Series: Ladies of the Order, #2
Traits & Tropes: damaged hero; mystery/suspense; forced proximity
Publication Date: 09.27.21
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 5 stars!
As a new enquiry agent, Rachel Gambit has been waiting for weeks to receive her first assignment. Now she’s been directed to meet a potential client at Vauxhall and told to follow an explicit list of instructions and locate the gentleman in the crowd of revelers, without any clues as to his identity. Then, if she’s able to find him, she must still pass a series of further tests before he’ll hire her.
Eli Hunter has to find a woman with enough skill to think on her feet and put on a good act, one who can help him uncover a traitor in the midst of the Order. Complicating matters for him, the available female agent awakens feelings he’s long since beaten down, crumbling his barriers little by little and unnerving him after the betrayal that caused him to seal off his heart. Eli and Rachel must work together in the midst of great danger while simultaneously dealing with their budding attraction.
I’ve probably said this before, but Adele has truly outdone herself this time. I adore the whole concept of the Order and both ladies and gentlemen leading somewhat unconventional lives and working behind the scenes to help others. This book delivered an excellent mystery, but it really shocked me with how deeply romantic it was. Eli has to be one of the sweetest and most open heroes I’ve ever read, all the while still maintaining an endearing air of vulnerability and past pain. Rachel and Eli were perfect for each other and I’m not sure I’ve ever made quite so many highlights whilst reading. Both had past traumas to deal with and were excellent at helping each other work through their issues in a supportive way. Their chemistry was readily evident from the start, and it was so refreshing to see them both willing to acknowledge it; that made the building tension even more special and engrossing to read. I loved that the mystery and suspense existed here in equal parts with a strong romance and that Eli and Rachel were up front and open about their feelings. I adored the fact that neither tried to play any games or play it coy about what they were coming to mean to each other and wanting a future together. That honesty and lack of angst was exactly what I wanted to read, and this story engrossed me completely. I savored every word of this story and it’s my favorite thing that I’ve read in some time and it’s not to be missed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/551002929
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4211349632
Comments
Post a Comment