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Hester and Crow #3
Scandalous Alchemy
The third novel in the thrilling Bridgerton-style Regency world of Katy Moran's wild and dissolute Lamorna family. Welcome to Kit's story...
1825
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Clemency Arwenack never dreamed she would be appointed lady-in-waiting to the notorious Princess Royal. A soldier's daughter, Clemency has aristocratic connections that she could quite frankly do without, and catering to the whims of an impetuous heir to the throne is the last thing she wants. Even so, Clemency's ambitious godmother forces her to accept the position. Always a keeper of other people's confidences, Clemency has a secret of her own, and Georgiana, Lady Boscobel, is only too ready to use it against her.
Worse still, the Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford is now captain of the royal guard – and so Clemency can't avoid the one childhood friend who might just see through her dangerous web of deceit. Kit Helford is just as wild and handsome as he's always been. And Clemency knows only too well that he's just as much trouble.
1825
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Clemency Arwenack never dreamed she would be appointed lady-in-waiting to the notorious Princess Royal. A soldier's daughter, Clemency has aristocratic connections that she could quite frankly do without, and catering to the whims of an impetuous heir to the throne is the last thing she wants. Even so, Clemency's ambitious godmother forces her to accept the position. Always a keeper of other people's confidences, Clemency has a secret of her own, and Georgiana, Lady Boscobel, is only too ready to use it against her.
Worse still, the Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford is now captain of the royal guard – and so Clemency can't avoid the one childhood friend who might just see through her dangerous web of deceit. Kit Helford is just as wild and handsome as he's always been. And Clemency knows only too well that he's just as much trouble.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2021
About the author
Katy Moran
15 books57 followersKaty Moran began writing BLOODLINE while she was still in college. A former children’s book editor, she now spends her days writing in her garden shed in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 15, 2021
Scandalous Alchemy is set in the same re-imagined history as its predecessors, a world in which Britain and her allies were defeated by Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.
The main focus this time moves from Lord Lamorna (known to his intimates as Crow) and his wife Hester, to Crow’s younger brother, Kit Helford. If you’ve read either of the previous books you’ll know that Kit has a habit of getting himself into scrapes. He also has a way with the ladies that definitely runs in the family. Okay, so there are no scenes of a bare-chested Crow like those that got me so hot under the collar in previous books, but he does make the odd well-timed appearance. I hope the following description gives you an idea of his appeal. ‘Sailor, soldier, spy, tattooed ployglot, expert liar… tall and dark, with that streak of grey behind one ear, and his very own air of unruly éclat.’
Kit, now a Lieutenant Colonel, finds himself in France appointed to the role of Captain of the Personal Guard of Her Royal Highness Princess Nadezhda. There he runs into Clemency Arwenack, who has been appointed Mistress of the Robes in the Princess’s household. Clemency is considered by some as a ‘safe’ appointment but others know there’s much more to her than outward appearances would suggest. Not only is she a demon at the card table but she’s a practiced intelligencer. Unfortunately, trading in information can be a dangerous game when you have secrets of your own that you’d rather not be revealed. Clemency was once Kit’s childhood playmate back in Cornwall but that’s not how he thinks of her now.
The opulence of Fontainebleau is vividly evoked such as in this description of the preparations for a post-hunt picnic. ‘Hot-house peaches and necatarines were piled in shining pewter, and preserved Seville oranges arranged in honeyed slices on platters of chinaware. There were great heaps of glistening pastries too, sugar-dusted and dotted with caramelised nuts, covered for now with muslin cloths. Not far away, a quartet of violins and a harpist practised unfashionable Beethoven with bored competence.’ Yes, better rethink your plans for next weekend’s BBQ.
Moving from Cornwall to Fontainebleau with a brief stop along the way at an infamous London club, Scandalous Alchemy is a delicious mix of romance, espionage and political intrigue – Georgette Heyer meets John le Carré, if you will. And there’s a generous helping of aristocratic excess and bad behaviour thrown in for good measure. The concluding chapters gallop along at a frantic pace with plenty of twists and turns as danger seems to lurk around every corner.
The publishers describe Scandalous Alchemy as a ‘thrilling and sexy romp through 19th-century France, England and Russia’ and I’m definitely not going to disagree with that! The book ends with what I can only describe as teaser suggesting more adventures may lie ahead for the Lamorna family. I do hope so.
The main focus this time moves from Lord Lamorna (known to his intimates as Crow) and his wife Hester, to Crow’s younger brother, Kit Helford. If you’ve read either of the previous books you’ll know that Kit has a habit of getting himself into scrapes. He also has a way with the ladies that definitely runs in the family. Okay, so there are no scenes of a bare-chested Crow like those that got me so hot under the collar in previous books, but he does make the odd well-timed appearance. I hope the following description gives you an idea of his appeal. ‘Sailor, soldier, spy, tattooed ployglot, expert liar… tall and dark, with that streak of grey behind one ear, and his very own air of unruly éclat.’
Kit, now a Lieutenant Colonel, finds himself in France appointed to the role of Captain of the Personal Guard of Her Royal Highness Princess Nadezhda. There he runs into Clemency Arwenack, who has been appointed Mistress of the Robes in the Princess’s household. Clemency is considered by some as a ‘safe’ appointment but others know there’s much more to her than outward appearances would suggest. Not only is she a demon at the card table but she’s a practiced intelligencer. Unfortunately, trading in information can be a dangerous game when you have secrets of your own that you’d rather not be revealed. Clemency was once Kit’s childhood playmate back in Cornwall but that’s not how he thinks of her now.
