Review: Delightful Mix of Historical Events & Sensual Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 5, 2013
Against the Wind is a story full of action right from the first page as numerous heartbreaking events occur to set our main protagonists on the mutual road towards a HEA.  Mutual loss bonds Martin and Kit together, as does an unexpectedly steamy encounter at an elite bordello.  From this  memorable encounter their lives become one of danger, both from the government and from enemies closer to home.After years in service to the government and through the loss of his wife and child, Martin is now home to carry out one last job.  Before undertaking it he pays a visit to a bordello and by a twist of fate ends up in the bed of Kit who stirs his heart after years of it being dormant but loses her in the light of day.  Through a strange twist of fate they end up in each other's arms again where the rocky road to their HEA commences under the specter of danger.  Martin is a good man, an honorable man, who's had his heart broken.  He's loyal and desperate to keep the woman he's just discovered safe from harm which leads to secrets.  It's not that he wants to keep secrets, he just doesn't want another woman he loves to be put in jeopardy.Kit is a real Lady forced through fate to staying the night at a bordello while trying to decide where she should go after being forced to run from her home.  With nothing to her name because of her vile brother-in-law, Edgar the Earl of Rutledge, who wants to claim her for his own after the death of her sister she's left with few choices.  She's immediately drawn to the stranger who enters her room but runs from Martin before he discovers who she is.  To save her from Edgar though he proclaims her as wife and does anything necessary to keep her safe.  Kit is an admirable heroine in that she's smart, loyal, and caring.  She wants to be an independent woman but the danger that Edgar represents keeps her from acting on her own.The journey to a HEA is difficult though as many outside forces work to pull them apart.  It's only through their trust, love, and intense emotions for one another that helps them reach their immensely satisfying conclusion.  Along the way are numerous steamy encounters that further show Martin's devotion to her and made me even more enamored of him.  These scenes were nicely balanced with real life historical events that Ms. Walker presented in a realistic way to draw the reader in completely.  This blending of historical events was one of the highlights as I knew I was learning something but was highly entertained at the same time.Even though this is the second book in Ms. Walker's Agents of the Crown series it can definitely be read on its own.  Characters from the previous installment show up to assist the protagonists but knowing their background has no bearing on my enjoyment of this release. From its sensual romance to life or death historical events Ms. Walker has created an intensely emotional story that compels the reader to keep turning the pages.  Considering my enjoyment of this story I'm counting down the days until the next installment of this series is released.