Series: Spies, #1
Traits & Tropes: reformed rake; familial connection; spy; titled hero;
Publication Date: 04.26.05
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England/Paris, France, Early May 1805
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 3.5/5
Alex Scarston, the Earl of Selbourne, is an inveterate rake but that reputation has also served him well in his efforts as an English spy in France. When family obligations see him looking into the seeming disappearance of Viscount Brigham’s son, Alex finds his heart at risk for perhaps the first time ever when the man’s daughter insists on involving herself.
Lucia Dashing, Viscount Brigham’s youngest daughter, doesn’t exactly want Alex gone, she’d just rather he weren’t around all the time so she could more easily ignore her attraction to him. With her brother missing, however, Lucia has no choice but to join forces with Alex, even if it means risking her safety and her heart.
This was definitely a more old-school story, with a classically rakish hero. And I mean he is a rake’s rake given the reaction women have to him, though he remains unaffected by anyone really once he sees Lucia. The number of other women who come onto him and try to make Lucia jealous without him noticing or shutting it down, however, was definitely frustrating. This story had a grittiness that most seem to shy away from, so I definitely appreciated that, and I enjoyed the action. I could’ve done without the hero’s frequent contact with other women, but otherwise, I did enjoy this story and I think Lucia and Alex made a very believable couple with strong chemistry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2465009609
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/245406194
Comments
Post a Comment