Before I start, I haven't read the first book in the series (I do have it) and I will certainly read it now. However, it didn't detract from the story, as things were explained sufficiently for me to understand what was going on.

Judith and Dacien meet up again and decide to travel to Garvey House to try and clear Dacian's name. As Dacien is wanted by the Musor Custos, he takes on various disguises. Both he and Judith are helped by their vampiri and by Robert, her late husbands illegitimate child. Using their individual magics and help, they are able to unravel what happened 9 years previously, before things take a nasty turn.

It was refreshing to find older protagonists in this story, ones who feel the same desires and passions as younger people. I greatly enjoyed this book, and will certainly order the next in the series (and read the first book too).

If you like magic with a difference and older characters, this is the book for you.

I received an copy of this book from the author via NetGalley, all views are my own.

Another insta-love book for me from this author and series! It’s the second of the Matronly Misadventures and I adored it just as much as the first.

Judith, Marigold, Dacian and Wootton are all back and things are definitely heating up between the two main characters, as they finally start to get to the bottom of the incidents that separated them years ago and struggle to find reasons not to spring into each other’s arms at every opportunity – so much chemistry! I definitely get Elizabeth Peters’ Emerson/Peabody vibes but these are also distinctly their own stories and characters, familiar but fresh.

And that’s not all, there is also humour, magic and mystery alongside the simmering romance. What more could we ask for? Well, other than Book 3, of course! And that can’t come soon enough, as I’m afraid this one ends on an agonising cliffhanger. Luckily the next book is due out later this year and available for pre-order already… I can’t wait!

I just love these clever and cozy gothic books set in magical Regency era England. The vampiri are delightful, and Lady Avery so deserves her Happily Ever After! This series has quickly become a comfort read for me - reading these stories feels like sitting down to share tea with a witty and beloved friend. I look forward to reading Rosalie Oaks other series next, The Lady Diviner series, starring Lady Avely’s daughter Elinor.

Many thanks to Parkerville Press for the copy to read and review.

I gave up on the first read but decided to give it a second try. I'm realizing, I tend to dislike historical romance unless it meets certain boxes. Or would it be regency? I am so unqualified for this review. I'm not a tough critic as many see I give out tons of 5 stars. But if I look at it as a cozy mystery, I find I did enjoy the book.

This is the second in Judith and Dacian's story and it does end on a cliff. I loved the banter and mystery. I would have loved it more with more romantic development. But it was still entertaining and I managed to handle it like a pro. Maybe? I appreciate the arc from Netgalley.

I had huge fun with this one. Judith is a delightful protagonist. Recently widowed, she has been coming to grips with the fact that her dead husband had several big secrets that he kept from her. It doesn’t help that he took his best friend, the Duke of Sargen into his confidence. Especially as Judith and the Duke have a past… Obviously, I’m not going to say more on that subject as I don’t want to lurch into Spoiler territory. I thought Judith’s reaction was spot on for a more mature woman – she was extremely angry, but not to the extent that she was overwhelmed. I do get a tad tired of apparently older protagonists behaving like love-struck teens when we get to the romantic aspect of the plot.

As regards that fantastical elements of the story, they were well handled. I thought that having shapeshifting bats, whose interaction with the magically gifted boosts their skills is a very nice touch. Especially as they stay the size of a bat, even when transformed. The fact that their relationship with humans has recently been outlawed gives an extra edge to their inclination to hide. I also like the notion that if someone has been using their magic for a period of time, they start becoming drunk on it. This gives rise to a few amusing moments within the story, which despite the slow-burn nature of the romance, doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of action and adventure within the story.

I became aware fairly quickly that this is the second book in the series – and I hadn’t read the first. I recommend that you read them in order, however I wasn’t ever left floundering and promptly rushed off to get hold of the first book as soon as I finished this offering because I was missing the world and wanted more Matronly Misadventure goodness. So I was delighted to discover this is a spinoff series from the very successful Lady Diviner series, which means I’ll be able to escape yet again into this delightful quirky world. Highly recommended for fans of historical fantasy with a splash or romance… or the other way round. While I obtained an arc of Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

I enjoyed the first in this series but have a sense that I will not be reading further. It felt very much like a 'rerun; of the relationship dynamics and I found that exhausting and even disturbing. The plot just didn't engage me either. So, while I very sure that the magic and mayhem will appeal to many, this series is just not for me

I rate it 2/5 stars

My thanks to Parkenville Press and Netgalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

This is a delightful mix of mystery, magic and a Regency romance starring to more mature characters that I am appreciating more because life actually exists after being a teen or in your 20s. I have not read the first in the series--which I now will read--but it was easy enough to follow along because of a short intro.

