There is something so wonderfully familiar and unique about Stella Riley's writing that I really can't pin down. Despite writing in an incredibly oversaturated subgenre, she somehow always produces a story or series that is authentic, carefully crafted, and consistently good. What's more, as hard as I try I can never shoe-horn her work into any trope and no story ever unfolds how I expect.
Under a Dark Moon, her second installment in the Brandon Brothers series, was no different. She wrote more than once on her website and on social media that this was different than anything else she had written--it totally was, and I loved that. This series is quickly chalking up to be something other than her 17th century historical fiction and her 18th century Rockliffe historical romance. Adam's story was intriguing and with a light mystery thread throughout the romantic narrative. And like Max's story (A Trick of Fate) this occurs outside the wiles of London. So I guess, what I'm saying just reinforces that Riley remains this refreshing presence in the historical fiction/romance world and I love her.
Unlike alot of her other stories, this is very quiet and burns slowly, so if you read this be prepared for that. The majority of the story unfolds with the couple working together, and then openly in love. There were shades of Gabriel and Venetia (Garland of Straw), which was wonderful considering that Adam is one of their descendants. But I think my favourite thing about Adam and Camilla was, that once they shed their chilly social masks and get to know one another, quite well, they operate as a loving, supportive, and just all-round canny team.
Camilla was what I'm now starting to think of as A Stella Riley Heroine. I don't know how to convey what that means, if you haven't read her books, but suffice to say Camilla is wonderful.
Adam, meanwhile, was just a hunk of laconic silver-blonde, sword-carrying dream man. Anyone else? Like... he is up there with Rock, Luciano, Adrian, Francis, and Aristide now in terms of favourite Riley heroes (for me). But then, Riley's heroes are always solid. Who am I kidding, I can't actually rank Riley's heroes? Except to say Rock is #1. Adam is brill. I need say no more.
PLUS, how great is it that Adam gets to continue being, well, whatever he is under the mysterious government M Section agency is but that Camilla gets to continue too! I loved that. More working 18th century women please.
Tangent: I hope I'm not alone in getting the vibe that Riley might have been laying some groundwork for a M Section series spinoff because my goodness those were some great, vibrant secondary characters like Rainham (sadface though, because he is married and is unlikely to get a book) and Alveston/Goddard etc.
Of course, seeing Sebastian and Cassie was wonderful (view spoiler). Then for reference to descendants of the Ashley/Francis foursame from The King's Falcon, and one hugely welcome appearance from Rock.. it was just a dream (Midwinter Magic: A Rockliffe Novella ALL OVER AGAIN). It's such a dense and rich Georgian universe that Riley has crafted, so when I read her books it feels almost like being amongst dear old friends.
ALSO! That was some steamy stuff for Riley.
The only reason I don't give this a full 5 stars was because I kind of wanted more drama. Which is rare for me. But I also really liked that it didn't have more rompy espionage?
Anyways, this is great (my adjectives are repetitive today but you get it, I liked this alot). Hats off to Stella Riley AS ALWAYS, and Leo's book (budding portrait artist that he is now, what with the Rockliffe clan patronizing his talent) can't come soon enough! Will obviously also get the audiobook with Alex Wyndham whenever it arrives. I think I might go listen through all of her books now? Yes, yes I think I will.
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There are 3 books in this series.
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2021
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- WendyReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2021
A fabulous Georgian historical romance with the added bonus of smuggling and an intriguing mystery