The opulence of Fontainebleau is vividly evoked such as in this description of the preparations for a post-hunt picnic. ‘Hot-house peaches and necatarines were piled in shining pewter, and preserved Seville oranges arranged in honeyed slices on platters of chinaware. There were great heaps of glistening pastries too, sugar-dusted and dotted with caramelised nuts, covered for now with muslin cloths. Not far away, a quartet of violins and a harpist practised unfashionable Beethoven with bored competence.’ Yes, better rethink your plans for next weekend’s BBQ.
Moving from Cornwall to Fontainebleau with a brief stop along the way at an infamous London club, Scandalous Alchemy is a delicious mix of romance, espionage and political intrigue – Georgette Heyer meets John le Carré, if you will. And there’s a generous helping of aristocratic excess and bad behaviour thrown in for good measure. The concluding chapters gallop along at a frantic pace with plenty of twists and turns as danger seems to lurk around every corner.
The publishers describe Scandalous Alchemy as a ‘thrilling and sexy romp through 19th-century France, England and Russia’ and I’m definitely not going to disagree with that! The book ends with what I can only describe as teaser suggesting more adventures may lie ahead for the Lamorna family. I do hope so.
February 23, 2022
Oh my goodness, I’ve just finished reading the third book in this series by Katy Moran, and I have to say I’m desperately hoping this is not the last we hear of the Lamorna family! It was a wild ride, in the same way the two previous books, Game of Hearts and Wicked by Design were, and I became so invested in the story that I could not put it down, but at the same time did not want it to finish! If you read these books I highly recommend that you read them in order.
There are very few appearances of either Hester or Crow in this book, but in this book the main focus is Kit, who is reunited with Nadezhda, as the captain of her royal guard. He needs to escort her from Calais to Fontainebleau for the meeting of a number of countries to seek a formal peace treaty in the alternate history that Katy Moran has so cleverly created following the Battle of Waterloo. At Fontainebleau Nadezhda is to meet her future husband, a Habsburg Prince who will give her greater legitimacy to take the throne of England.
I loved the dynamic of what could be considered to be almost a love triangle, with Kit and Nadezhda being reunited, but also with the introduction of Clemency. I love the way Katy Moran has created such beautifully strong, determined and intelligent female characters, and it was very easy to like Clemency, who was a spy, and well-versed in the manipulation of situations for the benefit of people who had scandalous information that was constantly held against her.
I loved the location, with much of the action taking place in France, and as with the two previous books there was a heavy dose of political intrigue, interwoven with high tension moments, as well as the cutest romance.
I know that comparisons with other Regency romances are likely to be made, but I’ve found the alternative history element to these books has been both really exciting and completely unique. I’ve also appreciated the diversity within the characters, and the sensitive way that discrimination for the diverse characters has been handled within this series.
This series of books has really stolen my heart and I am really hoping that Katy Moran continues developing this wonderful series further because this is one ride I’m not ready to stop!
There are very few appearances of either Hester or Crow in this book, but in this book the main focus is Kit, who is reunited with Nadezhda, as the captain of her royal guard. He needs to escort her from Calais to Fontainebleau for the meeting of a number of countries to seek a formal peace treaty in the alternate history that Katy Moran has so cleverly created following the Battle of Waterloo. At Fontainebleau Nadezhda is to meet her future husband, a Habsburg Prince who will give her greater legitimacy to take the throne of England.
I loved the dynamic of what could be considered to be almost a love triangle, with Kit and Nadezhda being reunited, but also with the introduction of Clemency. I love the way Katy Moran has created such beautifully strong, determined and intelligent female characters, and it was very easy to like Clemency, who was a spy, and well-versed in the manipulation of situations for the benefit of people who had scandalous information that was constantly held against her.
I loved the location, with much of the action taking place in France, and as with the two previous books there was a heavy dose of political intrigue, interwoven with high tension moments, as well as the cutest romance.
I know that comparisons with other Regency romances are likely to be made, but I’ve found the alternative history element to these books has been both really exciting and completely unique. I’ve also appreciated the diversity within the characters, and the sensitive way that discrimination for the diverse characters has been handled within this series.
This series of books has really stolen my heart and I am really hoping that Katy Moran continues developing this wonderful series further because this is one ride I’m not ready to stop!
June 21, 2021
I love the reimagined world of this book set in the 19th century where the British royal family are dead and a young Russian princess is heir to the throne. There’s a blend of different cultures clashing together - Cornish, English, Russian, French - that seems to add to the historical political backdrop but also adds an air of intrigue and mystery to the book. The writing is also written in a way which throws you into this romantic swashbuckling period which makes this book so immersive. I feel like I was watching a fantastic period drama observing the aristocracy and being embroiled in their secrets, scandals, romance and treachery. And a key ingredient is of course a devilishly handsome troublemaker Kit who is a ladies man, that no reader will be able to resist!
This reads like a standalone novel but is book 3 of a series but I didn’t feel like I missed anything from the other books. I feel like I want to go back and read them
Entertaining historical romance novel with an inventive reimagined world filled with adventure, passion and action.
This reads like a standalone novel but is book 3 of a series but I didn’t feel like I missed anything from the other books. I feel like I want to go back and read them
Entertaining historical romance novel with an inventive reimagined world filled with adventure, passion and action.
December 16, 2021
A thrilling and sexy romp through 19th-century France, England and Russia in Katy Moran's latest Bridgerton-style Regency romance.
In the palace of Fontainebleau, intrigue and scandal stalk the salons. Princess Sophia of England is on her way there to meet a prospective husband. In Russia, she was known as Nadezhda and rode fearlessly across the steppes with Captain Kitto Helford at her side. Now he's escorting her to Fontainebleau, but no one must suspect the love they once shared.
