whiskeyinthejar's review against another edition
2.0
More murder mystery than romance, especially the first half of the book. Heroine keeps mum about what could be a crucial piece of evidence in the murder because, she's embarrassed she made a mistake? Not sure but super annoying and dragged out. There was a love triangle trying to happen but even that couldn't muster up the energy to really thrive (much like me trying to write this review). Sometimes the interaction between our leads would draw me in but there wasn't enough to keep me hooked. The ending with the villain and motive was a bit wackadoodle too, for how sedate the rest of the book was. There's glimpses of writing I liked but not sure there was enough to have me giving another book in the series a go.
readbyashleyd's review against another edition
1.0
If it was possible to give a book negative stars, this one would definitely merit it. I always try to keep an open mind when reading and I have a lot of respect for authors so I always try to find something to enjoy in a book. And I really tried hard with this one but it didn't give me much to start with. Until around 85% of the way through it was so boring that I wanted to drive something through my eyes so I wouldn't have to read it anymore. And then it took the weirdest most fucken far fetched turn that I've EVER read. Seriously, what in the actual fuck was that?
jaclynder's review against another edition
4.0
Night Storm is Tracey Devlyn's latest historical romance, and it's perfect for fans of historical mysteries. I first read the author with A Lady's Secret Weapon, which I loved. I was quite delighted to receive an advance copy of Night Storm, especially when I learned that it featured two characters that had a "moment" in A Lady's Secret Weapon; it was clear that they had History, and in Night Storm readers are treated to what that History is.
Charlotte Fielding is an apothecary, one of the only females working at the profession, and she has returned home to London from her apprenticeship in Scotland to take over her father's shop. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself involved in a murder investigation when she stumbles upon the body of Lady Winthrop. Complicating matters is the fact that Charlotte's assistant's brother, Felix, works at the theatre where the body was discovered. Charlotte will do whatever she can to protect Felix, even keep important information from her former suitor, Cameron Adair.
Cameron has made himself a success as a thief-taker despite his less than illustrious beginnings. When he's brought in to investigate the murder of Lady Winthrop, Cameron is forced into regular contact with Charlotte, which brings back all his memories of her and the past they shared before Charlotte decided to pursue her studies in Scotland. While the two follow different avenues of investigation they soon have to decide whether or not they trust one another enough to share information - as well as deal with their complicated history. What I liked about Night Storm was the past relationship between Charlotte and Cameron. They both cared for each other, but when Charlotte wanted to do more with her life, Cameron decided not to go with her, breaking all contact with her. He refused to wait for Charlotte, and he gave her an ultimatum: marry him then, or not ever. I found it interesting that it is Charlotte's career drove these two apart, as that's not a common element in historical romance, and I like the way that it was handled. It wasn't so much that Cameron was against Charlotte having a career, but rather a fear of losing the one person he cared most for and the believe that just maybe she didn't care as much.
Cameron was an interesting character and he really seemed to have a dual personality. In one respect, Cameron was ruthless in his job as a thief taker, and readers learn that he did some unscrupulous things in order to get started in the business. It seems that this risk taking behaviour was a direct result of Charlotte refusing to stay in London and abandon her dreams. On the surface, Cameron seems unreasonable in his belief that Charlotte give up her professional dreams and marry him, but readers soon learn that there is another side to Cameron, a yearning to recapture what he had with Charlotte when they're reunited:
Cameron was a well developed character, and I thought his vulnerability when it came to Charlotte was exceptionally portrayed. Cameron's actions always seem to suggest that he's a rather cold, and unfeeling character, but whenever readers get into his head, it's easy to see that there is much more going on. I loved this complexity of character, and I also liked how the author used this same care with regards to Cameron and Charlotte's relationship.
It's very clear from the beginning that Cameron is aware that he made mistakes; however, it's equally clear that Charlotte is also unaware of her own father's manipulations in removing Charlotte from Cameron's influence. Charlotte's father certainly didn't believe Cameron was good enough for Charlotte, and encouraging her to take an apprenticeship was one means of breaking off contact. Ultimately, Night Storm's romance focuses on both Charlotte and Cameron's admittance of their past mistakes. When they were first together they were young and full of high emotion. Age has tempered these high spirits, allowing both of them to reconsider their past actions:
Had Charley not gone to Scotland, they would likely wed and begun building a family. But what would their situations be like right now, had Charley followed her heart and not her parents' wishes? (p. 122).
I appreciated the fact that these two looked back on their relationship with fresh eyes and that they both realized that they were both at fault for the dissolution of their relationship. The blame was shared, and one these two got past that, the romance started moving along, which happened later in the book than I was expecting.
