To Capture His Heart (Matchmakers, #2) by Nancy Campbell Allen


To Capture His Heart (Matchmakers, #2)
Title : To Capture His Heart (Matchmakers, #2)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1639930515
ISBN-10 : 9781639930517
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 288
Publication : First published October 12, 2022

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.


To Capture His Heart (Matchmakers, #2) Reviews


  • Phrynne

    It was very interesting to find this book was quite different to the first book in the series, although I enjoyed both! The first book was definitely an historical mystery with a romance on the side.
    To Capture His Heart on the other hand is mostly historical romance with just a little mystery.

    It is a very enjoyable romance, carrying forward one which began in the first book. Eva and Nathan attend a house party where for various reasons they are playing the part of a couple in love. As the days progress they find that they are no longer acting their roles. It is all very sweet with very little angst and there is nothing wrong with that. Of course there is a mystery too and it does culminate in danger and excitement.

    This is a well written and entertaining story with good characters (Nathan in particular is very appealing), an interesting story and a great ending. I wonder where the author will take the series next.

    Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book

  • Linda

    I was going to tag this a historical mystery, but after finishing the story, I thought it was more a HR with light suspense.

    DI Nathan Winston was such an endearing hero; a kind and good man who truly loved Miss Eva Caldwell. He did everything properly because he didn’t want to scare her off, not knowing that she was learning of her love for him. His actions and words spoke volumes. I enjoyed his character and wish more authors would learn from this.

    I really wish I read
    The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart, the first story in this series, because this is where Nathan first met Eva.

    If you can handle kisses-only, a sweet H and a little bit of a mystery, consider reading this romance. Next, I look forward to Charlotte’s story.

    Thank you to NetGalley, Nancy Campbell Allen and Shadow Mountain for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

  • Merry

    Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the ARC. I read the first book and really enjoyed it and recommend it. The timeframe covers when woman in the workplace and new technology is advancing. The story is a natural second book as, Eva and Nathan, from the previous book are building a relationship. The romance makes up the majority of the book with the mystery being secondary. Great description of photography used at the time. I would have enjoyed the mystery being more fleshed out. Good secondary characters and a nice epilogue. I rate the book a 3.5 and round up.

  • Darla

    Eva + Nathan -- true love or a convenient attachment? Nathan's mother has invited them both to her widely popular Seaside house party. Ten days of fun and games and Eva will help photograph the event while posing as Nathan's love interest. But it isn't all fun and games. There is an ominous presence causing trouble and Nathan is sure who is behind it all, but how to catch the culprit? The friends to lovers story line seemed to uneven in its pacing. I also felt like the most thrilling parts of the suspense were all bunched up at the end. Just seemed a little off to me. As a whole I loved the characters and the opportunity to enjoy a clean, wholesome romance. For me, Amelie's story in Book 1
    The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart was more engaging. Looking forward to seeing Charlotte have her turn in Book 3.

    Thank you to Shadow Mountain and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

  • Romantica ❤️

    Oh my goodness this was such a delight to read! All the stars from me. Historical mystery and suspense with enough romance.

    Strong independent Female Photographer Entrepreneur
    A sweet hero that protects those he cares for
    The chemistry and banter
    Mystery Subplot with a twist
    Mean girls and charming sisters
    Sammy Eva’s photographer assistant
    I like there was no misunderstanding between the two…they were always a team and have each other’s back.

    This book is fast-paced and engaging with characters that will touch your heart, the writing style was simple and effective and the overall flow of the story felt very smooth. I loved the backdrop of a house party and the storyline, and I enjoyed the satisfying ending, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a romance with a side of mystery. It can be read as a stand-alone. Sweet-Clean-Closed-door romance. A fun entertaining read, Highly Recommend it!

    Thanks, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

  • Lauren (thebookscript)

    To Capture His Heart is for fans of mystery, detective work, and no nonsense romance.

    While this is a second book in a series I do feel like it could be read as a standalone. And while the first was more detective work than romance this was the opposite...and my romance loving heart was definitely NOT in opposition.

