Another killer is on the loose in London!

A Tainted Heart Bleeds is the second book in author Sophie Barnes's dark and moody House of Croft historical mystery series, and as before, another killer is loose among the ton of London. Only four months after Lady Evelyn Croft's murderer was dealt with, another young debutante is murdered in her own home. The girl's distraught father is bent on revenge and implores Adrian Croft to find the person responsible for her death. Great characters, an exciting, complex plot, and an atmospheric London setting combine to make this book one you'll not want to put down until you know all the answers!

Samantha and Adrian Croft are newlyweds, but their pre-wedding passion abruptly disappeared before they consummated their marriage. Samantha is guilt-ridden over keeping secrets from her new husband and fears his change in demeanor means he's found out all about her mission to gather intelligence that would lead to his arrest and execution. Adrian, determined to break free from his criminal past, had counted on Samantha to help him leave that part of his life behind until he discovered her deceptions. Their growing distance was swift, and their despair palpable. It was suspenseful waiting to see if this couple, who had so much chemistry together in the previous book, would be able to find a way back to each other.

The year is 1815, and the plot is gritty, involving the gruesome murder of a young, engaged debutante. A side storyline features Izak, the ten-year-old street urchin who previously served as a courier between Samantha and Chief Constable Peter Kendrick, and is dark and terrifyingly realistic. As the Crofts team up to rescue Izak and the other children with him, they also chase down any source of information about Lady Eleanor Marsh to identify a motive for her murder and suspects. I was glad to see Samantha finally realize that she was just a means to an end for both Harlowe and Kendrick, so maybe her heart could start to mend over their emotional betrayal. With each discovery they make, another plot twist increases the intrigue and suspense.

With its engaging characters, compelling plot, and atmospheric setting, I recommend A TAINTED HEART BLEEDS to historical mystery fans. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it would be best enjoyed after having read the first book in the series.

A new one for me and so good that I purchased the first in the series. I was not disappointed as A Tainted Heart Bleeds was off and running from the get-go. We see Samantha and Adrian now married and unfortunately, Adrian has found out that Samantha has married him only to have better access to spy on him on gain the necessary information for the higher ups that will see Adrian hang for the crimes. When she realises Adrian knows what she is doing, she decides to come clean on the whole mess to him.

While still wary of Samantha and wondering if she has been entirely truthful or if she has held back something, Adrian finds out for the first time how good his wife really is in battle! A refreshing take on your Victorian lady - she is his partner in every respect and that turns out to be critical to his success. This time, The Earl of Orendel hires Adrian following the horrific murder of his eldest daughter, Lady Eleanor. With Samantha by his side, they work together to solve the case, while dodging Chief Constable Peter Kendrick and others, determined to see Adrian brought to justice.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and could not put it down. I cannot say enough about this book that kept my attention and interest from the first page. I am waiting ON TINTER HOOKS for the third in the series and want to see what happens next.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley with m heartfelt thanks and submit my honest review voluntarily.

A Tainted Heart Bleeds by Sophie Barnes is book two in the House of Croft series and I just happened to come across this one on NetGalley and it immediately caught my attention. So I immediately went and got the first book and was hooked on the series.

If you haven't read the first book, you'll want to stop reading this review right now because this book picks up right from the end and I don't want it to ruin it for you.

Now that Adrian and Samantha are married and Adrian knows that she has deceived him, he doesn't know what he will do. The one person he thought he could trust, turned out to be a spy working against him and he is torn because he truly does still care for her. The problem is there is something bigger at play that could take him down.

For Samantha, she knew her decision to marry Adrian would cost her but she is willing to do whatever she needs to in order to win Adrian's trust back. She's willing to give up all of her secrets and abandon her past loyalties to prove to him she is truly on his side but the question is whether Adrian can truly ever believe her knowing the lies that brought them together.

It was great to see how this story progressed and it was clear that Adrian and Samantha were struggling to figure out how to get beyond the trust issues they now have and to be honest getting toward the end of this one...it's clear that Adrian really hasn't no matter what he might say. I'm not saying he's in the wrong here but if he's going to say he trusts her, then he needs to do it.

As I mentioned though, there's a bit more going on here than just whether Adrian and Samantha are ever going to figure things out. Clearly the gang behind Adrian are trying to decide whether to back him and then there is the whole police doing whatever they can to get him put in jail and with Samantha essentially turning her back on her past, she's now on the run. Essentially everything that could go wrong has so I don't even know what to expect with this next book and I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next book to come out because there is so much that could go wrong for these two.

