Anything is possible with a spying debutante, a duke, and a conspiracy.Miss Rosamund Smythe is finding the Marriage Mart a dead bore. She’d much rather continue working for her father as a spy than endure another minute of the Season. But things take an interesting turn when she overhears details of a plot against her childhood friend and first love. A family feud drove them apart years ago, but … apart years ago, but he still holds a special place in her heart, and she won’t let anyone hurt him—not now, not ever.
Alexander Milton, the new Duke of Wrentham, has always longed for a simple life. His tumultuous childhood taught him to appreciate peace and quiet above all else. Rose is the antithesis of everything he wants in a proper wife, but her beauty, intelligence, and loyalty call to him. And spending time with her to unravel the plot against him makes him wonder if the simple life he craves might be entirely overrated. Maybe he really does need a little adventure in his life.
But it soon becomes clear that a nefarious conspiracy is afoot—one that puts not only Alex’s freedom in danger, but Rose’s life. Can they overcome all that stands between them? Or will their second chance at love be snuffed out before it can even truly begin?
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This book gave an unexpected insight into the role of brave, intelligent young women in the post Napoleonic era.
Long lost childhood love with a whole lot of spying/conspiracy going on.
I have never been disappointed in Wendy’s books or her story lines. Her research for places and how things were run during the time period she writes about is always so fascinating.
I received an ARC from the author but was not persuaded to leave a positive feedback.
I enjoyed this very much and read it in a couple of days. Strong women are always entertaining even when a manly man has to come to her rescue!
Book could not hold my interest. I did what I rarely do and could not finish it.
It was fun to read (Mills & Boone type).
Women’s role in the ball room as information gathers and not just empty headed decorations was well written and believable. Interesting twists and turns. Refreshing in its plot turns.
Quick ending. Checked twice to make sure I read it correctly. Otherwise entertaining.
Loveable characters caught in the Hatfield and McCoy situation of the Regency era. Much intrigue mixed in with balls and theater engagements told in a sometimes amusing manner made for an exciting read. Knowing the bad guy early on didn’t detract from the story as what he wanted, how and why were yet to be determined. Well written with nothing to offend readers.
I really enjoyed this book.
This is the first book I’ve read by Wendy May Andrews and I really enjoyed it. It is a clean romance that was full of twists and turns and suspense. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rosamund Smythe is older than the other debutantes of the Little Season due to having spent several years in Vienna with her father. It was in Vienna where she ‘spied’ for him, learning information relevant to his work. Now in London, she overhears a plot to entrap the Duke of Wrentham and decides to take action.
Rose was a fun heroine to follow. I appreciated how much she felt a fish out of water in the situation she found herself in. She had time to grow up before her mother felt it necessary to find a husband. I felt the plot point of the ‘fued’ between the Smythes and the Duke of Wrentham a little weak. It could have been removed and I don’t think much would have changed.
The story is told, alternating between Rose and Alex (the Duke of Wrentham). Although, the viewpoint occasionally shifts to one of Rose’s friends and we even have one section where the “villian” has a conversation with his pawn where no one else is present. It was a bit jarring where these happen, but not so much it took me out of the story.
For readers looking for a clean Regency romance with a dash of mystery, I would recommend this!
This was a light romance with some mystery and intrigue. The plot was good but the book would have been better if the reason for the disagreement between the two families was told up front or at least some idea of the reason was hinted at. The reason is not disclosed until almost the end of the story. The characters were fun but it was very monotonous to have the characters repeat the same story/scene over and over to different people. Also the thoughts of characters seemed disorganized. The story bounced back and forth between the characters and their thoughts or feelings. There was also a lot of modern day terms and slang used which was a little disappointing.
A fantastic story, full of twists, mystery that will kept reading until the end…
Two childhood friends separated by pain and family feud… A new friendship will become in strange way….
Plot, danger and love in a perfect mix…
A book for all.
This story pulled me into the characters lives and feelings. Even though Rose and Alex’s families are at odds, Rose goes against her parents wishes to help out her old friend Alex. Things are not as they seem and Rose is more involved than she thought. As truths come out love will come through for these two. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Despite their families being at loggerheads, Rosamund is still attracted to her former best friend, the Duke of Wrentham. When she overhears a conversation plotting to entrap him, she feels that in spite of their families’ estrangement, she should nevertheless warn Alex about the plot against him. As the story evolves, it becomes clear that more is afoot than they first believed. The relationship between Alex and Rose is sweet and clean and although there is no great passion between them, they realise that their friendship still stands, despite the animosity between their warring families. Although there is an interesting, suspenseful plot, and even some romance, the story is mostly driven by conversations. I found the mix of old fashioned and modern language a bit jarring in parts. Nevertheless, it is a sweet story and comes to a happy close. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Family feuds, greedy plots, forbidden love and a miss with a sense of adventure, all in one book. Wendy May Andrews gives us a story with all of these plus great character descriptions and an easy flowing story line. It was fun finding out how Rose was going to see her former friend, Alex the Duke of Wrentham, when their families had not spoken to each other in 3 years. This is a well written story with strong main characters and supporting friends.