Very confusing first chapter. A friend picked up the book and skimmed the first chapter and couldn't make heads or tails of it. I've been expecting more Boscastle books but not one about Sebastian, who I don't remember ever being mentioned. Once past that first chapter, it was a fun, sensual read, complete with appearances by Gabriel (who I expect a book to be written about) and some of the London branch of the family. Interesting to see a story about an already married couple falling back in love during the course of the book - different for this series.

Hard to follow. A lot of the action takes place in flashblacks, and it's confusing what's "current" and what's a flashback.

The abandoned wife trope is one of my favorites, but this story did not do it justice. I enjoyed the story anyway.

It was better than I had hoped.

I am always wary when it comes to re-uniting estranged husbands and wives. This was good Sebastien was both reasonable and deliciously possessive of his wife.
Eleanor is a little annoying; on the one hand she got out and did things when her husband deserted her for 6 years on the other hand as ridiculously demanding as Sebastien was over her Masquer-ing, but he was right about the danger. On the other hand she chose to become a spy not champion charities or something normal (for a 19th century Lady).

Both of the couple were good to read, neither making bone-headed decisions to hate the other because of the past without Eleanor falling straight back into love. The story was also good, I could believe the Duchess of Wellington was "spy-master" for steering the ton, I doubt she was, but it was believably portrayed.

I recommend for people who like the estranged couple theme to try [b:Passions of a Wicked Earl|7713862|Passions of a Wicked Earl (London's Greatest Lovers, #1)|Lorraine Heath|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1295828689s/7713862.jpg|10441695].

Sebastien Bocastle has been married to Eleanor Prescott for six years, but he hasn't really been home for most of it. His work for the English army has kept him from home. But Eleanor hasn't been sitting at home quietly. Instead, she's been helping the Duchess of Wellington steal back some letters that incriminate the duchess' husband. Now Sebastien's back and trying to beat his wife at her own game.
Wish there had been more background on this one. Why did he feel the need to leave, what were his missions like, what was it like for her while he was gone, and why did she let him back into bed so damn fast?
Inventive story but not one of my favorites from Hunter.

i honestly didnt finish the book. i got bored somewhere around chapter 28. It just didn't hold my interest, not sure why. might try to read it again at some point.

i honestly didnt finish the book. i got bored somewhere around chapter 28. It just didn't hold my interest, not sure why. might try to read it again at some point.