If you're looking for a new historical mystery series to pick up, definitely consider this one. It has plenty of twists and turns, well-developed characters, and a good story that will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series and will definitely pick up more from Barnes in the future.

A Tainted Heart Bleeds was a tricky novel to get into because this is second in a series, which wasn't apparent when I received an ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an unbiased review. It plunges the reader right into a marriage already on the rocks, and in my case, piecing together said marriage had occurred in the prior first novel in the series, and featured Samantha Carmichael, a trained government assassin who happens to be female, and Adrian Croft, an inheritor of a crime syndicate. Because we know where exactly Samantha stands, some of the tension is irritating instead of heightening my reading entertainment. The book is driven by a the murder of a lord's daughter and the couple is drawn in to determine who the killer is while navigating their fraught marriage. It was well written and engaging, but Croft's character just didn't ring true. Nothing about him in this novel said "head of a malevolent crime syndicate." He seemed more like an angry cinnamon roll tbh. Not my style. But will I read the next novel? Probably.

Thank you NetGalley, BookBuzz.net, and Sophie Barnes for this amazing e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This might sound like a hyperbole, but the moment I started reading this second book, I knew I'm going to love it so much, and I was in reading slump to begin with!
This book is the perfect combination of mystery, suspense, and love story. It was so good when I know, I could picture every scenes in my head, like I was in it! The bits of misunderstanding moments were understandable and bearable, even makes me wanna rush to devour the third book!!

It's just chef's kiss kind of book, and successfully revived me from the exasperated reading slump

PLEASE PLEASE READ THIS BOOK NOW
(i mean pls go ahead pick up the first one before rush into this one)

I am such a huge fan of Sophie Barnes. She is an amazing writer. I was so excited to receive this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers.
Yet again we see why she is one of my favorite authors. Her creation of story, character and everything in between gives us a story you can’t get enough of. You never want her stories to end. I was so happy to have the second book in this series. In the story of Adrian and Samantha we get it all. In the middle of trying to make a marriage work and get past the secrets they have a murder to deal with. It is full of secrets, intrigue, danger, action, mystery and most of all romance. This is the kind of romance and story that keeps you on the edge seat from beginning to end. It is everything you want in a story. You're going to love this one. Be sure to read the first book to complete your story.
I can’t wait for more.
1000 stars

A Tainted Heart Bleeds by Sophie Barnes
House of Croft #2

Another late night for me ~ Could not put this book down and had to finish before turning the light off after 1am…then had to THINK about Adrian and Samantha and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

What I liked:
* Returning to The House of Croft ~ Oh my!
* Adrian: strong, resilient, bright, protective, head of a generational crime syndicate, lives by his personal moral compass, doesn’t trust Samantha
* Samantha: trained covert asset for the government, spy, lethal, protective, protective, wants a real relationship with Adrian
* The way Adrian and Samantha move forward in their relationship…and the potential it has for the future…hopefully
* The murder mystery and sleuthing done by Adrian and Samantha
* Edward Pryce, Earl of Marsdale: Adrian’s best friend, was in love with Adrian’s sister Evie, grieving, an intriguing man that I hope to see more of
* Isak: orphan, messenger boy, “owned” by Wycliffe, abused, and saved by Croft & Samantha
* The mysteries still in play – wonder who the mastermind who set Adrian’s sister up for death is if/when he will be exposed and hopefully dealt with
* Being able to hate the ton types out to get Croft
* That Samantha is able to see that her mentor is not all that she once thought he was
* The shades of gray, twists and turns, and potential for the future

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The loss of innocent lives
* Thinking about how difficult the lives of Isak and the children he lived with must have been
* Having to wait for book three

Did I like this book? Yes!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!!!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Well, this was not at all what I expected but it was so much fun! The angst, action and mystery was present from the first page. I haven't read a murder mystery in a very long time and trying to guess the murderer was wonderful fun but I never guessed all the other intrigue, action and romance that I would also get! This is the second in a series and it would be best if you read the first in the series before this book but you don't HAVE to. The ending is a soft cliffhanger and I definitely want to read the next book in the series. Overall this was a fabulous book that kept me guessing and enjoying the romance every page.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Sophie Barnes for a copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.