    Eva and Nathan have a great friendly dynamic. They have worked side by side solving cases in the past and now they have the opportunity for a different kind of partnership. When Nathan approaches Eva to pretend to be his better half in order to avoid other female attention, Eva readily agrees.

    Both are harboring secret feelings for another BUT this is not a book full of miscommunication. Nathan is swift and forthcoming in his feelings and lays his heart on his sleeve readily and quite early on in the book.

    There is a also a killer on the loose..and as the week long event starts to end, the body count starts to rise. Its a fun who dun it that makes for a lighthearted quick read. I liked the aspects of early photography and detective work during this period and that made a fun addition to the story.

    I was only missing some angst. I love a no nonsense man...and Nathan was great, I love when adults act like adults and say how they feel...however I just wanted and NEEDED more moments between this couple that made me FEEL, that pushed me headfirst into their romance. It was a little on the slower side and I felt my attention span not as keen towards my reading.

    3.5 stars

  • Lucinda

    I really liked this one, even more than the first!

    Eva and Nathan have known each other for some time, from their mutual friends and in a professional capacity. They feel an attraction but haven't done anything about it so far.

    This all changes when Nathan asks Evan to come photograph his mother's house party and pretend to be courting him. The new dynamic is just what they both need to move their relationship to more.

    I also liked the mystery they try to solve, the criminal mind and the others with nefarious intents, and the way these situations escalate while bring Eva and Nathan together.

    Catching up with old characters was also a treat.

    I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

  • Melissa

    I love the way Allen writes a story! You get a little action and adventure, some good history and a sweet amazing romance! Their story starts in The Matchmakers Lonely Heart. You can read this independent of that, but why would you! That one was so good too:} Nathaniel is awesome! I loved his little smile and his honesty! Eva is an independent female who has been hurt before and is not going to fall for any man:} These two have such a lovely story. I always like Allen's mystery and action she writes into her books. She really does it so well. Just loved everything about this story.
    Proper romance with no religion.

  • Leslie Books and Socks Rock

    I loved everything about this! The plot seemed unique and original with the photography business. There was mystery and intrigue, a house party, fake dating and swoon!
    🕵🏻
    I really loved Allen’s first book in the series, The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart, and I was so happy to see there would be another book in the series! This can be read as a stand alone, if you were to read it out of order you wouldn’t be lost as it recaps things from the first book.
    🕵🏻
    I loved Eva and how she was a strong independent women. She didn’t back down the other ladies present and she is a loyal friend but willing to be vulnerable. Nathan is as dashing as any hero can be and he loves his family. Which is even sweeter! He went to such lengths to keep them safe but there’s always something or someone to undo carefully laid plans.
    🕵🏻
    Pretty much the moment I saw the arc available on Net Galley, I downloaded ASAP. This book doesn’t release until Fall2022. And now that I want the next book in the series it means I’ll have to wait even longer 😅
    🕵🏻
    I love Allen’s work and she continues to show she’s an auto buy author for me. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

  • eyes.2c

    An intriguing Victorian historical mystery romance!

    Eva Caldwell is a photographer who occasionally works alongside the local constabulary. She’s accompanied by her sidekick, ten year old Sammy. Nathan Winston is a detective who works with her cousin Amelie Hampton Baker’s husband, Michael Baker.
    There is an attraction between Eva and Nathan but neither is willing to admit to it. But now Nathan‘s mother is holding her annual week long house summer fundraiser at their family villa, Seaside.
    Nathan asks Eva to attend firstly as a photographer, and secondly as a cover for him to hide behind from his matchmaking mother.
    Add to this an escaped criminal from a previous case, Bernard Toole, who’s out to get Nathan’s family as payback for Toole’s sister dying from an infection caught in prison is stalking them. Already Nathan has had a black raven’s feather delivered in a cigar box. Toole wants vengeance and his targets are Nathan’s mother and sisters. The annual house party is ideal for Toole’s dark purposes.
    A game of cat and mouse ensues that is both twisted and elusive. The game of love is afoot and Eva will have choices to make.
    A very readable story. The attraction between Nathan and Eva is charged and delightful. A clean romance with the tension of all that is happening thrumming underneath. Eva will be called upon to show courage and open her heart.

