All that stands between Viscount James Ashworth and a much-anticipated quiet retirement is one simple assignment: protect the Prince Regent at a holiday house party.But there’s one thing this seasoned spy didn’t count on–his childhood friend, Lady Gwyneth Beaumont, who has blossomed into an enticing, passionate hellion.Gwyneth herself has a secret mission of her own: prove she’s worthy of … her own: prove she’s worthy of joining the Code Breakers and win the heart of the hard-headed viscount she’s loved since they were children. Yet when her spying uncovers a secret so shocking the enemy would kill for it, she’s thrown head-first into a dangerous world of intrigue, deceit, and treachery.
With Ash by her side, Gwyneth is unstoppable. Soon the notorious rake realizes that the woman he’d always considered off-limits is his perfect match, this Christmas and forever after–if only they can survive long enough for that mistletoe kiss.
Readers are loving The Code Breakers Series!
“The plot lines were never slow and the author was able to keep me interested throughout the whole series (that I read in 1 night!)” – Goodreads Reviewer,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”Another wonderful book with the perfect ending! – Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”I loved the story! The story was wonderfully told and kept the reader involved with the story line.“- Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it the way I wanted to. For two adults, Ash and Gwenyth spend too much time behaving like love-sick tweenagers. Perhaps it was the short format of this story, but the plotting felt a little heavy-handed and the sense of deus ex machina was overwhelming. Everything happened at exactly the right time and our leading couple knew exactly what to do – except with each other. There was no fumbling, no need to search for answers because Gwyneth was always in the right place at the right time, every time, to learn them. As a transition story in the middle of the series, it’s okay. But this doesn’t stand well on its own.
I loved the story! The story was wonderfully told and kept the reader involved with the story line. I loved how Ash was trying to keep his lady safe, while Gwen was trying to prove that she wasn’t a wilted flower and able to pull her own weight in helping out. She jumped right in when she needed to help! The plot lines were never slow and the author was able to keep me interested throughout the whole series (that I read in 1 night).
Lady Gwyneth Beaumont has been in love with Viscount James Henry Ashworth since she was 10 years old. Ash as he is known to his friends is the best friend of Gwyneth’s older brother Cordelier Beaumont – head of the British Secret Intelligence. Cord’s story is told in “A Code of Love” the first book in The Code Breakers Series. Ash is a spy for the British government. Lady Gwyneth longs for Ash to see her as a grown woman and not as the little girl who dogged his every step growing up.
When Gwyneth and Ash attend a Christmas house party, a plot to kill the Prince Regent is uncovered. Can they work together to uncover the assassin? Will Ash see Gwyneth as the lovely woman that she has become? Intrigue, danger and poison stalk their steps. This was a great romance. Although, not as strong as the first book and much shorter, it is still a delightful read.
“He pulled her hard against him and took her lips in a deliberate, demanding way. He held her tightly as his tongue darted in and out of her warm moisture. Once he felt her soften against him, he lightened the pressure of his lips and ran his tongue along the edge of her lower lip. ‘So sweet.’ And so innocent. What was he doing?”
I highly recommend this book.
A Christmas Code by Jacki Delecki is a quaint regency romance short story in the Code Breaker series. The story centers around Viscount Ashworth who has one last undercover mission for His Majesty’s service before he can retire to his family’s estate in the country. This relatively simple assignment to protect the Prince Regent at a Christmas party turns into anything but a simple assignment after his childhood friend, Lady Gwyneth, is nearly killed more than once.
Although it is obvious that Ash and Gwyneth have feelings for each other beyond mere friendship, we don’t get to see their relationship develop or mature, and to be honest, I just didn’t feel any chemistry between the two. That having been said, I did like how Ash came to realize that Gwyneth was smarter than the traditional single female and together they figured out who intended to kill the Prince Regent.
Pearl Hewitt did a fantastic job narrating, as she did with the first book in the series. She brought the characters to life giving each one their own distinct voice, both male and female characters. She also has great intonation and pace, making this an entertaining experience.
also a great read!
not well developed
Sweet but short so hard to really get into the characters. Predictable too.
Very poorly written, and clueless about the historical period.
A quick, fun, short Christmas story.
Cordelier Richard Beaumont, Earl of Rathbourne is reluctantly the earl and he carries a deep guilt over his brother’s death. He is intelligent, self-assured, and protective of his family and works for the Home Office. He has had a fascination with Henrietta for years. He liked the idea that she was not impressed with him 4 years ago and now wants to court her.
Lady Henrietta Ormand Harcourt is independent, smart, and fiercely protective of her own and longs for adventure. She has been taking care of her family since just after her come out when her mother became ill, then passed. Her family has been helping the government for a long time with code breaking and she is carrying on the tradition. She is hoping for a marriage where they are companions and helpmates, she refuses to be seen as only a broodmare.
Together Cord and Henrietta walk that fine line between attraction and propriety with grace and humor. Their strong personalities play off each other brilliantly. The fact that they, at first, unknowingly share a common goal/task makes the story fun and interesting. Cord finding himself wanting to protect Henrietta and the high-handed way he goes about it is charming. Henrietta’s Desire to be cherished and looked out for is handled so as not to make her a victim, but a true heroine. Both Cord and Henrietta are afraid to trust and depend on another; they are both used to being the one in charge. But I believe once they allow themselves the permission to trust and depend, it creates a stronger bond and a deeper love. The plot twists thrown in their way by the French characters add the perfect balance to their road to love. The secondary characters are fascinating. I loved the spunk of Cord’s aunt, Lady Euphemia Beaumont, she is a hoot! I look forward to more books by Ms Delecki.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.