Gwen’s review of A View to a Kiss by Caroline Linden
Historical romance released by Avon 27 Jan 09

I haven’t read many Caroline Linden books (any? yikes), but I certainly will after reading this one.  I found it complex, richly detailed, and emotionally and intellectually satisfying.  This book is set during the late Regency when everything was topsy-turvy with the royalty.  Queen Caroline was giving George IV all kinds of fits because she wouldn’t divorce him and he really couldn’t stand her physically, or supposedly intellectually.  This manifested itself in a lot of plots, counter-plots, and attempts to foment rebellion among the Powers That Be who were unhappy with the government in general.  Imagine the story fodder in this time period! 

Our hero, Harry, is one of the spies who were seemingly everywhere during this time.  Harry is a seemingly average man with some very above average skills.  The heroine, Mariah, is the only daughter of one of the most highly-placed, and -admired nobles.  Harry realizes that he’s not just protecting Mariah’s father, he’s spying on him (and two other nobles, using different disguises).  This doesn’t sit well with our noble Harry, but he rolls along biding his time because wants to find the traitor/agent provocateur.

Mariah, our heroine, is a beauty and thought to be the catch of the season.  All the single men want her either for her beauty or her connections (through her very well-placed and noble father).  She bemoans this until she meets Harry.  Harry immediately captivates Mariah.  He’s politely inappropriate and mysterious.  Mariah spends most of the novel not even really knowing what he looks like – she just knows his voice and general physique.

All of this piles up into a complex series of events, including some of Harry’s heritage, that eventually lead to Harry and Mariah’s HEA.  But, honestly, I didn’t know how, or if, they were going to get there.  The plot takes many a winding road on the way but all toward the one destination.

This was a very satisfying tale.  There were a few moments I didn’t really believe the heroine’s steadfastness (thought it was a tad over the top) but it was still satisfying.  The secondary characters were interesting and added to the plot.  The political elements and intrigue were woven in without making it feel like I was in an English History class – it was all part of the plot (so to speak). It was all nicely stitched together.

If you’re a fan of intrigue in your historical romance, this is the book for you.  If you like it when the hero and heroine fall in love knowing actually very little about each other, you’ll love this book.  If you like an historical romance where the hero and heroine break (sort of) some of the social rules, you’ll love this book.  If you’re a Linden fan, you’ll really love it.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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Mystifying kisses . . .
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It was a most coveted invitation-a glittering ball attended by all the important people of the ton. But Mariah, a ravishing beauty thought by all to be the catch of the season, never expected to find true love amid the shadows. The mysterious man she meets there ignites a passion within her she never thought possible. When he starts a clandestine midnight courtship in her bedroom, Mariah is scandalized-and enthralled.
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From a man who knows just what he desires . . .
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Harry Sinclair is a man of secrets who would do anything to protect those in his charge. But when he lays eyes on the stunning Mariah, duty and desire collide. Though every man in London lusts for her, he knows the fiery attraction between them is unparalleled. But in a world where trust can turn to treason and scandal can topple the throne, Harry and Mariah will fight a perilous fight for their precious love-and their lives.
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Read an excerpt.