Judith and the duke must join forces once again to figure out who used Judith's image to incite the duke into a deadly duel before the duke is arrested for murder or a worse fate by a mysterious council for misuse of his gifts. There are some great side characters that are sure to charm as well.

This is a nice way to end the year in reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This book was such a treat! This is a breakoff series, and I highly recommend starting from the beginning, but at the very least read "Lady Avely's" first book. We start right where we left off with the previous book. There is more mystery, romance, and hot chocolate...we get the present tale mixed with some flashback moments between Judith and Dacian. I adore that our couple is middle aged and still the chemistry and slow burn romance is done so well.

We end again on a cliffhanger...so now we wait for the next installment!

4 stars

Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is such a fun read. There is a mystery to solve, magic involved and vampiri companions, there is slow-burn romance with the two protagonists trying to admit their feelings for each other, all in the beautiful setting of Regency England.

In a world where people have magic, the two protagonists, Dacian, the Duke of Sargen, and Lady Judith Avely, are trying to solve a murder that, nine years earlier, had sent Dacian to exile. During a party, in a fit of jealousy, Dacian used magic to kill Lord Garvey under the illusion that he was seducing Judith, the woman he’s always loved. After nine years abroad, Dacian is back and together with Judith, a stubborn and helpful young man, fake moustaches, and two (sometimes) reluctant vampiri, he travels in search of the truth to a country house that may be haunted and that hosts two suspicious and irritable servants, a recluse matron, and a suggestible young woman. Who wanted Lord Garvey dead? Or did the killer want to get rid of Dacian by forcing him into exile?

Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is the second book in the Matronly Misadventures series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. The plot is intriguing and engaging and I loved Rosalie Oaks’ writing style and how she masterfully manages to merge together fantasy, history, romance, and mystery. The characters are fun and well-developed and I enjoyed the witty banter between them. The story ends with a cliffhanger that left me curious about what’s next and I am also looking forward to starting on the Lady Diviner series, which features some of the same characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4.25/5
Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms was a great read, and I liked seeing my favourite characters again. The mystery was just as fantastic as in the first book, and I truly didn't expect all the twists and turns.
However, some aspects fell a little flat for me, as I expected more relationship development, and the slowburn has dragged on. But the banter and chemistry between Avely and Dacian was still great, and I'm sure their relationship will progress more in the next book. The cliffhanger at the end was particularly shocking, and I'm eager to see how it will be resolved in book 3!

This book was a cauldron filled c to the H e brim with troops. There regency period, second chance romance, mystery, magic, vampires and mid life romance. Overall it was fast paced, well written and entertaining. Dacian is hot chocolate himself.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rosalie Oaks, and the publisher for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.5 stars

I’m so glad I got to be with the cast of characters again. They give off such a great found family. There was so much going on in this book that I couldn’t put it down. I was not expecting those reveals. I have no idea what’s going to happen next in book 3. I look forward to reading it when it comes out. Possibly 2025.

I highly recommend it! If you love a good historical mystery with a subplot of romance and a great cast of characters then you will love this series.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this ebook.
As with the first book, I really enjoy the characters in this series. A very light and fun read, with an engaging mystery.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosalie Oaks for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms, which was released November 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read the first book and really enjoyed it. I think this was a really good cozy fantasy. I love that it’s set in this time period. I really enjoy elements of the supernatural. Judith did some personal growth in this book. I would definitely check out more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy supernatural books!

This is the second in a series of magical Regency mysteries. I really loved the first in the series, and the introduction of our "mature" MCs (both in their 40s). I have to admit that I was hoping for more relationship development in this one.

Judith and Dacian travel to a nearby town and estate to try to solve the mystery that was uncovered at the end of the first book. While there, they spend a lot of time ruffling each other's feathers and running hot and cold. While there is a fun mystery, the relationship tension is stretched out for the length of the book.

Be warned, it ends in a cliffhanger! I'm sure the final book in the series will give the relationship feels I want. I just wish there had been a few more steps forward here. I still recommend the series as a whole, though!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms is an excellent sequel to Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic in this fantasy mystery romance series set in the Regency period.

Judith, Lady Avely, is an appealing middle aged heroine whose ability to tell if someone is lying is very helpful in solving mysteries. She is also aided by Marigold, her Vampiri companion.

