A rich and sparking historical romance
5 stars

I have to hold my hands up and say I am a massive fan of Sabrina Jeffries. This is a double edged sword as while I’m pre-disposed to like her novels, I also have very high expectations of what I want from her books. So I’m always a bit nervous when I start one of her novels - will I love it or will it be the first to disappoint me?

Luckily, this book didn’t cause me any problems whatsoever as it was a classic Sabrina Jeffries tale - full of sparkling banter, wit and sexual tension between two well-rounded and likeable characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

This is the 5th book in the Sinful Suitors series. You don’t have to have read any of the others to like and understand this one although the characters from the previous books do make a few appearances. I’ve read all the previous books and even I was quite confused by everyone popping back up - but it was nice to see that all our previous couples were still happy and in love.

This book had two of the things that I really love in a hero/heroine combination. First, Gregory is an arrogant, closed-off man who always thinks he knows what’s right and what should happen and when. Enter Monique. From the first the pair rub each other the wrong way - and rub sparks off each other in a big way. When they meet each other again, years after their initial encounter, Monique throws Gregory for a loop and really knocks him off balance and this causes the pair to constantly spar. That’s the second thing I love - lots of banter that barely disguises the sexual tension.

The sex scenes are hot but perhaps not as plentiful as in other books, including previous Sabrina Jeffries novels. Still deliciously satisfying, though.

This book is a romance but there is still a little bit of mystery as to who wants to cause disruption to the conference to choose the first ruler of Belgium. Even as a small part of the romantic storyline, I still didn’t know who the bad guy was or what his/her motives were. It was a nice little aside and helped to bring about a happy conclusion to the story as a whole.

The love story was sweet, believable and gave me little butterflies in my tummy. As I mentioned before, Gregory was an arrogant sort and it’s always more satisfying to see them fall into love. It was especially wonderful as Monique was such a different character than you would normally expect from a Regency. As a French actress, she was more free, unrestricted by the strict rules of the ton (despite her having to play that role) and she was an all-round likeable character. I was rooting for her.

And as for the whole ‘deception’ plot - I was very pleased that it didn’t go the traditional route where Gregory was unaware of her real identity when she was playing the role of Princess. Not only would that have been daft, it would have felt like we would have been just waiting until Gregory figured it out. This way, there was a different set of problems which made for a good read.

I was going to take exception to the use of Guy Fawkes Day rather than the more usual Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night - but having looked it up, I have to admit that during the time this book was set (1830) it looks like ‘day’ was the preferred term since there was a lot of civil disobedience throughout the whole day rather than just the normal night time festivities. So that’s me telt! British people definitely don’t call each other pistols, though! (“He’s a real pistol!”)

All in all, this was an enjoyable, rich and witty tale - the best of historical romance. We’ve only got one book left in the Sinful Suitors - a novella out in July - The Risk of Rogues. I hope that will be as enjoyable as this which will make it a great end to what’s already been a very great series.

And you’ll be happy to know that we do find out what the secret of flirting is. Watch out men - I’m coming!

Little does Gregory know when his friend Hart introduces him to the French actress Monique Servais that three years after that brief encounter he’s going to meet her again in the skin of a Belgian princess. Thankfully the fight at first sight and the attraction he felt for her has tattooed her image in his mind.

When princess Aurore, the principal candidate to the throne of Belgium (the story is set right after its independence from the Netherlands) falls ill, her great-uncle count Beaumonde goes after Monique and offers her a deal to replace the princess in a conference that will take place in London. Monique and Aurore could be twins, but they are actually second cousins, and Aurore needs to be in London so she could convince the international politicians that she’s the ideal candidate to the throne. Monique needs funds to look after her senile grandmother in her old years. The deal is sealed.

But it’s not going to be easy. On her arrival in London, Monique disguised as Aurore, finds that the main responsible for her protection and the one whose opinion has the more weight is that arrogant English baron he met in her dressing room three years ago. And he recognises her at first sight. Gregory will try to find out why Monique is impersonating the princess, what are her motives, or the count’s, and why is there someone out there trying to kill her.

Soon the dilemma for Gregory will turn out to be simple though not simple at all; Will he reveal who she is and ruin her reputation and her life or will he cover for her, help her, and therefore destroy all he’d planned for his political career?