    A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley.
    Many thanks to the author and publisher.

  • Julie Carpenter

    Are you ready for another great whodunnit Victorian style book? Nancy Campbell Allen delivered with this one. I loved the first book and was so happy to know that the author was continuing to write more books about the secondary characters that I loved from book one,
    The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart. Eva and Nathan kept my attention in the first book and I was really hoping we'd get to see more of them. And tah-dah!!! They got their very own book. And there are some cameos from the main characters of book one.

    Nathan has a problem. Well, two, maybe three. Hahaha! Maybe even more than that, but I'll stick with three. 1-He loves Eva but can't work up the courage to tell her. 2-His mom is scheming by playing matchmaker with Nathan and inviting A LOT of eligible ladies to her huge annual fundraising house party. (And as you probably have guessed, Nathan is not too thrilled about it). 3-Nathan tells his mom he has someone he's interested in, garners an invitation for her and works up the courage to tell her what he told his mom (he's interested in her) but plays it off as being just an act because he's too scared to tell her the truth and what better way than to be around her for a couple weeks. Yep, he's smitten and in trouble with this scheme of his mother's and his!

    But don't let his problems fool you. He's got everything well in hand. Minus the fact that there's someone from his past detective/police work case that is after him and wants revenge. That's just a minor thing. No need to fret Nathan. Or is there? Especially when all kinds of mysterious things start happening at the party. No need to panic. Keep calm and don't let anyone know and try to figure out who the bad guy is and how you're going to protect everyone, your heart and most importantly Eva.

    Oh, this was such a delightful book! I loved having both Nathan and Eva's perspective throughout the book. These two characters are just so sweet and good. And their love story is just absolutely adorable!

    So many fun historical aspects are included in the book as well. I really loved all the photography aspects. Wow! Such a great history of how photography started to what it is currently today. It was very fascinating reading about the process of it all through Eva's eyes as she was taking pictures throughout the house party.

    Content: Clean. Some kisses and nothing further. Murder and mayhem. A sinister character. But nothing overly graphic. I'd share this with my teenagers happily! They'd love it!

    I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

    Happy Reading!!!

  • Sheila

    To Capture His Heart was a really fun book. This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and the first book was great. Guess what? This second book is equal to the first. I so loved the characters, the plot, the mystery, and the romance.

    The whole story revolves around a week-long matchmaking house party in Seaside, England in 1886. The secondary characters in the first book are now the main characters in the second book. Nathan and Eva have worked together on criminal cases before; he as a detective, and she as a police photographer. They have grown to like each other a lot but both are scared to ruin their friendship by declaring their true feelings. Nathan invites Eva to his mother's matchmaking party as his "love interest" and his mother wants her there for her photography talents. Blend in a criminal on the run who wants revenge on Nathan, jealous, petty males and females, witty banter, and you have a story that's hard to put down. The young boy Sammy is back as Eva's assistant and there are nasty mean girls too. It doesn't matter what era, they have always been there.

    The best part of the book overall is how Nathan and Eva's romance advances in this 10-day journey at the party. There were so many moments that I had to re-read because I just loved them so much, especially those that involved caves and a maze. I also enjoyed Nathan's mother and his clever and supportive sisters. I would love to see more books in the future dedicated to each sister finding their true love.

    To Capture His Heart can be read as a stand-alone read. This novel will make an excellent gift for any romance reader in your life, including yourself.

  • Ami

    I admit - this book doesn't exactly meet my expectation when I read the blurb and requested it from Netgalley. The blurb mentions that the female main character's occupation involves "documenting crime scenes" - and the male main character is a detective. It also mentions "the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal". I expected a historical mystery/thriller.

    What I get was, well, sweet romance (it does said PROPER romance, which basically clean, no sex scenes) with a touch of thriller. Yes, there's a criminal that sends sort of threat to Detective Nathan Winston, but dead bodies don't appear until around 80% of the book, and the rest of the story is more about Nathan and Eva and how they navigate their feelings while - at first - pretending that they're a couple of Nathan's mother's sake.

