Loved, loved, loved this second instalment in Alison Goodman’s Dark Days series set in regency England.

In The Dark Days Pact Lady Helen learns more about the Dark Days Club and what it means to be a Reclaimer. She has intensive training with Lord Carlston in how to recognise and when necessary fight the Deceivers who live in the midst of Society.

Lady Helen along with her maid Darby, have retreated to the seaside town of Bath. This is where her training takes place under the watchful eye of Lord Carlston and his aides. The Duke of Selburn continues his pursuit of Helen, wanting to marry her for her protection and to keep her away from Lord Carlston. There is a very interesting dynamic between the three, with Helen trying to keep the peace.

I found it fascinating to again read how Alison imparts her knowledge of the era into the narrative, it is all so real and believable. While reading you absorb knowledge of how life was lived in 1800’s England, both for commoners and nobility.

At times Helen finds herself torn between Lord Carlston and her superiors at The Dark Days Club. Her oath has meaning and she struggles with the conflict in loyalty. There are also two characters that you “love to hate” who are really well written.

Finally we have some conclusion to the unspoken feelings of Lady Helen and Lord Carlston for each other. Yet there is still unfinished business – can they truly be together? Circumstances and the morals of High Society do not allow for the conclusion we as readers are hoping for.

I found the end of Lady Helen and the Dark Days Pact particularly exciting, I can’t wait for the third part of this series.

~ Kerryn, QBD Northland