This is a story of politics, scheming and plot. The main characters are a very talented actress and the undersecretary of the foreign office of the United Kingdom, who is also a spy master. It is a story of love and denial. And it’s so much fun.

Of course not everything is fun and sexy. There are other candidates to the throne of Belgium, including Prince Leopold, so not everyone is happy that Aurore has the support of the undersecretary. As soon as the princess arrives in London, Gregory offers her to show her the city and they are attacked in Hyde Park. He becomes very protective of her. Is she really willing to die for another person? What are her motives? Where is the real Aurore? What is the count of Beaumonde’s role in all this? So many questions...

From the moment they meet again and Gregory lets Monique, and only her, know that he knows who she really is, they play a battle of the wits. She tries to convince him that she is who she says she is, but he won’t buy it so they both try to outwit the other. The more Gregory tries to make her confess, the more she stays in character, even trying to seduce him. Both of them are stubborn and witty so the conversations are quick and incredibly smart, especially because the reader knows exactly where each of them stand. And funnily enough, you want them both to win the battle. But... is it possible? Perhaps it is, you only need to keep reading.

I enjoyed this book. There’s never a moment of dull in it, exciting things are happening all the time and everywhere they go and, in the moments when they are alone together, the heat between Gregory and Monique could boil water from a distance. But there was something that I was struggling with, and that was Gregory’s lack of feeling. I mean, he lusts for her, and he’s attracted and he’s actually nice and kind... but it wasn’t enough for me. It was like he was not letting himself love, he was so much in control of his own feelings and his own wishes that it nearly hurt, as in, it’s too exhausting to be like that. He refuses to love because, in his mother’s words, love means risk, it could break your heart in a million pieces, it could turn your life upside down, love can cause the deepest pain you could endure. But, she tells him, when you love and are loved in return, especially when you are willing to do anything and everything for love, and the one you love is willing to do the same for you... that can make your life worth living. When Gregory learns this, and when he finds out that he’s stronger and happier with Monique by his side, only then I started to love him.

The argument of this book is presented in a very intelligent and ingenious way. The author does not leave a single loose end and gives answers to all the questions and mysteries that Gregory tries to unravel. Even though things seem to be going on constantly, nothing in this book is left to chance and everything makes sense in the end. As a reader I was completely trapped by this story of false identities, mistrust, spies, traitors, political rivalry and above all, the search for love.

I've really been enjoying this whole series. This 5th book did not disappoint. I think it could probably be read as a stand alone, but I really like my series in order. It's the librarian in me.

This story revolves around Baron Gregory Fulham, who is a spy, and happens to be recruiting another agent in France. Fulham goes to see a play, where he sees Monique Servais perform and is quite taken by her. They go backstage to meet her, but she is not impressed. She feels that in her position as an actress, men treat her like a prostitute and she is not. Fulham leaves France and does not think he will ever run into Monique again.

However, Fulham runs in royal circles because of his position as spymaster. Conspiracies are underfoot and Fulham is determined to figure out what is going on. He does run into Monique again, but he can't figure out how it is that she has filled a role of a princess who is a candidate to rule Belgium. Of course sparks fly and their attraction and feelings grow for each other. Fulham might not know the entire truth, but he will try to make sure that she is safe.

Part mystery, part adventure, and lots of romance, this book will keep you up until the wee hours so you can just get to the end! A perfect HEA with a sexy cover to stare at. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of Sabrina Jeffries or any other Regency romance.

3.5*
I love the Sinful Suitors series and this is book #5!
Gregory Vyse, Baron of Fulkham, lives a lonely life of a spymaster. He guards his personal life and never lets anyone to close, especially women. His parents relationship was proof that Love was unstable and empty.
Monique Servais is a beautiful actress in Dieppe and she the talk of the town. She has no time for admirers, her grandmother who was in declining health needed her at home. Monique loved her grandmother but she longed for freedom to pursue her acting career.
On the night that Gregory and Monique meet they proceed to insult each other with arrogance and insults but they both are left with a lasting impression of the other.
Three years later Gregory meets Princess Ann of Belgium who looks remarkably like the beautiful Monique Servais. Gregory knows that the princess is Monique but how to prove it? Then the attempts on her life and their mounting feelings for each other start things are not as clear as they seem to be. With Monique’s life on the line and his career hanging in the balance Gregory must find away to save them both.
The book has strong characters and is full of witty banter and sexual tension, with that being said it was not as good as the other books in the series. I think it just missed the mark with a bit of a far fletched plot. I still think the book was very much worth the read.

