Checkmate, My Lord by Tracey Devlyn
(Nexus #2)
Publication Date: 1 February 2013
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Page Count: 394
Synopsis
A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s sent to betray.
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton, has spent the last decade protecting England’s shores against a French invasion. Known for his cold logic and ability to sacrifice anything for the greater good, few can outwit him, and even fewer dare challenge him. Until now.
After being exiled to his country estate, Sebastian is surprised when his beautiful, no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him. But years of intrigue have left him wondering why a respectable widow would risk scandal for a few nights in his bed. Sebastian takes his time unraveling the widow’s secrets, for he quickly realizes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make.
Living a quiet existence at Winter’s Hollow, Catherine Ashcroft spends her days doing little more than caring for her precocious six-year-old daughter and negotiating her neighbors’ various complaints against their absentee landowner, the enigmatic Earl of Somerton. But, all her boredom comes to a searing halt after learning her newly returned neighbor might have had something to do with her husband’s murder.
Catherine's orderly existence soon upends and she now finds herself in a desperate bid to save her daughter’s life. But she must betray the earl to do so, even though she no longer suspects him of foul play. Lauren succumbs to the the earl’s passionate kisses and recognizes the same loneliness she has felt for years lurking in his hard, crystalline eyes. As her lover’s enemies close in, will Catherine be able to save both her beloved daughter and the handsome spy who has stolen her heart?
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RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars
What I Felt
I would say Checkmate, My Lord is a highly unusual historical romance read. What sets this apart from other historical romance is that the main character, Catherine Ashcroft, sets out to uncover the truth behind her husband's death by trying to decipher his letters. She sought the help of Lord Somerton, whose name appeared on her husband's letters numerous times.
The plot was interesting, though I still cannot understand why Catherine would easily trust the guy who sent her to betray Sebastian. I also frown upon Catherine's acceptance to Sebastian's offer to an affair. Somehow, it was a risky arrangement in that era. What's more was that Catherine has a daughter to care for. Nevertheless, everything works out smoothly in the end. I really enjoyed reading about her daughter, Sophie. I like the way Sophie interacts with Sebastian (and vice versa) and it's kind of cute!
I admit I didn't know this was book 2 in the series but that didn't hinder my reading progress. However, I would recommend reading the first book to understand more about the characters mentioned in this book.
Overall, an enjoyable and interesting historical romance read.
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Dang, that is one massive synopsis. I rarely read this genre, though I recently picked up a couple books from it. At least not reading the first book didn't hinder this one.
ReplyDeleteEverything's in that blurb! But you'll need to read the book for the cute interaction between Sophie and Sebastian! :)
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