What a pleasure to see two of my favorite historical romance authors team up once again. I was eagerly anticipating MRS. BRODIE'S ACADEMY FOR EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG LADIES and the anthology exceeded my expectations tenfold. The authors' vastly different styles mesh seamlessly as they both illustrate the two facets of Mrs. Brodie's Academy. Theresa Romain whose dreamy lyricism and gorgeously descriptive prose know few equals in historical romance tackles the more gentle side of things, while Shana Galen's edgy and dynamic writing demonstrates clearly why she is the queen of Regency romantic action-adventure.

The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain sets the scene for the anthology, explaining smoothly the mission of the academy, while briskly introducing several characters. This story takes place mainly in the kitchen, as Marianne Redfern is head cook, and where we are privy to what it entailed. But Marianne also teaches self-defense, which leads to a very entertaining episode. Ms. Romain takes us on a shopping expedition in Regency London which felt so authentic, I could picture myself being there. There is a startling plot twist that I never expected, and which I had despaired of ever seeing, which made the reunion between Jack Grahame and Marianne so much sweeter and leads to extraordinary character growth.

Counterfeit Scandal from Shana Galen gives us the other side of the Academy where Bridget Lavery teaches art and counterfeiting, and the way she came about it was not at all how I had imagined. There's plenty of action and drama, as Bridget tries to find Jimmy, the son she had to leave in an orphanage when she was sent to debtors prison. Ms. Galen provides some fascinating details on Regency counterfeiting and the gritty and dangerous London where Bridget searches for her son. She is a fierce and loving mother, determined to do anything to get Jimmy back. Counterfeit Scandal is all stark realism, and passion; if Bridget's past is heartbreaking, Caleb's backstory is positively riveting. They had loved each other passionately, and the steam these two generate is palpable. Counterfeit Scandal is fraught with peril and I wondered if Bridget would ever find her son, and her happily ever after with Caleb; it all seemed so dangerous and hopeless. I loved how it all came together in the end, but it was a very close call!

I hope the authors are conscious of the monster they have created with MRS. BRODIE'S ACADEMY FOR EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG LADIES: readers are going to clamor for more because this anthology is filled with so many wonderful characters that are begging for their own stories to be told.

Book Summary

Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies appears exclusive and respectable, a place for daughters of the gentry to glean the accomplishments that will win them suitable husbands. But the academy is not what it seems. It's more. Alongside every lesson in French or dancing or mathematics, the students learn the skills they’ll need to survive in a man’s world. They forge; they fight; they change their accents to blend into a world apart. And the staff at the academy find a haven from their pasts…and lose their hearts.

Read an Excerpt