I received The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. It is the 5 book in her Sinful Suitors series but can be read as a stand alone (except Chapter 2). I have not read any of the others in this series. This is Gregory Vyse, Baron of Fulkham story.
The book opens 3 years before when Gregory meets the heroine, Monique Servais, an actress. The attraction is immediate and both parties lash out at each other. The part ways, never expecting to meet again.
Monique is contacted by her family and ask to due them a favor and play a part. While she has her doubts, she is blackmailed into doing it. Going to London, she meets Baron Fulkham again. He is intent on finding out what is really going on and their relationship intensifies during his search.
Both start with this Flirting game to try and stay one step ahead of the other. However, the feelings grow and both resist. Monique wants freedom and Gregory is hiding from demons. As they play their games, someone is trying to kill Monique and Gregory does everything he can to protect her.
This slow burn story of two people coming together was greatly enjoyable. I enjoyed the mystery of the London Conference as well as the mystery of who wants Monique dead. I struggled with Chapter 2 due to Sabrina adding past characters in a conversation about past history. I assume it was of this series and did not understand any of it. But once that chapter was done, the rest of the book past by quickly and enjoyably. Wonderful and delightful!!

This is not my favourite book in the series , personally I think Niall story was the best. But it was still good to read about Gregory story. The book was very fast pace and sometimes predictable. I hope there are more books in the series to come.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

Disappointing. I've read several works by this author and was excited to read another. To say this was predictable is putting it nicely. EXTREMELY predictable if you've read this genre before. I was desperately hoping that at the last minute there would be some "twist" some "new evidence" to make it one of the other potential under developed figures. I didn't think the "bag guy" was believable because it was so obvious. The scenes between the couples were good, descriptive, the connection seemed real but that's what this author is good at. The plot was just a big letdown.

I have been enjoying the Sinful Suitors series for the last few years, even if I can’t keep all the series’ past, present and future heroes and heroines straight in my head. The Secret of Flirting definitely has the most outlandish of the plotlines so far (fake royalty!), but it is still an entertaining read.
These books are NOT Regency romances, despite popular labelling. They’re set in the decades after the Regency ended, a time period not used all that often in historical romance.
There is quite a lot of actual history that went into this story. At this point in time there really was a new country that needed a new ruler, and author Sabrina Jeffries has created a fictional plotline to fit into these real events.
The term “spymaster” does make me wince - it is overused in historical romance at the moment - but Jeffries has written some of my “best of” reads in the last few years. Because her style is a little less serious than some other authors, I make an exception.
Jeffries does tend to use a few old-fashioned genre tropes, like the surprise “punishment kisses”, which I’m not a fan of. I do think that the story became a bit stagnant at about the 60% mark. There was a little too much focus on hero and heroine in private moments, and the plot seemed to disappear for a while. It did pick up later on.
What I do enjoy is her use of historically accurate words, some of which I actually looked up, because I couldn’t believe they were from that era.
I did find it odd that the heroine, who had been living in northern France her whole life, would be complaining about the weather in southern England - anyone who has spent a summer in the northern half of France knows that it is NOT exactly a tropical paradise, and that the area is prone to freak storms!
This was generally an entertaining addition to the series. It isn’t my favourite, but Jeffries always writes very readable books.

This is another author that I truly enjoy. She is a master of historical genre that peeks your interest and keeps it going thru out the book. This is a part of a series which I suggest you read them all but it is not a necessity, you wont be lost. So this is Baron Gregory Fulham books along with his love interest actress Monique Servais and their first meeting did not go well, lol..Then the sizzle begins when they meet again..Truly enjoyable Ms. Jefferies does not disappoint..Enjoy!

Monique Servais is a very good actress, but times get tough when her grandmother's health begins to decline and Monique has to lose work because of it. When her estranged family approaches and asks for a favor, Monique wants to refuse. The only reason she accepts is so her grandmother can return to her family home and live out the rest of her days happily. That is how Monique finds herself impersonating a princess.

