Love the series and how the members of the family work together to solve their problems with people that the encounter. How Tamsyn sees the golden thread when thinking about Cade. Sure hope that there will be more books in this series as the characters are very interesting.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

Golden Lord is the second book in the Dangerous Gifts series. This was the first book I’d read of this author. The series focuses on the Tremayne family that is comprised of gifted family members by blood and foster.

Their gifts range and throughout the book they discover new gifts they’re capable of and strengthening the ones they have. Tamsyn is the eldest daughter of the family and Cade is the eldest son that joined the family as a kid.

Tropes for the story include unrequited love, taboo relationship, and rescuing MC.

This book wasn’t for me.

The mental gifts of the Tremayne’s and side characters was a major part of this book. It was used heavily as a crutch to either easily solve an issue or create one that fell flat for me.

I also wasn’t a fan of the taboo relationship between Tamsyn and Cade. I’ve read taboo romances before that worked for me and really enjoyed Lisa Kleypas’ Seduce Me at Sunrise - which I feel has a similar relationship. I kept waiting to see if the age would be revealed of when Cade joined the family thinking it would change my feelings on them, but it wasn’t specific. The story also focused more on the action and not building of the romance.

Lastly, the writing wasn’t my cup of tea. I found the dialogue cheesy. Perhaps it was the POV of the story that turned me off.

I’m not sure if I caught an off book and should give another book from a different series a try or if this author is not for me.

There are three intimate encounters that are vaguely descriptive and since I didn’t connect with the MC I didn’t find them steamy.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, action-packed, interesting and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.

Readers who enjoy paranormal adventure romance will probably enjoy this book. For me, it started out too slow, with nothing to really care about early on and immerse me in the story. I think if I’d read the series in order, and was engaged in the world in book 1, I would have enjoyed the novel more.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

BOOK: GOLDEN LORD
AUTHOR: MARY JO PUTNEY
PUB DATE: NOVEMBER 2O24
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. I liked that it was the FMC who came to the MMC's rescue. It's rare, and I loved to see it.
2. The MMC, Cade, he was such a lover boy, and I loved it for him
3. The FMC, Tamsyn, she was perfect, really, liked everything about her
4. The tribe of Tremayne, wonderful 'found family'
5. The storyline and the pace
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. Lack of epilogue. I wanted a detailed epilogue.
2. I feel like their 'gifts/talents' should have a less specific name. Plus, I wasn't sure whose talent was whose.
3. I wanted more of the Tribe, but because the book was not set in their home base, I didn't get that.
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This book was a fast, good read. Now, I'm interested in the rest of the tribe, and
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We continue with two more of the “Tribe of Tremayne,” Cade is the oldest of the adopted children. Along with Tamsyn, the oldest child of Rhys Tremayne, who heads the office of the gifted in the Home Office. They are sent to France to made sure the that the English ambassador of France returns safely home as Napoleon is on the verge of war again. Their mission was almost successful, but Cade was captured and Tamsyn is determined to rescue her brother. Locating other gifted people and planning Cane’s escape has pushed Tamsyn powers to new levels. And she discovers that only she had the sister/ brother bond. Cane had a more secret passion for her.
Was a bit unrealistic as I mentioned in the first book, more so I found this time. Seemed like every other person was gifted. Wondering if Cameron story will be next?
Thank you #NetGallery for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #GoldenLord

Golden Lord by Mary Jo Putney is an enthralling historical romance filled with action, intrigue, and forbidden love. Tamsyn and Cade Tremayne, both raised as part of the “Tribe of Tremayne,” are sent on a dangerous mission to France as tensions rise with Napoleon. Their shared extra-sensory connection is both their greatest asset and the foundation of their suppressed feelings for each other.
When Cade is captured by the French, Tamsyn embarks on a daring rescue, risking everything to bring him back. The romantic tension between them, heightened by their mental bond and shared past, is beautifully woven into the high-stakes plot. Cade’s internal struggle and Tamsyn’s determination make them compelling protagonists.
The blend of history, action, and emotional depth creates a captivating story. Fans of adventurous romances with a touch of the paranormal will love this book. Golden Lord is a thrilling and heartfelt read.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

The sequel to The Silver lady this is a paranormal historical Regency romance.
The book takes up immediately after the previous book at a wedding, when Cade and Tamsin are sent off to Paris to protect the British Ambassador. It is 1803 and Britain and France are once again at war. Putney mixes historical facts within a paranormal story, which works very well within the plot.
All the characters from the previous book plus new characters in France combine to make a good story.
There are some surprises along the way that I enjoyed. I do recommend reading them in order. I hope Putney writes another for this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion.

