Sometimes you just have to tell your brain to shut up so you can hear what your heart's been saying...
The Secret of Flirting is not really an enemies to lovers story or a love at first sight story either. It's a story of two individuals with differing lives, differing points of view and differing experiences. Two individuals who just might not be so different after all.
Gregory is a nobleman from England who is involved in politics and espionage. Monique is an actress from France. The political climate of the time is such that that alone should keep them apart. Their social standing should do the trick if politics alone won't do it.
The Secret of Flirting is an interesting story of Lords and Ladies with an undercurrent of danger and mystery. Don't miss Sabrina Jeffrie's most recent release.

Fantastic read. I could not put it down. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Monique Servais was an actress, she also took care of her grand-maman. Her grand-maman was the Princess Solange of Chanay. Belgium broke from the Netherlands and now needed a ruler. So they set up the London Conference.to choose one and Princess Aurore was the most popular, she was neutral. Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham, he was there to keep the peace with all the delegates. When he was introduced to the princess, he recognized her as Monique Servais, but how to prove it?
I enjoyed this story.The way the princess and Gregory interacted was great. The characters were so lifelike and full of life. The plot had a few twists and the author took the bits and made it into this lovely tale. It was fun and sad, her grandmother was having trouble remembering things. She was afraid without anyone to watch while she worked, made her fearful for her safety. I highly recommend this book, I am sure you will love it as much as I do. I received this ARC for free and voluntarily reviewed it.

Wonderful flirty characters and an engaging plot. I grab any Jeffries book I can get my hands on and this one lived up to all her others.

Sinful Suitors #5, Leave it to me to find a series where I keep missing books, which in all honesty is fine it can be read as a standalone; there was only one part at the beginning where all the previous characters were stand around talking that I felt like I was missing out on something but it was a short scene. This was a fun book to read and Jeffries is always reliable for witty repartee and a great romance. The banter between Fulkham and Monique, especially the first time they meet, is so great it had me giggling and it only got better. The story does focus more on the relationship and them working out their feelings than the mystery of who is trying to kill the Princess but it worked for me. Fulkham is a spymaster and has made it his life's work to know everyone's secrets. Monique is the daughter of an actress and the granddaughter of a princess who was disowned when she ran away and married the man she loved an actor.
Fulkham is doing business in Dieppe and at the insistence of his brother's friend Hart they go to see a play. Hart guaranteed the lead actress a worth it, Fulkham is a bit peeved not only because Hart was right the lead actress is stunning and he can't seem to take his eyes off of her. But when Hart manages to get them backstage to meet her Fulkham is antagonistic and starts an argument with her; Monique hates the facts that she is attracted to him a pompous pig headed man who prefers tragedies over comedies. Three years later Fulkham and Monique meet again only this time she is Princess Anne of Chaney who is the running of becoming the new ruler of Belgium. Monique was approached by her Uncle to stand in for her cousin Princess Anne until she recovers from her illness in return Monique and her Grandmother who is suffering from dementia will be welcomed back home to the castle in Chaney. Fulkham keeps trying to trick Monique into revealing who he knows her to be but Monique is good. Fulkham is determined to find out why but when there is an attempt on Monique's life Fulkham switches gears to figure out who would want the Princess dead.

Fulkham and Monique have great chemistry, they are quite the pair. When the two meet again Monique is scared of what Fulkham can do, he has the power to out her as an imposter and ruin Anne's chance at ruling Belgium. She wants nothing more than to avoid him at all cost but Fulkham plays a very important role in the London Conference and Monique must play nice. The more time she spends with him the more she likes him and when he is determined to save her life rather than letting the charades go on she realizes just how much she loves him. But with so much still standing in the way of their happiness Monique must learn to trust Fulkham.

Overall, I did enjoy this one. You can always count on Sabrina Jeffries for a well written historical romance. The intrigue was well done and the literary license with the London Conference of 1830 was a nice touch. It happened but there was no Princess Anne in the running for ruler of Belgium.