The one thing that I found somewhat disappointing with Night Storm is the fact that the romance wasn't completely resolved by the end. When I picked up this book I was aware that it was a series, but what I wasn't aware of was the fact that it seems to be a series devoted to Charlotte and Cameron, rather than one that simply focuses on a different couple in each book. At least that's my speculation. Thus, I found the focus on the mystery and slow moving nature of Charlotte and Cameron's relationship to be somewhat unexpected. While Charlotte and Cameron's relationship does move forward, they are not settled, and this may bother some readers. I think there is a lot of potential for conflict between Charlotte and Cameron, and I can see this being the focus of subsequent books. While I was surprised by this technique, there was enough resolution for my to feel that I don't have to read the next book right away (which is usually my problem with series), but I certainly will be back for more.
My verdict? Night Storm is an excellent choice for historical romance fans that are looking for a strong mystery element alongside their romance. An added bonus here, is the author's well developed characters an carefully considered romance. I highly recommend this one.
Originally published with similar reads at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the author.
Charlotte Fielding is an apothecary, one of the only females working at the profession, and she has returned home to London from her apprenticeship in Scotland to take over her father's shop. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself involved in a murder investigation when she stumbles upon the body of Lady Winthrop. Complicating matters is the fact that Charlotte's assistant's brother, Felix, works at the theatre where the body was discovered. Charlotte will do whatever she can to protect Felix, even keep important information from her former suitor, Cameron Adair.
Cameron has made himself a success as a thief-taker despite his less than illustrious beginnings. When he's brought in to investigate the murder of Lady Winthrop, Cameron is forced into regular contact with Charlotte, which brings back all his memories of her and the past they shared before Charlotte decided to pursue her studies in Scotland. While the two follow different avenues of investigation they soon have to decide whether or not they trust one another enough to share information - as well as deal with their complicated history. What I liked about Night Storm was the past relationship between Charlotte and Cameron. They both cared for each other, but when Charlotte wanted to do more with her life, Cameron decided not to go with her, breaking all contact with her. He refused to wait for Charlotte, and he gave her an ultimatum: marry him then, or not ever. I found it interesting that it is Charlotte's career drove these two apart, as that's not a common element in historical romance, and I like the way that it was handled. It wasn't so much that Cameron was against Charlotte having a career, but rather a fear of losing the one person he cared most for and the believe that just maybe she didn't care as much.
Cameron was an interesting character and he really seemed to have a dual personality. In one respect, Cameron was ruthless in his job as a thief taker, and readers learn that he did some unscrupulous things in order to get started in the business. It seems that this risk taking behaviour was a direct result of Charlotte refusing to stay in London and abandon her dreams. On the surface, Cameron seems unreasonable in his belief that Charlotte give up her professional dreams and marry him, but readers soon learn that there is another side to Cameron, a yearning to recapture what he had with Charlotte when they're reunited:
He'd known better than to attempt reconciliation. The day he'd walked out of her life, the day she'd stood in front of him with broken-hearted love shimmering in her eyes, he'd known she would never forgive him. So why had he put them through an ill-fated reunion tonight after so much time had passed?
Adair forced down the bile forming in the back of his throat. He knew very well why. After learning of Charley's return to London, he'd made regular trips down Long Acre Street looking for the opportunity of catching a fleeting glimpse of her. And he had. He'd observed her working long into the night and he'd been there when she had greeted a boy and a young woman one morning. He'd watched and yearned and plotted ways to casually run into her. Tonight, he'd finally found an excuse to see her again, and she'd wanted nothing to do with him. Not that he could blame her, but her rejection stung, nonetheless (p. 29-30).
Cameron was a well developed character, and I thought his vulnerability when it came to Charlotte was exceptionally portrayed. Cameron's actions always seem to suggest that he's a rather cold, and unfeeling character, but whenever readers get into his head, it's easy to see that there is much more going on. I loved this complexity of character, and I also liked how the author used this same care with regards to Cameron and Charlotte's relationship.
It's very clear from the beginning that Cameron is aware that he made mistakes; however, it's equally clear that Charlotte is also unaware of her own father's manipulations in removing Charlotte from Cameron's influence. Charlotte's father certainly didn't believe Cameron was good enough for Charlotte, and encouraging her to take an apprenticeship was one means of breaking off contact. Ultimately, Night Storm's romance focuses on both Charlotte and Cameron's admittance of their past mistakes. When they were first together they were young and full of high emotion. Age has tempered these high spirits, allowing both of them to reconsider their past actions:
Had Charley not gone to Scotland, they would likely wed and begun building a family. But what would their situations be like right now, had Charley followed her heart and not her parents' wishes? (p. 122).
I appreciated the fact that these two looked back on their relationship with fresh eyes and that they both realized that they were both at fault for the dissolution of their relationship. The blame was shared, and one these two got past that, the romance started moving along, which happened later in the book than I was expecting.
