Checkmate, My Lord
Devlyn follows A Lady’s Revenge (2012), the first in the Nexus series, with a tale about Sebastian, Earl of Somerton, an aloof man who is the coordinator for secret agents. His neighbor, Catherine Ashcroft, approaches him with letters her husband left for her prior to his death. Now widowed with a young daughter, she is sure her husband was using some sort of code to her in these missives. Somerton knows her husband was an agent, and he tries to keep the intrepid Catherine from learning anything about that, even though he is increasingly interested in her. Another man begins pressuring her to learn more about Somerton, including the names of his Nexus agents. Devlyn’s edgy and sexy series is gaining momentum, and historical-romantic suspense fans, particularly those who enjoy Brenda Joyce, will delight in this. Readers may want to read the first installment to learn more about the Nexus and the twins who were wards of the earl, but this title is an enjoyable stand-alone. --Amy Alessio