A Tainted Heart Bleeds by Sophie Barnes is book two in this series concerning Adrian Croft. I haven’t read book one yet, but this actually stands well on it own. What I needed to know was shared without me thinking I had missed important facts. It is a complicated story but one that I was able to still follow easily. By chapter five the horrendous murder has taken place, Samantha’s duplicity is exposed, and the hunt is on.

Well written, dark period novel that is difficult not to keep reading. I found myself saying just one more chapter many times. Suspenseful, intriguing, with twisty elements, and oh so good. Now I want to read book one not so much to see how Samantha won Adrian’s heart but to see when and how he won her heart. I am a fan of Pam Lecky and Irina Shapiro. Now I am adding Sophie Barnes to my list. You will definitely want to do so too.

She’s a spy, meant to bring him down. As the first book ends, Adrian and Samantha have wed, but they don’t trust each other. The problem persists as this part of the story begins. Before they can make any progress on changing that, an earl comes to Adrian and asks him to investigate the brutal murder of his daughter. They work together despite their marital and trust problems. At the same time combatting Peter Kendrick’s Will they find the killer? Can they redeem their love? This is another dark, violent story. Intrigue, betrayal, mystery, suspense, and a hot but uncertain romance keep you at the edge of your seat. With Adrian arrested and Samantha on the run, what will happen next? Wow! What will happen next?
I received a special copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This second entry in the series is just as exciting as the first! Not only is there a war between Croft and Samantha, but there is another gruesome murder of a lady. The government is still trying to entrap Croft but it seems there are more unknown players in this game than anyone is aware of.

Suspenseful Regency thriller!

Trained assassin and agent Samantha Carmichael has married Adrian Croft but things are not going smoothly. Just after their marriage Adrian discovers Samantha is more than she seems. That problem is a challenge for their relationship.
Samantha realizes that Dorian Harlowe, England’s premier spymaster, sees her only as an asset. He and his wife had, along with other young girls taken her out of an orphanage and become their guardians.
Where will she land? On the side of her husband or her master?
Added to this a vicious murder has taken place. The Earl of Orendel’s daughter has been horrifically killed. Lady Eleanor will only be the first. A pattern is emerging, yet prior to their marriage Adrian and Samantha had caught the killer of young women. What’s happening? Orendel wants Croft to look into it.
Meanwhile, Chief Constable Peter Kendrick is doing all he can to bring Croft down.
Beyond this we glimpse a shadowy figure who has orchestrated many things, including murder.
I am so committed to this series I can hardly wait for the next title.

An Independently Pub. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This is book 2 and they really do need to be read in order as I have done. This is due to each book ending on a cliff hanger. I usually don't like it when this happens but this series is so good. Everything happens at a fast pace with lots of twist turns and red herring making for quite a complicated situation. I did figure out the villain in this story and it was quite late on. All in all a great story that kept me gripped to the end and I can't wait for the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I am mentally having a hissy fit, in this age of binge-watching, and instant gratification, at the thought of having to wait months for the third book, and this book is not even out yet. I HATE cliffhangers - so yes, you will be left on the edge looking down, wondering what will be happening to Adrian and Samantha.

At the end of book 1, Samantha had decided to change allegiance and give her devotion to Adrian, after they marry, but still keeping her training and mission a secret from him, thinking Adrian is none the wiser as to her true purpose in their acquaintanceship and growing closeness. But Adrian had just been made aware of her lies, and his trust was broken. Book 2 starts out with Samantha wondering about the coldness of their relationship and left uncertain about what is happening. Adrian is keeping his knowledge about her close to his chest as he tries to figure out to do about her, but determined to now allow himself to be vulnerable.

But they are still caught in the web of their backgrounds as well, as Samantha juggles her new allegiance to her husband, and how to repair their foundering marriage, and the expectations of others for her perceived role as an agent sent to surveil Croft and possibly bring him down, and Adrian is brought in to aid in an investigation by a father whose daughter was brutally murdered and left mutilated in her home.

As Adrian investigates, Samantha tries to salvage their relationship and earn his trust again by revealing the truth of her background and their relationship, to show her allegiance, and they wok together to solve the murder, and also to protect themselves from the forces working to bring Adrian down. Despite their growing closeness though, Adrian still is leery about trusting Samantha and being vulnerable again, having already been betrayed once by her.