The Secret of Flirting

Sinful Suitors Series - Book 5


By Sabrina Jeffries

Pocket - April 2018

Historical Romance



When Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham, was introduced to Princess Aurore of Chanay, he knew that she was a fraud. She was actually Monique Servais, a French actress he had met three years earlier, and never forgotten. Well, he was, after all, a spymaster. It had nothing to do with how she intrigued and challenged him. Then, and now.

Monique had claimed to forget Baron Fulkham, tried to cast him with so many others who had preconceived notions of the type of woman she was due to her profession. But his words had stayed with her. Yes she was an actress, but she was dedicated to the woman who had raised her. So much, in fact, that when the family who had cast out her grandmother so many years before comes to Monique with a solution for taking care of her grandmother, she knew she had to agree.

Monique convinced herself that nobody would ever imagine that the woman presented as Princess Aurore of Chanay, candidate to be ruler of Belgium, was a fraud. Of course, she never expected to come face to face with the infuriating Baron Fulkham.

The Secret of Flirting was the perfect ending to an exceptional series. After all the subterfuge Gregory has put so many of his acquaintances, friends and family, through over the years, it was only just that his own romance would involve intrigue. I highly enjoyed watching as Gregory tried to unravel the truth of the Princess Aurore, while Monique acted in the performance of a lifetime. I eagerly awaited his story, and am now saddened that we readers must say goodbye to such an enchanting cast of characters. However, I do look forward to seeing where Ms. Jeffries takes us next.





Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

It was a real pleasure to read the story of Gregory Vyse, Baron of Fulkham. He has had a part in each of the earlier Sinful Suitors stories by helping the heroes through political difficulties and each time he was in control of his emotions and passions. That's why he doesn't understand his reaction to the lovely actress, Mademoiselle Servais, when he meets her in France and then again in London. He's certain that she's an imposter and this entire affair could threaten his career as Under Secretary of State if his part in it becomes known. He has a terrible time controlling his actions and desires when he's near Monique or Princess Aurore of Chanay, as she is now known. Monique knows that she must keep her identity secret as she is playing a role of the lifetime, or her beloved grandmother will suffer, for she also remembers Gregory, and cannot give into this wild attraction.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

This is the 5th book in the"Sinful Suitors" series but can be read as a stand alone.This is the story of Baron Fulkam, Gregory, Spymaster and foreign minister, diplomat. And Monique Servais, actress, princess.
Monique takes on the role of Princess Aurore, her cousin, who is direct line for rulership to the principale of Chanay. She impersonates her to protect her and her grandmother.
Gregory has met Monique before. Not as princess Aurore, but as the actress, Monique Servais. So why is she posing as the princess and what is she up to? That is his mission to find out. When someone attempts to assassinate the princess, his mission changes to someone he needs to protect. This leads to many intimate moments and a love story in the making.
I liked this book a lot. I gave it only 4 stars because I felt like it dragged in spots.

Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham, is a spymaster and a foreign office undersecretary. He has big plans for his future. Currently, he is meeting the candidates who are being considered as the next ruler of Belgium. When he meets Princess Aurore of Chanay, he realizes that he’s met her before – only it wasn’t the princess he met, but actress Monique Servais. Three years ago, Gregory went backstage after a performance to meet Monique, only to find her less than receptive to his title or his good looks. In fact, their meeting was a series of snarky dialogue, which was really a cover for the sizzling attraction they were both feeling. Monique had an ailing grandmother to take care of, and no time for a flirtation with an arrogant Englishman.

Monique actually has ties to the royal family – she is cousin to Princess Aurore, and looks remarkably like her. Monique’s grandmother was disowned when she married an actor, and is now very ill. When Monique is approached by her uncle, with a mad scheme to impersonate the princess, who is also gravely ill, she accepts because the reward will allow her grandmother to return to her family and be cared for. However, she will only obtain this if she is successful in her masquerade. It’s her bad luck that she will be forced into continued contact with Gregory, the man she brushed off three years ago.

