Shadows and Masks (The Chessmen Book One)

Emmeline Griffith needs to find a husband. As far as she is concerned, it will be a business transaction, and only so that she can keep her inheritance. She finds her man in private investigator Bartholomew Turner. Bart has his own demons to handle, and his own reasons for agreeing to a marriage of convenience. What he doesn't count on is a growing attraction to Emmeline, and an intense desire for more than just a marriage in name only. When his new wife is threatened, Bart must face down his past as he tries to protect Emmeline, who has become so much more than a business transaction. 

Wow! Emmeline is a brilliant heroine, well portrayed in this historical mystery romance. She is a woman who knows what she wants. Bart is a troubled character and finds his savior in the woman who needs his help. Intrigue, mystery and danger lurk around every corner and make this novel a thrilling read. Steamy love scenes are well written and full of description that will leave readers weak at the knees and desperate for more. The dialogue, however, is not true to the period — disappointing, as it pulls readers out of the story and takes away from an otherwise engaging read. As the first installment in a new series, "Shadows and Masks" will have readers chomping at the bit to read the next one! 

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick