This was another wonderful read. I enjoyed the English royal history. The mystery was well thought out and the characters engaging. I enjoy the romance that has no sex involved. I found the story very hard to put down although I did guess the murderer halfway through but enjoyed the read to the end to prove I was right. I am now looking forward to the next book in this series. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

Great mystery by Darcie Wilde. Loved the story and writing! Very intense and suspenseful, but not overwhelmingly disturbing. Just a little more than cozy mystery. I love that Rosalind Thorne is the detective. A woman and in that day?! I loved Rosalind’s and Adam’s romance . So much love, respect and understanding. I have read this author before but I think this one is my favorite and most interesting. Thank you #NetGalley, publishers, and author for opportunity to read #TheMatteroftheSecretBride . My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Thrilling Historical Mystery
In a captivating tale of intrigue and deception, the story unfolds with King George IV petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen due to allegations of her infidelity. However, the plot thickens as whispers suggest that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert long before his official union. The stakes rise dramatically when Mrs. Fitzherbert finds herself in distress after being robbed of a crucial piece of evidence that could either ruin her family or incriminate the king in a case of bigamy.
Rosalind, the protagonist, steps into this whirlwind of mystery, alongside her ally, ex-Bow Street officer Adam Harkness. Their relationship adds a layer of complexity and intensity to the narrative, making readers invested in both the case and their bond. As they pursue the truth behind the theft, the story takes a dark turn with the shocking murder of Josiah Poole, a dubious attorney with ties to Mrs. Fitzherbert.
The author skillfully weaves a tapestry of suspense as Rosalind grapples with the possibility that Mrs. Fitzherbert may be involved in a plot to stage the theft or that the situation is tangled with deeper secrets, including those of her daughters. The twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, immersing them in a world where every character has a hidden agenda and past grievances.
With a perfect blend of historical context and thrilling plot developments, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery and romance. Rosalind and Adam's race against time to untangle a web of lies and uncover the truth leads them into the heart of the royal palace, creating a gripping narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This story is a brilliant exploration of loyalty, love, and the lengths one will go to protect their name, making it an unforgettable read. #netgalley

I was easily transported back in time thanks to Wilde’s attention to detail in The Matter of the Secret Bride. Every word was carefully placed on the pages to bring this history alive. I’m a sucker for author’s notes at the end of a book, and Wilde’s were fantastic. I loved seeing what was real and what she embellished a little. It honestly had me wanting more of these characters to see what happened after (thank you Google for answering!).

I enjoyed Wilde’s writing style. She has a lot of words in her story, but like I alluded to already, they all serve a purpose. I never felt like it was info dumping, it was simply part of the story. I thought the pacing of the story was great, and the mystery was so fun! Rosalind was a character I could see myself friends with, and I enjoyed seeing her journey throughout this book. Though I never felt lost having not read any other books in the series, I will say that I think I may have appreciated her journey even more if I had read them (good reason to read them now!). And the ending? Well you’ll have to read for yourself, but I thought it was perfect.

Austen fans, historical mystery fans and romance fans alike will enjoy the latest from author Darcie Wilde. I do believe it could be read as a stand alone, but why not just start with book one and go from there. I have a feeling it’ll be well worth your time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This has officially claimed one of my favorite books read in 2025!!

This book is simply CAPTIVATING! It felt like watching the tv show, The First 48, turning over every stone possible before leads turn cold. What made this book brilliantly entertaining was that it wasn't just the FMC working to solve the case, but all her friends as well. So you had the "main" storyline following the FMC but then you also had several "side" storylines and POVs as her friends worked in tandem to help solve the mystery. It keeps the story moving as she switches POVs throughout but still manages to keep them entwined in a way that lends to seamless transition for the reader.

It was fun to finish the story and see the author's note on how she wrote this storyline based on history! I always feel so much more accomplished when a book teaches me something. 🤪❤️

The romance sprinkled throughout the story is just *chefs kiss*! I am officially a major Darcie Wilde fan and will be reading whatever she writes!! BRILLIANT!!

Darcie Wilde entertains with the Useful Woman series in The Matter of the Secret Bride. It is Regency England and King George is petitioning for divorce from Parliament from Queen Caroline, when Rosalind is asked by Mrs. Fitzherbert, the former mistress or secret wife of the king to find her stolen marriage certificate. What could go wrong? Adam Harkness, ex Bow Street runner, and now investigator assists her enquiries. Bodies start to drop. The servants and daughters of Mrs. Fitzherbert are involved in intrigues. The possible thief is murdered. Let the intrigues begin.