When Gregory confronts Monique, she remains in character as the princess, and denies that she’s the woman he thinks he met. Gregory is frustrated, because he has no proof, and cannot rely that his memory is really accurate. He also can’t fathom why an imposter would take the princess’s place. As he works to find the truth, he and Monique begin a cat and mouse game, where he’s constantly trying to trip her up. She is a very good actress, however, and is very motivated to be a success. This couple still has an undeniable attraction, which leads to some steamy encounters while they try to outwit the other. Then the assassination attempts start.

THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is full of intrigue and adventure to go along with the romance and steam. Gregory is a man who is hiding a secret past, and who comes off as very focused and determined, but not very warm. Soon Monique’s charms melt his reserve, and he’s searching for a way to fit her into his life permanently. Monique shows strength, but had a softer and caring side, and I rooted for her to be happy. I was surprised when the villain was revealed, and I always love it when that happens, as I enjoy the unpredictability. If you enjoy a steamy, enemies-to-lovers story, where the suspense and action play a prominent role, I believe you’ll enjoy THE SECRET OF FLIRTING.

Gregory Fulkham is a by-the-book, hard nosed spy. Only once did someone get under his skin and that was actress, Monique Servais. Three years later, as part of a foreign office assignment, Gregory meets Princess Aurore of Chana. He knows this is in actuality Mademoisell Servais and is determined to secretly find what she is aiming at. As he becomes close to Monique he discovers a plot on the Princess Aurore's life and that also that he is not as immune to Monique as he had hoped.
I have enjoyed this series but have to acknowledge that I am not a fan of spy storylines. Often too many factors miraculously occur to make for a happy ending. This followed such a similar trend. Another issue was that there was a quick turn from enemies to lovers which I didn't quite believe.
I am however looking forward to the wives of the Sinful Suitors getting their hands on Hart.

finally finished.
this book just didn't hold my interest at all. It was very hard for me to get through this book, but I am a fan of the author so I felt I had to give it a full try, all the way to the end.

*I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

I am a big fan of Sabrina's writing and I absolutely love this cover!! This is Book 5 in The Sinful Suitors Series. A truly original and suspenseful story. Baron Fulkham is a career politician with a little espionage in the mix for The Foreign office. He is charged with helping research the candidates for the position as ruler of the new country of Belgium. When he meets the front-runner for the position, Princess Aurore of Chanay he is stunned. She is no Princess, she is an actress that he met in a theater in France. Why is she masquerading as the Princess and where is the real Princess?
Monique Servais is an actress, a good one. She comes by the talent naturally, her Grandfather was an actor. Her grandmother is the only family that she has left in the world and she is slowing deteriorating, her mind wanders and sometimes she doesn't remember who Monique is. Monique will do anything to keep her Grandmother happy and with her. When a Count from Chanay, the birthplace of her grandmother arrives in France and offers to support and help her grandmother she is suspicious.
Why now? What does she have to do to in exchange? Nothing too difficult. Just impersonate her cousin Princess Aurore in England. Apparently, the Princess is ill and cannot go to England for the conference that will pick the new ruler for Belgium. She and her cousin are remarkably similar in looks and she is an actress. She could do this. Her grandmother can go back to the place of her birth and live like Royalty for the remainder of her life, which she is, A Princess of the house of Chanay.
When she gets to England with the Count and her chaperone she meets the diplomat who will help recommend to the Conference who will be the next ruler of Belguim. Unfortunately, they have met before. He is the gentleman who was so rude and condescending when they met three years ago in France. Gregory is stunned to see this actress masquerading as the Princess Aurore of Chanay. He has to figure out a way of finding what she is up to and not lose his position in the government. He has worked hard for his career and he is not going to let an actress ruin his life.
There is another problem. He was instantly attracted to her when he met her years ago and he still wants her. Monique knows that she has to convince him she is the Princess to make sure her grandmother can go home and be taken care of. Monique admits the truth when someone shoots at her when she is out riding with Gregory. When another attempt is made Gregory realizes that he loves her and will do anything to keep her safe.
Sabrina writes a wonderful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Secrets, danger and a heart-melting romance make this book a must-read. Sabrina is a favorite author of mine and you will love this book.

Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkram, Undersecretary of the Foreign Office, in control and ambitious (to a fault), and spymaster extraordinaire is knocked of his feet by a princess, or is she an actress posing as a princess? She may or may not want to rule Belgium, and someone might be trying to assassinate her. It is his job to protect her, as soon as he determines who she is.

Gregory and Monique are great characters and will make a wonderful couple (if they make it). The secondary characters range from sweet, caring, and loveable to demanding, frustrating, and obnoxious, each serving his or her purpose. At least one of them is quite dangerous. The story absolutely holds your attention beginning to end.

How does this all work out? Just as it should, of course, with a few surprises.

I received this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. The review is my own.

I read this book as a standalone and I really enjoy how the author is able to carry the tension between Monique and Gregory throughout the story without annoyance. The pacing and plot is all rather well done. As usual for me, I just love the banter! It says everything about a relationship. This is one of those books I would probably enjoy over and over again!

A great addition to the Sinful Suitors series with the French actress Monique Servais, being bribed into playing the role of Princess of Chanay. Unfortunately for Monique, this puts her in contact with Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham, the undersecretary of the foreign office, whom she met three years earlier. Gregory has not forgotten Monique and believes that she is not the real princess, and tries his best to catch her out in her lie.
This story was definitely action packed, with two attempts on Monique’s life, an encounter with a Prince who wants to marry her, and the possibility that she might just become the future Queen of Belgium. Despite the crazy but delightful plot, the romance between the pair is very believable and I enjoyed the banter between them.
Once again, Sabrina Jeffries has delivered an entertaining read. This series just continues to get better!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What keeps me coming back to this series is how fun and unexpected the scenarios are. A bit of political intrigue and mystery. Sabrina Jeffries knows how to deliver a great mix of interesting plot and sizzling romance. THE SECRET OF FLIRTING was a perfect example of that.

The setting is England 1830. The conflict is the election of a ruler for Belgium. The heroine is a French actress with family ties to the royalty of Chanay who ends up impersonating the Princess as the candidate to rule Belgium. And the hero is a sexy English Baron and spymaster who hasn’t been able to forget the actress he met years before and recognizes her scheme right away. This was such a fun concept and I think the author executed it perfectly.

Another great thing about this story is the fact that it stands alone very well. If you haven’t read this series, you won’t have any problems reading this book. I admit there was an easy resolution in the end, but I wasn’t too mad about that.

I really liked all the political intrigue but also how there’s individual struggles for each of the characters to deal with. It made this book feel very well rounded and like a complete story with a lot of dimension.

THE SECRET OF FLIRTING was a fun ride full of danger and great banter. Monique and Gregory were just a delight to read about and I can’t wait to read more in this series.

What’s it About? When the Baron Fulkham meets the reclusive princess of Chanay he’s absolutely certain that she’s an imposter, an actress he briefly met three years before named Monique Servais. As he investigates further he finds more than he bargained for, including some very inconvenient feelings for a woman who is either a princess beyond his reach, or a charlatan who needs to be exposed.





Overall reaction to the story?The Secret of Flirting was everything I had hoped it to be an a dash extra. A historical romance with a spy or two will always get extra points with me at the start but it’s how the author handles the plot and characters that will determine how much I enjoy the book. Fulkham and Monique were delightful characters, full of life and very engaging. I relished their verbal sparring each and every time.

Fulkham has been in and out of the Sinful Suitors series for a while and it was about time he got to have the spotlight. I’ll admit that he always seemed aloof, standoffish, and rather mechanical in previous books but it was fun to watch him show a more human side of himself. Who knew he had a soft spot for his mother? Or that he wasn’t Mr. Perfect all the time? I loved the less than perfect side of him because it made him more relatable as a character but at the same time he was still very capable of doing his job and thinking on his feet.

