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 just finished reading this book last night. I needed something that was entertaining without bogging me down or having to think too much about the many different layers of the story line. This book did the trick. I enjoy when the female lead character tries to “help” the male lead character, usually when it’s the last thing that he really needs. A lighter book but quite entertaining. Throw in the Christmas holiday season and a delightful house party it had it all. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
I love reading this story, especially when they come with series. Love and spy story is very entertaining.
Spies, love, intrigue, poison and suspense.
This is a wonderful continuation of the series
This book is a wonderfully written continuation of the series. It consists of three short stories that are crafted brilliantly, with characters that have been portrayed with a strength to overcome their problems and obstacles. This book is suitable for all those who love historical romances that have plenty of suspense and intrigue
Predictable outcome but enjoyable reading to get there. Historical romance novels are fun entertainment.
Well written and kept me engaged. Loved the story and all the characters.
This is a good Regency romance. The characters are likable. There’s a little twist to the story, and there could easily be another book based around a couple of the minor characters.
Steaming romance that keeps you turning the page.
A delightful story with well developed characters and a great story line. Well worth buying and reading.
Good read.
I thought this was a fun read with lots of intrigue and mystery! I always enjoy the books written by this author:)
I won this book from Goodreads. It was a very wonderful short novella. I can’t wait to read more of this storyline. It is about a young woman who is in love with her brother’s friend and they are both British spies during the time of Napoleon, and after. She wants to help at a Christmas gathering and he doesn’t her to get hurt. But she ends up helping him to stop the murder plot against the Prince Regent, and he finally tells her that he cares and asked him to marry her. A wonderful story.
An interesting story of devoted love!
Regency romances are my least favorite books to read. The idea of the simpering female, helpless until some gorgeous man arrives to save her simply nauseates me. While there is plenty of simpering, there is a strong, smart heroine in this book.
Another thing I don’t like about books of this genre is you can usually see the outcome a mile away. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I’d placed my bets on a red herring. You know there is a happily ever after, but you don’t see the twist in the tale until Delecki wants you too.
The steamy parts were of course, steamy. More so than any 19th century Miss would a) allow, and b) be able to handle. But if you can suspend your belief enough to buy into a family of spies (aging spinster aunt & little sister included), you’ll have no problem accepting the heroine’s forward responses to her paramour’s advances.
3.25 Stars
All that stands between Viscount James Ashworth and a much-anticipated quiet retirement is one simple assignment: protect the Prince Regent at a Christmas house party.
Lady Gwyneth Harcourt has a secret mission of her own: prove she’s worthy of joining the Code Breakers, winning the heart of the hard-headed viscount she’s loved since they were children.
This is the second book of the series & it could be read on its however we did met both Ash & Gwyneth in the previous book. This was a novella which I read in a sitting. I would have preferred a longer read as I felt both Ash & Gwyneth were a bit two dimensional & a longer book could have allowed for their characters to be more fully developed. The pace was good & the next book was nicely ‘set up’. I did feel a couple of issues weren’t resolved eg Thomas the footman was he friend or foe?
A Christmas Code by Jacki Delecki is the second book in the Code Breakers series but it works well as a standalone novel.
The novella takes place in England during the Regency period. Viscount James Ashworth has one more assignment before he retires from being a spy. He needs to protect the Prince Regent who plans to attend a holiday party in the countryside. His childhood friend, Lady Gwyneth Beaumont, is his boss’ sister. She plans to attend the party as well. She wants to prove herself in more than one way. Her spying uncovers a secret and the plot unfolds.
The book is well written and you do get a feel for the times. I also learned more about how herbs and spices were stored during the times as well as how many of the aristocratic houses had a conservatory. There are also a number of secondary characters that play pivotal roles in the story. However, due to the shortness of the book, it felt a little rushed to me.
Will the Prince Regent survive? Who are the potential assassins? Will Lady Gwyneth make a good spy? Who finds romance? Read it to find out? While I felt the author’s book Mission: Impossible to Surrender was a much better book, this is an entertaining holiday historical romance/suspense.
Much too short. Short spy story that could have had more interaction of the characters
I enjoy the banter between the two main characters.
Average. Didn’t keep me too interested.
This author is not to be missed! Part of a series but good as a stand alone. I’m reading the series and love it! Great characters you really get to know. You really should read this author