I love this author, and this book did not let me down. The characters captured my heart. There was romance, murder, intrigue, exotic settings. My English lord made me swoon. I had no complaints with this story. This was a fast read that I never wanted to end.

The Proper Romance line gets better and better. This was a lovely story with mystery and romance. That is my favorite combo. And a book by Nancy Allen makes it all the more enjoyable. I love Nancy's books.

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend’s sister, Sophia Elliot. He is more than certain that she has feelings for him too. But his plans to court her properly are overpowered by higher forces. He has to resume his role as undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document that includes a list of the names of all the Crown’s secret spies, as well as his own has gone missing. In order to protect Sophia and his loved ones, he cuts all ties to them and resumes his cover life of the womanizer playboy.

After Anthony’s departure, Sophia is heartbroken and confused. She is now not sure if she had mistaken Anthony;s behavior of anything more than a kind and gentle friend’s. Therefore, she travels to India, hoping to find herself and peace somewhere that doesn’t remind her of him. Instead, he is exactly what she finds, as well as a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder and a plot that could involve the prince of India.

This story is so much more than a romantic love story. Sophia is such a wonderful young woman. She cares about other people, especially about little children and young ladies in a way no other person would. She is clever and smart and brilliant and she seems to adapt oh so easily in any case and every scenario. She doesn’t just change her mind of what she had been thinking of Anthony over the past few years that he was away, but she slowly and steadily comes in peace with the current situation.

The story takes place entirely in India, which as the Regency times this was such a fascinating place. Princes and princesses, riding elephants and wearing colorful and vivid saris is something that if used in the right way can present a wonderful picture! And the author did a wonderful job with the descriptions of places, flowers and walks around the bazaar.

The love story was very sweet. They both had feelings and they had their reasons to be careful about how they treat each other and what the show, but one cannot really hide love, can they? They were such a beautiful couple and I really liked how they seemed so good together! Having the same way of thinking and the same beliefs!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the setting; I have read many regency romance novels and this is the first one I've read that took me to India. The author used great imagery that helped transport me into that time and place. I loved the premise of the romance between the characters and how we were able to watch it blossom.
Thank you for the series A Proper Romance. I love knowing that I can enjoy a romantic story without worrying about unexpected content.

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend's sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies-including his own-has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy. Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn't as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned. She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won't confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?
This book just didn’t work for me. From the description of the book, I was hoping for a good mysterious romance, but that’s not what I got. Everything was pretty much by the book and expected. The characters were pretty standard. I just didn’t like it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was not my favorite read but I enjoyed the setting of India. I found it very difficult to get into and made myself finish it.. I find it difficult to recommend a book I have not really enjoyed.

This was an enjoyable story. I felt for the hero as he couldn’t tell the heroine the truth about his situation or his job, and had to hide his true feelings from her. There was a sweet heroism in this act of nobility (being a military man of his word, but secretly loving her, all while unable to disclose either secret). The book is aptly named.

The hero and heroine were likable, and I sympathized with each of them. In a subtle way, one of the themes in this story was choosing to do the difficult task even when it hurts, just because it was right. The pain of that choice kept me wanting to get back to this story.

There’s a great conflict as the story progresses, which I will not disclose here as it would be a spoiler, but it throws another challenge into their relationship and is rather humorous.

This publisher's "Proper Romance" collection is one of my favorites. I recommend this book. Such a pleasure to read.

I love that this took place away from England. I don't know anything about India, especially during that time period so I can't tell you if it was realistic or not, and honestly, since the British tried to make everything British there wasn't much to the setting being in India.

Since Anthony and Sophia already fell in love, this book isn't really, I felt, about their relationship. It's about making circumstances happen so they can get back together. I didn't have any problems with that. I didn't mind that their relationship was already established. It made sense in my brain and I ran with it.

It's a mind candy mystery. If you are looking for something deep you probably aren't going to get it. But if you are looking for a quick "proper romance" to escape into, this would do the trick.

I'm sorry to say I could not finish this book. Before I requested an ARC, I made sure to read previous reviews and the majority of them were very positive. This is why I am so very surprised and disappointed that after having to call it quits after six chapters...

I did like Sophia and her unrelenting sarcasm toward her romantic interest, but other than that I did not feel anything between any of the characters' exchanges. I don't know what else to say, this book failed to catch and maintain my attention.

Nancy Campbell Allen introduces Anthony, Earl of Wilshire, former spy for the British government, who was recalled to find a missing Janus document with the names of English agents; if it falls into Napoleonic hands those agents could die. Anthony follows the document to India where he reunites with the love of his life. Sophia Elliott. Between them romance reignites and intrigue and murder follow the Janus document in this excellent regency romance, Secret of the India Orchid.