    On one hand, I like the romance enough. Both characters are VERY likable.

    Eva hides her vulnerability - she may be an accomplished photographer, but in her school days, Eva is bullied by the ladies above her station. She also still nurtured a broken heart when her first love left her; so Eva doesn't trust men easily.

    Nathan has been on the way of falling in love with Eva for months, though (on that note I probably have to read the FIRST book of this series because that's when Nathan and Eva first met). Nathan is the kind of gentleman I like to read in romance. He appreciates and respect Eva, he doesn't belittle her just because she's a woman. He may feel a bit jealous at times when another man try to capture Eva's interest, but he doesn't act all primitively Alpha about it.

    I enjoy their the progress of the relationship.

    BUT STILL, I start this book imagining suspense in addition to the romance, and I feel kind of let down because of it. Yeah, expectation, it does things to you!

    I like the author's writing style though. Maybe I will go back to the first book and then look forward to the third book (which I'm sure will feature the other cousin left, Charlotte). And next time, I will adjust what my expectation.


    The ARC is provided by the publisher via
    Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

  • Mara

    I loved the first book
    The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart and was really excited to learn there would be another book. I love the Victorian era and how women had a little more freedom to have jobs, which Eva has. She's a photographer but also photographs crime scenes for local police which I found interesting. She enters into a fake relationship with Detective Nathan Winston so he can avoid all the young ladies his mother has lined up for him at her house party.

    This was such a fun read with a mystery to solve and all the people at the house party to investigate. Nathan and Eva are perfect for each other and I found all the information about photography in the Victorian era very interesting. I really hope the author plans to write another book in this Matchmakers series.

    I received a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain via NetGalley, but also purchased a physical copy for my personal library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

  • Katie (Hiding in the Pages)

    A quick-thinking reply lands Nathan and Eva in a fake relationship for a Victorian house party. There is a mutual attraction from both parties, and as they occasionally work together (he as a detective and she as a photographer), this match seems to be natural and easy.

    Mysterious happenings occur and with a wide cast of probable culprits, this duo is determined to solve it. I loved all the characters, from Eva's matter-of-fact and capable personality to Nathan's charming, smart self, and the house full of friend, strangers, and servants.

    Nancy Campbell Allen creates a highly entertaining tale with believable characters and a convincing, swoony romance. I couldn't get enough of this story!

    Content: mild moments of peril/danger; mild romance

    *I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

  • Anna (The_Reading_Pantry)

    I love Nancy Campbell Allen and her books! To Capture His Heart was just as great as I expected. Nancy’s very good at writing romantic suspense. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened and until Eva and Nathan had their happily ever after.
    Eva and Nathan were so cute together. I love when things happen that I did not expect and one surprise was the great communication between Eva and Nathan. It was refreshing. They didn’t exactly keep things from each other and if either of them thought to keep a secret, those didn’t last long because they’re both are overly observant.

  • Angeline

    This was a fun read! I enjoyed the first book and I was excited to see that there was going to be another addition to the series. To Capture His Heart is the second book in Nancy Campbell Allen’s Matchmaker series.
    This was such a sweet book to read! The characters are easy to read and connect with. I adored both Eva and Nathan. They both felt like complex characters, but I loved getting to know them. Eva was so strong but she was also weary of others. I loved seeing her strengths and reading about her falling for Nathan. Nathan was sweet, I adored his relationship with his family. He was trying so hard to protect those he cared for. It was cute to read about him falling for Eva and trying to protect her.
    I enjoyed the blend of mystery with romance. I was on the edge of my seat trying to finish the book! Eve and Nathan were getting to know each other at the party all the while trying to stay safe. Nathan and Eva would have to come together as they face a criminal from Nathan’s past.
    I liked this one even more than the first book. I loved the characters, the story, and the romance. The side characters were fun and I hope that Nathan’s sisters get their own books! I would definitely recommend this book, it can be read standalone but it is so much more fun to read in order. To Capture His Heart is a clean historical mystery romance.

