This is the first book by this author that I have read. I found it a little slow and the mystery was just an add-on for the romance. It was a sweet read with lovely characters and the mystery, though small, did keep me guessing. There was a lot of description and background going on that I skipped. If you want a sweet read with an added mystery this book would be perfect for you. For me ,I prefer more mystery and suspense. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

A Castle Full of Secrets

It was supposed to be a house party to find a bride for his younger brother. It turned out to be a party, full of secret revelations, jewelry theft, and unexpected love. Richard did not intend to fall in love with Ivy, but fall he did. Now, how could he convince Ivy that her secret did not make her unmarriageable?

Then, there was the matter of the jewelry thefts. Who was stealing the guests’ jewels, and what would it take to discover the thief? The jewelry thefts just might lead to the revelation of more secrets that might be best left buried.

Secrets, mystery, and romance make this an entertaining read. This is my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading what she writes next.

I really like this book. It had a mystery that moved the story forward but I think it was pretty low stakes. I did like the romance between Richard and Ivy but it was not a steamy story. I wish we had more intensity between the MCs. But the story had a cozy/gothic feel that I really liked so I do still recommend this book as a cozy read.

In helping his brother to find a wife, Richard Selwyn throws a holiday house party. However, a simple party soon turns into so much more when he discovers a jewel thief in his castle. Little does he realise but Ivy Burnley will have him rethinking his life as a bachelor. Ivy intended only to help chaperone her debutante cousin during the house party, but the more time she spends with Richard, her future seems quite different.
A sweet romance with a touch of mystery. I found the characters enjoyable but didn’t really find there was much in the way of a romance between Richard and Ivy. A bit more tension and angst may have helped to build this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. The first kiss was picture-perfect, the conflicts were believable, human, and natural, as was the resolution. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

The romance between Ivy and Richard moved a bit too slowly to my taste, and I felt a little frustrated at Ivy's continual self-condemnation. Apart from the conundrum of missing jewelry, the loss of the signet ring belonging to Ivy raises more questions and a confession. Although Richard is a most understanding man, Ivy nevertheless fears besmirching his reputation if she accepts his proposal. One can only praise the man for not giving up on her and persevering until she finally comes to her senses. The novel is a standalone and comes to a sweet and warm-hearted conclusion.

A house party, a mystery and a surprising romance make this story one of great interest. This writer does a great job keeping the reader on their toes with the mysterious thieft that takes place. Along with the details of how a long term house party would have progressed at that time. The romance however while sweet didn't quite take on the depth that I had expected. Richard sets up this house party to help his brother find a wife. Instead Richard finds himself the one looking for a wife. That should have added demention to the story along with Ivy's growing feelings and Richard's, yet it didn't. Instead it felt, cold, distant and uninvolved. I understand that it wasn't supposed to have any grand jester, steam or declaration and yet it still needed something to bring it more to life.
Please keep in mind it's a very sweet story and my opinion is only mine, others may have found what I missed. It's a perfect story for all readers, especially those young ones who are just stepping into this genre.

This is the story of a courtship that wasn't meant to happen, between the recently elevated Earl of Inglewhite and commoner Miss Ivy Burnley, when they met during a holiday house party at Selwyn Castle, the former's family seat.

Richard Selwyn is thirty seven years old and has no desire to seek a wife; after all, he has a brother is still young enough to court and marry a lady of good family, and beget a few sons to ensure continuance of the family line.

But as his brother hasn't seen fit to do any serious courting himself so far, Richard takes matters into his own hands, organizing a house party over the holiday season and inviting a few families with eligible young ladies. With any luck, at least one of them will catch Rowland's eye, and the future of the earldom will be secured.

Alas, everything starts going sideways even before all the guests have arrived--including the very real possibility that Rowland won't come down from London! It is all very trying, and Richard would be far more irritated were it not for the presence of a certain miss whose company he finds surprisingly agreeable.

At five and twenty, Ivy Burnley is quite firmly on the shelf--at least in her mind. While her uncle is a wealthy baronet, and her maternal grandfather left her a handsome fortune in trust, the circumstances of her birth are such that she resolved long ago never to marry. After all, should she come to care enough for a potential suitor to consider an offer, she would feel obliged to confess the sordid truth, risking exposing her family to scandal while knowing no man of good breeding would marry a bastard; better not to risk it at all.

Which is why she's vexed when Lord Inglewhite starts showing a marked preference for her company, rather than that of her cousin Rose, or the other eligible lady present; she could never agree to a courtship, and would rather not mislead such a gentle and lovely man as he.

This book is on the short side for a novel, not even quite category-length, but it doesn't feel rushed; however, it's worth noting there isn't a lot of sexual tension, and the protagonists do nothing more than kiss on page. Rather than a blazing passion, this is a sweet meeting of compatible spirits.

