Having never read one of Ms. Abrams titles, I was intrigued
to try something new. THE SPY'S KISS, a historical romance
set in England during the early 19th century begins as most
stories do by introducing and developing the main
characters.
A very handsome and aristocratic Julien Clermont arrives at
Boulton Park expressing an interest in the earl's butterfly
collection and a hidden interest in the earl's niece,
Serena Allen. Serena came to live at her uncle's estate due
to a scandalous seduction that ruined her reputation and
makes it difficult for her to face the judging eyes in
London. As a result, she prefers seclusion. Weaving in and
out between Julien and Serena is Serena's cousin Simon,
who's full of mischief and provides some comic relief. As
the story unfolds, you begin to find out Julien's real
motive and how personal it is, not to mention who he really
is.
As the introduction is set, there are many characters
introduced with no real descriptions, as well as a
confusing political plot that forces the involvement of the
two main players. With so many people coming and going, the
development of any character, especially the main players,
never becomes clear. You learn about their pasts in bits
and pieces. When Serena's scandal finally unfolds, her
feelings about it are never clear, only that she hates
London and Frenchmen, and yes, Julien is French. He's a
likable and honorable man, which makes him a perfect match
for Serena, but their true feelings for each other are not
revealed until toward the end. And although there is love,
the passion is lukewarm.
To be fair, despite my lack of enthusiasm for this
storyline, the writing is quite good, and I would consider
reading this author's earlier books.
A Hidden Agenda
Serena Allen has taken refuge at her uncle’s country house
ever since a scandalous seduction left her reputation in
tatters. But her aunt has never given up hope of making a
match for her and is delighted when the handsome,
aristocratic Julien Clermont arrives at Boulton Park
expressing an interest in the earl’s famous butterfly
collection-and interest of a different kind in Serena.
Serena herself views the guest with misgivings. Can a man
be too charming? And can it be coincidence that important
foreign documents entrusted to the earl have begun to
disappear and reappear in odd places?
Julien is indeed on a top-secret-and personal-mission, one
that prevents him from disclosing his real identity to
Serena. But the truth will out, and with it comes a
devilish choice-betray the lovely, quick-witted woman who
has won his heart, or risk forfeiting his own life…
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