Cornish Clemency Arwenak is in France as the poor relation of an uncle she has come to fear. It's a relief to be seconded to the princess's entourage. But soon long-ago childhood friends, Clemency and Kit Helford, must face a frightening truth. Someone is trying to kill the princess and Nadezhda herself is playing a game that will endanger them all.
I can't always like a bad book which is really interesting. This is a very common question in this tale.
In the palace of Fontainebleau, intrigue and scandal stalk the salons. Princess Sophia of England is on her way there to meet a prospective husband. In Russia, she was known as Nadezhda and rode fearlessly across the steppes with Captain Kitto Helford at her side. Now he's escorting her to Fontainebleau, but no one must suspect the love they once shared.
Cornish Clemency Arwenak is in France as the poor relation of an uncle she has come to fear. It's a relief to be seconded to the princess's entourage. But soon long-ago childhood friends, Clemency and Kit Helford, must face a frightening truth. Someone is trying to kill the princess and Nadezhda herself is playing a game that will endanger them all.
I can't always like a bad book which is really interesting. This is a very common question in this tale.
August 2, 2022
La storia di Clemency e Kit a differenza degli altri due è più incentrata su di loro e meno sul tutto in contesto storico di quello che accade, ma nonostante questo non mancheranno i momenti di tensione e suspence che contradistinguono questa serie e lo stile dell’autrice stessa. Ho amato il cambiamento di entrambi e il percorso che fanno prima di arrivare ad un epilogo finale. Katy Moran riesce a caraterizzare i personaggi così profondamente da renderli unici con le loro debolezze ma allo stesso tempo con una forza che li contradistingue. Con questo libro si conclude la trilogia e sono davvero contenta di essere riuscita ad amarla e apprezzarla in tutte le sue sfumature.
August 1, 2021
Entertaining and a page-turner, closer in spirit to the first volume of the trilogy (which imho is still the best book because in some ways it is the first in the alt-historical universe of the series, so it has the "newness" factor); and of course now it is Kit's turn to star, but the Clemency, the feminine lead now instead of Hester, is quite compelling in her own different way too...
A great ending too (presumably overall too, though who knows as there is scope for more in the future generations of course)
A great ending too (presumably overall too, though who knows as there is scope for more in the future generations of course)
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March 9, 2022
Scandalous Alchemy
is the third book in the Hester & Crow trilogy. This saga of England's alternative history continues with Kitto's story, with the heir apparent to the throne Nadezda's, running in parallel.
We see the events through the narrative featuring Clemency Arwenack, a genteel con artist and the ward of Valentine Boscobel, whose father gets a mention in books 1 and 2 as Crow's opponent. Clemency's early career as the Earl of Lamorna's informer and spy sets the tone for further intrigues conducted under the instructions of the devious Boscobels, in order to further their own ambition in climbing the rungs of society. Crow warns Kitto that he lost Clemency as an operative due to the Boscobels holding some threat over her head, which makes her do their bidding.
The Boscobels' machinations ensure that Clemency is appointed Mistress of Robes to Nadezda with the aim of disrupting the proposed arranged union with Prince Louis Charles Habsburg-Lorraine, Prince of Hungary. An indiscretion at a club puts Kitto in the position of bodyguard to Nadezda. Along with Charles D'Harcourt, a frenchman with Egyptian ancestry, Kitto is tasked with escorting Nadezda to her nuptials with Prince Louis in France. Several assasination attempts on Nadezda make Kitto, Charles and Clemency to look into a possible conspiracy to replace Nadezda with a rival contender to the throne. Valentine Boscobel's sinister presence throughout leads one to wonder why Clemency participates willingly in the nefarious deeds orchestrated by the Boscobels.
About halfway through the book, the threat that the Boscobels hold over Clemency's head becomes obvious. Nadezda's jealousy over Kitto's attraction to Clemency ensures that Clemency is able to spread rumours about Kitto and Nadezda and successfully disrupt the marriage arrangements, but a surprise development presided over by Tsar Romanov ensures that Nadezda and Louis do unite, and the conundrum surrounding Clemency, Kitto and the Boscobels is sorted out by the end. The events are fast paced and every character has a part to play including Morwenna and Alie, the children who appear on and off in the narrative.
The interactions of Charles, Hester, and Hester and Crow's daughter Morwenna, with the members of British and French society depict the subtle and not so subtle discrimination practiced at the time, towards people who were not of anglo-saxon descent. The class schisms are also apparent in the sweeping power that the nobility wields over the commoners. Both aspects are deployed to good effect in developing the narrative, and make for a satisfying read.
Having said that, I have to say that it was very difficult to like Clemency, in spite of the reasons given by the author for her actions. It was very easy to like Hester, Crow and Kitto given all their imperfections; even Countess Tatyana Orlova of Book 2 roused my sympathy, as did her doomed romance with the mercurial Sasha. It is a rarity for me to dislike a character, but Clemency left me cold. Kitto showed a lot of growth from the immature and rebellious youngster of Game of Hearts (Book 1) and gets his HEA in this book. It was a satisfactory end to the events that began in book 1 and continued in Wicked by Design (Book 2).
Thanks to NetGalley for making a temporary copy of the book available for review.
We see the events through the narrative featuring Clemency Arwenack, a genteel con artist and the ward of Valentine Boscobel, whose father gets a mention in books 1 and 2 as Crow's opponent. Clemency's early career as the Earl of Lamorna's informer and spy sets the tone for further intrigues conducted under the instructions of the devious Boscobels, in order to further their own ambition in climbing the rungs of society. Crow warns Kitto that he lost Clemency as an operative due to the Boscobels holding some threat over her head, which makes her do their bidding.