Also noteworthy: there's very little preaching of any kind, despite the Christmas holiday setting, and a former-vicar hero. What little religion is present, is more in the manner of ethical behavior than dogma.

As the second son, Richard never expected to inherit, and being of a quiet nature, he chose the church for his profession, rather than law or the army. As his father, and later his brother, owned the living near Selwyn Castle, Richard spent a decade happily enough as the vicar there.

After his older brother's death the year before, Richard has been working towards becoming an Earl worth the title; he's been reading about animal husbandry and estate management, but for the most part has to trust that his butler and housekeeper know what they're doing about the castle itself. It is not explicitly stated, but Richard reads as someone on the spectrum; he describes himself as a worrier, and while he strives to always be correct, he struggles in social situations as he lacks the presence of his late older brother and the charm of his younger one.

Between that and some prior unfortunate sentimental attachments, Richard is happy to give the whole marriage thing a pass; let Rowland worry about producing the next generation of Selwyns!

Which is why he finds himself surprised by his own attraction to the very proper and quiet Miss Burnley, and more shocked yet when Rowland seems to be determined to encourage a match between them. Richard is more than a little disconcerted when he realizes that, in fact, most of his guests assumed the party was arranged to facilitate a match between himself and one of the young debutantes present.

Ivy is attending the party mostly as a companion to her maternal aunt, Lady Rufford, and secondary chaperon to her younger cousin Rose. A homebody by nature, she would much rather spend the holiday at home like always, but she is happy to do her part to ensure Rose has every opportunity to make a good, if not brilliant, match.

The author does a very good job of showing us the compatibility between these two characters; they have similar codes of honor and behavior, both are more comfortable in quiet, intimate settings than in crowded and loud ones, enjoy the same activities, such as riding and reading, and both want similar things out of life.

But while their mutual attraction is very clear, it is more a gentle tendre than a passionate affair; Richard may have been written as demisexual, and Ivy doesn't seem terribly aware of physical attraction.

Most of the secondary characters have very little page space, but the author manages to convey quite a bit of characterization through Richard's and Ivy's observations, as well as a few strategic conversations; there's are a couple of exchanges between the Selwyn brothers that reveal both their characters beautifully.

"His initial dismay at Rowland's revelation faded, only to be replaced by more complicated emotions. He silently confronted the fact that there was a side of his brother's life he might never know about. There might be people Rowland loved whom Richard could never publicly accept as part of the family. People whom Richard might never even meet! That broke his heart." (Richard, chapter 7)

There was some rather lengthy exposition at the beginning, and a bit of repetition of some backstory later on, but overall the story flowed. However, the missing jewels angle was poorly integrated with the rest of the story--never mind the massive dangling plot thread at the end. (I sincerely hope this is addressed in one of the already planned books in the series; seriously, poor Rowland!)

I really liked Richard, but while I have no doubt that him and Ivy are right for each other, I found her martyr streak profoundly annoying. Honestly, woman, get over yourself, and give the man some credit for knowing himself.

Secrets at Selwyn Castle gets an 8.50 out of 10

This book was cute but very average to me. I would’ve liked to see more of the MMC’s depth, and I felt that things wrapped up too neatly. However, I enjoyed the coziness and mystery.

Anne Rollins’ *Secrets at Selwyn Castle* is a gothic romance that brims with atmosphere and mystery, yet falls short of fully delivering on its intriguing premise.

🔸**What I Liked:**

- **Setting and Atmosphere:** Rollins excels at creating a moody, gothic environment. The castle itself feels like a character, with its dark corridors, hidden passageways, and a history that seems to seep through the walls. The author’s descriptions of the fog-covered grounds and the eerie sense of isolation effectively set the tone for the story.

- **Mystery Element:** The central mystery surrounding the castle and its inhabitants is well-conceived and keeps you guessing. As the protagonist, Claire, uncovers the secrets of Selwyn Castle, there are enough twists and turns to maintain interest. The suspense builds nicely, and there are some genuinely surprising revelations towards the end.

🔸**What Fell Short:**

- **Character Development:** Unfortunately, the characters feel somewhat one-dimensional. Claire, the heroine, is likable but lacks the depth needed to fully engage the reader. Her motivations and inner conflicts are not as fleshed out as they could be, making it hard to connect with her on a deeper level. The supporting characters, particularly the brooding love interest, are also rather stereotypical and predictable.

- **Pacing:** The pacing of the novel is uneven. While the opening chapters effectively draw you in, the middle section drags, with repetitive scenes that could have been tightened or omitted. This loss of momentum detracts from the overall tension, and some readers might find their attention waning before the final act.

- **Romance:** The romantic subplot, while essential to the story, lacks the spark that makes a romance truly engaging. The interactions between Claire and her love interest feel formulaic, and their relationship development seems rushed, missing the emotional build-up that would make their connection more believable and satisfying.