Another stellar adventure in Putney’s Dangerous Gifts series.

Tamsyn Tremayne and her adopted brother Cade have been sent by the Home Office to Paris to escort the British Ambassador and his wife home. War with Bonaparte is once more looming on the horizon and no one trusts Bonaparte’s actions
They reach Calais but are delayed by the French. Throughout the journey they have felt the icy cold presence of someone they dobb the Scorpion tracking them.
As they are boarding their ship the French declare all men between eighteen and sixty would be arrested and interned as Prisoners of War.
Cade and Tam manage to help others to board but then Cade is grabbed, manhandled into a carriage, then slammed mentally into unconsciousness.
Tam is distraught and follows. What happens then is highly dangerous, and unexpected.
Cade has been manfully blocking his feelings for Tamsyn. After all she is the sister of his heart. Anymore is unthinkable. When the barriers are down however the unthinkable becomes something more. Particularly as Tam sees them joined by a golden thread.
However, that is only one of their problems until they win through what’s happening in France and can return to England and answers.

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The story revolves around Tamsyn and Cade Tremayne, who were raised as siblings but have a deeper connection and gifted powers. They work for the British government and eventually find love for each other.

Tamsyn is the oldest natural-born child, and Cade is adopted. They take on roles tailored to their talents, with action and deception playing significant roles in their lives.

The book explores the romantic relationship between Tamsyn and Cade, who struggle with their feelings due to being raised as siblings. The story is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, adding historical depth to the narrative.

The book touches on themes of love, family, gifted abilities, and the challenges of navigating complex relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Kensington Publishing

Tamsyn and Cade Tremayne were raised as brother and sister but always had a deeper connection as well as “gifted powers’. Through their work as against for the British government they found their love for one another. I enjoyed reading this book, it kept me interested throughout. There was plenty going on plus I enjoyed the history interwoven into the story.

Tamsyn and Cade are part of the Tremayne brood-gifted children taken in and raised by loving parents.
Tamsyn is the oldest natural born but Cade is adopted.
They work for the father in the government taking on roles tailored to their talents.
Action and deception abound while Tamsyn keeps discovering new skills.
Cade has a secret and eventually it comes out.
Raised as siblings will make it difficult to adjust to a different relationship.
Entertaining.

Captain Layton Westbrook is left battered and near death after a violent attack, he awakens in a quiet countryside school, his mind a blank slate. Haunted by fragmented memories and a single vow never to trust again, Layton finds himself drawn to the serene presence of the woman who saved him. Lillibet Granger has dedicated her life to Kelston Hall Children’s School, nurturing orphans with the love she never knew. When she finds an injured man on the school grounds, her instincts urge caution, but his vulnerability stirs something deeper. As Layton’s memories begin to surface, so do threats that could destroy everything Lilly holds dear. The future of her beloved school hangs by a thread, and Layton’s hidden identity could be the key to saving it
The final Westbrook sibling to find love. A very well written engrossing romance. I loved both Layton & Lilly, they were drawn to each other but he’s lost his memory & she has a school to run, I loved how their feelings deepened & how their relationship grew. Then a visitor arrives who could change everything. Strong characters, a well paced story made for an engrossing book which I read in a sitting

A few things bothered me about this book. I'm a yellow bellied softy and I don't particularly enjoy reading about torture. So, right away there's horrible things happening to Cade.
Next, the adopted siblings romance was kind of squeemy. The fact that it bothered Tamsyn and Cade so much, made it bother me. They kept referring to each other as brother and sister.
Finally, these characters just seemed rather childish. I've read quite a few books by this author and I've never run across the characters being written that way before.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

This is an exciting and well written love story. The characters are strong-willed and have special abilities and gifts that other people don't possess. The story is set in the turbulent tone of the Napolian uprising. It was full of action, drama, intrigue, and so much more that kept me entertained and engaged. I enjoyed how happily it ended. I recommend reading.

