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Caroline Linden
Avon Books/HarperCollins
September 2010/ ISBN 978-0-06-170648-6
Romance – Historical (London, England, 1820)
Amazon
Reviewed
by Leslie Halpern
What kind
of woman could work as a spy, prostitute, and assassin for the English
government and still sleep soundly each night with no trace of remorse?
That would be Angelique Martand, who grew up as an orphaned French
girl with no family, no friends, and no love in her heart (except
for the servant who raised her). On assignment from Home Office
spymaster John Stafford, Angelique must work closely with American
representative, Nathaniel Avery, who was sent to England to retrieve
an embezzler.
Despite Angelique’s instant dislike for the man, she finds
herself feeling more and more drawn to this loud, forthright American
with whom she must pretend to be married in order to track down
the culprit. Surrounded by servants and Angelique’s occasional
spy partner, Ian Wallace, the fake couple argues by day, but indulges
in their aggressive sexual fantasies with each other at night. As
they get closer to catching the thief, a dangerous secret threatens
their lives and their budding love.
Author Caroline Linden cleverly manages to sneak in a brief visit
from Harry Sinclair, the romantic hero from her enthralling 2009
novel A
View to a Kiss. Like the earlier story, You Only Love Once
tells a passionate story with danger, mystery, and intrigue with
England’s strict class structure looming throughout the narrative.
This time, the characters weave their way throughout the political
and social circles in London using disguises, tricks, weaponry,
and instincts to track down the criminal.
Although Angelique comes across as a withdrawn, cold-blooded killer
who finally learns to warm up a little, Nate is immediately likable
– even lovable – as the straight-talking, tough guy
who treats Angelique with respect, honesty, and care (when appropriate),
and love, passion and desire (when that’s appropriate). Easy
to read, spiced with humorous banter, and exciting throughout, You
Only Love Once provides an enjoyable escape to the past.
Reviewer's
Note: Sexuality, Violence, Profanity
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