Review by Booklist Review
As long as Kate Meacham's grandfather Michael was alive, Kate was able to use his distinguished reputation in the foreign services as an entrée into the world of diplomacy. But now that he's gone, Kate must go back to living the boring life of a well-bred young lady. However, when Kate unexpectedly bumps into fledgling British diplomat Henry Deeping, the two come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Kate will share her knowledge of foreign affairs with Henry in exchange for his access to all the diplomatic soirées from which she has been excluded. But when Kate and Henry both recognize a foreign operative they thought they had helped put behind bars out in society, the two find their new arrangement taking a much more dangerous turn. Ashford continues to successfully color outside the lines of tried-and-true Regency historicals with her latest impeccably written romance featuring a delightful heroine unwilling to settle for the role society has predetermined for her.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Kate Meacham has a problem. Her entry into the diplomatic world has been cut off following the death of her grandfather, a legend in the espionage world that Kate also occupies. Reduced to sneaking into parties and bluffing her way past various gatekeepers, she decides to partner with Henry Deeping, new to the Foreign Office and, like Kate, determined to be useful. The pair slowly come to appreciate each other and what they are building, but the threats they face are far more dangerous than getting caught crashing a party, as a traitor with possible ties to George IV is on the loose. Ashford shines at crafting character engagement between the lovers and between the many friends who connect in the novel. She excels at creating space for her characters to bloom and discover themselves and each other. VERDICT Regency espionage romance is gaining ground, and this title will please readers who like tradecraft as much as the tumble into love of two well-matched characters. Fans of the series won't want to miss the sequel to A Gentleman Ought To Know.--Neal Wyatt
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