"Full of action, adventure and most especially romance!"

This is Kerrelyn Sparks' debut book and what a debut it is. I highly recommend this one for its action, adventure and most especially the romance.

Quincy Stanton is urged by his father to come to England. Quincy's Uncle Edward, who being the third son moved to America to start afresh, raised him from the time he was six years old. Quincy is illegitimate and his father had never wanted anything to do with him before. When Quincy goes to England, he finds out that his father has wasted his fortune and now wants to get his hands on Quincy and Edward's very successful shipping business.

When Quincy returns to America he's recruited by the Sons of Liberty to spy for them. In order to do that, he must pretend he's sympathetic to the Tories and become a fop. He wears wigs and foppish clothing and takes snuff. In other words, he's totally disgusted with himself. While looking to buy an indentured servant he happens upon Virginia Munro from North Carolina who is visiting her Aunt Mary. Virginia and her father are on the very same ship for the very same reason. Quincy highly insults Virginia by pretending that he thinks she's an indentured servant.

Then Quincy and Virginia keep meeting at the very same parties and gatherings. Virginia's Aunt Mary has recruited her to do a little spying for the colonials herself. Now what will Quincy and Virginia do when they find out that each is spying? That is the rest of this most intriguing and fascinating story.

I enjoyed everything about this book from the villain to the hero and heroine. I even thought the indentured servants were quite engaging. My favorite characters though were Edward and Mary and their unrequited love. I look forward to reading more from this most appealing new author!

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted June 25, 2002

Summary

A cross between the Scarlet Pimpernel and James Bond -- Quincy Stanton poses as a Loyalist fop by day. By night, he wages a secret war against the British with his 18th century spy gadgets. Then along comes Virginia Munro...

When two spies keep stumbling upon each other in the dark, the results can be hilarious and dangerous. Is Boston big enough for the two of them? Only if they get closer...