A Dangerous Collaboration

Deanna Raybourn always provides the perfect literary escape from the trivial trials of every day life. I thoroughly enjoyed this foray in the continued adventures of Veronica Speedwell and her companions. This one is reminiscent of the wonders of the first Lady Julia Grey novel and I'm quite a fan. The romance is palpable but not risque and I cannot wait to read what comes next from Deanna's glorious pen.

I read a library book, but fully plan on buying a copy for the keeper shelf.

I'm giving the an “it was okay” rating. It was not the most interesting of the series and there was a lot of exposition about what someone did, might do, could have done, etc. I feel like the book could have been 50 pages shorter if the exposition was trimmed a bit.

There was some big fan service in this one though so maybe its more of a 2.5 star book?

The ROMANCE. 😍 I honestly didn't know I still had it in me to enjoy a romance-forward book after mainlining them in my 20s, but evidently when a relationship has been built well over three previous books in a series, I can get on board. Raybourn rewards the patience of her reade
rship. 😉 Also didn't know I could dig the gothic vibes, but adding in some tragic/spooky parts to the typical mystery, wit, banter and compassion worked well. 
And shout out to the author for an ongoing theme that brings me happiness: there's something so heartwarming about a love interest who can be both rakish and dour, strong and vulnerable AND is so simply joyful when consuming good food, especially dessert/candy, no shame attached.