The one thing that I found somewhat disappointing with Night Storm is the fact that the romance wasn't completely resolved by the end. When I picked up this book I was aware that it was a series, but what I wasn't aware of was the fact that it seems to be a series devoted to Charlotte and Cameron, rather than one that simply focuses on a different couple in each book. At least that's my speculation. Thus, I found the focus on the mystery and slow moving nature of Charlotte and Cameron's relationship to be somewhat unexpected. While Charlotte and Cameron's relationship does move forward, they are not settled, and this may bother some readers. I think there is a lot of potential for conflict between Charlotte and Cameron, and I can see this being the focus of subsequent books. While I was surprised by this technique, there was enough resolution for my to feel that I don't have to read the next book right away (which is usually my problem with series), but I certainly will be back for more.
My verdict? Night Storm is an excellent choice for historical romance fans that are looking for a strong mystery element alongside their romance. An added bonus here, is the author's well developed characters an carefully considered romance. I highly recommend this one.
Originally published with similar reads at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the author.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
5.0
Night Storm by Tracey Devlyn is a 2014 TDC Creations, Inc publication. I was provided a copy of this this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Night Storm is an awesome combination of historical romance and murder mystery. While the author admits she found no evidence of there ever being a female apothecary from this time frame, I think there were women who worked in this field alongside men but were never credited. So, I found Charlotte to be an interesting character with brains and sensitivity and no longer dependent upon men. She never bows to a man's authority and challenges them when need be. She is fiercely loyal to her assistant, Piper and Piper's brother, Felix. She works long hours and is dedicated to her field and highly respected. However, five years ago the man she thought she might marry broke her heart and she has never really recovered from it.
Cameron is a proud man who has made a name for himself as a thief- taker. His job can of course be very dangerous and one evening he is ends up the worse for wear and needs medical assistance, which leads him to Charlotte's door. She does the right thing by patching him up, but hopes she never has to endure another painful encounter with him. However, a night out at the theater turns deadly and Felix could be a person of interest. Although Cameron usually works in theft, he is asked to look into the murder due to the lady's prominent standing in the ton. Because Charlotte was there when the body was discovered, she finds herself facing Cameron once again. The more time they spend together to more painful it is to think they may not be able to at least forge a friendship. Cameron's insistence on questioning Felix puts the two of them at odds, but slowly the truth about what happened between them all those years ago comes pouring out However, too much time has passed, there is too much water under the bridge, and both of them have changed. Is it too little, too late? Or can the couple let go of the past so they can face a happy future together as a team?
The murder mystery is just as big of a story as the romance and will keep you guessing all they way through the book. I never would have guessed how it would all play out. Cameron and Charlotte make a great detective team and the side characters, such as Cameron's ward and Charlotte's assistant make an all around great cast of characters. The romance is sensual and quite emotional at times. I liked Charlotte and Cameron a lot and so it was hard to see them go through so much heartache. But, maybe, just maybe they will be able to forgive one another. Wait! Is that a HEA I hear? Why yes, I believe it is!
This is the first book in a new series and it came charging out of the gate at full speed. I'm really exited about the series. Overall this one gets a 4.5 rounded to 5.
Night Storm is an awesome combination of historical romance and murder mystery. While the author admits she found no evidence of there ever being a female apothecary from this time frame, I think there were women who worked in this field alongside men but were never credited. So, I found Charlotte to be an interesting character with brains and sensitivity and no longer dependent upon men. She never bows to a man's authority and challenges them when need be. She is fiercely loyal to her assistant, Piper and Piper's brother, Felix. She works long hours and is dedicated to her field and highly respected. However, five years ago the man she thought she might marry broke her heart and she has never really recovered from it.
Cameron is a proud man who has made a name for himself as a thief- taker. His job can of course be very dangerous and one evening he is ends up the worse for wear and needs medical assistance, which leads him to Charlotte's door. She does the right thing by patching him up, but hopes she never has to endure another painful encounter with him. However, a night out at the theater turns deadly and Felix could be a person of interest. Although Cameron usually works in theft, he is asked to look into the murder due to the lady's prominent standing in the ton. Because Charlotte was there when the body was discovered, she finds herself facing Cameron once again. The more time they spend together to more painful it is to think they may not be able to at least forge a friendship. Cameron's insistence on questioning Felix puts the two of them at odds, but slowly the truth about what happened between them all those years ago comes pouring out However, too much time has passed, there is too much water under the bridge, and both of them have changed. Is it too little, too late? Or can the couple let go of the past so they can face a happy future together as a team?
