Secret Ways
Almost-19yo heroine is drawn to her new groomsman despite trying to decide among 3 influential men she was going to choose as her protector on her birthday party. Secret-spy Hero is looking for the culprit in heroine's estate who's been relaying dangerous messages to the French army. Hero increasingly becomes confused about heroine as she shows the more innocent & simple side of herself when she's not playing the part of a seductress during her aunt's various parties. Their secret affair soon reveals the truth about heroine to Hero & changes the tune of their r/s as well as his part in his spy work. What kind of future will these 2 have with heroine's destiny as a courtesan & Hero's overseas military career?This has Martin's usual sensual & emotionally-evoking writing. The romance is fraught with various social challenges. It took me some time to figure out whether I liked the main characters or not. In the 1st 3rd of the book, I wasn't sure if heroine would blindly follow the courtesan path of her foremothers or attain some independence esp since she was already independently wealthy. I also didn't know if Hero would continue to judging heroine harshly while wavering in his sexual resistance to her. Soon enough heroine followed her heart & choose to be herself. Hero fell in love with simple-side of heroine & understood why she put up a courtesan image she to others. It helped that they both became upfront about things & made for a more intimate & sweet r/s. The suspense part wasn't predictable & played side part to main romance. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
