Celeste Bradley, Knight's Legacy

Surrender to a Wicked Spy

Celeste Bradley

St. Martin's, Nov 2005, $6.99, 368 pp.

ISBN: 0312931271

In 1813 London, Lady Olivia Cheltenham wonders why her mom has them standing on a bridge overlooking the Thames, until she is pushed into the water below. Her mom screams, while the "catch of the season" Lord David Calwell, dives in to rescue her. She tells him not to bother as she can swim to shore, but her "Viking God" is stuck in the mud and cannot get out of his tightly tied boots. She helps rescue him, but the cold takes it toll on her, so he takes her to shore. They are compromised so they are forced to marry.

David loves his perfect spouse, except for one annoying trait; she interrogates him about everything he does, and seems to be everywhere when he meets with friends. To occupy her time and to satisfy his need, he constantly makes love with her. However, his best efforts to keep from her, that he is a Royal Four spy trying to uncover the identify and stop the traitorous Chimera fails, as his amateur sleuth of a wife places herself in danger from his unknown enemy.

The latest Royal Four Regency romantic suspense (see TO WED A SCANDALOUS SPY) is a fabulous thriller starring two wonderful protagonists. Olivia is too curious for her own good, but that and the adult toys she brings to the boudoir, make for a fun tale. David does not know whether to kiss or spank (though he would enjoy both) his feisty bride, but knows he would risk his life for her safety. Celeste Bradley provides a fabulous historical romance with the right touch of sleuthing, and spying to please the sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner