Secrets of a Covert Lord
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #2
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published April 4th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
For passion to bloom, the lady botanist must uproot his secrets.

She’s cultivating a secret life…

Jane Brickley is stifled by overprotective parents…until she joins a secret academy for ladies to study botany. But when a suspicious burglary closes the school, she’s determined to uncover the mystery and get her beloved academy reopened. Jane recruits an insider’s help, and although the charming servant Dev is completely unsuitable, his smiles still plant seeds of longing in the fertile ground of Jane’s heart.

He’s disguising his quest for his birthright…

Dev Holford, the rightful Marquess of Rowling, poses as a servant at the academy while he secretly hunts for proof of his legitimacy. Things grow complicated when the evidence vanishes, a distant relative may be trying to kill him, and a clever botanist pressures him to help solve the mystery of the academy burglary. But when Jane’s investigation intersects with his own, it’s only logical to share clues…and perhaps stolen kisses.

Their love grows…

As Dev and Jane work together to unravel the mystery, the covert lord who never belonged will fight for a home where he can put down roots at last… in the arms of his true love.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Jane Brickley's life has been filled with her overbearing parents, and her only freedom is spending time at the Ladies Covert Academy, with her plants and friends, and hopefully getting to see Dev Holford. She's always been attracted to him, and hopes he feels the same way, but Dev is hiding the fact that he is the rightful Marquess of Rowling, and someone is out to kill him to stop him claiming his inheritance. When the Academy is burgled, and it looks as if Dev's proof has been stolen, he needs to rely on Jane, and hope she is trustworthy.

A wonderful regency romance, with a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Dev is the rightful heir to the late Marquess of Rowling, but only a handful of people know the truth. While growing up in India, there were multiple attempts made on his life, so he was brought to London, disguised as a servant in his stepmother's household. He's always cared for Jane though, but until he can take his title, he feels as if he isn't good enough, but Jane has never cared about that. Being able to work with him, and finally be taken into his confidence, was a dream for her, and I loved how he never doubted her brilliance, and was always encouraging Jane, no matter what. We got to see Jack and Pippa again, now married, and the sparks are flying between Lydia and Benedict! Another great book in the series.

Dates Read:
July 15-16, 2023

Rating
3 Stars