A Love Most Daring

From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper Romance meets gripping mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.

Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.

With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.

©2026 Joanna Barker (P)2026 Shadow Mountain Publishing

Spectacular

This was a spectacular book and performance! The story had clean romance, suspense and danger, and wonderful character growth! The narrator did an amazing job with emotions, had a very believable Scottish burr, and a pleasant listening voice! I loved the story and spent several enjoyable hours listening to it. The water gardens were a favorite part of my experience, and now I’d love to see some for myself!

Outstanding!!!

I adore this book!!! it was so difficult and distracting to try to make it through my day until my time to relax and read I absolutely love the characters in the story. The narrator was incredible bringing the characters even more to life. It was super fun to be able to spend time with Jack and Ginny and Mr. Denny’s and Verity!! Highly recommended!

Refreshing new story line

Different story line, which was very good and interesting. I enjoyed the story and would recommend.

Brilliant!

Brilliant. This is a book that makes me feel I must reevaluate my 5-star rating system. It is so good. So so good. It puts a mere 5-stars to shame.

This is a truly gripping book, and it’s intense. It’s written in the first person and you can FEEL the scenes, the fear of the moment, her pounding heart... And yet the intensity of the book is perfectly balanced by the sharp wit and one-sided banter of our FMC. It’s intense, yes, but not in the stressful and anxious way I hate. It’s thrilling and gripping and I HAD to know what would happen next.

At first I feared the FMC was going to be one of those annoyingly frivolous characters, but that fear was quickly put to rest. Beatrice is awesome. She’s optimistic, unfiltered, and cuttingly sharp with her wit. She’s unexpected and charming, brave and resilient, yet believable and REAL.

I loved this book. Every page. Ridiculously, incredibly, good… And unreservedly recommended 🤓

Content:
There is no foul language or sex. There’s violence, but it’s not gory or excessive. The romance is limited to heated but lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.

Love this author!

I loved this book! I love the suspense and romance. I love regency era books, but they’re always so much better when there’s mystery/suspense/humor with the romance. I liked how Beatrice was spunky and funny. Definitely a good clean listen.