🔸**Conclusion:**🔸

*Secrets at Selwyn Castle* is a mixed bag. It has the potential to be a gripping gothic tale with its atmospheric setting and intriguing mystery, but it falls short in character depth and pacing. For fans of the gothic genre, this book might still be worth a read for its mood and setting, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

---
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I am always bouncing up and down with happiness when I get to start a new series. I really liked the blurb of Secrets at Selwyn Castle and thought the story could really be a stand out, but somehow it fell flat for me.

Maybe it was because of the length of the story or how it was written but I kept hoping for something major to happen and it never did.

The story progresses really slowly and the characters seemed a bit monodimentional in my opinion.

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

3.25 Stars
Richard Selwyn a second son became a vicar, then his older brother died & he’s suddenly the Earl of Inglewhite, he decides to throw a holiday house party to help his younger brother Rowland find a wife. Richard, having loved & lost twice, isn’t looking for his own match. But he didn’t expect a castle full of secrets, a jewel thief, and a kiss under the mistletoe that might very well change the course of his life. Ivy Burnley was raised in luxury by her noble uncle and aunt, but her own parentage is so scandalous that she believes herself unfit to marry a gentleman.
A new series & a new author to me. Whilst this was a well written book it was paced as a stroll, there was a mix of mystery & romance but neither set me on fire. I liked the characters but they were a bit two dimensional. I also felt chemistry was lacking between Richard & Ivy & even the ending saw them entering a marriage where there was liking & affection but love? I don’t think so
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This is the first book I have read by the author and I found it to be sweet and clean, with a mystery to be solved. The romance between Ivy and Richard moved a bit too slowly to my taste, and I felt a little frustrated at Ivy's continual self-condemnation. Apart from the conundrum of missing jewelry, the loss of the signet ring belonging to Ivy raises more questions and a confession. Although Richard is a most understanding man, Ivy nevertheless fears besmirching his reputation if she accepts his proposal. One can only praise the man for not giving up on her and persevering until she finally comes to her senses. The novel is a standalone and comes to a sweet and warm-hearted conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A lot of info dumping along with dull narrative without much interiority from Ivy or Richard made it a slow read. I’m not sure how the baron Lord Rufford has a daughter named Miss Rufford. The “mystery” was on the cozy side and not very interesting.
From the cover, I thought this would be spicier so I was surprised when it was just a few tame kisses without much description. But there wasn’t much chemistry or tension between Ivy and Richard. We’re told a lot of things, but neither me nor the characters felt much.

I’d describe this as domestic. Nothing explosive, but pleasant. I’d recommend to someone in the market for a more traditional historical romance with a holiday setting. I’d have liked more of a mystery to solve or more chemistry between the leads, but I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed.

*MFC proclaims herself “a confirmed spinster”
*house party
*age gap
*cozy mystery

Series starters are so often hit and miss - the story is building, and it can seem really incomplete - though the characters were likable, much was left for the next book(s); I’m looking forward to reading the next titles in this series.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

3.5*
Due to the circumstances of her birth, Ivy Burnley never expects to marry but finds her resolution tested when the host of the Christmas houseparty shows an interest in her. Several secrets and a mystery are eventually uncovered but I did not feel engaged.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Richard (37) throws a house party in which Ivy (25) attends along with her extended family. Richard is a true cinnamon roll and doesn't have a rakish bone in his body. Ivy is hiding a secret, in regards to her parentage. Richard's brother Rowland also has a secret of his own. During the party some jewels are stolen.
This is a kind and gentle, low spice romance and I was happy to see that the story was inclusive too. We need Rowland's story too! I didn't expect to be rooting for the jewel thief, but here we are!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Tropes: house party; MC investigates a mystery; MFC with a mystery from her own past
Steam level: low (a few tame kisses)

This is solidly written, and seems very true to the period. Both MC's are likable enough, although not particularly memorable, and the mystery elements are pretty low key. Tbh this was a bit too tame for me. Although I don't require steam and edge-of-your-seat tension, I prefer couples who have a more of a spark and more suspense overall. I like that the MMC here doesn't fall into the typical HR hero mold but he tended toward self-righteousness, and I felt the MFC spent too much time feeling sorry for her situation toward the end. I wanted to know her cousin and a few of the secondary characters better and thought that MMC's brother stole most of the scenes that he was in. More humor throughout the book would have spiced things up.

Bottom line: this is nicely written but missing a little zest.

I wasn’t sure if this book would be more mystery or romance and it’s a little bit of both. The mysteries in the story aren’t murders or in any way violent in nature. The romance aspects compared to the broader category of romance were pretty tame. Like a cozy romance/mystery with likable characters who you want to know more about and hope the best for. I got a little confused by the different characters but that may be due to the English titles vs. names, which always causes me some confusion in books. By the end of the book, I was hoping that we wouldn’t see Rowland disappear completely as I liked him more and more as he was honest with his brother. I would say a good start for a series but not quite as much mystery as I typically like.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.