Baron Gregory Fulkham has never forgotten the beautiful and talented actress, Monique. He cannot believe his eyes when she shows up pretending to be Princess Anne of Chanay. Gregory becomes dogged in his attempts to expose her. Unfortunately, even if he is who she suspects, he cannot deny someone keeps threatening her/the princess's life. What will happen when all secrets are out in the open?

Reviewed via NetGalley. Author Sabrina Jeffries's SINFUL SUITORS series consists of five novels, THE ART OF SINNING, THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION, THE DANGER OF DESIRE, THE PLEASURES OF PASSION and most recently THE SECRET OF FLIRTING. Each romance is well-written and an adventure all its own. THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is one of my favorites to date. The hero, Gregory, is in too high of a position to risk it all on a woman, but unbelievably he does. Monique certainly meets her opposite in Gregory, but they do have some common ground. I loved seeing Gregory's world turned upside down by her. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the SINFUL SUITORS series.

Run, don't walk, to your local book store on March 27th to grab this!! Better yet, one-click it and have it auto delivered!
Sabrina Jeffries has yet to disappoint in the Sinful Suitors series!
The Secret of Flirting is book 5 in this wonderful series of gentleman who form a club to protect the women they love from being pursued by sinful suiters. Although all the couples in the previous books make an appearance, this story can be read as a stand alone.

Lord Gregory Fulkham has been a key side character in this series and it's finally his turn to meet his match, although, upon first meeting Monique Servais he makes a complete blunder of it.


Fulkham is a key political player in England and runs a successful spy ring.
Monique Servais is an actress in Dieppe, France. Fulkham and Monique meet after a performance and don't see each other for 3 years.

Monique is struggling to take care of and provide for her failing grandmother, disowned Princess Solange of Chanay, when she is approached by her great-uncle, her grandmothers' brother-in-law, to portray the role of her life, her very ill 2nd cousin Princess Aurore, who she happens to resemble quite remarkably, in exchange for she and her grandmother moving back to Chanay and being provided for until her grandmother passes.
Princess Aurore is in the running to be Queen of Belgium and Monique is to pretend to be her so Aurore will be pronounced queen. What she doesn't know is Fulkham plays a vital role in choosing who will become the leader of Belgium. Fulkham recognized Monique as herself immediately and goes about trying to reveal her identify until she's shot.
There attraction to one another is palpable. They both reveal secrets to each other and their desire only continues to grow for one another.
This story was quick-paced, witty, full of intrigue, and a slow, steady burn.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher and netgalley for an honest review.

The Secret of Flirting is an enjoyable romantic tale with secrets, royal substitutions, assassination attempts, political intrigue and unconditional love. All of it together makes for a great weekend read. Lord Fulkham has been a staple in the Sinful Series who always seemed serious and somewhat dark. He makes a solid hero as you find out what is behind his character. Their meeting with Monique clearing not wanting an introduction only adds to their difficulty in being able to trust each other.

Fulkham’s constant tries to trip up Monique in her role as her cousin, Princess Aurora, keeps Monique on her toes. It is difficult to fight their growing attraction to each other while Monique continues to hide her true identity. Once she finally gives in, and not because she wanted to, they become an even better couple.

The situation surrounding Fulkam’s father’s death and Monique’s need to protect her grandmother bring their love forward with each wanting to protect the other. I loved that unconditional desire to give.

**Spoiler Alert** What was behind the need to make Princess Aurore and Ursula a lesbian couple? Surely you could have had a story line that did not include this – are you just trying to be politically correct by including this? Your writing is great by itself and does not need a LGBTQ story line to make it sell. I am giving it 4 stars because you included this aspect in the story line.

This book was not my favorite in this series, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. The storyline was interesting, but despite the suspense of the assassination attempts, I just didn't connect to the romance of Monique and Gregory. I had no problem finishing the book, I just didn't love it. I do, however, look forward to Hart's story. I received an arc for my honest opinion.

