L'Ange de Vengeance, that's what the French called Lilias Fairchild, widow of Major Fairchild, whom she had accompanied in his battles during the war. Alastair Whitmore, Marquess of Angelstone, better known as Angel, never forgot the beautiful woman he had seen at Waterloo: wild with grief, avenging her husband's death, and her broken heart. What he didn't expect was meeting her at a Society event a few years later, and she remembers him as well.

The fearless Lilias instigates the affair with the enigmatic Angel, but as their liaison progresses, he wonders if his paramour is hiding more secrets than he is. He watches her discreetly but when she drops her reticule and he finds a medallion identical to those left by the Death Adders, assassins of political figures, he fears she might be involved with the deadly association.

IN BED WITH A SPY is the second instalment in the brilliant A Spy in the Ton series, and those who have not read the previous book will have no problem following as sufficient details are provided by the author. IN BED WITH A SPY is Angel's story, whom we had briefly met in Ms. Alexander's debut novel The Smuggler Wore Silk. I was anxiously awaiting this book; I had found Angel a very compelling character, and I was thrilled to learn IN BED WITH A SPY was his story; the book exceeds my wildest expectations! He and the deliciously seductive Lilias, a strong and brave woman, make a fabulous couple: as they try to mend their broken hearts, their passion burns high amidst treachery, secrecy and murder.

IN BED WITH A SPY is more subdued and nuanced than The Smuggler Wore Silk. It's reminiscent of great British spy novels albeit set in the Regency era with just the perfect touch of romance. I found most remarkable that the tone, the texture, the atmosphere, the colours even are entirely different from the first book: IN BED WITH A SPY is not just another book in a series, it is undeniably Angel's book. When the action and the romance become more intense, it becomes a real page-turner, and the last few chapters lead to a spectacular conclusion.

IN BED WITH A SPY is exquisitely written; Ms. Alexander's prose is elegant, as alluring as her characters, and she writes a mean action scene. I especially loved the oft forgotten little details: stockings and gloves; and the way Lilias uses her fan to flirt is positively divine! It's so cleverly described that I could picture her seductive half-smile, her barely lifted brow; it's a joy to read how perfectly Ms. Alexander understands and uses the subtleties of seduction. I am thrilled with Angel's story, and I cannot wait for the next instalment in this fabulous series.