Nice development of a close friendship between the main characters throughout this story. Sophia, the heroine, and her mother have been travelling with the British Army for most of her life, because her father and stepfather were soldiers. She's a great artist, as well as an excellent horsewoman and crack shot, and very intrepid. The hero, Mark Adair is an exploring officer. If you like Carla Kelly's books that feature military heroes during the Peninsular Wars you'll enjoy this book. Most of it takes place in Spain and France. However the hero has an affair with another woman during the course of this book, and that may be a deal breaker for some readers. Even when they meet again in London after the war, and he is looking to choose a wife, although he cares for Sophia and values their friendship, he does realize it is her he loves and wants to marry till the very end of the book. A decent read but I like my heroes to be a little less dense!

Share/Like this Review?

back cover:

In the war against Napoleon, Major Lord Mark Adair is a mster of disguise, assigned to study the landscape, troop positions, and fortifications inside enemy territory. Ashamed of spying, he'd rather be fighting on the front lines. Until he finds a more pleasant opponent to cross swords with...

Sophia Featherstonaugh is an artist of exquisite talent - and rather a work of art herself. The stepdaughter of a general, she has spent her whole life amongst the military, accustomed to the flirtations of the soldiers, and battling off their advances. But never has any man taken an interst in her paintings like Major Adair - a gentleman skilled in not only the art of war, but the art of love...

Share/Like this Review?