I had just read another historical novel before I started this one, so I wasn’t really in the mood for another historical romance. My NetGally backlog was glaring at me from my Kindle though, and I knew I did have to read this sooner rather than later. All that said, I did still enjoy this story.

The first chapter was a little boring for me, but completely necessary for the plot. I enjoyed the story quite a bit actually. I was expecting a little more James Bond or Jason Bourne with the spy stuff, but it was (thankfully) not like that at all.

Both the hero (Lord Anthony Wilshire) and heroine (Sophia) are well thought-out and interesting. I especially enjoyed how strong-willed Sophia was, especially in a time where women were expected to be the opposite. The chemistry between them was also quite fun, especially as he had to watch her be admired by other men, while secretly still in love with her.

What I loved most about this book, however, is that while it is most certainly a romance, I think it was more of a mystery. Both Anthony and Sophia are trying to solve the disappearance/possible murder of… well, they actually don’t know who at first! I always find it fun to try and guess whodunnit in mystery novels and this was no different. In this book there are a number of suspects and though I wasn’t ENTIRELY surprised by the answer, I also didn’t exactly see it coming, so that’s a good thing! Additionally there were a couple other subplots that tied in with the murder plot, adding more interest and intrigue.

Should you read it? Overall this was a solid historical mystery romance. I haven’t read a lot of historical romance to compare this to, but I enjoyed it quite a bit and think it’s worth taking a chance on.

This is a lovely Regency romance, set in India and including a plot of espionage and secret identities. Of course, Anthony's work to recover the stolen document comes between him and Sophia, and he can't tell her a thing about it. Much of the book is the couple angsting over their feelings for each other that they think they cannot act on. There are also many details about the company they keep, shared in a formal manner, but I didn't find it interesting since it didn't relate to the main characters or show me more about them. I found myself skimming to get to the parts where things progressed in the spy plot or Anthony and Sophia's relationship. I didn't find myself connecting to their emotions but rather felt like an observer as they go through the motions of being just friends when they each secretly wish for more. Overall it was somewhat entertaining but I wished for something more that would compel me to care more about the characters and their future together.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Even though this book read quite quickly I was waiting the whole length of the book for something significant to happen and until 85% in the plot was not moving any closer to its logical resolution... Until, bam, sudden reveal, all wrapped up, everyone happy.

I feel like there was no tension or anything else in this book that could engage me. The romance was polite but way too bland and there was no real opportunity for the characters to truly shine. And the dialogue sometimes seemed a bit too stereotypical. A real pity as the setting was so mesmerizing and such a story could really shine with stronger execution and plot.

Somehow the fact that this novel is part romance completely missed me when I requested an ARC. Had I known it was a romance novel, I would have skipped it, because I’m human and we tend to stick with what we know. But I’m glad I picked it up because I ended up thoroughly enjoying it!

It’s so difficult writing characters who are complex and likeable, but, for me, the author nailed it perfectly. A book is always easier to read when you like the characters you’re supposed to.

In terms of the plot, I enjoyed reading about the history between Sophia and Anthony, their funny encounters across the voyage to India, and about the mystery that was to unravel – a missing document containing information that could put all of their lives at risk.

The fact that this novel is set in India also sets it apart from other novels of this genre. It was interesting reading Sophia’s take on being in a completely new country. I managed to devour this book in mere hours and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a light read with a very satisfying ending.

Author Nancy Campbell Allen has written a fantastic historical regency romance novel with a touch of mystery that readers will absolutely love. Filled with excitement, intrigue, espionage, adventure, and heart throbbing romance, readers will at once be pulled into the story and not want to come out. Not only is the story enticing and well-written, but the characters are brought to life in Allen’s unique way of writing. This is an exciting new story that takes place in British India that readers will not want to miss!!

Series: Proper Romance
Genre: historical, regency, romance, mystery
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Publication date: August 1, 2017
Number of pages: 320

The Secret of the India Orchid is about Sophia Elliot who has recently risen from a ladies maid to Miss Sophia Elliot due to her brother inheriting a title. The transition from ladies maid to a lady gave her a different perspective on life that is extremely appealing to the allusive Anthony Blake whom she is one hundred percent in love with. Anthony up and leaves one day by sending her a letter which basically dashed any of her hopes that her love might be returned by him. After mourning the loss of Anthony Blake Sophia decides it’s time for an adventure and sails to India. She meets some adventurous friends and discovers that the man she came to escape and move on from is impossibly in India also. Lots of rumors have been flying as to what Anthony has been doing since he left London. Sophia must figure out what is real and what is reality. While she is figuring out what her heart is feeling there are events surrounding her such as the mystery of a missing sea caption, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India.