Monique was such a great heroine, she was as intelligent as she was talented. While she wasn’t a spy like Fulkham, she was an actress and was more than able to pull off the huge charade that was expected of her. I loved that her inner strength wasn’t without its vulnerabilities and doubts, she was terrified of disappointing the people who depended on her. That didn’t stop her from going head to head with Fulkham though and this is one of the things I love best about Sabrina Jeffries, she always has heroines who can put a man off balance emotionally and mentally. These women may be small in stature and live in a time where women were thought of as little more than cattle, but Jeffries manages to make her heroines strong in ways that don’t take away from the period they live in. Monique was competent enough with her subterfuge to make her convincing but not so good as to make her seem like a natural born spy. I enjoyed her pluck and candor immensely.

The real fireworks of the story always happened when Fulkham and Monique were together though. These two just didn’t give an inch in their war of wits. I love that Monique could easily get under Fulkham’s skin and make him feel like a newbie at just about everything. He was a man who prided himself on his self control but with just a few words, Monique could unravel him like a cat unravels a ball of yarn. I love a good enemies to lovers romance, Fulkham and Monique’s personalities clashed in the beginning but as they got to know one another that changed and all that energy they spent fighting went into the great chemistry they were building.

And I totally heard Beyond the Veil by Lindsey Sterling playing during one scene that involved dancing and some naughty flirting between Fulkham and Monique.

Click It or Skip It? Click It. Sabrina Jeffries knows how to make a reader smile and have a good time.

This is a captivating story that is full of intrigue, suspense, drama, surprises and romance. Gregory is convinced that the Princess is an imposter, a woman who fascinated him 3 years earlier, but he doesn't know what the charade is for, or who is involved. Monique is contacted by her estranged uncle in order to play the part of her princess cousin, who is ill. The princess is on the verge of being named Queen of a brand new country. But someone appears to be trying to assassinate her, and it's up to Gregory to keep her safe. The intrigue, twists and excitement keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's a book that belongs at the top of your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham is a very self-controlled and ambitious man who’s currently undersecretary to the Foreign Office in other words he takes care of other little things for the crown as in he’s a spymaster. While he was on a mission Gregory meets a sassy beautiful French actress, Monique Servais in Dieppe backstage at the theater. Monique Servais is only one taking care of her elderly grandmother and is getting worse every day. Her grandmother was a Princess Solange of Chanay whose father disowned her when she ran off and married an actor. She’s approached impersonating her cousin whose fallen ill and in exchange her grandmother will be sent to and taken care of in Chanay.
Now three years later he is certain the woman he was just introduced to as the Princess Aurore of Chanay, but he's positive her royal persona is a ruse and that she's actually Monique Servais, the one woman he has not been able to forget. What’s an ambitious man to do but investigate her to prove she’s an imposter, and all he needs proof before he exposes her and creates a scandal. Gregory’s not free to give his heart, he’s an ambitious and and he can’t marry an actress, but that doesn’t stop him from yearning for Monique but when her life is in danger he vows to protect her.
Wow this fast paced romantic story is filled with political intrigue, drama and suspense a you’ll not soon forget. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I have read earlier novels in this series, but forgotten them, but it didn't seem to matter apart from a couple of places where various happily married couples appeared and commented on how happily married they were.

Here Gregory, an under-secretary in the foreign department, recognizes one of the candidates for the newly created throne of Belgium as in fact Monique, an actress he saw perform three years ago, but never forgot. The historical setting, which I learnt from the note at the end was based in fact, was very interesting. Monique was a likeable heroine, and I found this enjoyable overall, although the agonizing over whether Gregory should take Monique for his mistress or marry her or expose her or protect her became a little repetitive. You can guess what he went for in the end.