"Fabulous Regency romantic suspense"

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 sex 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, spying, and sex to please the sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 13, 2005

Summary

They are known simply as The Royal Four—but there's nothing simple about the elite band of spies who serve the King in secrecy. Their missions are dangerous, their love lives are scandalous...and each man in the Royal Four has his own secrets. This is the story of the spy known as The Lion... SURRENDER TO A WICKED SPYOlivia Calwell's new husband, Dane, is everything she could have ever hoped for in a man. The handsome Lord Greenleigh is charming, debonair, even a bit mysterious...and just thinking of their wedding night makes Olivia blush with pleasure. Yet she can't help but wonder what exactly Dane does all day. His hushed meetings with strangers, his odd comings and goings—it is all enough to drive Olivia mad! Could her beloved husband be involved in something dangerous? Could he even be spying for France? Spy Dane Calwell knows the new Lady Greenleigh is poised, well educated, and utterly captivating. But he's just discovered that Olivia is also the most curious creature he has ever met! Most wives don't give a whit what their husbands do all day. Why must Olivia ask so many questions— and meddle in matters that do not concern her? Truth be told, Dane finds Olivia's amateur sleuthing enchanting... even a little sexy. But when Olivia gets too close to the mission at hand, Dane must try to stop her before it's too late—or risk losing his beautiful wife forever...