Summary:
Anthony Blake, the Earl of Wilshire, is in love with his best friend’s sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies—including his own—has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the facade of a flirtatious playboy.
Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn’t as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned.
She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won’t confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?
My Thoughts:
I have been looking forward to this book’s release for months! This book was filled with mystery, intrigue, and subtle romance. The hero and heroine were introduced in Nancy Campbell Allen’s previous book My Fair Gentleman. I instantly loved the interaction between these characters in the previous book and knew The Secret of the India Orchid was going to be a great read! This book seemed to focus more on the mystery aspect and less on the romance between the characters, however I enjoyed that. The exotic setting of India seemed to add to the mystery of this book. The descriptions of the landscape, sights, and scents really put you right into the setting of this story. I loved Sophia’s cutting humor. She always managed to really get in a good jab while maintaining mannners and the decorum fitting of the social situation. One of my favorite scenes of this book was the elephant ride that Anthony and Sophia take. Trapped on the back of an elephant exchanging secrets and banter! Perfection! This book really held my attention as the mystery surrounding a murder unfolded. If you are looking or a good historical novel that mixes, spies, lies, mystery and romance, then you will enjoy The Secret of the India Orchid. You really cannot go wrong with any of the books in the Proper Romance line! They are some of my faves!
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Amazon: The Secret of the India Orchid
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