This book was such a pallet cleanser for me in between more intense books. Sophia was a bit dramatic at times for me, but I feel like that might just be true of women during that time period. I enjoyed reading about the friends she meets during her stay in India. My favorite character being Rachael Scarsdale. I must admit though that the reason I enjoyed this character so much is because the author chose to spell her name just like mine which is a very rare occurrence. The story alternates between Sophia and Anthony perspective. It’s fun to get into the minds of both characters. I also appreciate the Anthony flat out gets annoyed with Sophia at times but still loves her.

The thing I really appreciate about the Proper Romance line of books is that they can be recommended to your friend, your mom, or your Grandma. The books don’t have any questionable content and are fun easy books to read with a sweet love story in between the pages.

This book follows the Sophia, the younger sister of Jack Elliot, who we met in the book My Fair Gentleman. Sophia traveled to India to forget the man who broke her heart two years before. That plan is thwarted, however, when he hands her out of the carriage upon her arrival.

Anthony Blake has his own reasons to be in India that he cannot tell Sophia. He looks forward to renewing their friendship, although he hopes for more.

Before long both Anthony and Sophia are caught up in mystery and intrigue involving stolen documents, murder, and more.

I learned a bit about British India as well as a little bit about the Indian culture at the time. I wish the relationship between Anthony and Sophia had been more developed - it relied heavily on their past and on us being told that they both still loved each other.

This is a standalone book. While reference is made to events in My Fair Gentleman, you could read this book without having read the other. Of course, you should read My Fair Gentleman if you have the chance!

I love this Proper Romance line because it's a guarantee I'm going to get a fun and clean read.
There's something about India during the Regency times that is so fascinating. The exotic location and foreign people and customs almost force these people to band together, as they strive to maintain their upper class identities. It's very interesting to see single women go there in hopes of securing a match when England proves fruitless.

Sophia is a very strong-willed and self-reliant young lady and when a potential suit with her brother's best friend doesn't materialize, she heads to India, only to discover that Anthony is there too. Of course, Anthony has his reasons for abandoning the blossoming relationship, but he can't tell Sophia.

My favorite moments of the book are found in the intrigue and mystery, as well as in the flirtatious interactions between Anthony and Sophia. The intrigue and mystery is well done and I couldn't figure out the who and whys surrounding it. I almost felt like I was playing the game Clue. As for the rest of the story, it is sweet and gentle, but I had a little trouble fully engaging. There are many instances when the characters are mourning the loss of what could've been, which is understandable, but I wanted to feel a little more connected to the emotion.

This is a pleasant read, especially for those who enjoy a Regency story out of the norm.

Content: mild, non-descriptive violence (murder, etc); mild romance (kissing).
*I received a copy to review, which did not influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.*

Nancy Campbell Allen is one of my favorite authors and she has really outdone herself with this one!

Anthony Blake believes he has found the love of his life in Sophia Elliot. She is kind and thoughtful, smart and beautiful. She's everything he could ever want and after the war and the spying he was asked to do, he's ready to settle down and reach for happiness. But when the Crown comes calling with another dangerous assignment, he can't turn it down---everyone he loves is in danger, including Sophia. Anthony is forced to throw away the one chance at love he's had and it breaks his heart. Yet, two years later, he's thrown together with Sophia and his feelings haven't changed. But his dangerous assignment isn't over and Sophia is right in the middle of it now. Can he protect her from those who want to cause her harm without revealing his true feelings? Or will he be forced to push her away again and lose any shred of happiness he might have found?

I loved this story. Anthony is a strong hero who isn't perfect, but tries his best to take care of his responsibilities, no matter how distasteful. I love how much he valued Sophia for more than her beauty or talents, but for the things her background had taught her, her observant tendencies, and how much trust he placed in her during dangerous situations. I thought their relationship was very believable and I felt all the emotions swirling around them as they tried to figure out if they could ever be together. The setting is outstanding, the author is able to convey the feeling of India with the tastes and scents, along with the scenery. She definitely did her research and incorporated it seamlessly into the story.

This is also a mystery and I could not for the life of me figure out who the villain was until right before it was revealed! I had my suspicions, of course, but you know it's a good mystery when there are several people who could be the culprit and each one had motive and means!

I really didn't want this story to end and it will definitely go on my rainy day shelf to be read again. I highly recommend it for those who love a good mystery mixed with an even better romance.