James Cordier is all blue blood and entirely dangerous. He’s a master of disguise, a brilliant thief, a first-class lover—all for King and Country—and, by gad, he’s so weary of it. His last mission is to “acquire” a packet of incriminating letters from one notorious woman. Then he can return to London and meet sweet-natured heiresses—not adventuresses and fallen women.Francesca Bonnard has … Bonnard has weathered heartbreak, scorn, and scandal. She’s independent, happy, and definitely fallen; and she’s learned that “gentlemen” are more trouble than they’re worth. She can also see that her wildly attractive new neighbor is bad news.
But as bad as James is, there are others far worse also searching for Francesca’s letters. And suddenly nothing is simple—especially the nearly incendiary chemistry between the two most jaded, sinful souls in Europe. And just as suddenly, risking everything may be worth the prize.
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Loretta Chase is such a gifted author! Her stories are always rich and unique, her characters unusual and remarkable, but this one definitely breaks the mold of the Regency expectations. The heroine is a courtesan, the hero a spy, and both are jaded and experienced in the world, neither prone to romantic notions or foolish ideals. The battle of …
Feeding my love of thrilling adventure HistRom, this fabulous tale from Loretta Chase, set in Venice, delivers on every front.
* an exotic location (cue steamy gondola shenanigans)
* a hero with a mission (our Regency 007 must retrieve incriminating letters, with the fate of all Britain at stake)
* a heroine living by her own rules (divorced …
I’ve read this story several times, the characters are so entertaining and their adventures are fascinating. Set in Venice with opera, gondolas, spies and disguises, as well as lots of falling in the canals, the action is varied, and full of fun.
Ms. Chase knows how to develop a story and characters! I read everything she writes.
A wonderfully enticing story with many colorful characters that unfolds in and around beautiful Venice. With well written descriptions, one can easily imagine the engaging night scenes of Piazza San Marco, of gondolas gliding along the Canal Grande and of the luxurious Venetian palazzi. There is intrigue, action packed scenes, witty banter and …
I wasn’t interested enough in the fate of two bed-hoppers to finish it. I deleted it.
I usually like this author’s books but was only able to get halfway through this one. Did not like either of the main characters.
Fun twist on a regency romance.
This wasn’t my favorite Loretta Chase book. I had a difficult time believing either of the main characters or their motivations; maybe there just wasn’t enough back story on either.
I love her books. She always writes about strong women who are not your little innocent. They have live a life not for the faint of heart . She always does it with humor. Highly recommend her books to anyone greatest historical .
The characters were imperfect people who had survived despite the pressure put on them from a hypocritical society. I really enjoyed how they discovered love despite their jaded view of the world.
This was a fun read
A favorite title by a favorite author.