"This is an exciting Regency romantic suspense t"

In 1809 in the outer rim of a sprawling London, Vermillion Lee Durant sadly realizes that her training period is over. She must select her first protector as a courtesan chip off the old block as her aunt who raised her did before her. She would rather be Lee, riding horses in the countryside, but she knows that her destiny as the third generation Durant courtesan is to be Vermillion.

Secret Agent Captain Caleb Tanner seeks a traitor. He goes undercover as a groom at Parklands, the estate owned by Vermillion's aunt. Caleb believes that Vermillion is a hardened, avaricious but well paid whore. That is until he meets Lee. As he and Lee fall in love, Caleb knows the mission remains first, but plans to become Vermillion's first protector. However, she needs more from him now that love is part of the relationship.

SECRET WAYS is an exciting Regency romantic suspense tale that sub-genre fans will fully appreciate. The story line is loaded with action, but also slowed down at the bit by the girth of detail on horses. The lead couple is a delightful duo especially the almost schizoid lead female protagonist as Lee battles with Vermillion for supremacy before Caleb's love enables her to enjoy both sides of her complex personality. The traitor investigation adds the depth that will leave readers applauding Kat Martin for a fine novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 25, 2003