The Boscobels' machinations ensure that Clemency is appointed Mistress of Robes to Nadezda with the aim of disrupting the proposed arranged union with Prince Louis Charles Habsburg-Lorraine, Prince of Hungary. An indiscretion at a club puts Kitto in the position of bodyguard to Nadezda. Along with Charles D'Harcourt, a frenchman with Egyptian ancestry, Kitto is tasked with escorting Nadezda to her nuptials with Prince Louis in France. Several assasination attempts on Nadezda make Kitto, Charles and Clemency to look into a possible conspiracy to replace Nadezda with a rival contender to the throne. Valentine Boscobel's sinister presence throughout leads one to wonder why Clemency participates willingly in the nefarious deeds orchestrated by the Boscobels.
About halfway through the book, the threat that the Boscobels hold over Clemency's head becomes obvious. Nadezda's jealousy over Kitto's attraction to Clemency ensures that Clemency is able to spread rumours about Kitto and Nadezda and successfully disrupt the marriage arrangements, but a surprise development presided over by Tsar Romanov ensures that Nadezda and Louis do unite, and the conundrum surrounding Clemency, Kitto and the Boscobels is sorted out by the end. The events are fast paced and every character has a part to play including Morwenna and Alie, the children who appear on and off in the narrative.
The interactions of Charles, Hester, and Hester and Crow's daughter Morwenna, with the members of British and French society depict the subtle and not so subtle discrimination practiced at the time, towards people who were not of anglo-saxon descent. The class schisms are also apparent in the sweeping power that the nobility wields over the commoners. Both aspects are deployed to good effect in developing the narrative, and make for a satisfying read.
Having said that, I have to say that it was very difficult to like Clemency, in spite of the reasons given by the author for her actions. It was very easy to like Hester, Crow and Kitto given all their imperfections; even Countess Tatyana Orlova of Book 2 roused my sympathy, as did her doomed romance with the mercurial Sasha. It is a rarity for me to dislike a character, but Clemency left me cold. Kitto showed a lot of growth from the immature and rebellious youngster of Game of Hearts (Book 1) and gets his HEA in this book. It was a satisfactory end to the events that began in book 1 and continued in Wicked by Design (Book 2).
Thanks to NetGalley for making a temporary copy of the book available for review.
June 1, 2021
"What on earth will you do now that the war is over? Lurch from scandal to scandal and then try to forget it all in majoun shops like the one you were in last night?" loc 779]
Sequel to False Lights (now republished as Hester and Crow, by Katy Moran) and Wicked by Design, both of which I enjoyed a great deal. (I'm not super-keen on the rebranding, as it makes these seem far lewder, and less alt-historical, than they are.) The premise is that the French won at Trafalgar: False Lights / Hester and Crow began in occupied England, with 'Crow' Crowlas, Earl of Lamorna, and his young brother Kitto surreptitiously aiding and abetting two distinct rebellions, and Hester Harewood, whose father was Black, becoming embroiled in their schemes. Wicked by Design turned its focus on Russia, where Kitto encountered the bastard daughter of the Tsar: less Hester here, as for much of the novel she is presumed dead. Now Scandalous Alchemy gives Hester and Crow some peace, and makes Kitto -- Lieutenant Colonel the Honourable Kit Helford -- the protagonist.
Kit has had a good war, which Hester glosses as his skill and enjoyment at killing people, and is now at somewhat of a loose end. After a scandal, he's despatched to France as the bodyguard of Princess Sophia, formerly known as Nadezdha -- the girl with whom Kit fell in love on the wide Russian steppes seven years before, now off to meet her fiance, Louis Charles Habsburg-Lorraine, before her ascension to the throne as Queen of England.
There is, as usual, plenty of swashbuckling here: there is also another redoubtable female protagonist, Clemency Arwenack, Kit's childhood friend ('accomplice', says Crow) who has become 'a blackmail artist and extortionist par excellence, like all the most fashionable women' [loc 853]. Clemency used to do intelligence work for Crow, but now she's under the thumbs of the bourgeois Boscobels, who clearly have some power over her. When she's employed as Mistress of the Robes to Princess Sophia's entourage, it's the perfect opportunity for the ruin of several reputations.
Kit Helford is a very Heyeresque hero (I was reminded of Vidal in Devil's Cub), and Clemency also brings to mind some of Heyer's heroines, though she's nowhere near as pure-minded as any of them. There are other influences here: for instance, I was reminded of Dorothy Dunnett (though that may just be the French palace and the royal hunt). Excellent characters, too: vile Valentine Boscobel, the Frenchman D'Harcourt with his African blood, the woodsman who would rather prepare for his marriage than pander to the aristocracy ...Hester, sadly, stays in the background, though Crow gets to sweep in and, as usual, rearrange everything to his liking.
There were some athletic leaps of logic (to be fair, Kit has always been ruled by his heart rather than his head) and a couple of dangling threads: but there is also a surprisingly happy ending, and a great deal of excitement, amusement and drama throughout. A cracking read, thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an Advance Review Copy in exchange for this honest review. UK Publication due on 10th June 2021.
September 11, 2022
Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera che Leggereditore ha portato nelle nostre librerie. Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmi scappare l'opportunità di leggerlo? Assolutamente no!
Questo è l'ultimo volume della trilogia regency composta da:
• Un gioco di cuori
• Una minaccia dal passato
• Una sconvenevole alchimia
Protagonista indiscusso di questo volume è Kitto, che abbiamo già potuto conoscere nel primo libro.
Ormai cresciuto, nonostante ciò che ha passato non ha cambiato per niente la sua indole.
Così come lui, ci ritroviamo personaggi già noti o accennati nei volumi precedenti come la sua amica di infanzia Clemency, e Nadezsa, una principessa altezzosa e viziata che vuole avere a tutti i costi il giovane come sua guardia. Ma non solo: vorrebbe addirittura che diventasse il suo amante!