This story leaves us on a big cliff with Adrian caught and facing hanging for his crimes, and Samantha on the run, with her husband believing she has betrayed him again.

A roller coaster ride of secrets, back stabbing, murder, betrayal, and enemies from all angles, and I am left wondering how Adrian will survive the noose, let alone if Samantha and his marriage will survive.

4.5 stars out of 5

Adrian Croft’s worst fear has been realized. His wife, the sweet woman who swept past his every defence, is a cunning spy working against him. Samantha knew her decision to marry her target would come at a price. Now, having lost her husband’s trust and affection, she’ll do whatever it takes to win it all back.
This book starts as the previous ends & Adrian & Samantha are newly married but wary of each other. Then an Earl’s daughter is brutally murdered & her father asks Adrian to investigate. This is another edge of the seat book that I found I couldn’t put down, in fact I started it mid afternoon & finished it in the early hours. I love both Adrian & Samantha & love not only the chemistry between them but also how their relationship is developing & deepening but things aren’t easy for them with secrets, intrigue & traps being laid & a mastermind pulling everyone strings. Once again the book ends on a cliff hanger so I’m impatiently awaiting the next book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

The second book in the series, begins with Adrian Croft reflecting on his marriage to Samantha and his belief that she has lied to him. He has discovered that she is a cunning spy working to bring him down. However, Samantha begins to wonder why Adrian has gone from showing affection to a sudden coldness, shortly after their wedding. She knew her decision to marry her target would come at a price but knowing that she might have lost his trust and affection, she is determined to win him back. Whilst it might mean abandoning past loyalties to make others believe that she is still working for them, might also help her to protect her husband.
This is a book that you do have to read in series, part to gain a greater appreciation for the past experiences of both Adrian and Samantha. I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and can’t wait for the next instalment. There is plenty of action in the book, with many secondary characters, so I had to be totally engaged in the book from the start. Both Samantha and Adrian are great characters but together, they make for a fascinating couple.
This book I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Victorian Mr. and Mrs. Smith...

This is book two in this series. Aidan finds out just who he married.
Samantha is a Bad A. She's a spy. This is totally a Victorian Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with a a bit of Miss Scarlet thrown in for good measure.
Highly recommend where Sophie Barnes is going with this series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sophie Barnes for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Tainted Heart Bleeds coming out October 29, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I didn’t realize this is the second book in the series. I’ll have to go back and read the first book. I really loved Victorian mysteries. I don’t know what happened in the first book, but I loved this book! I actually really love the secret spy married to the enemy plotline. There were a few twists and turns in this book. Some things surprised me, which is really good. I loved the action. I love Adrian and Samantha’s characters! There was a lot going on. I’m definitely checking out the next book!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian mysteries!

I have no words to describe how absolutely wonderful A Tainted Heart Bleeds is. It has romance, intrigue, suspense and vengeance. I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of the story written by the amazing Sophie Barnes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the second book in the House of Croft series, and a continuation of Samantha and Adrian Croft's story. Once trust is broken, it is very hard to rebuild and we see this with Adrian, always doubtful of his wife because she never told him the truth about how and why she came into his life. I am in awe of Sophie Barnes. She has kept her readers enthralled and I can't wait to read how the story xomes to its conclusion. Superb!

Tropes: MC's solve a murder mystery
Steam level: Low
Second book in the series and I recommend that you read the books in order.

4.5 stars that I can't quite round up to 5. I feel remiss, as this book was archived by Net Galley the day before I was able to finish. I got into it and then due to sudden personal/family losses that came right after the other, I ended up putting it and a couple of other arcs on the back burner. This is somewhat gritty historical fiction with just a smattering of romance and elements of a detective procedural. Like the previous book, it does a great job with the tension and keeping the baddie from being too obvious until later in the plot. The strained bond between Adrian and Samantha continues to be explored, with Adrian feeling betrayed and completely untrusting of his new wife. If you're looking for a quick HEA here, you won't find it; this book ends on a cliffhanger as the previous one did. This isn't your standard HR and it's not exactly a cozy mystery series, even though the relationship between the MC's continues to be slow burn.

As intriguing as this book is, there are a few scenes where the editing is slightly off and timelines seem muddled. I reread these sections to make sure I hadn't missed anything and I don't think I did. If you're reading for detail they might detract from the mystery element for you.

Overall, though, this is a suspenseful, dark HR.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.