This new author is talented and has a lot of potential. I loved the writing very much. But I found the story somewhat confusing, in particular in the development of the plot, and I think the book would have benefited by a more accurate beta-reading and editing. I don’t want to spoiler anything, but the reason why the villain targeted Saffron is unclear, as is Saffron’s behavior after the carriage accident and some of the things that happen at the end as well. On a positive note, I liked the characters very much and their chemistry was very high. I’ll certainly read the next books by this author.

This is the first book I have read from Melissa Kendall so I went in without any expectations. There was aspects of this book that I really enjoyed and others that just didn't seem to fit quite right. I, for the most part, really liked Saffron - she's kind, smart, and a truly gifted problem solver. Leo is fine, but I didn't really find anything that original about his character. One aspect that didn't really work for me was the pacing of some of the sections of the book. Most of the events in the book happen so quickly that it feels rushed and doesn't leave a ton of room for character development. After Leo finds Saffron following the carriage accident the author (and Saffron) seemed to forget all about her sister and aunt who were still trapped in a carriage. She had left them to find help and then while they are still in the carriage in terrible conditions she's hooking up with a guy she barely knows. And later she sees a thief and then before you know it she and Leo are hooking up again without much thought to who the thief was or what they were up to. As a reader you catch on pretty quickly to the connection between Sabrina and Basil, but once Saffron finds out there is very little about it - I'm not sure Leo even knows about them. The scene with Leo's mother came out of nowhere and there wasn't really much follow up after the incident with the fire during the ball (was that meant for Saffron?). I'm not sure why the villain thought getting her out of the way would solve his problem considering Leo was already on to the fact that something strange was going on with the paintings. My final complaint comes with the final few chapters. It's not really made clear how much time had passed between the events on the ship and Leo waking up. Having him lose part of his leg didn't really add anything to the story and that part could have been left out with no impact on the rest of the story. Overall, this book had a lot of promise but didn't quite deliver. At times it felt like the author had a lot they wanted to do and couldn't quite make it all work together as seamlessly as it needed to. I realize this review makes it sound like I didn't like the book, but I did actually find it to be an enjoyable read and I'm curious to see how the next book in the series turns out.

This historical romance delightfully blended mystery and romance in a captivating tale. The plot, centered around solving an art theft, was refreshingly unique compared to other historical fiction novels. The unexpected twists kept me engaged throughout the narrative.

The characters were well-developed and endearing. The FMC was a strong, independent woman whose neurodivergence added depth and authenticity to her character. The MMC was a charming and supportive love interest who balanced the story perfectly. Their relationship evolved naturally, from initial attraction to a deep connection.

The author's writing style was engaging and easy to follow, transporting readers to 19th century England. While the exact time period was somewhat ambiguous, the atmosphere was well-established. The inclusion of mild romantic scenes added spice without overpowering the plot.

Overall, this book was a pleasant surprise. It offered a refreshing take on the historical romance genre while delivering a satisfying mystery. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy intelligent heroines, complex plots, and a touch of historical intrigue.