    I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

  • Apoorva

    This book is an assortment of genres: historical fiction, fantasy, suspense & mystery.

    It's my first novel from the writer & I actually relished it. This variety had me engaged at every climacteric & I kept longing for more. I appreciated how the female personalities are demonstrated as liberated & willing to oppose the world to proclaim their own profession.

    Nancy's story-telling is indeed impressive. She knew just when to present the flings & when to provoke the reader's apprehension. Also, the account is from both the central characters' POVs, though not established explicitly, which brings it up a notch.

    Thanks, NetGalley, author & publisher, for supplying me with an e-ARC. I'm leaving this review willingly in exchange for the complimentary book.

  • Brittany

    What an enjoyable Victorian mystery! To Capture His Heart is book two in the Matchmakers series, following The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart. If you read book one, you will already know the two main characters in this story, Eva and Nathan. However, this book can also be read on its own, too, although the previous events in book one are referenced a few times in this novel.

    I loved the gentleness and respect in this story between Eva and Nathan. They both greatly admire each other, yet are hesitant to put their hearts on the line when the novel begins, as they do not want to jeopardize their friendship. But I love watching as their playacting at courting becomes the real thing. The flirting and care that Nathan shows Eva begins to move him to be honest about his affections. So sweet!

    I ended up listening to the audio version of this story and thought the narrator did a great job, too.

    I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

    You can read this review on my blog:

    https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

  • Amber Thiessen

    Eva Caldwell is a working woman. She's independent, educated and makes a living as a photographer. She's been able to help her detective friends on a few cases with her skills. When one of the detectives, Nathan, finds himself in need of rescue during his mother's house party, and the onslaught of eligible females, he tells his mother his heart is already engaged, unfortunately for him, it's truer than he lets on. Eva is invited to the house party as the photographer and when Nathan's nemesis from the past comes back, she's there to help him figure it out.

    Eva's history doesn't allow her to trust easily, even though she wants to. The house party brings back unwanted memories of how she's been judged and dismissed in the past. We watch her wrestle with who she is and develop the confidence in the person she wants to be.

    Written for general market it's a sweet, clean, suspenseful story.

    *Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.

  • Lisa

    I loved the first book in this series, The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart, and was happy to see that Eva Caldwell and Detective Nathan Winston had their own story. There were many things I enjoyed about this story:
    Eva’s compassion to have an orphan as an apprentice
    The house party and all of the fun activities
    The mystery and suspense
    The fake romance that was actually there all along
    The Winston sisters
    Eva’s entrepreneurship and confidence

    This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read the first book because it was an outstanding story and several characters are in this book.

    I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not expected to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

  • Melissa’s Bookshelf

    To Capture His Heart is my new favorite Victorian mystery romance! I adore this series and couldn’t wait for Nathan and Eva’s story. With swoony romance, a great whodunit mystery, some dastardly suspects, an old Edgar Allan Poe lovin’ nemesis, a fake relationship, and an unforgettable house party, this mystery is one you don’t want to miss!

    Though independently wealthy, Nathan Winston follows in the footsteps of his hero, Poe’s legendary detective. His mother though wants to find him a suitable match and begs him to attend her ten day house party. To please her, but escape her matchmaking, he tells her he already has a romantic attachment to Eva Caldwell, the photographer who occasionally takes crime photos for him. His mother promptly issues an invitation and asks if she will photograph the party.

    Nathan secretly admires Eva and hopes convincing her to pretend to be his romantic interest might further his relationship with her. But, when an old nemesis leaves a creepy calling card with a black feather, Nathan worries how he will protect his loved ones from this new threat.

    Eva is beautiful, talented, and always in control. She’s secretly been in love with Nathan since she met him, but a painful past relationship makes her extremely cautious. Posing as Nathan’s romantic interest allows her to admire him and be in his company for ten days. But, what happens when the party ends? Will she survive with her heart intact?

    I loved this romantic mystery! Nathan & Eva have a fun relationship stemming from true friendship & admiration. Their slow burn romance is achingly lovely. I loved her tying his cravat, the maze scene, and hiding in the butler’s pantry.