Dall'altro lato però c'è Clem che nonostante sia l'amore in persona, non può permettersi di sognare un lieto fine con Kit a causa di alcune persone che comandano la sua vita da anni, impedendole di viverla come vorrebbe, tenendola praticamente in ostaggio sotto minaccia.
Ma Kit non riesce ad accettare la sua sfuggenza poiché rivederla gli scatena sentimenti fortissimi e comprendendo che c'è qualcosa che lei nasconde, è determinato a scoprire a tutti i costi la verità.
Ma questo potrebbe compromettere ogni cosa o portare una salvezza inaspettata.
Con molto più romance rispetto ai capitoli con le coppie precedenti, questo volume mi è piaciuto più del secondo che non mi aveva colpito pienamente.
La storia risulta ancora una volta incalzante e con un tono più romantico che in questo caso ricorda proprio il genere regency.
Una trilogia che vi resterà nel cuore e che consiglio a tutti gli appassionati e perché no, anche alle vostre mamme amanti degli Harmony.
Questo è l'ultimo volume della trilogia regency composta da:
• Un gioco di cuori
• Una minaccia dal passato
• Una sconvenevole alchimia
Protagonista indiscusso di questo volume è Kitto, che abbiamo già potuto conoscere nel primo libro.
Ormai cresciuto, nonostante ciò che ha passato non ha cambiato per niente la sua indole.
Così come lui, ci ritroviamo personaggi già noti o accennati nei volumi precedenti come la sua amica di infanzia Clemency, e Nadezsa, una principessa altezzosa e viziata che vuole avere a tutti i costi il giovane come sua guardia. Ma non solo: vorrebbe addirittura che diventasse il suo amante!
Dall'altro lato però c'è Clem che nonostante sia l'amore in persona, non può permettersi di sognare un lieto fine con Kit a causa di alcune persone che comandano la sua vita da anni, impedendole di viverla come vorrebbe, tenendola praticamente in ostaggio sotto minaccia.
Ma Kit non riesce ad accettare la sua sfuggenza poiché rivederla gli scatena sentimenti fortissimi e comprendendo che c'è qualcosa che lei nasconde, è determinato a scoprire a tutti i costi la verità.
Ma questo potrebbe compromettere ogni cosa o portare una salvezza inaspettata.
Con molto più romance rispetto ai capitoli con le coppie precedenti, questo volume mi è piaciuto più del secondo che non mi aveva colpito pienamente.
La storia risulta ancora una volta incalzante e con un tono più romantico che in questo caso ricorda proprio il genere regency.
Una trilogia che vi resterà nel cuore e che consiglio a tutti gli appassionati e perché no, anche alle vostre mamme amanti degli Harmony.
June 23, 2021
‘The Scandalous Alchemy’ is the third book in a series of novels by Kate Moran.
Set in Fontainebleau, Paris, France, 1825 shortly after the time of Napoleon. Nadezhda, the Princess Royal is set to marry and it’s upto Kit, the Lieutenant Colonel to ensure she gets there safely. But Kit has his own secrets which could endanger them both. Kit is a rebel who recently found himself on the run at a time when Fontainebleau had been invaded.
As heir to the throne, it seems as though everyone around her is trying to damage her reputation as a way to overthrow her. Even her childhood friend, Clemency is looking to ruin her. Although there seems to be more than meets the eye there.
I was gripped throughout and couldn’t wait to know what happened next. Its very reminiscent of a period drama. I found myself invested in the character’s storylines and I loved watching Clemency and Kits’s relationship flower. Nadezhda and Clemency are both strong female characters although Clemency is trapped in a web of lies and betrayal. I loved Nadezhda as she wasn’t afraid to fight for her life when it was in danger. Nadezhda is not afraid to stand up for herself and her right to the throne.
There’s plenty of treachery, scandal, romance, secrets and action along the way. There’s just the right amount and blend of action and romance that the story didn’t come over saturated with it.
If like me and you love ‘Downton Abbey’ then you’ll love this.
Set in Fontainebleau, Paris, France, 1825 shortly after the time of Napoleon. Nadezhda, the Princess Royal is set to marry and it’s upto Kit, the Lieutenant Colonel to ensure she gets there safely. But Kit has his own secrets which could endanger them both. Kit is a rebel who recently found himself on the run at a time when Fontainebleau had been invaded.
As heir to the throne, it seems as though everyone around her is trying to damage her reputation as a way to overthrow her. Even her childhood friend, Clemency is looking to ruin her. Although there seems to be more than meets the eye there.
I was gripped throughout and couldn’t wait to know what happened next. Its very reminiscent of a period drama. I found myself invested in the character’s storylines and I loved watching Clemency and Kits’s relationship flower. Nadezhda and Clemency are both strong female characters although Clemency is trapped in a web of lies and betrayal. I loved Nadezhda as she wasn’t afraid to fight for her life when it was in danger. Nadezhda is not afraid to stand up for herself and her right to the throne.
There’s plenty of treachery, scandal, romance, secrets and action along the way. There’s just the right amount and blend of action and romance that the story didn’t come over saturated with it.
If like me and you love ‘Downton Abbey’ then you’ll love this.
October 27, 2021
Having finished putting poor Hester and Crow through torment, to reach a happy ending, Katy has turned her attention to Kitto. There's lots to unpick here and a sparkling new heroine with her own dark secret, and I got definite Heyer vibes from These Old Shades and Devil's Cub.
