***This review first appeared with RT BOOK REVIEWS***

Allyn offers readers a bit more adventure than the typical Regency, with a mad dash across enemy territory, fraught encounters with the Napoleon himself, and dangerous assassins. All the elements of a solid romance are here and readers may be charmed by the adventure. But the character arcs are less satisfying, with much of the conflict derived from simplistic assumptions and resolution taking place as interior monolog. The heroine is sweet and likeable but the hero is a bit wooden. Not overly complex but a solid page-turner.

SUMMARY: Targeted by traitors, Marielle Petersham, Duchess of Stonegreave, is left with a tattered reputation, a dead fiancé, and no future. When her reckless cousin is caught up in a doomed assassination plot, she has nothing to lose by chasing after him to save him from himself. Unfortunately, her actions play into the hands of the same traitor who set her up, and put her in the crosshairs of England’s intelligence service. Captain Sir Richard Campion is assigned to get close to her and put a stop to a plot that could throw post-Napoleonic Europe into chaos. She’s a suspected traitor and he is loyal to the core. Soon they realize that their stars are aligned, but will they survive to have a future together?

My first book by this author. I just enjoyed the story very much and will be looking out for more books by this author. I can honestly recommend this book

An unusual story of intrigue and romance at the time of napoleons first defeat. Lots of international intrigue.

I started to read this book but ended up just skimming through it. I generally like spy novels, but this one was hard to follow.

I am giving a fair and honest review in return for this ARC. So many intertwined characters and so much intrigue. It was not as heavily romantic as I would normally prefer but well written.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley.

This novel is an entertaining romp through the dangerous and unstable last days of Napoleon's reign. Centered around a fictional plot to assassinate Napoleon before he can be sent into exile, this novel plays fast and loose with the historical record, but I find it hard to find that too objectionable as the novel is fiction and does not purport to be anything else. Those seeking educational material on the Napoleonic Wars and any assassination plots would be better served by the reference section. That said, without giving away any spoilers, there are too many coincidences, fortuitous occurrences, etc. that simply require too much suspension of disbelief for this novel to live up to its full potential. The main characters are well-developed and have great chemistry, however, some of the minor players are almost caricatures of what villains, servants, etc. would be. Overall, this novel is a fun, light read, good for fans of historical romance looking to while away a lazy afternoon.

Marielle Petersham, Duchess of Stonegreave, retired from society after a particularly notorious indiscretion, the ton has dubbed her the French Duchess. She’s trying to restore the family name & wants to avoid further scandal at all costs. Captain Sir Richard Campion despises his childhood friend Mari for the mess she made of her life, especially since it led to his best friend’s death. But now Richard has been tasked by the Crown to stop a plot to assassinate King Louis that could plunge Europe back into war. Marielle is the one person who holds a clue to the plotters, and so he must seek her out and discover where her loyalties lie, even if it involves a bit of subterfuge, he then learns that there’s also a plot to assassinate Napoleon before he begins his exile on Elba.
A very enjoyable read that had lots of action, which was kept up throughout the book. The characters were well developed. Mari has been manipulated for years, Richard thinks the worst of her but his opinion is gradually changed as they spend more time together. Mari does find herself in dangerous situations but does try to extricate herself however Richard does play the part of knight in shining armour at times. A well written book that kept me turning the pages, I took the historical events for what they were – fiction. I look forward to more from the author

Overall, this book was decent. I didn't love it or hate it. I will say that if French history during the time of Napoleon interests you, then this book might be for you, And although there was some chemistry between our h and H, the passion between two people falling in love was missing for me. I think some more back story about what happened in the past with the h, the villain, and her father would have added a pleasant layer to the story that was missing. I'd say to give this book a try if Napoleonic history is interesting to you; however, if you're looking for a good romance, you may want to pass on this book.

2.5 Stars

I found this book enjoyable albeit a little slow. It took me a while to get into the Mari's and Richard's story. The plot revolves around their platonic like to hate to love relationship. While there is adventure and suspense as the synopsis hints, I would have preferred more.

I did not find Napoleon's part in all this believable. This is historical fiction, but much of the events are pulled from true history (as is the case surrounding this plot: an assassination attempt (false) of Napoleon before he can surrender). I feel his portrayal didn't stay true to his character.

I did like the roles Mari and Richard donned throughout the story. They played off of each other well, even when they didn't like each other. The "bad guys" in all of this were a little caricature for my liking. Too much talking about the why and how instead of just being mysterious and evil.

However, I enjoyed Mari's cousin, Rene. I could see him getting his own book if this turns into a series and I'd be interested to see what personality his love interest would have.

What a way to spend the afternoon!
The book's leads are Richard and Mari who find themselves crossing the sea, traveling to and from England and France to stop an assassination attempt on Napoleon.
What begins as mistrust on Richard's part soon turns out to be a negative perception and the more time he spends with Mari, the more he realizes just how harsh the English society has been on her following the death of her husband, who was Richard's friend.
It's a historical romance and therefore it was no surprise that Mari would play the role of damsel in distress and Richard would be the knight in shining armor who would fall hopelessly in love with her. What I did come to appreciate was that Mari, though, she found herself in desperate situations, she did everything she could to try and get out of them by her own will. She was not as witty and cautious as Richard, especially in handling sensitive matters but her promptness at jumping into action made this quite the thrill.
I am in a romance mood this week, taking in as much as I can on love, passion and lust before diving into other genres and this was a great way to end my romance streak :-)

I did receive an advance uncorrected readers copy in exchange for my honest views and let's just say that it was a great read,however if you expect a serving of something steamy between Richard and Mari, I'd say you ought to hold your horses on that one. Nonetheless you'll enjoy their company as they set out on the mission.