Review: Paris, Spies and Love - you can't go wrong
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 25, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review.  I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.I prefer my period romances with heroines who are not faint of heart and constrained by society. Mary, the heroine of this story is far from compliant with the restrictions placed on a woman of society in 1816 London.  She is encouraged in her difference by her uncle, a diplomat for England, involved in the intrigue surrounding the court of Louis XVIII, after Napoleon's banishment.  Of course, diplomacy of that time involved some rather dubious ethical connections, and that is where Mary is introduced to her love interest, Hugh, Lord Ormond, who presents with impeccable English credentials, and has a penchant for subterfuge and the continued remove of Napoleon Bonaparte.Mary is dragged, nearly kicking and screaming to the `mandatory' events for a young woman of her station, even though she managed to delay her debut to her 19th year, and escapes to her country house repeatedly to "ride like the devil" clad in breeches and boots, upon her horse Midnight.  Far from this being her only interest, Mary is an opinionated and well-read woman, full of input, ideas and opinions about everything that makes men cringe.  Mary is a far more interesting character, especially since she has a sense of humour about her more outlandish presentations and theories.I enjoyed this book: it was a fun read that beautifully described Paris of the time, including a wonderful homage to Notre Dame.  The characters were quite well developed, especially the details that ran to the tone and tenor of the time in which the story was set.  Scenes were beautifully described and detailed, creating description that led to imagining with little effort.  The artful crafting of the character and plot enabled me to feel as though I was right there, on a shoulder so to speak, to follow the action.For a first time author, this work was amazingly polished and masterful.  As the first in a trilogy all centered on servants to the Crown, it is a stunning opening salvo.  This was a winner on all fronts for me, and I look forward to book 2.