Do you believe in intuition, not the every day variety, but the kind that borders on fantasy? In my 50 year nursing career I frequently "knew" when a patient would crash even though there was no indication. I would have the necessary equipment gathered ahead of time, just in .case. More often than not, my intuition was spot on. What if a person's natural intuition could be cultivated into something more? That is the premise of this series. Set in the early 1800's, Rhys and Gwyn Tremayne are gifted with extra sensory perception along with their natural children and their tribe of adopted "gifted" children who have been turned out by their families because of their gifts. Among them are Bam (from book 1) and Cade. They have been with the Tremaynes since they were small children as part of the family. Cade has a close bond in particular with Tamsyn, Rhys and Gwyn's natural daughter, a gifted healer. They have grown up as brother and sister, but Cade has erected a wall to cover his true feelings for Tamsyn, not brotherly at all. During an assignment in France, gone very, very wrong Cade is captured and brain washed by a sadistic, gifted enemy. With help from other local gifteds, Tamsyn frees Cade, but he needs her special gifts to become whole once again. I am purposely leaving a lot out since to fill in the holes would give too much of the story away. I highly recommend that you read it for yourself. There is a common thread (pun intended) between these first two books. It seems that when one of the Tremayne Tribe finds their true love, they can find them anywhere by following a thread. For Bam it was a silver thread for his lady, for Tamsyn it was golden for her lord. I can't wait to see what the next one is!

This is the story of Tamsyn and Cade, foster siblings with special gifts, and who are suppressing their love for each other, who are sent to France to extract the English ambassador and his household just before the Napoleonic Wars reignited.

I’ve read quite a few Mary Jo Putney books in the past and was really looking forward to this one. However, I was a little disappointed.

This had the potential to be a really great story. Exciting plot, dastardly villains, great supporting cast, fun use of magical powers to get the characters out of scrapes.

But I found the writing style a little distracting. There was alot of “telling” and not much “showing”. And I’m pretty sure we got a description of every meal they ate. I felt as if we didn’t get enough of the main characters’ thoughts and feelings to make their relationship really sing.

Terrific second book in the Dangerous Gifts series. The Earl and Countess of Tremayne and their natural and foster children are blessed with certain "gifts." Those abilities make them valuable assets to the Home Office. On the eve of the resumption of the war, the oldest foster son, Cade, and the oldest daughter, Tamsyn, go to Paris to escort the Ambassador back to England. The mission is dangerous, but Cade is more concerned with keeping his unsiblinglike feelings for Tamsyn under wraps.

The action in this book was fast-paced and intense, keeping me glued to the pages. Cade and Tamsyn must ensure that the ambassador and his people get safely out of France before the French government can stop them. The trip to Calais from Paris is mostly uneventful, except for the feeling of being watched. Trouble rears in Calais when French troops try to prevent them from leaving. Unfortunately, Cade is captured, necessitating Tamsyn effecting a rescue. Unexpected developments make this an extremely complicated process, which, though successful, has unintended consequences. Their work for the Home Office continues when they uncover a plot that could devastate Britain's naval capabilities. The resolution of this plot was a nail-biter as they raced to prevent disaster.

I enjoyed the development of Cade and Tamsyn's relationship. They have shared a special connection since Cade arrived in the family. As he grew older, Cade realized the truth about his feelings for Tamsyn but buried them deep. For a long time, Tamsyn looked at her feelings for Cade as a more intense connection than she felt with the others, ignoring any hint that it could be more. However, the events of this mission bring those feelings to the surface, and they must face them. I ached for them as they tried to resolve their love with the possible consequences to their larger family. The resolution of their dilemma is well done and believable.

One of the most fascinating things about this book is the idea of the "gifts" and how their use. Each sibling has something unique that sets them apart. Their parents have worked hard to train them to use and appreciate those gifts properly. The ability to combine their powers intrigued me, as did the emergence of new skills when they did so. I loved how they always had each other's backs, even when far apart.

