In the second book in the series, Regan Walker has moved us forward a year: Napoleon has been banished to Corsica, and England is experiencing economic difficulties. The introduction of mechanization in the textile industry has resulted in several uprisings, the Luddite riots. All trusted agents are being recruited to see if there are members in the House of Lords and the Cabinet, or advisors to the King who may be influencing the tone of the common folk to encourage destruction, devastation and rioting.

Again, Walker is presenting two characters with uncertain futures and past tales of woe who will encounter one another and are instantly attracted. Martin, who was living and spying for the Crown for years in Paris, after losing his wife and unborn child in an unwarranted attack on the Paris streets, has decided to retire, return to England and join his father’s firm as the captain of a merchant sailing ship. Kit is a poor widow, but born to title of Lady. Having just nursed her sister until her death, she was left to the ‘mercy’ of her husband, a cruel and vengeful man, that she ran away from with only the clothes on her back.

The meeting of Kit and Martin is unusual and highly erotic, and their subsequent obsession with one another is interesting to read, and cleverly presented. Fortunately, Martin is again able to rescue Kit from dire circumstance, only to introduce her to a new friend and protector, Mary, Marchioness of Ormond. This name will be familiar to readers of the series, for Mary and Hugh are friends of Martin, and do play a part in this story as well.

With a return of characters from the first, the depth of character and emotions defined for Martin and Kit, and the political and social intrigues so common in society of the day, Regan Walker has created another must read romance. The history is impeccable, mixing real and imagined and setting it all properly in time and place. All of the customs peculiar to the time and court are beautifully and accurately detailed, defined and described. A story that pleases on many levels: historically, politically, and romantically.

I received an ARC copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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