    The mystery definitely kept me guessing. There’re plenty of suspects, motivations, “mean girls” you love to hate, and an evil villain hiding in their midst. I have to admit I didn’t see the ending coming and was hurriedly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

    I also enjoyed getting to know Nathan’s sisters & mother. They are each so kind and supportive. I loved the way they befriend and rally around Eva. It was also fun to see Eva’s assistant Sammy again.

    Highly recommend this amazing, romantic mystery! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but you’ll want to go back and read the amazing first book in the series! Can’t wait for Charlotte’s story. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

  • Davida Chazan

    Yes, this is the 2nd book in this series, and no I didn't read the first one, but I'm convinced it is very much a stand-alone as well! Now, I don't usually read romantic novels, but the mystery in this book does make a difference. Read more about what I thought of this book on my blog here.
    https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2022/10/1...

  • Elizabeth

    3.5 stars, I continue to enjoy the three cousins and the detectives very much indeed. The house party set up was a fun one. Sammy makes a reappearance, yay!

  • Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...)

    I love a house party setting with a variety of characters! This one was a bit unique with Eva and Nathan already knowing each other through the case solved in the previous book, as well as her photography work. I loved the details about early photography and how she had a mobile darkroom that she brought to Nathan's estate. This is the second book in the series and I wish I had read the previous one first, since Eva and Nathan's friendship begins there and I missed out on that since this book moves right into a deeper relationship, even though there is a brief pretense of pretending. Nathan's skills as law enforcement and a detective helped him see that Eve might return his feelings, but also sensed her reservations, and I loved how patient he was with her. They have some special moments that are so romantic, and even though there is a suspenseful mystery developing that keeps them preoccupied, working together gives them the opportunity to grow closer. Nathan's mother and sisters as well as Eva's assistant Sammy all added to the story with their vibrant personalities, and the drama from the guests as well as the danger from the villain kept the pace of the story moving along from beginning to end.

    Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

  • Becca (beccas_bibliophilia)

    3.75 ⭐️
    I loved the first book in this series, and enjoyed this one as well. I wish that Eva could have been more involved in the mystery aspect of the story; it felt like a slow build up and then it all happened at once! Also someone please give Sammy a break. That kid is going to need some serious therapy. I was also a bit confused by the title, since it is focused on capturing her heart, not his! I will say that I loved the time period this book was set in, especially the inclusion of turn of the century feminism!

  • Cait | GoodeyReads

    Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC.

    SIMPLE.


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    I wanted to love this more than I did, but there were a few things holding me back.

    The romantic suspense and murder mystery aspects were a good addition to the plot. A dry story of a house party needed the umph that the mystery brought. I adore that Nathan was a detective because that’s one of my fav careers to come across, book wise, and he a hero to cheer for. Not to mention the fact that he’s been into Eva for ages? We love a man who falls first.

    Within the romance I thought things felt very vanilla? There was this great start with a fake dating scheme that too quickly turned into–well–nothing. They went ahead and admitted feelings to each other and that was that! I didn’t get any angst or great build-up. But if you’re looking for what I would still call a sweet romance that has some little dates sprinkled throughout you’d enjoy this one.

    It’s super fast paced and I did like the writing style. A few things ultimately didn’t click for me and that happens.

    Overall audience notes:
    - Historical Romance
    - Language: none
    - Romance: kisses
    - Violence: mild
    - Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder

  • Michelle

    This is such a fun book! I haven't read many books by this author so I was excited to pick this one up. I did not read the first book and I wish I had! I really enjoyed Eva's character as she lives a life that society looks upon with uncertainty. As a photographer, she experiences many things that a "lady" just shouldn't experience. I love it! Nathan Winston took me a while to warm up to but I so enjoyed him also. There is a bit of a mystery that threads throughout the pages and Nathan and Eva work together to figure out what is going on. Of course there is a week long dinner party, a meddling mother, romance, and someone up to no good. What could go wrong?! The witty banter made this book enjoyable and while there is a mystery element this was a pretty light and fun read.

    I highly recommend!

    Five stars!



    "I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.