Unfortunately, the man who can prove Colin's innocence has mysteriously disappeared, leading Madeleine and Colin to the knowledge that someone is deliberately framing him for the murder. As Madeleine and Colin's forced close-quarters and intimacy give way to mutual respect and friendship, the spark of attraction between them flares to brilliant life. Although Madeleine's tragic past and uncertain future act as a barrier to her feelings for Colin, his charm and strength of character begin to break down the wall she has kept between herself and her feelings. Colin had been engaged to his childhood sweetheart until convicted, and proving his innocence is doubly important as he needs to stop the wedding between his fiancée and brother within a few days, or she will be lost to him forever. But the more time he spends with the secretive and alluring Madeleine, the more his blood fires for Madeleine alone.
This is a charming, fast-paced and exciting story, brimming with adventure, passion, secrets and intrigue. I really enjoyed all the plot twists and surprises the author peppered into this story, so much so that I could not put the book down until I devoured every last word. I love the character of Madeleine as she was such a different sort of heroine for a romance novel—a mercenary! How exotic! The interplay between Colin and Madeline is also terrific. Their romance is so tender and bittersweet that I was brought to tears by the end! They are one of those couples that really make the reader stand up and cheer for them. This is a must—read for fans of historical romance, and be ready for some major surprises to pop up by the end. Ms. Long's fresh writing style and attention to plot structure really keeps the pages turning in this wonderful historical romance.
