A Tainted Heart Bleeds
House of Croft, Book Two
by
Sophie Barnes
Historical Mystery / Thriller / Historical Romance
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Page count: 442 pages
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SYNOPSIS:
He’ll never forgive her deception, or the hold she still has on his heart…
Adrian Croft’s worst fear has been realized. His wife, the sweet woman who swept past his every defense, is a cunning spy working against him. Forced to play a dangerous game where one wrong move could see him destroyed, he must unravel her secrets while hunting a far more sinister threat.
Samantha knew her decision to marry her target would come at a price. Now, having lost her husband’s trust and affection, she’ll do whatever it takes to win it all back – abandon past loyalties, spill her secrets, and catch a killer. But will it be enough to undo the damage?
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She straightened her spine and turned to her husband. “I’d like for us to retire at the same time tonight.”
There was a sharp pause, almost imperceptible though it stood out in the slight flinch of his hand and the rustling sound the paper made in response. A less perceptive person would have missed it, but Samantha took note.
A smile formed on his face – gentle and warm – while strong emotion filled his gaze in a look so intense it stole her breath. It seemed like forever since he’d looked at her in that way.
“Am I to understand that you’ve an interest in bedsport, Mrs. Croft?”
She forced herself to hold his gaze. “It’s past time, wouldn’t you say?”
“Perhaps.” He was studying her, she realized then, like a cat might study a mouse, as though trying to figure out whether to toy with it a little or simply pounce. Leaning back, he set his paper aside, sipped his coffee, then stood. “Let’s discuss it later. When I’m not on my way to an important meeting.”
And there it was – the avoidance he hid beneath layers of seeming affection and consideration. She saw it now, even as he bent to press a kiss to her cheek, as he told her how lovely she looked and wished her a pleasant day. There was a distance between them, a line he’d no wish to cross.
It felt like a large crevice, and she’d no idea how to breach it.
“Why don’t you meet your friends for luncheon?” he suggested, his hands on her shoulders as he stood behind her, thumbs gently massaging. “Then you and I can visit the Hunterian later. How does that sound?”
As though the width of the crevice might be decreasing. “Wonderful.”
He kissed her again and departed, leaving her with a flicker of hope. Their last outing had taken place the day after their wedding, when they’d gone to the theatre. It would be nice to have another, a chance to focus on each other and reconnect.
Especially given the decision she’d made upon her marriage to turn her back on Harlowe and Kendrick. To instead protect her husband.
She doubted her former guardian or the chief constable knew she’d taken Adrian’s side in the end – that she would guard him against their plan to use her against him – a plan now putting the two men at odds.
Despite Harlowe reminding her on her wedding day that she had to locate Adrian’s files and discover the names of the people listed there, he’d since told her she was to pause in her mission.
Kendrick, however, insisted she stay the course. He wanted her to link Adrian’s name to blackmail threats made against high-ranking individuals, aid offered to criminals, smuggling operations, and whatever else could help build a case against him. Preferably something that would help put Adrian away for good. Or see him hanged. It went without saying that she would do no such thing. The man she’d married had proven himself to be someone she greatly respected and admired.
She would never betray him.
About the Author
USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
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REVIEW:
5 stars!
Another killer is on the loose in London!
A Tainted Heart Bleeds is the second book in author Sophie Barnes’s dark and moody House of Croft historical mystery series, and as before, another killer is loose among the ton of London. Only four months after Lady Evelyn Croft’s murderer was dealt with, another young debutante is murdered in her own home. The girl’s distraught father is bent on revenge and implores Adrian Croft to find the person responsible for her death. Great characters, an exciting, complex plot, and an atmospheric London setting combine to make this book one you’ll not want to put down until you know all the answers!
Samantha and Adrian Croft are newlyweds, but their
pre-wedding passion abruptly disappeared before they consummated their marriage.
Samantha is guilt-ridden over keeping secrets from her new husband and fears
his change in demeanor means he’s found out all about her mission to gather
intelligence that would lead to his arrest and execution. Adrian, determined to
break free from his criminal past, had counted on Samantha to help him leave that
part of his life behind until he discovered her deceptions. Their growing
distance was swift, and their despair palpable. It was suspenseful waiting to
see if this couple, who had so much chemistry together in the previous book,
would be able to find a way back to each other.
The year is 1815, and the plot is gritty, involving the gruesome
murder of a young, engaged debutante. A side storyline features Izak, the ten-year-old
street urchin who previously served as a courier between Samantha and Chief
Constable Peter Kendrick, and is dark and terrifyingly realistic. As the Crofts
team up to rescue Izak and the other children with him, they also chase down any
source of information about Lady Eleanor Marsh to identify a motive for her murder
and suspects. I was glad to see Samantha finally realize that she was just a
means to an end for both Harlowe and Kendrick, so maybe her heart could start
to mend over their emotional betrayal. With each discovery they make, another
plot twist increases the intrigue and suspense.
With its engaging characters, compelling plot, and atmospheric setting, I recommend A TAINTED HEART BLEEDS to historical mystery fans. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it would be best enjoyed after having read the first book in the series.
*See my review of Book
One in the series, A Vengeful King Rises, HERE!
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