Phillip took a chance to spy on France and was followed by a traitorous duo known as Jean and Henri. The two caused many problems, but they were unfortunately not the only people who were determined to see Phillip fail. His schedule took him to a rendezvous with a family friend, Pierre Restoir, a smuggler who was coordinating efforts with the Widow Megaera Devoran. Red Meg, as she was known, was determined to save her home from ruin since her father and her dead husband had ignored the estate and spent all the money.

This author, Roberta Gellis, apparently did her homework with her history. Her extensive commentary of the timeframe was, as far as I could tell, quite accurate. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a more intensely graphic accounting. Gellis obviously takes her historical accounting seriously and I have to compliment her on her descriptive efforts. I am not accustomed in such a significant explanation in romance novels. That is not to say it was bad—just unusual to me.

I loved the way Gellis described her love interests. Each felt he/she was socially superior. They intended to accept each other regardless. Their happily-ever-after was well deserved. I recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance, especially with the emphasis on historical rather than the later. It is written so that almost any age group could read it.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
May 7, 2009