A Sinister Revenge

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Edelweiss+)

3.75 stars. I was excited to get approved again for the next installment in the series. While an overall improvement from the last one (in my opinion), it didn't really pick up for me until the second half. Possibly related to the lack of banter between characters? At least the ending was an improvement over the last one lol.

Thank GOODNESS. Gratified to say I can now mark the book directly preceding this one as the only bad egg in the bunch for me and continue onto the latest book in the series with gleeful anticipation (almost caught up!)
The mystery and the shenanigans were engaging as always, but it was definitely the personal growth that made this book in particular satisfying for me. 
I loved the emphasis (a series constant, but more plot forward in this book) on feminist independence, the options available for women at the time, the power imbalance in making any decision in the face of the men in their lives. 
It's the perfect backdrop for Veronica to grapple with the idea of vulnerability and trust in a relationship, the fear of heartbreak but also losing her independence, without even considering  marriage (Thank you, Raybourn for not retracting that aspect of her character). The fact that she has the full book to recognize that her friendships and her relationship with Stoker are in jeopardy because she isolates herself, that the toxic notion of having ‘the upper hand(“whip hand” 😉)' in the relationship is challenged by the dreadful outcome of another love story, let's the reader experience Veronica's perspective and also enjoy the moment she realizes it's not serving her anymore. 
It still feels like a rarity to have healthy communication and an emotionally available male love interest which made Stoker's clearly expressed feelings about Veronica and what he needs from her emotionally to continue an intimate relationship, so refreshing. And the subsequent ‘your turn to woo me', endearing and steamy by turns. 
P.S. Always love when the story has a good bit of Tiberius. 😁 On to the next!