Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: K.L.A Fricke Inc.
Publication Date: 31 October 2023
Pages: 389
Format: eBook - EPUB
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Source: ARC via NetGalley
Portia Hastings has spent her life rescuing her younger sister from one scrape or another. Now, she has to step through time to do it, following Miranda from the nineteenth century to the eighteenth. Almost immediately, Portia is beset by highwaymen, which might be the most exciting thing to happen to her in a long time, even if she’d never admit it. When one of the highwaymen is injured, Portia makes the inexcusable mistake of helping him—she is trained as a doctor after all. Her travel companions abandon her, and she’s left at the mercy of a highwayman who demands she continue tending to his compatriot’s wounds. Portia soon finds herself at a crumbling castle inhabited by the destitute Earl of Ravensford. Benedict Sterling is in desperate need of money, and his solution is a ball, where a wealthy bride will win the title of countess, even if it does come with one thunderously ill-tempered earl. Portia agrees to a scheme to help Benedict look like a slightly more appealing bridegroom, while she continues to search for Miranda. Then there’s the small matter of the castle, complete with a ghost intent on driving her out. But once Portia sets her mind on something, she’s not going anywhere.
I have not read the first three books in this series, but the request page on NetGalley stated they could be read as standalone stories, so I decided to give this one a try. Overall, I would say that statement is true. While some past events and "off-screen" characters were mentioned, not being familiar with them did not stop me from enjoying the story, especially since enough backstory information was given when needed to aid comprehension. Portia was a relatable heroine and I enjoyed the relationship progression between her and Benedict. The story had a good blend of action, emotion and humour, and I was entertained throughout. This book is essentially an historical romance with the added fantasy elements of time travel and ghosts. The period was nicely established and the world building generally good throughout. Recommended to fans of historical fantasy. I am giving this book 4.5 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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