Kit has been given the unenviable task of escorting an unwilling Princess Nadezeha, the heir to the British Throne, to meet her fiancé at a meeting of the European powers at Fontainbleu. Not everyone, however, wants him to succeed. In addition the new Mistress of the Robes, fellow Cornishwoman Clemency, has her own secrets and motivations.
There's so much going on here. Kit, with shades of Vidal from Devil's Cub, reaps the fruit of his impetuous behaviours in the first two books and is forced to examine his motivations and to grow up. Nadezeha has to give up on dreams of freedom and embrace the political. Clemency needs to trust her heart. There's an examination of the casual sexist, racist and classist attitudes of the period. There's various dramatic rescues. And of course, true love including the kissing. Hester and Crow are rightly sidelined, particularly given Crow's tendency to Duke of Avon style omniscience and Hester's crowning moment of awesome in book 2, by a happy event but are given closure also, as are the minor characters.
Highly recommended to lovers of thrilling, gritty, historical romance.
Kit has been given the unenviable task of escorting an unwilling Princess Nadezeha, the heir to the British Throne, to meet her fiancé at a meeting of the European powers at Fontainbleu. Not everyone, however, wants him to succeed. In addition the new Mistress of the Robes, fellow Cornishwoman Clemency, has her own secrets and motivations.
There's so much going on here. Kit, with shades of Vidal from Devil's Cub, reaps the fruit of his impetuous behaviours in the first two books and is forced to examine his motivations and to grow up. Nadezeha has to give up on dreams of freedom and embrace the political. Clemency needs to trust her heart. There's an examination of the casual sexist, racist and classist attitudes of the period. There's various dramatic rescues. And of course, true love including the kissing. Hester and Crow are rightly sidelined, particularly given Crow's tendency to Duke of Avon style omniscience and Hester's crowning moment of awesome in book 2, by a happy event but are given closure also, as are the minor characters.
Highly recommended to lovers of thrilling, gritty, historical romance.
January 7, 2024
As others have mentioned, this is the 3rd book in a series but I read it anyway and found that once you are reading, backstories are mentioned a little and it becomes obvious who people are as it literally is explained. You don't need to read the first two, but it probably helps, although you could read as a standalone if you're not easily confused.
This was full of secrets and plotting and drama once it got going. There was some romance, but it was more of an undertone to the rest of the plot which revolved around Princess Sophia and also Clemency's past.
I felt the writing was good once I got past the initial first chapters and it got into a faster pace, but I just wanted more romance! There was a heat between Clemency and Kit which could have been developed further but there was more talk of each other from their perspectives, rather than actual scenes between them.
I wouldn't rule out this author though, I do think the writing was simple enough language and easy to follow and I did feel for Clemency, so there was a connection to her and Kit.
2.5/5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus
and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was full of secrets and plotting and drama once it got going. There was some romance, but it was more of an undertone to the rest of the plot which revolved around Princess Sophia and also Clemency's past.
I felt the writing was good once I got past the initial first chapters and it got into a faster pace, but I just wanted more romance! There was a heat between Clemency and Kit which could have been developed further but there was more talk of each other from their perspectives, rather than actual scenes between them.
I wouldn't rule out this author though, I do think the writing was simple enough language and easy to follow and I did feel for Clemency, so there was a connection to her and Kit.
2.5/5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus
and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 4, 2022
Scandalous Alchemy by Katy Moran
The Regency Romance Trilogy Book 3.
1825
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Clemency Arwenack never dreamed she would be appointed lady-in-waiting to the notorious Princess Royal. A soldier's daughter, Clemency has aristocratic connections that she could quite frankly do without, and catering to the whims of an impetuous heir to the throne is the last thing she wants. Even so, Clemency's ambitious godmother forces her to accept the position. Always a keeper of other people's confidences, Clemency has a secret of her own, and Georgiana, Lady Boscobel, is only too ready to use it against her.
Worse still, the Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford is now captain of the royal guard – and so Clemency can't avoid the one childhood friend who might just see through her dangerous web of deceit. Kit Helford is just as wild and handsome as he's always been. And Clemency knows only too well that he's just as much trouble.
An ok read. Slow but readable. Ok story and characters 3*.
The Regency Romance Trilogy Book 3.
1825
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Clemency Arwenack never dreamed she would be appointed lady-in-waiting to the notorious Princess Royal. A soldier's daughter, Clemency has aristocratic connections that she could quite frankly do without, and catering to the whims of an impetuous heir to the throne is the last thing she wants. Even so, Clemency's ambitious godmother forces her to accept the position. Always a keeper of other people's confidences, Clemency has a secret of her own, and Georgiana, Lady Boscobel, is only too ready to use it against her.
Worse still, the Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford is now captain of the royal guard – and so Clemency can't avoid the one childhood friend who might just see through her dangerous web of deceit. Kit Helford is just as wild and handsome as he's always been. And Clemency knows only too well that he's just as much trouble.
An ok read. Slow but readable. Ok story and characters 3*.
February 4, 2022
Scandalous Alchemy by Katy Moran
The Regency Romance Trilogy Book 3.
1825
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Clemency Arwenack never dreamed she would be appointed lady-in-waiting to the notorious Princess Royal. A soldier's daughter, Clemency has aristocratic connections that she could quite frankly do without, and catering to the whims of an impetuous heir to the throne is the last thing she wants. Even so, Clemency's ambitious godmother forces her to accept the position. Always a keeper of other people's confidences, Clemency has a secret of her own, and Georgiana, Lady Boscobel, is only too ready to use it against her.
Worse still, the Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford is now captain of the royal guard – and so Clemency can't avoid the one childhood friend who might just see through her dangerous web of deceit. Kit Helford is just as wild and handsome as he's always been. And Clemency knows only too well that he's just as much trouble.
