Secret of the Sonnets is a must-read for those who enjoy stories set in the Regency era! Author Samantha Hastings uses wit and humor to tell of the search for some of William Shakespeare's lost papers, and I can't think of two better characters to be involved in the hunt! Miranda Hatch and Lord Robert Hamilton couldn't be more different but together, they are a force to be reckoned with. I loved the bantering interaction, their increasing awareness of each other, and the amazing chemistry that's both sweet and tantalizing. Will Miranda continue to believe that she doesn't "desire to be helpmeet or an obedient wife"?

Hastings is a new-to-me author and I love the way that she developed this story. She began each chapter with one of Shakespeare's sonnets and included many historical references to add to my interest, but I was totally captivated by the intrigue and romance! Secret of the Sonnets is a delightful story and I recommend it to all who enjoy Regency romance.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

“Robert leaned forward, placing his lips on hers, and it was as if all the sonnets and love poems ever written were for such a moment as this.”

Thoroughly enjoyed Secret of the Sonnets! Samantha Hastings is a new to me author and I will definitely be reading more of her books. This story is a refreshing new take on Regency romance with a Shakespeare tie-in that was well done. Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan or not, the mystery surrounding his works continues today and this story provides an interesting twist to part of the mystery. There’s also a sizzling but clean romance with plenty of wit and humor thrown in.

Opposites definitely attract when Miranda Hatch, a 26 year old bluestocking scholar from the working class with a love of Shakespeare meets the handsome but poor Marquess, Lord Robert Hamilton who is more into horses than the Bard. Miranda is a force to be reckoned with. She’s quick witted with a dry sense of humor. Robert is thoughtful and charming but left with heavy financial burdens from his father’s reckless investments, and a mother who has no idea what the word economy means.

When Lord Hamilton receives two separate inquiries into a long lost relative’s ties to Shakespeare, he hopes that this may somehow be an answer to his financial woes. He and Miranda work together to search for the lost Shakespearean sonnets and along the way find intrigue and romance. But is their love enough to overcome class differences or will Robert be forced to marry a wealthy heiress if they can’t solve the mystery?

This is definitely an author I’ll keep an eye on. I enjoyed all the references to Shakespeare and the swoon-worthy romance. Robert’s mother was awful and it was satisfying to see her get her comeuppance. It’s always fun to try a new author and I definitely recommend giving Samantha Hastings a try. Looking forward to the next book in the series she teases at the end. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )