Full of Danger, Drama, and the Dark Crimes of Regency London
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance, Christian Historical Romance
SETTING: London, 1807
SERIES: Bowstreet Runners #1
THE PREMISE: Nicholas Brentwood, one of Bow Street’s best, is given an unusual assignment with generous pay – to become a temporary guardian for a wealthy gentleman’s daughter while he travels to the continent. But safeguarding heiress Emily Payne ends up being more challenging than Nicholas expects between Emily’s peevish attitude, constant social activities, and determined matrimonial ambitions…Not to mention the complicated and conflicting feelings that develop for the woman he is supposed to be protecting…
MY THOUGHTS:
My main reasons for picking up this book were the hero’s name – close to my brother’s name (Brent 😊) – and a curiosity to explore a new author. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this story had a more adventurous premise and a lot of exhilarating action. However, I was also surprised by it being a Christian Historical Romance, as it didn’t really mention anything faith-based in the book description.
I loved the exciting premise of a handsome and cunning officer of the law being paid to guard and protect a spoiled and obstinate heiress from getting into any trouble or harm while her father is gone. Especially when Nicholas Brentwood (and the reader) discover that Emily’s father had his fair share of secrets and enemies! This story had a lot of dramatic and exhilarating moments. There was a lot to be unraveled – what was Mr. Payne’s business? what caused him to leave town? who are his enemies? what do they want?
And Mr. Payne’s enterprises aren’t the only elements of the story that are intriguing. There is more to Nicholas than meets the eye, he has seen war and has been in love, he has suffered loss. And there is a particular reason that he is desperately needing and wanting the payment for being Emily’s guardian. Nicholas was by far my favorite character – I loved his honor, courage, and compassion. He is quick and clever, but also wonderfully gentle and passionate.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the exhilarating suspense and intrigue for this story, I felt a little less satisfied with the romance. Mostly because of Emily. In the beginning she is very inconsiderate and shallow. Although she does one charitable good deed and eventually becomes less selfish and vapid, I still never warmed entirely to her as I would have like. It was difficult to understand what drew Nicholas’s feelings toward her other than her beauty and physical charms. In addition, we learn some pretty dramatic revelations about Emily that should have a weighty impact on her character and emotional well-being, but it’s effect seems very minimal. Lastly, I thought the Christian elements sometimes felt a bit disjointed, it was often referred to and brought up, but not really integrated.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
👮🏻 A fascinating closer look at London’s first police force – the Bow Street Runners – and the crimes and cases they helped with.
🏹 A strict guardian paired with a spoiled ward produces every sort of mischief – or maybe some slight Knightley/Emma vibes!
🖤 Dark and gritty, this Regency Romance series would be a great choice for readers who crave adventure and suspense, men with rough edges, and thrilling action.
Yes, this does have me curious. Thanks for your thoughts on it, Meredith.
I read this a few years ago and wanted to read it again before you reviewed it. I’m a fan Michelle Griep’s works generally and though I wouldn’t try to make too close of an Austen connection except for that most are Regency, I did like this one and your points made in review all rang true with my memories. Griep’s Christian references are, as far as I have read of her works, are all low key enough not to become an additional character of the plot and subtle but there. I mention that for those who have zero tolerance for that aspect.
Depending on my mood I can sometimes get behind a spoiled immature or selfish heroine when it seems she has reasons I can get on board with. Other times I find it tougher to hang in there watching for what the author intends for her improvement in character. Sometime, the Hero just has to be the better character I guess, and I really did like this Hero. 😀 I still want to reread this one soon.