An ok read. Slow but readable. Ok story and characters 3*.
The Regency Romance Trilogy Book 3.
1825
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Clemency Arwenack never dreamed she would be appointed lady-in-waiting to the notorious Princess Royal. A soldier's daughter, Clemency has aristocratic connections that she could quite frankly do without, and catering to the whims of an impetuous heir to the throne is the last thing she wants. Even so, Clemency's ambitious godmother forces her to accept the position. Always a keeper of other people's confidences, Clemency has a secret of her own, and Georgiana, Lady Boscobel, is only too ready to use it against her.
Worse still, the Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford is now captain of the royal guard – and so Clemency can't avoid the one childhood friend who might just see through her dangerous web of deceit. Kit Helford is just as wild and handsome as he's always been. And Clemency knows only too well that he's just as much trouble.
An ok read. Slow but readable. Ok story and characters 3*.
August 20, 2022
Third book in the series and the focus is on Kit the younger brother. Kit is still caught amongst rumours about himself and the heir to the English throne and also still at the mercy of political machinations and plots. So Kit gets roped into acting as escort to the heir only to find his former childhood friend Clemency employed as lady in waiting. But clemency is more than she appears and more than Kit remembers now she is a spy and is being blackmailed herself into ruining Kit and the princess.
If you've read the previous two books (and you really should) then hopefully this alternate history of Napoleon's Europe won't confuse too much. With plots and alliances and blackmail all over the place there's a lot to keep track of. As always I probably should have reread the previous book as I'm sure I missed details in this, but it's still a very enjoyable book. I like an alternate history with a smattering of romance, my only criticism is the lack of Hester. As the main character in the first novel and partial focus of the second she is barely seen in this third book.
If you've read the previous two books (and you really should) then hopefully this alternate history of Napoleon's Europe won't confuse too much. With plots and alliances and blackmail all over the place there's a lot to keep track of. As always I probably should have reread the previous book as I'm sure I missed details in this, but it's still a very enjoyable book. I like an alternate history with a smattering of romance, my only criticism is the lack of Hester. As the main character in the first novel and partial focus of the second she is barely seen in this third book.
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 17, 2022I DNF'ed this book at about 20%. The main reason being I couldn't get a grip on the characters and how they related to each other. Then I figured out this was book 3 in the series, which I hadn't seen when I requested the book (my bad, sorry!). It was taking away from the story to try and figure it out, so I decided to DNF it. Usually, when I read a book in a series, I appreciate when the author treats me like I've forgotten the major plot points and characters and inserts a bit of explanation into the first few chapters. Whereas there was a bit of explanation about the larger context of Napoleon and his war, I felt it was lacking in explanation of who the characters were to fully comprehend the book. If I'd had read the books before but hadn't picked up book 3 right after, I would've bumped into this problem as well.
I was excited about the friends to (hopefully?) lovers trope though! It just wasn't enough to keep me going.
I was excited about the friends to (hopefully?) lovers trope though! It just wasn't enough to keep me going.
June 10, 2021
The third book in the Hester and Crow series set in an alternative Regency world. Written with vivid imagery, astute political insight, and scandalous romance, this book is an addictive delight for historical romance fans.
The characters are pure, romantic Regency, the female protagonist, is independent, intelligent and intriguing. Kit, the male protagonist, is scandalous, sexy and searching, for his happiness in a climate of betrayal and political intrigue.
There's engaging romance, fascinating political manoeuvring and vibrant characters that befit the glamour of the Regency period.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via Helen Richardson PR in return for an honest review
The characters are pure, romantic Regency, the female protagonist, is independent, intelligent and intriguing. Kit, the male protagonist, is scandalous, sexy and searching, for his happiness in a climate of betrayal and political intrigue.
There's engaging romance, fascinating political manoeuvring and vibrant characters that befit the glamour of the Regency period.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via Helen Richardson PR in return for an honest review
Read
June 20, 2021Incredibly fast paced
I started the series from the last book, but i have to say everything works so well for this couple that reading from the first didn’t seem strictly necessary. The descriptions are incredible, and I find it very vivid that many pows are used throughout to help along pace without revealing too much of the inner monologue. I loved the alternate history of it all, and every single character is messed up but I couldn’t help but cheer for them, yes, including Nadesza, which is saying something as she’s a terror. The plot twists keep on coming, and even thought I found the end with a bit too many time gaps it all works if you’re expecting an action filled dramatic story.
I started the series from the last book, but i have to say everything works so well for this couple that reading from the first didn’t seem strictly necessary. The descriptions are incredible, and I find it very vivid that many pows are used throughout to help along pace without revealing too much of the inner monologue. I loved the alternate history of it all, and every single character is messed up but I couldn’t help but cheer for them, yes, including Nadesza, which is saying something as she’s a terror. The plot twists keep on coming, and even thought I found the end with a bit too many time gaps it all works if you’re expecting an action filled dramatic story.
December 30, 2021
So much deception and hidden secrets! I like how this book seemed like a typical historical fiction about those in society, but really got into each character's hidden secrets.
I have to admit that this book took a little while to get going and had a lot of characters to sort out. I did like how trying to protect the next heir to the crown, brought out the backgrounds of Kit and Clemency. Of course, all of the secrets made the romantic relationship complicated.
The historical part in this book was a bit funky since it followed big changes to actual history, but it didn't take away from the characters. Who knew a Russian/English alliance could add entertainment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I have to admit that this book took a little while to get going and had a lot of characters to sort out. I did like how trying to protect the next heir to the crown, brought out the backgrounds of Kit and Clemency. Of course, all of the secrets made the romantic relationship complicated.
