Series: Bow Street Bachelors, #3
Traits & Tropes: hidden identity; titled hero; rank difference; law enforcement hero; reformed rake; soldier hero
Genre/Setting: Historical, Regency; London, England; 1816
Publication Date: 12.29.20
Heat Level: 3.5/5
Rating: 5/5
Sebastien Wolff, Bow Street agent, war hero, and newly made Earl of Mowbray, is a cynic after seeing his parents' tempestuous relationship. Even seeing his two best friends find love and marry isn't enough to make Seb believe in love, but a chance encounter with a lovely stranger in a brothel changes everything. When he learns the woman is Russian and possibly linked to the disappearance of a princess, Seb knows he must learn anything he can from her.
Princess Anastasia Denisova has been in hiding for over a year now, working as simple lady's companion Anna Brown. When her treasonous would-be suitor she's been running from turns up in London, Anya is left with no choice but to accept Sebastien's grudging offer of protection and lodging. But with Anya and Seb sharing close quarters in the apartments above his gaming hell, their attraction becomes nearly impossible to ignore. The threat against Anya is stronger than ever, but she must keep her true identity hidden, even from Seb, and when the truth comes out, his less than stellar reputation may render a future between them unattainable.
Despite a couple of rocky sections that made me unsure of it, this book wound up checking all my boxes for a good romance. I loved Seb's initial terror and reluctance to admit his feelings for Anya and his jealousy and protectiveness over her. They were so cute together and the hidden identity trope was quite well done here. I loved the danger elements and how they served to strengthen the relationship between Anya and Seb and they had to fight for their HEA. I loved that Anya recognized when she needed help and wasn't afraid to ask for it. The fact that Seb stepped up and provided that and protected her without smothering her. The chemistry between Anya and Seb was amazing and with everything they'd both been through, rooting for them was great fun, and I found myself savoring the read. This had excelled side characters, reappearances from the heroes and heroines of previous books, steamy scenes, suspense, a vile villain, a protective hero whose world has been upended by the heroine. In short, all the things that make a good read for me. I quite enjoyed this series of crime-fighting heroes and found it to be original and enjoyable. I'm sad to see it end, but I'm looking forward to what's next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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