Perfect Poison / Amanda Quick 352 p. 20th century challenge

Perfect Poison / Amanda Quick 352 p.

While acting as a botanical and poison expert in a murder investigation in Victorian era London, spinster Lucinda Bromley realizes that the poison used came from one of her plants.  She hires Caleb Jones, the investigative member of the Arcane Society and descendant of an alchemist family, to find the murderer and keep her name out of the investigation and out of the press.  She has been thoroughly scandalized in the gossip mongering papers when her fiance is poisoned after drinking tea she poured.  Together, these two paranormals seek the thief who stole the poisonous plant and the brains behind the operation.  Who knew that steamy romance would blossom between the spinster and the dedicated bachelor.

Soulless / Gail Carriger 373 p. Dec. Challenge 5 Gold Rings

England, under Queen Victoria's reign, has relaxed its social mores to allow vampires, werewolves, and preternaturals free access to society, provided they conduct themselves appropriately.  While Alexia Tarabotti takes a break from the ball, a vampire attacks her--so totally out of character for a hive vampire.  She warns him of his mistake, as preternatural she is soulless and has power to harm him, but he persists.  When she accidentally kills the vampire, Lord Maccon, head of the BUR (Bureau of Unnatural Registry), a division of Her Majesty's Civil Service, is sent to investigate.  The vampire society is in a state of flux with unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing.  When the hive queen has Alexia to tea (a very very unusually happening as vampires has long memories of when preternaturals hunted them), everyone seems to think she is in the know.  As she tries to figure out what is going on her path crosses and recrosses with Lord Maccon.  He finally "notices" her and marriage is discussed.  In this twist from a romance, he seems to want to marry her, but she declines.  The pace picks up as the two piece together what is happening and builds to an exciting conclusion.

Dark Earl / Virginia Henley 401 p.

Lady Harriet Hamilton falls for Viscount Thomas Anson when they meet as a child when Thomas' father sells off all of the assets of Shugborough. Or perhaps she falls first for Shugborough. Lady Harriet, call me Harry, is rather outspoken. Her family tilts at Victorian mores by reading titillating books and having intimate encounters. Thomas is out to refurbish Shugborough with its original fittings...difficult when one's father has gambled away every penny. Thomas sees Harry as a help with this goal; but, Harry wants to have what her 'in-love' parents have. Thomas proves his love in a variety of ways. Lots of drama with some predictability in this Victorian romance from the author of the Irish Duke.

Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Book Awards 2011 Nominees

Crystal Gardens/Amanda Quick/338 pgs

Someone wants to kill Evangeline Ames, a novelist and a professional companion. Her role as a professional companion is a cover for her true profession--an investigator. She and her friends, Beatrice and Clarissa, work for Mrs. Flint and Mrs. Marsh; they investigate men who try to become engaged to women with a sizable dowry. After one such investigation, Evangeline's life is in danger. She is sent to Little Dixby, far from London where she had been working. In Little Dixby, Evangeline meets Lucas Sebastion who rescues her from another attempt on her life. Set in Victorian times, Crystal Gardens has mystery, romance, and paranormal activity. It's a fast, enjoyable, read!