The historical part in this book was a bit funky since it followed big changes to actual history, but it didn't take away from the characters. Who knew a Russian/English alliance could add entertainment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
July 23, 2023
This is book 3 of a trilogy and did not know that until I started reading it, although after asking others I was assured it could be read as a stand alone book.. it can’t.
There were multiple POV which was hard to keep track of and the archaic dialogue was really hard to read in places and took many chapters to get into.
It’s a shame as I love historical romance novels and I was looking forward to a reimagined history timeline.
The plot and characters are everything I wanted but I felt so lost trying to figure who was connected to who.
As for the “gentry behaving badly” and the “sexy romp through court life” the sex was rather lacking for me .. if you are marketing it as this there needed to be way more smut..
I may reread if I ever read the first two.
There were multiple POV which was hard to keep track of and the archaic dialogue was really hard to read in places and took many chapters to get into.
It’s a shame as I love historical romance novels and I was looking forward to a reimagined history timeline.
The plot and characters are everything I wanted but I felt so lost trying to figure who was connected to who.
As for the “gentry behaving badly” and the “sexy romp through court life” the sex was rather lacking for me .. if you are marketing it as this there needed to be way more smut..
I may reread if I ever read the first two.
August 22, 2021
Thanks to Head of Zeus publishing, Netgalley and the author for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this book. Set in an alternate history where England lost the Battle of Waterloo and the monarchy is completely different, Clemency and Kit are forced to betray their old friendship. However they can’t help falling in love and saving each other.
It would certainly have helped if I had read the previous books in this series - this is the third one. But the dialogue was so good and the world building so interesting that I had to persevere. I’m so glad I did.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this book. Set in an alternate history where England lost the Battle of Waterloo and the monarchy is completely different, Clemency and Kit are forced to betray their old friendship. However they can’t help falling in love and saving each other.
It would certainly have helped if I had read the previous books in this series - this is the third one. But the dialogue was so good and the world building so interesting that I had to persevere. I’m so glad I did.
June 20, 2021
Full review can be found on my blog: https://apartofyourbookworld.wordpres...
Seductively scandalous and delightfully deceitful, dramatic tale that will stay with you.
Let me start by saying that this is not my usual genre so going in I didn’t know what to expect but I’m so grateful I got to read this book. It’s part of the Hester and Crow series but can be read as a standalone in my opinion but I’m definitely going to head back and read the other books.
A delightful historical romance with a whole lot of grit. Perfectly balanced and highly emotive. I dare you to try and put this book down, once it has its claws in you, you have no choice but to finish. I am nothing short of obsessed with Morans writing and will be looking out for more of her work! .... now where can I get me a Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford?
Seductively scandalous and delightfully deceitful, dramatic tale that will stay with you.
Let me start by saying that this is not my usual genre so going in I didn’t know what to expect but I’m so grateful I got to read this book. It’s part of the Hester and Crow series but can be read as a standalone in my opinion but I’m definitely going to head back and read the other books.
A delightful historical romance with a whole lot of grit. Perfectly balanced and highly emotive. I dare you to try and put this book down, once it has its claws in you, you have no choice but to finish. I am nothing short of obsessed with Morans writing and will be looking out for more of her work! .... now where can I get me a Honourable Lieutenant Colonel Kit Helford?
January 5, 2022
This was the first book I've read from Katy Moran, which I probably should not have done since I was quite confused in the beginning. I definitely recommend reading the others in the series first before starting this one. Regardless, it was quite fascinating and thrilling read for those who love historical romance. The alternative history is very unique, and now I will be definitely reading the rest of the books in the series!
Special thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this ARC for my honest review.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this ARC for my honest review.
March 21, 2023
More stars needed please Goodreads!
The 3rd in this full throttle action thriller series.
Wow, so much goes on and the reader is taken on an amazing journey of intrigue, love, friendship and just a delicious blend of lush buildings, gorgeous people and some seriously complex relationships.
I did not want this story to end.
Please Katy I really do need another Hester & Crow or Kit and Clemency book soon. Thank you.
The 3rd in this full throttle action thriller series.
Wow, so much goes on and the reader is taken on an amazing journey of intrigue, love, friendship and just a delicious blend of lush buildings, gorgeous people and some seriously complex relationships.
I did not want this story to end.
Please Katy I really do need another Hester & Crow or Kit and Clemency book soon. Thank you.
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 29, 2022NOT A REGENCY ROMANCE
Between the alternate timeline (not mentioned in the description, or I would never have picked it up) and the multiple POVs, I couldn't make sense of this book. It doesn't read like romance at all. The comparisons to Bridgerton and Georgette Heyer are misplaced. DNF.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Between the alternate timeline (not mentioned in the description, or I would never have picked it up) and the multiple POVs, I couldn't make sense of this book. It doesn't read like romance at all. The comparisons to Bridgerton and Georgette Heyer are misplaced. DNF.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 28, 2023
I liked it. It felt very real, I wanted to know how it ended. The characters were a bit grey which I liked. The story was ridiculous but also believable. It was lots of action and not much romantic moments or depth of character. I enjoyed the read but I wouldn’t read it a second time. So not up to 4 stars.
March 9, 2024
I hadn’t read the other books in this Series, but I definitely want to now! The story works as a standalone and the explanation of the alternative history is very helpful and intriguing. So much to enjoy, with a courageous heroine, flawed hero, headstrong Princess and plenty of scheming around them, as past secrets unravel.
May 31, 2021
If you like your alternative history/Regency romances dark, thrilling and sexy, Katy Moran is absolutely your woman. ‘Scandalous Alchemy’ is the third book in her Hester and Crow series and they are, consistently, a whole heap of fun.
June 25, 2022
A great conclusion. But I wish for more!
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