This was an intense and well written mystery. It tells of the King, a divorce, a second marriage, drama, action, murders, lies, plots, intrigue, suspense, and so many emotional issues. It was very engaging.

This one was a fun mystery, involving the king of England, a divorce and a secret marriage. The king is wanting a divorce from the queen because of adultery. Then there is rumors of an unfit woman that the king was previously married to… but is actually still married to as they never divorced.

Darcie Wilde did an incredible job with this one. I love her riding style. The regency era is one of my absolute favorites. I completely ate up this historical mystery. I truly enjoyed the characters in this one, each added to the intriguing mystery. I did read this one as a standalone, I haven’t read any of the other others in the series.. Yet!

If you give me a novel that is based around King George IV‘s first Catholic wife, Maria Fitzherbert, I will read it immediately. And I’m very happy to say The Matter of the Secret Bride absolutely delivers.

I went into this book completely fresh other than the blurb- although it is the eighth book in the Rosalind Thorne mystery series, I in no way felt lost or confused. There are not a ton of callbacks, and I appreciated that. (I find mystery series that continuously reference previous books to be somewhat tedious and limiting.)

I think the mystery built around Mrs. Fitzherbert was very smart; while it is a fictional story, it felt like something that could have happened. And Wilde did a great job of setting the scene. She covered the necessary political and social climates that contributed to this period in English history without it feeling clunky. This whole episode is one of the most outlandish for the Georgians, so I think it was an excellent choice.

This mystery does feature some romance, though it is not overwhelming! (I suspect that that would be the element carrying through the series.) It was a fun addition but did not take away from the core mystery. Because the mystery was somewhat complex, this worked well!

All in all, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the Georgian period or the Regency (cough, Bridgerton fans!)!

In the latest Darcie Wilde, the drama of King George IV's divorce is the topic at hand. His first wife, who he secretly married, has a big problem: her marriage certificate has been stolen. She turns to Rosalind for help in finding out what happened. In the course of the investigation, murder occurs, making the situation even more complicated. As always, Rosalind and her friends band together to solve the mystery, which has quite the interesting ending.

This was another enjoyable read, especially since it dealt with a topic that actually happened. The mix of fact and fiction made for an engrossing read. It makes me look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this arc, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

I enjoyed this latest book in the Rosalind Thorne mystery series. The mystery, loosely inspired by history, was compelling, and fans of the series will be thrilled by the significant progress Rosalind and Adam make toward their HEA. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy Jane Austenesque Regency-era historical fiction and mysteries.

Do you prefer series or standalone novels? I like both!

King George IV is trying to get a divorce from his queen. This has caused great strife in London. It has also brought back up rumors that King George was married previously to Maria Fitzherbert and that is his true bride. Rosalind Thorne is known for helping women through difficult situations. She is summoned by Mrs. Fitzherbert and told that her marriage certificate to King George did exist and has been stolen. Who stole it and why?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I enjoyed this mystery in this novel. I have read before about the rumors of Mrs. Fitzherbert. It was interesting to get to know her as a character and wonder how history would have been changed if this document were to be released to the public. With murder, riots, romance, and more, this was a great mystery that kept me reading.

• Ex Bow Street Runner, Adam Harkness, helps Rosalind with her investigation. Rosalind and Adam had a nice slow burn romance in this novel. It made me wonder about them. I need to read more of this series to find out!

• There are other friends that help Rosalind, including Amelia who poses as a lady’s maid to gather intel from inside Mrs. Fitzherbert’s home. I loved reading Amelia’s perspective.

• This novel is set in 1820 in London.

• There were a lot of characters thrown at the reader at once in the beginning of the novel. It got better once the action picked up. This is the eighth novel in the Rosalind Thorne series, but the first one I’ve read. This can be read as a standalone, but just be aware that there are a lot of characters at first. I need to go back and read the rest of this series.

• I loved the ending of this novel. There is also a great author’s note that points out that most of the story about Mrs. Fitzherbert was true. She really did have a signed marriage certificate kept in a lock box, but it wasn’t stolen (that we know of).

Overall, The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde is a riveting well-written Regency historical mystery that involves real life historical people from that time as well as intriguing fictional investigators. I recommend this novel for all lovers of historical mystery.

