Reading Not a Mourning Person

Where potions run technology and passions run deep.

A determined widow—Rachael Fasching doesn’t shy away from scandal. But living with the name of her murderous late husband? Intolerable. Her solution: find the most passionate, romantic man in all of England and marry him. When she discovers “dull and disagreeable” historian Avery Cantrell is the secret author of a book of warrior love poems, she takes the risk and sets out to woo him.

An ancient curse—Avery has spent his entire life searching for a cure to the ancient affliction that has made potions deadly to every male descendant of the Cantrell family line. He needs to marry, but he wants the matter addressed efficiently: no fuss, no delays, no timid virgins. Beautiful, enigmatic Rachael seems to be the perfect candidate.

Crime and passion—When news of a murder interrupts their wedding plans, Rachael and Avery stumble upon a mystery of forgotten magic and deadly secrets. Plots and poisons threaten their marriage-of-convenience. As they delve into the intrigue together, they discover they might have what it takes to hunt down a killer—and to find true love along the way.