His Wicked Secret

April 1, 2019
Smith’s pleasing eighth League of Rogues Regency (after Earl of Pembroke) delights with a strong female protagonist who decides that she wants more from life than merely marrying well. Audrey Sheridan, youngest sister of Viscount Sheridan, has written the “Lady Society” gossip column since she turned 15. Now 19, she wants to become a spy. Meanwhile, she’s under pressure to land a husband. Though Audrey is attracted to Jonathan St. Laurent, the half-brother of the Duke of Essex, she isn’t sure whether his feelings toward her are more than just a passing interest. When Audrey and her maid, Gillian, embark on an escapade to gather clandestine information and expose members of a secret club for highly placed men with questionable tastes, the adventure goes awry and they are rescued by Jonathan, along with James Fordyce, the Earl of Pembroke. As Jonathan assists Audrey with the self-defense skills necessary for spy work, their mutual attraction grows, but frequent misunderstandings as to the nature of their relationship come to the forefront. Espionage, an undercurrent of mystery, and sensuous romance are at the heart of this page-turner, which hints at a future installment and will encourage readers to look for the previous books.