In this story, she and the handsome Duke who she loved but left many years ago, finally have a chance to rekindle their romance if they can figure out who manipulated him into killing a man many years ago causing him to flee the country.
I very much enjoyed the slow burn relationship between Dacian and Judith and the magic in the book - the ability to cast illusions, move objects, and discern truth is fascinating and well integrated into the story. The Vampiri companions are also a unique aspect of the world Oaks has created.

This series is a spin-off of the Lady Jewel Diviner series, which features Judith's children, but can be read separately. While the events in this book are completely wrapped up, there is a bit of a cliffhanger ending leading into book 3.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy.

Another delightful adventure with Judith and Dacian! This story starts with a flashback that takes us to the events that Dacian talked about at the end of the first book in the series. Someone tricked Dacian into stumbling upon what he thought was an assignation between Judith and Lord Garvey. He lost control of his ability to move objects and threw Garvey into a statue, killing him. He fled the country afterward to escape prosecution for misusing his abilities.

In reality, he saw an illusion. A different woman was with Garvey. Now, Judith and Dacian need to track down who was behind the events of nine years ago. The authorities are still after Dacian, after all.

Despite the serious stakes, there's a lot of humor as Judith and Dacian go undercover with their little vampire friends who help them with them magic (it's part of this fantasy world). We also get some touching scenes with Robert, the illegitimate son of Judith's late husband. All in all, a charming, fun adventure with a nice dash of romance.

This is a spin off series, but one that stands alone beautifully. There's mention of Judith's children, who are in the first series, but her character doesn't rely on being a mother. It's wonderful to see a mature character in the lead role!

And how cute is that cover?

📖: Lady Avely's Guide to Lies and Charms (Matronly Misadventures #2)

✍️ By: Rosalie Oaks- I read Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic and gave it 5 ⭐. ***You need to read book #1 first***

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Parkerville Press, and Rosalie Oaks for this ARC 💚! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

🗓️ Publication Date: 11-13- 24 | Read: 11-17-24

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Gaslamp Fantasy

Tropes: slow burn romance, midlife age heroine, 2nd chance romance, vampiri, magic, forced proximity, gothic/haunted house, a quest/journey companions, found family, secret identity

🌏Setting: Regency England

⚠️ TW: murder, kidnapping

☝🏾POV: 3rd person single

💭 Summary: After nine years Judith and Dacian reunite to clear his name from the accidental death of Lord Charles Garvey. Dacian thought Judith was compromised by Lord Garvey at a house party and attempted to save her. He used his powers and Garvey hit his head on a statue of Apollo and died. He and Biscuit faked a duel, left Garvey for his family to find, and Dacian fled to Spain. He didn't contact Judith in those nine years, but their feelings for each other haven't changed.


🚺Heroine: Lady Judith Avely-a Discerner-able to detect lies

🚹Hero: Duke of Sargen/Dacian-an Impactor-able to strikes blows

🎭 Side Cast

✓ Robert Steer-Judith's deceased husband Nicholas's illegitimate son
✓ Wooten-Dacian's vampiri companion
✓Marigold-Judith's vampiri companion
✓Lord Anthony Triskett/Biscuit-Dacian's childhood friend
✓ Selina Pelling/Southcott- was engaged to Lord Garvey as a child
✓ Lady Isobel Vosse- had an affair w/ Dacian, still wants him
✓Mrs. Harriet Bollopher-Lord Charles Garvey's ex mother-in-law, Georgina's paternal grandmother
✓Georgina-Lord Garvey's daughter from his 1st marriage
✓Lord Charles Garvey-was engaged to Selina Pelling but was too old for her
✓Lord Kenneth Garvey-made Duke after his brother's death, his mother favored Charles over him
✓Yvette Belfleur- a new vampiri who hides the identity of her companion
✓Musors Custos-The Guardians of the Musing punish those who misuse their Gifts.

🤔 My Thoughts: This was a novel with amateur sleuthing, misdirection, suspects, deduction, and supernatural phenomena. Judith and her gang tried to clear Dacian's name and find the actual killer. Judith and Dacian were at odds because they were setup to push each other away. I didn't care for the constant squabbling because it became redundant. Judith and Dacian did the dance of will they/won't they in the last book. Robert got to use his magic to bemuse, and I laughed out loud at "Mr. Fortnew's" moustache. I fear Robert may betray Judith down the line because of his loyalty to his mother, but I'm just guessing. It ends on a cliffhanger but is a nice setup for book #3.

🌶️: Spice 2/5
😭: Emotion 3/5
❤️: Couple 3/5
⭐️: Rating 3.5/5