The murder mystery is just as big of a story as the romance and will keep you guessing all they way through the book. I never would have guessed how it would all play out. Cameron and Charlotte make a great detective team and the side characters, such as Cameron's ward and Charlotte's assistant make an all around great cast of characters. The romance is sensual and quite emotional at times. I liked Charlotte and Cameron a lot and so it was hard to see them go through so much heartache. But, maybe, just maybe they will be able to forgive one another. Wait! Is that a HEA I hear? Why yes, I believe it is!
This is the first book in a new series and it came charging out of the gate at full speed. I'm really exited about the series. Overall this one gets a 4.5 rounded to 5.
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books.
An excellent historical mystery with a touch of romance!
This one went right down to the wire--I only figured the mystery out (but not quite all the reasons behind it--a very twisted individual is involved) pages before the big reveal--and that was after turning back to the first time we saw that particular character to confirm something about their appearance. I love it when a mystery keeps you guessing!
The historical elements were a lot of fun too. The struggles that Charlotte had as a female apothecary at a time when few (if any--but Tracey makes an excellent point about this in her author's note) women held the position provided an interesting parallel to the #HeforShe movement that's been in the news, especially this week. (If you didn't see them yet, check out Emma Watson's excellent UN address and author [a:Chuck Wendig|17152|Chuck Wendig|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1294919586p2/17152.jpg]'s blog posts.) Cameron's job as a "thief-taker" (an early private investigator) is fascinating. And I've never been quite so jealous of a fictional character before--he got to touch the Rosetta Stone! (The actual rock, not the software program, obviously. I especially enjoyed that it was a female character who was explaining to the male the potential worth of the amazing artifact. Cam was drawn to it, but described it as "a rock defaced by the scribblings of a child".)
I was very pleased to discover that Night Storm is the first in a new series that will feature Charley and Cameron as a crime-solving couple--without realizing it, I started two such series this week, having finally listened to [b:Naked in Death|268602|Naked in Death (In Death, #1)|J.D. Robb|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297783540s/268602.jpg|1097497]. I'm looking forward to continuing both series!
The romance--a second-chance one, yay!--offered plenty of chemistry and angst throughout much of the novel, and there was plenty of "Just give it up! You two are perfect for each other!" good-natured grumbling coming from this reader as she read. My only real complaint is that the resolution of that portion of the plot seemed to be resolved rather abruptly--he went from she can't be in my world; it's too dangerous to she's the "one-day-soon" mother of my children and she went from well, this was nice--gotta go make my dinner appointment to hey, let's continue the tour! Is that your bedchamber I see? really, really quickly. That was where I wanted them to go, though, and the scene that follows is highly enjoyable to read, so I can't complain too much. ;)
This is definitely a series I'll be reading more of.
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent historical mystery with a touch of romance!
This one went right down to the wire--I only figured the mystery out (but not quite all the reasons behind it--a very twisted individual is involved) pages before the big reveal--and that was after turning back to the first time we saw that particular character to confirm something about their appearance. I love it when a mystery keeps you guessing!
The historical elements were a lot of fun too. The struggles that Charlotte had as a female apothecary at a time when few (if any--but Tracey makes an excellent point about this in her author's note) women held the position provided an interesting parallel to the #HeforShe movement that's been in the news, especially this week. (If you didn't see them yet, check out Emma Watson's excellent UN address and author [a:Chuck Wendig|17152|Chuck Wendig|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1294919586p2/17152.jpg]'s blog posts.) Cameron's job as a "thief-taker" (an early private investigator) is fascinating. And I've never been quite so jealous of a fictional character before--he got to touch the Rosetta Stone! (The actual rock, not the software program, obviously. I especially enjoyed that it was a female character who was explaining to the male the potential worth of the amazing artifact. Cam was drawn to it, but described it as "a rock defaced by the scribblings of a child".)
I was very pleased to discover that Night Storm is the first in a new series that will feature Charley and Cameron as a crime-solving couple--without realizing it, I started two such series this week, having finally listened to [b:Naked in Death|268602|Naked in Death (In Death, #1)|J.D. Robb|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297783540s/268602.jpg|1097497]. I'm looking forward to continuing both series!
The romance--a second-chance one, yay!--offered plenty of chemistry and angst throughout much of the novel, and there was plenty of "Just give it up! You two are perfect for each other!" good-natured grumbling coming from this reader as she read. My only real complaint is that the resolution of that portion of the plot seemed to be resolved rather abruptly--he went from she can't be in my world; it's too dangerous to she's the "one-day-soon" mother of my children and she went from well, this was nice--gotta go make my dinner appointment to hey, let's continue the tour! Is that your bedchamber I see? really, really quickly. That was where I wanted them to go, though, and the scene that follows is highly enjoyable to read, so I can't complain too much. ;)
This is definitely a series I'll be reading more of.
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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