Book Source: Review copy from Kensington Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and Austen Prose PR for the gifted book.

As the eighth riveting installment in the beloved Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series, this book boasts a delightful cast of characters who come together to solve an exhilarating mystery inspired by real occurrences. While it can be enjoyed independently, exploring the previous installments will enrich your understanding of the characters' fascinating backstories, and I can’t wait to dive into them.

In this enthralling tale, Rosalind Thorne and Adam Harkness join forces to recover the stolen secret marriage certificate of Mrs. Fitzherbert and King George IV—an item that holds potentially explosive political implications for the nation. With her loyal friends by her side, Rosalind skillfully navigates a maze of suspects and uncovers hidden truths along the way.

The author's vivid and engaging writing style pulls you in, making this book impossible to put down. The gripping blend of murder, political intrigue, and rich historical detail captivates and keeps your heart racing as you piece together the intricate puzzle.

For anyone who appreciates Regency-era historical mysteries featuring relatable and expertly crafted characters, this book is a must-read. I eagerly anticipate what thrilling adventures lie ahead for Rosalind and Adam!

The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde is an enthralling addition to the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, combining Regency-era elegance with a richly layered mystery. Wilde immerses readers in the political and social intrigue of early 19th-century England, crafting a story brimming with suspense, secrets, and wit.

The plot centers on a high-stakes investigation involving a stolen marriage certificate belonging to Maria Fitzherbert, a document that could shake the foundations of the monarchy. Rosalind Thorne, a "useful woman" to the ladies of London’s ton, is tasked with recovering this elusive item. Her mission becomes perilous when a man connected to the case is found murdered, drawing Rosalind and her steadfast ally, Adam Harkness, deeper into a tangled web of deception and danger.

Wilde's portrayal of Rosalind is nothing short of inspiring. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and poise make her a compelling heroine who navigates society’s rigid constraints with grace and determination. The slow-burning tension between Rosalind and Adam adds a captivating layer to the story, offering both heart-stopping moments and tender exchanges that leave readers yearning for more.

The narrative is rich with historical detail, capturing the nuances of Regency London in vivid color. From glittering ballrooms to shadowy legal offices, Wilde transports readers to a world teeming with intrigue. The novel’s complexity, with its interwoven subplots and political ramifications, demands close attention but rewards with a deeply satisfying story.

Darcie Wilde masterfully blends mystery, romance, and history, delivering a novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The Matter of the Secret Bride is a must-read for fans of intelligent, atmospheric mysteries with a strong female lead. Rosalind Thorne’s journey will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next adventure.

This was a clever and complex mystery. It was based on actual events, making it even more intriguing.

Rich in atmosphere and period detail, it was obviously well researched. The glimpse of Ilife and customs in early 1800s London was fascinating.

The characters were really well developed, and the slow burn romance between Rosalind and Adam was nice, but definitely took a backseat to the mystery.

This is book 8 in the series and the first one I’ve read, but now I definitely want to check out the previous books.

I received a copy from the author, publisher, and Austenprose via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Matter of the Secret Bride is the 8th book in the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series by Darcie Wilde. Guess which book I started this series with? You got it...this one! I do admit I have most of the previous books in my TBR pile, but hadn't read them yet. I'm happy knowing that I didn't spend money on books I wouldn't like, because I really enjoyed this one. Starting a book just a few days before Christmas just wasn't the brightest idea, because I didn't have much reading time. But when I found time to read, this was an engaging historical mystery.

In 1820 London, Rosalind Thorne is a young woman possessing a particular talent helping women of the ton with delicate problems they would prefer to keep quiet. But her newest situation is royally important. Seriously. King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her infidelity. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert long before he married the queen! Now Mrs. Fitzherbert frantically needs Rosalind's help, as she has been robbed, and the thief took the proof that she and King George really did marry. If the proof gets out, it can mean the ruin of Mrs. Fitzherbert's family, and the proof of the king's bigamy. Rosalind rushes to investigate, and with her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a growing bond. The situation goes from bad to worse when the case of theft soon leads to murder. Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors, was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house, and now he has been brutally murdered. Could Mrs. Fitzherbert, who has debts, staged the theft and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or could the truth possibly be even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own, and Poole himself had no shortage of enemies. Things become more dangerous, and Rosalind's livelihood is also being threatened. They must solve the case before all comes tumbling down!

