The Spy's Kiss

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...From BooklistStarred Review Serena Allen was used to scientists coming to Boulton Park to examine her family's famous butterfly collection, but Julien Clermont was nothing like those other "butterfly men." At first Serena suspects the all-too-charming Julien of being a suitor in disguise, especially since Serena's aunt seems bent on promoting a match between the two. Then diplomatic documents belonging to her uncle go missing, and Serena discovers she isn't the only one with doubts about Julien's real intentions. Although Julien does have his reasons for being at Boulton Park, he isn't completely convinced that he can share them with the delightfully sharp-tongued and sharp-minded Serena until he is forced to choose between love and settling an old family score. A refreshingly resourceful heroine and a wickedly refined hero spar with deliciously entertaining results in the fourth of Abrams' loosely connected series of espionage-laced romances set in Regency Europe. With its expertly nuanced characters, beautifully developed sexual tension, and witty and graceful prose, The Spy's Kiss is nothing short of brilliant. John CharlesCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedReview"An irresistible blend of history and adventurous intrigue... the author elegantly balances her espionage-steeped plot with a refreshingly subtle, exquisitely romantic love story."