Ein Unwiderstehlicher Spion: Roman (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
A man who's been playing the rake for so long, he wonders if he still remembers who he really is, and a widow trapped by the love of her child and the cruel terms of her dead husband's will into a family that controls her-- and despises her-- utterly.This is another I wished for a three-and-a-half star rating... plot-wise, there's not a lot to push this book above the typical "English spy playing the rake, falling for a possible suspect" story. It's been done, and I think that aspect of the plot *could* have been done much better. The spy plot was an inconstant thread-- too much in the background (I thought) for much of the book, only to leap out in full flower at the very end as a convenient crisis for heroine and hero to survive. (Honestly, the details of the treasonous plot seemed waaay too convoluted at the end, there, for how much attention they'd been given in plot development).Isobel, however, pulls this book up above average. She's a really intriguing character, and her inner struggles over her desires (oh! her desires!), her unsavory past, her bitter present, and the love of her innocent child are really heartbreaking at times. Essentially, two generations of jealousies and scandals hold her prisoner, and much as she resents her present circumstances, she also fears repeating her mother's mistakes. Her friends constantly misunderstand her situation, but she deeply fears the consequences of setting them straight. To live as she did for so many years and NOT crack is a testament to the strength of her character. What's even more horrifying is how believable it was-- the English legal system cared so little for the rights of women in those days that her situation was sadly realistic.And then, of course, there's Blackwood. I loved the flirting between him and his mystery lover, his frustration over not being able to FIND her (particularly when she was right under his nose-- the bit with the mole, when he finally figured it out, was delightful), the passion of the sex scenes (on the one hand, speedy; on the other, a testament to just how far gone this "practiced lover" really is over this woman). I would have enjoyed getting into his head a bit more, maybe a little more background on how he'd gotten ito this line of work, more of a crisis of conscience over bedding (and falling in love with) a possible spy. But I also appreciated his slow tumble into love, and that he wasn't stupid about recognizing it-- recognizing how important Isobel had become to him, measured against his duty.This was a debut novel... I'm rather looking forward to more from this author (with hopefully a bit more polish, as she grows in her writing). SECRETS OF A PROPER COUNTESS by Lecia Cornwall is an exciting historical Regency romance.It is full of danger,romance, sweet sensuality,betrayal,treason,secrets,love,family,intrigue,seduction,deadly missions, disguises,lies,and witty banter. The characters are unforgettable and will capture your hearts from the first page to the last.When seduction,danger and secrets pull Lady Isobel Maitland together with Phineas,The Marquess of Blackwood,not only does sparks fly,but thought long ago buried will be opened and love will blossom.Isobel is locked into widowhood by the will her late husband left,giving guardianship of her young son and her lands to his brother and mother and not to his wife.She is treated horribly by her in-laws,made to wear ugly,mourning clothes for three years,can do nothing with her 5 year old son and has no freedom,if she does; not only will lose her son,but her estates and both their lives. Isobel longs for freedom,love and happiness.Phineas,is not the rake everyone believes him to be,but has his own secrets that only his brother-in-law knows.He longs also for love and happiness,but doesn't realize it until is is nearly to late.This is a fast pace,page turning,story with moments of wit,that actually will have you laughing at loud.I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and am looking forward to the next installment.This is this author's debut book and an author to watch for,I know I will.This book was received for the purpose of review from the author and the publisher and details can be found at Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and My Book Addiction and More.
What do You think about Ein Unwiderstehlicher Spion: Roman (2012)?
I loved this book, the characters were so intriguing. Can't wait to read other books by this author.
—Trubbol
Super! Fantastic! Can't wait for more by this author.
—ann
