Never Blow a Kiss

Starred review from October 23, 2023
Lovise lures readers into a clandestine world of espionage and scandal in her captivating Victorian era debut and Secret Society of Governess Spies series launch. Emily Leverton grew up in a family of thieves before reinventing herself as a governess. Now she’s recruited by the Dove, an elusive aristocrat who runs a secret agency of governess spies. The fledgling, largely lower-class police force struggles to enforce the law on society’s elites, allowing them to get away with murder. But governesses “hear the fights, witness the scandals, and watch the servants clean up the blood. They know where to point the finger.” Emily takes a job in the household of the Earl of Eastmoreland, caring for his six children and reporting unusual activities to the Dove. While delivering a forgotten fan to one of her charges at a lavish ball, Emily sees wealthy railroad magnate-turned-police officer Zachariah Denholm get cornered by marriage-minded ladies. She laughs at his discomfort and, when he confronts her, cheekily blows him a kiss before slipping away. The sass sparks desire in Zach, leaving him determined to woo the spirited woman. At the same time, he hunts for the Evangelist, an elusive killer targeting prostitutes, a suspense plot that eventually dovetails with the romance, upping the stakes. The unique premise is edgy and enticing and the budding relationship is expertly crafted. Lovise is sure to win fans with this. Agent: Emily Sylvan Kim, Prospect Agency.

December 1, 2023

DEBUT Passion ignites as a governess and a detective investigate murders in 1838 London. Emily has determinedly worked to escape her past by becoming a respectable governess, but her street smarts attract the attention of a secret network of fellow governesses who monitor the ton. A serial killer is targeting sex workers, and the governesses are seeking justice. Also on the case is Detective Zach Denholm, who hailed from a working-class family before making his fortune. During an assignment, Emily blows a kiss Zach's way, teasing him for being surrounded by mothers of marriageable daughters. Zach is immediately enraptured by her, but Emily's secrets threaten to keep them apart. Both protagonists' humble beginnings gratifyingly juxtapose the ton's decadence and its disregard for the killer's victims, while Zach's respect for Emily's autonomy makes him the perfect match for her strong will. VERDICT An exceptional debut, braided with banter, wit, chemistry, and intrigue; perfect for fans of Tessa Dare's humor and the cunning feminism of Sarah MacLean's "Hell's Belles" series.--Shanel Slater

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2023
Two escapees from the Victorian underclass find each other across a crowded ballroom. Emily Leverton is a terrible governess--understandably, since she was "raised a dirt-poor thief"--but she's learned enough to escape her criminal family and make a quiet, respectable living among the gentry. Or so she thought; when she gets a mysterious invitation, she realizes that at least one person knows the truth about her past. A woman calling herself The Dove asks Emily to become a spy for her organization, whose mission is to keep an eye on the misdoings of the ton from within their own homes, taking advantage of the fact that no one pays attention to governesses. Zachariah Denholm, on the other hand, can't avoid attracting attention. Though he's new money, thanks to railroad investments, and a detective constable to boot, by 1838, high society literally can no longer afford to ignore any bachelor with a fortune. When Zach catches sight of Emily in the background at a ball, he immediately knows she's not like the other women in his life, but despite being intrigued, he can't be distracted, as he's tracking down an active serial killer known as the Evangelist. His detective work keeps overlapping with Emily's spycraft, though, and the more their paths cross, the more they are attracted to each other. But Emily has more than one big secret in her past, and both are in real danger as other secrets are unearthed. Lovise's debut deftly combines equal parts romance and mystery, and though many of its twists and turns won't surprise readers, it's an engaging story from the darker side of Victorian society. Some minor historical anachronisms stand out because the rest of Lovise's writing is so strong, but they're easily overlooked thanks to the banter and steamy chemistry between Emily and Zach. Readers will look forward to meeting the next member of the Secret Society of Governess Spies. A strong historical romance debut, for fans of Sarah MacLean and Erica Ridley.

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