Apparently the author writes her stories with a basis of historical fact, which made this story quite interesting! This is a bit of history that I actually had a little knowledge about. This story stands alone, so it can be enjoyed without reading the previous novels. However, I recommend reading from the start of the series, if possible, as I missed the nuances of Rosalind and Adam's growing relationship, along with the history of the supporting characters, most namely Amelia, Alice and George. Rosalind was a fascinating character. She apparently was on her own from a young age and was making a living helping out women of the ton who had "delicate issues" that needed to be resolved. (I really can't wait to go back and see how she started and what kinds of situations she handled!) Apparently she has an excellent reputation, since she was summoned by Mrs. Fitzherbert, who obviously had close ties - very close - to the king. The story was interesting when Rosalind began searching for the thief, but things really revved up with the murder of Mr. Poole. Rosalind was assisted by her paramour, Adam Harkness, who was formerly a Bow Street runner, but now works as an assistant to the coroner. I'm extremely interested in finding out the details as to his break with Bow Street. The relationship between Rosalind and Adam comes to a crucial point here, and I was pleased with the outcome. Supporting characters Alice (a newspaper reporter turned author) her brother George (also a newspaper writer) and Amelia (an assistant to Rosalind, and romantic partner to Alice) were all interesting and really helped move the story along. Mrs. Fitzherbert, being an actual historical figure, made the story more real. I enjoyed the author's afterword explaining the situation between Mrs. Fitzherbert and the king. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series, and also to catching up with all I missed. I'll just make sure not to read at Christmas time!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the mystery as it related to the actual historical details. There was a bit too much going on though, and when one person of their team found out something, I had to read about them relaying the information to the rest of the team... so it was repetitive, and too drawn out. I also think that while the individual characters were developed pretty well, their relationships with each other were not, especially Rosalind and Adam's. Anyway, I found myself skimming the repetitive recaps, and then I enjoyed the mystery more. And I appreciated the historical note (though I would have liked more detail there).

The Matter of the Secret Bride plunges the reader into a complex mystery involving the King of England, a divorce, & secret marriage. Rosalind Thorne is a gently bred lady who solves mysteries for the ladies of the ton and her latest case involves the highest echelons of society. The King is seeking a divorce from the Queen for adultery, however rumors abound that he was previously married to an unsuitable woman & is still married to her. Mrs. Fitzherbert is the woman in question & when her marriage certificate to the King is stolen, she enlists Rosalind’s help to retrieve it before it causes irreparable damage. As two factions arise, one supporting the King and the other the Queen, the race to find the marriage certificate is fierce especially when the man who supposedly took it winds up murdered. It’s up to Rosalind, her love interest Adam Harkness formerly of Bow Street, & her friends to find the certificate before it’s too late.

This is the eighth book in the Rosalind Thorne mystery series & my first book by Darcie Wilde. I enjoyed her writing style & the descriptions of Regency England. It was reminiscent of an Anne Perry mystery. I’m wishing though I’d been more familiar with the series before picking up this book. I found myself behind the eight ball so to speak in understanding all the characters & their relationships as well as following the mystery with lots of moving parts. It took me several chapters before I finally felt comfortable with everything & by that time, the mystery was well under way. The last 25% of the book was when everything came together & I was finally invested in the mystery & finding out who the murderer was. While I had my suspicions, the ending was a definite surprise.

If you’re a fan of Anne Perry or like feminist female protagonists, you might enjoy this series. I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series to fully appreciate the characters. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

"The Matter of the Secret Bride" is an enthralling and fast-paced book from author Darcie Wilde! This is the first book I've read from this author but it certainly won't be my last! The historical setting is described with clarity and attention to detail that I appreciate especially when reading historical fiction. The characters feel three-dimensional and like real people and are very likeable! I enjoyed getting to know Rosalind and the other characters. The speed of the plot is great, the writing style is smooth, the plot is captivating without a dull moment, and the story itself is very well-crafted and feels original! This is such an enjoyable book to read especially if you like historical fiction with historical politics and intrigue! 5 stars

Thank you very much to the author, AustenprosePR, and Kensington Books for the great opportunity of being a part of this book tour and for providing me with physical and digital copies to read and review honestly.

Her books are great! I adore the
Regency era and mystery aspects of her books. Here work very detailed. Only 4 stars for me only because of the length. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book.