moments after the first book ends, so more reminders and recap of characters would have been appreciated, but you get your ducks in a row.

I felt that the plan with the window paintings was hard to follow. I know that may be the point since The Bellowers and their leader aren't exactly logical and seem to be operating on paranoia, but you definitely have to suspend belief that as many Bellowers figured it out.

I also would have liked more focus on the murder that starts the story, instead it felt like a background. The queen was a fun touch, but she dips in and dips out, I would have liked to see her play more of a role.

Meh. The mysteries were interesting in parts and convoluted in parts but at least one of them (the political conspiracy one) felt super obvious. Petra and her friends are really into the men they're with, and all their conversations about and with them and their extracurricular activities got a little tiresome. Lots of tea consumed, even during dire and urgent circumstances. I didn't read the first book in the series. It probably would have been helpful to, but too late now. I limped to the finish.

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

After the terrible cliffhanger at the end of the first book, I couldn't wait to start reading this one! And it did not disappoint! I loved the mystery and the characters were so fun and engaging! Even the side characters were lovely and I struggled to figure out the mystery because I loved all of the characters and didn't want to believe that any of them had anything to do with this murderous plot. Thankfully this book does not end on the same kind of cliffhanger as the first. I don't know if I could survive waiting for the next book in the series like I had to last time. But I hope there are more books in this series! I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters and think there could be other engaging mysteries out there for Lady Petra to solve!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The second in the Lady Petra Inquires series has Lady Petra investigating the murder of the matron of an orphanage at the request of Queen Charlotte. She is also dealing with the fallout from discovering a note which indicates that her fiancé didn't die in an accidental fall as was assumed and that her love and current lover Duncan Shawcross might have been responsible.

Shawcross is the illegitimate son of a duke and an agent for the government. He also knows more than he's saying about the death of Petra's fiancé. Duncan's current assignment has him investigating a group that wants to violently overthrow the monarchy and institute a republic in England.

Petra and Duncan's investigations soon begin to overlap putting both of them in danger.

This was an engaging Regency mystery. I liked the historical detail in the story. I also liked that Petra was an early version of a feminist fighting for women's rights.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Umm hello! I absolutely devoured this book and left NO crumbs. It was so good and absolutely a binge able treat

Being a history buff, I must to admit to putting the book aside a few time to search out some event or name mentioned. What a delight to learn that the Asylum for Female Orphans was real, not to mention much of the unrest that plays a vital role in this book. As with the first book of the series, I did find this one slow going at times, probably partly because it takes my awhile to adjust to sorting out who is who with all the names and titles and even nicknames used. That said, just keep reading. Without me really even noticing it, the pace did pick up as the book went along. It's been awhile since I've read a Regency based book, so this may be deliberate. It didn't particularly detract from the story, which was an interesting one, but did allow me to sort out names and relationships and adjust to the pace.

Lady Petra is a likable character although she seemed quick to jump to conclusions, especially where her childhood friend and current lover Duncan was involved. I don't recall her being quite as hasty in book one but it's been awhile since I read that one, so possible. The surrounding cast of characters, from royalty, ie Queen Charlotte who directs her to investigate strange goings-on at the asylum, to her dog whisperer of a friend, Miss Charlotte "Lotte" Reed to Vera, the Dowager Countess Grimley, are an interesting lot. Street urchin Teddy is a dear and seems to have some investigative chops, so I'm hoping he'll be back next book, and orphan Nell, who claims she's due money at age 21, probably from a high society father, is also a winner that I hope will be back. Duncan, of course, who is missing for a big chunk of the book but ultimately plays a central role, remains front and center in Petra's thoughts, that's for sure. Mysteriously going missing, he leaves behind a cryptic note that does little to sooth Petra's emotions after she receives a note accusing him of murdering her former beloved. Could he be guilty of that as well as treason? Yikes.

As for the murder, it was an intriguing one. Not quite what it appeared to be. Nor does everything seem quite right at the asylum. I won't detail the plot because it's intriguing to see it unfold slowly, ever so slowly as the plot progresses, but will say it does involve possible treason and the royal family. Petra is trying to sort out her own romantic concerns, of course, while dealing with all the rest. Is the answer to what befell her beloved Emerson somehow woven into this web of intrigue? And, who are Bellowers? What is the significance of that name? Will Petra, brave but occasionally impulsive, put herself into danger? Bet you can guess the answer to that. I mean, it starts with her trying to steal a letter... from the Queen! How will it all play out? Will Duncan be a good guy or has he betrayed her and the realm? Thanks to #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to take an early time travel capsule back to the Regency Age. The history major and mystery fan in me was a happy camper.