THe Secret of Flirting Sabrina Jeffries Mar 27
I just couldn’t find myself caring about the characters or the plot in this book although I’ve enjoyed a lot of Jeffries’ other novels. In this one we have the heroine, an actress, Monique, pretend to be the princess of a fictional country. There are several plots, in a Prince of Zenda sort of way, involved with the princess’s candidacy to be chosen the ruler of Belgium when the country is created in 1830. Since we know that Leopold of Saxe-Coburg (Queen Victoria’s uncle) is going to be chosen, the suspense is how it all gets resolved for Moniegnizes her from her actress days.
It all gets wrapped up very conveniently and easily. I’ve never been fond of novels when a character is pretending to be someone else. I also am not fond of plots involving royalty from tiny, fictional countries. If you enjoy those sorts of plots, then you might enjoy this more than I did.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another great story from the fabulous Sabrina Jeffries! We finally get spymaster Fulkham’s story. Gregory has more layers to him because of a tragic past. Monique is a struggling actress he met once years ago, but now she is posing as her cousin, a princess, while she recovers from an illness. Gregory sees through the ruse, but struggles to keep her secret while navigating the conference to determine the future ruler of Belgium.

I love the balance of romance and suspense. The mystery unfolds as Gregory and Monique deal with their attraction and determining if they can actually be together. I highly recommend this book for all historical romance lovers.

I received a review copy as part of the Regency Review Crew.

I received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Secret Of Flirting is book 5 in Sabrina Jeffries series The Sinful Suitors. This book could be read as a stand-alone but I’ve really enjoyed reading the other books in the series so I do recommend reading them all. When spymaster Baron Gregory Fulham meets the actress Monique Servais after her performance of Le mariage de Figaro he leaves her with the impression that he’s an arrogant ass after he tells her that comedic roles lack the depth of feeling that tragic ones do.
When they meet again in London she’s a princess, one of the candidates that he as an undersecretary for the foreign office will vote on as ruler of the newly independent country of Belgium. Sparks fly between the two who can’t possibly be together unless they are willing to risk it all and he can keep her safe from an assassin. Lots of secrets and sizzle make for a very entertaining novel and I highly recommend reading this book. Will be available for purchase March 27, 2018 #NetGalley #TheSecretOfFlirting

Great book. Loved the intrigue and story. I wasn't sure how it was going to end! Great story the whole way through.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The Secret of Flirting revolves around the political intrigue associated with determining who would be invited to rule Belgium when it broke away from the Netherlands after the Napoleonic Wars. Princess Aurore of Chanay is a leading candidate, but has taken ill. Her great-uncle (Count de Beaumonde) asks Monique, a member of a disowned branch of the family who greatly resembles Aurore to impersonate her at the meetings to determine Belgium's future. Monique, has been working as an actress in France, but is struggling to support herself and her grandmother as her grandmother's increasing dementia has made it almost impossible to leave her unattended. Although initially determined to refuse, when the count offers to bring Aurore's grandmother back to Chanay when Monique is done and provide care for the rest of her days. Monique agrees, and shortly finds herself in London where she encounters Gregory, Baron Fulkham. Fulkham is convinced that Monique is a fraud, and recognizes her from a brief encounter after one of her performances several years previously. What follows is a game of cat and mouse as Fulkham attempts to get Monique to reveal her true identity. Despite himself and the risk to his career, he finds himself helping Monique when it becomes clear someone is trying to harm Princess Aurore. Fulkham was an interesting hero who is always under control (due to past events that are eventually revealed). I liked his attempts to get Monique to reveal her true identity; Monique is a strong woman and will do anything for her grandmother. I liked Monique and found her very likeable. The two leads had good chemistry and there is a subplot featuring one of Aurore's ladies in waiting that was a nice addition to the story. All in all, this story is an enjoyable way to pass a few hours.

Monique and Geoffrey's story is one I could not wait to turn the page to see what was going to happen next.. Their story captivates the heart and had the reader rooting for the two to end up together. I would definitely reccomend this book.

Baron Fulkham is one of the members of the St George Club. He is a political secretary in the government and a spy master. Even his closest friends are leery of him from time to time. He is a buttoned-down man, loathe to show emotion. When he finds himself attracted to and distracted by a French actress?/princess? he fights hard to regain his equilibrium. This story is set at a time when Belgium is a new country in search of a king or queen that England and other European countries will agree to and recognize. I totally enjoyed both the political and the romantic maneuverings.