When Caden “Cade” Tremayne, an agent for the crown and the eldest of Rhys & Gwen Tremayne’s foster children was informed of his new mission, he knew that this was going to be a mission unlike any before. He is “gifted” and has a strong sense of foreboding and feels anger directed at him specifically. But with England and France on the brink of war, it is imperative to get the English ambassador and him family out of Paris as quickly as possible. He is delighted to learn that his foster sister Lady Tamsyn will be his partner, as they have a close bond and work extremely well together. They set out and both feel the gathering danger, but it isn’t until they are almost ready to board a ship back to England that the danger he had sensed is manifested. Cade is captured by a French agent who is also gifted, and his mind is blocked causing him to forget who and what he is, but Tamsyn manages to mentally connect with him and promises to save him. He believes that she is his wife and when they are finally reunited and his mind is cleared, he is horrified to realize that now Tamsyn knows his secret. A secret that could either be downfall of the “Tribe of Tremayne” or one that could bond them in ways they never imagined.

Lady Tamsyn “Tam” Tremayne is the eldest child and heir to the Tremayne earldom, she is also powerfully gifted and an agent for the home office. Her gift is primarily healing of the mind and body, but she also has a strong gift of intuition. She too senses danger in the upcoming mission and great change, but nothing prepares her for Cade’s secret. She isn’t sure if she can accept the change, but soon knows her heart is with Cade and hopes she will not have to choose between him and her family. But before she can worry about that, she senses that their mission is far from over, they need to get back to England in one piece and thwart Napoleon’s plans!

WARNING: The rest of this review might be a little “Spoilerish” and is definitely opinionated.

I will be honest, this book was not for me, I LOVED the first book but this one… I could not get past the brother/sister thing – I grew up in a family that took in foster children and adopted children, for me they were (and still are) my brothers and sisters – the idea of romantic love between two people who have been raised as brother and sister since they were very young children, is repulsive to me – maybe if they hadn’t met until they were young adults, I could get past it, but the story is clear, they met as very young children and have always considered each other as siblings – in fact most of the book they call each other brother/sister – I just can’t pretend that I am all right with that. That said, yes, I am aware that I have a personal bias – so, please make up your own mind, there are lots of rave reviews for this book and I will not deny that it is an interesting story with very likable characters. And the author makes a good attempt to explain that Cade never really considered her as a sister and always loved her (it just didn’t matter to me – it still felt wrong) the gifted part of the story is good and if they hadn’t been siblings, I probably would have enjoyed it. This is the second book in the series, and I would strongly recommend reading this series in order.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

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

Golden Lord by Mary Jo Putney is a third person dual-POV speculative historical Regency romance exploring a taboo romance between two foster siblings. Cade is the foster child of the Tremayne family and his foster sister, Tamsyn, is the oldest blood child and heir to the earldom. Like all other Tremayne family members, they have special gifts akin to psychic powers. When the pair are sent on a mission in France to assist in the war effort against Napoleon, the feelings they’ve been burying for years will finally come forward.

I’m all for literature exploring taboo topics because it is a safe way for people to explore topics and ideas that they wouldn’t necessarily want in their own lives but they do have some curiosity about. Foster siblings entering a romantic relationship will definitely be a hardline for some people especially given that the two have been raised as siblings since Tamsyn was four and Cade was about six. For those that want to explore these kinds of relationships in fiction, I felt that the power dynamic was fairly balanced. Tamsyn and Cade are both the eldest of all the siblings and Tamsyn being the heir to the earldom and Cade the illegitimate son of a smuggler does put Tamsyn in a more advantageous position in society and in the house while it’s Cade’s feelings coming to light that make them start their relationship.

The psychic powers felt similar to me to the powers featured in Sense8. While there isn’t that exact same sort of set-up, the entire family is able to connect in their minds via Tamsyn and feel each other’s emotions as well as have brief conversations. I loved Sense8 and was really sad to see it canceled, so a potential interpretation of the ideas but in a Regency setting is something I am interested in. There are also other abilities, such as Tamsyn being able to get a good read on animals. The speculative elements are on the lighter side, which is why I wouldn’t call this a full-blown fantasy romance, but they do play a role in getting the romance going.

Content warning for the centering of a relationship between foster siblings and depictions of torture

I would recommend this to fans of books exploring taboo romances in historical settings and readers who prefer a lighter speculative touch for fantastical elements in their romances