I didn’t realize this was a sequel to the author’s first book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, but it can be read independently. Though at times confusing due to two concurrent mystery plotlines and numerous characters, I even started writing down their names to keep track.
It turns out that Lord Emery's death from the first book might not have been an accident, and her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, isn’t so innocent—he works in secret.

Queen Charlotte sends Lady Petra to investigate the death of the orphanage matron, as the queen is a patron. This book has three intertwined plots: the death of Petra’s late fiancé, the murder of the orphanage headmistress, and a political plot against the monarch (Bellowers).

At times, I found it hard to like Lady Petra. Yes, she’s headstrong, and often can easily believe the worst in people. It makes me wonder what kind of unhappy or unstable upbringing for her to be so judgmental. When upset, she doesn't let the speaker fully explain before jumping to conclusions, often getting it wrong.

It starts off slow but picks up pace and is worth reading through. It may have been easier if I had read the first book, but it wasn’t hard to follow. With two mysteries and romance interwoven, it was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for a digital ARC for my unbiased opinion.

4.0

If you’re looking for a fun engaging, somewhat-liberal-with-reality historical mystery with a tiny bit of (not explicit) spice with an irreverent lady as heroin, this is for you. Of course, as the second in this Lady Petra series, definitely start with number one.

Lady Petra is back. It’s hard to create a follow-up to a successful book, but this is a pretty good candidate. She is still foolish sometimes and does things that puts others in real danger.

I might have been more engaged with the first book’s premise, which was somewhat unique. I don’t know that I caught on to the orphanage scenario as much, but this one is really complex and covers an interesting part of history. I may have felt the same with the first book to start too. Obviously, much is made up from possible issues of the time, but the larger event, winning the war against Napoleon and the following celebrations, is real. I’ve never read anything about it in other fiction. The Victorians usually get all the love in historical fiction settings, especially mysteries, and then they are never of the more humorous, cozy variety. I use cozy in the broad sense, not the cat-lady, happy-murder-case kind with puns for titles.

There are a lot of allusions to having sex or talking about it in historic euphemisms, but no actual sex. Not with Petra, but also not with Caroline and her paramore who seem like animals in heat. On that note, I wish this book had explained quickly why Caroline can’t marry “her Whitfield”. I had to search the first book for her name to remember that she is married to a navy captain who is gay and gone all of the time and the marriage was more of platonic love and convenience.

I’m not sure that I like conveniently recreating Petra’s past and upending everything she knew, but it is an interesting twist. Hopefully this allows her to move forward without being caught up what could have been.

All in all, I enjoyed this. It took a little bit to sort out what was happening and you may need some patience to get into a story like this. This is not necessarily for the typical historical mystery reader who wants something serious like others of the era such as Lady Darby or Wrexford and Sloane, though I love those too. If you read the first book, you know if this is for you.

Thank you to Celeste Connally, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

This was a fun and engaging regency mystery. The writing was fun and I was kept guessing throughout! But

All’s Fair in Love and Treachery is an engaging and fun mystery with likable characters. There were a couple of times I felt like rolling my eyes at the FMC’s behavior, but I set that aside, just went with the story, and ended up having an enjoyable time. I really like the female friend group in this series.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I keep trying to read regency romance and it never works out. So this is going to be my last attempt. It's just not for me. Nothing wrong with the book, I'm the problem... it's me.

In ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND TREACHERY Lady Petra, who believes her fiancée suffered an accidental death, finds out in a letter that her current love interest, Duncan Shawcross, was responsible for her fiancée’s death. Lady Petra also learns that Queen Charlotte has assigned her to go to Lambeth at the Asylum for Female Orphans. Is Duncan truly responsible for the death of Lady Petra’s fiancée? What is the Queen requesting of Lady Petra at the Asylum for Female Orphans?

It is easy for me to return to Lady Petra’s world in this newest book in the Lady Petra Inquires series. I like the Regency Era setting, the characters who encompass Lady Petra’s life, and the intricate plot. The backstory involving Petra, Duncan, and Emerson (Petra’s dead fiancée) is as interesting as the main mystery. As I read this book, I am reminded of Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. Lady Petra is as headstrong as Georgiana Rannoch and also receives assignments from the Queen of England. I enjoy reading this Lady Petra Inquires series and look forward to experiencing the next book. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND TREACHERY.