This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Vivid descriptions. Kept me captivated from the first page to the last. An excellent read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Using the backdrop of the 1798 Irish uprising, this is a very effective pairing of a brooding hero with a Cinderella heroine, beset by a realist set of obstacles in the form of an evil relative and the cultural divide between Ireland and England, with a nice bonus of exploring the role of the developing publishing industry to both women writers and nationalist literature.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in a new series by Susanna Craig. The story was just okay I wasn’t in love with it but it was a pretty solid read. Ash is a gambler who is needing to make his name clean and the only way to do it is to marry. In comes the companion and a love story is born.

Miss Camellia Burke is the companion and she has a secret indeed. The Companions Secret is that she’s an author.

Having accepted the invitation from her uncle to join them in London as her aunt’s companion, the offer gives Camellia the opportunity to be closer to the publishing world. Able to submit her manuscript to an editor, she receives positive results, with a hitch.

The editor likes her work but feels it is too one-sided. Offering to reread and perhaps publish the book after she rewrites the main male character, Camellia is excited and concerned.

Her concern is that she will not be able to adequately rewrite the character. She decides to take notes from real life.

The Marquis of Ashborough, Gabriel Finch, is better known to the world as Lord Ash. He is quite notorious, having said to have killed his own father. He has even been known to ruin men at the card tables.

Regardless of what is true, Gabriel has decided that he will live up to the reputation people have placed on him. This suits him well until he discovers that his cousin, his heir presumptive, has been making claims about Gabriel’s estate.

In order to keep cousin Julian from inheriting his beloved estate, Gabriel must wed. The woman he takes to wife must be one with a sterling reputation to counterbalance the tarnish of his own.

Unexpected Attraction

It doesn’t really matter when your heart decides something, it usually wins. This is one of those stories where a person who actually deserves to find love, gets it.

In this story, both main characters are sadly lacking for love. Gabriel has been seriously misunderstood by the ton and Camellia has been tragically overlooked.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and do look forward to many more from Suzanna Craig.

Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.

~~Reviewed by Bonnie~~

When Gabriel Finch, Marquess Ashborough, overhears his cousin and heir, bragging at a gaming hell about his anticipated future fortune, Ash knows it’s time to make some changes in his life. He needs to marry and produce an heir, but his own reputation is so black that no society lady will welcome his suit. Ash manages to buy up all the gaming vowels of a young lord about to be ruined, and offers them to the young man’s father in exchange for his approval for Ash to marry his daughter, Felicity. As Ash begins his courtship of Felicity, he finds himself greatly attracted to her cousin, Camellia, who is the companion to Felicity’s mother.

Camellia Burke was raised in Ireland but desired to come to England so that she’d be close to publishers. She’s secretly writing a book, one loosely based on the life of her family, herself, and the matter of Ireland’s fight for independence. Cami has received a positive response from one publisher, who is willing to publish her book if she’s willing to make some changes to her villain, who needs to be fleshed out as opposed to the one-dimensional character she portrayed. Though Cami is horrified that her cousin is being forced to marry such a notorious rake and gambler, she finds Ash is the perfect model for her fictitious villain.

As Felicity dutifully accepts Ash’s courtship, Cami begins to see the real man beneath the wicked reputation. Likewise, Ash has noticed Cami’s beauty beneath the spectacles and the ill-fitting clothes, but he’s attracted to her spirit and her fierceness, as well. Though his intended bride is kind, dutiful, and beautiful, his heart longs to Cami. But Ash has painted himself into a corner, as he needs a society lady for his wife, not an Irish solicitor’s daughter if he’s to repair his black reputation. When Cami is urgently summoned back to Ireland by her family, Ash decides he must follow, even though he desperately needs to stay in town to fight the slander of an enemy determined to steal everything from him.

I love both Cami and Ash so much – they have many facets to their character, and aren’t written as the stereotypical rake and bluestocking. Ash almost feels cursed, as everyone he’s ever loved has died. He threw himself into improving his estate, and along the way became a successful gambler, a rake, and a man with many enemies, but only one true friend. Still, he secretly is a very generous and caring man who longs for someone to love him – the man, Gabriel. Cami suffered betrayal in love at a young age, and while she decided never to marry, she didn’t become hard and cold. She loves her family, who demands too much of her, and shows Ash that she does see, and love, the man he truly is – Gabriel.

THE COMPANION’S SECRET is the first book I’ve read by Susanna Craig, and I am in love with her writing. This story flowed beautifully and captivated me so much that I read it in one sitting. The love developing between Ash and Cami was so strong and emotional, that my heart was breaking for them when their situation seemed impossible.

He wrapped his arms around her, and she laid her cheek against his chest, as she had done that day in the carriage. Her fingertips played in the knot of his cravat, stirring up the warm scent of his cologne, and she nestled closer to draw it in, draw him in.

They fit together, two sharp edges locked tight and smooth, and she knew then that she would fight his demons, bare-handed if she must, but they could not, would not have him. He was hers.

In addition to the sizzling chemistry and strong romance between Ash and Cami, there were well rounded secondary characters who added much to the story, making THE COMPANION’S SECRET one fabulous read that I recommend most highly to lovers of a beautifully written historical romance.

An intriguing beginning promised a story that would capture my attention and the book did not disappoint. Both the hero and heroine’s characters are rich, multi layered and beautifully written. I adored their story but the only part I didn’t like was the abrupt addition of the heroine’s family story into the plot. I didn’t think it merged well with the main plot and seemed a little forced.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

The Companion’s Secret keeps your interest with its genuine characters and the struggle of their lives and loves. Our sweet but poor heroine, Cami, has come to London to be a companion to her aunt and younger cousin, Felicity. Our dark hero, Lord Ash, is living up to his reputation. He lost both of his parents, mother at birth and his father at ten years of age. He was even blamed for his father’s death. The secondary characters Felicity and Mr. Fox are just as interesting as the main characters.

Ash has decided he needs to keep his uncle and cousin from ever inheriting his title and estate, so he decides to marry into a good family. He is somewhat of a successful gambler. Ash selects Felicity because it is convenient and he can blackmail her family with their debts. But, he cannot seem to stay away from Cami. She intrigues him, challenges him and kisses his socks off. Felicity appears to be a biddable choice in a wife, but is much wiser than Ash or her parents give her credit for. Even Mr. Fox, who is the best friend a person can have, knows that Ash has made the wrong choice in a wife.

Bespeckled Cami is quite a strong woman and does not mind giving her opinion. Her aunt seems to be always trying to tame her. Cami wants independence and is writing a book to try to earn money to help find a way out of being a servant in her uncle’s home. Dark, devastatingly handsome Lord Ash is the perfect ‘hero’ for her book. She is going to make him quite evil, but the more she gets to know him and fall deeper in love with him, the more difficult it is to write his story. And, once she finds out Ash’s secret, she knows she has fallen too far in love with him. Your heart breaks for both of them as you learn more about Ash’s father’s death. He really lost his father long before he actually died.

Cami and Ash’s story is so close to the book Cami is writing. And, Ash’s respect of her privacy as pertains to the book is to be admired. It speaks all the more to his genuine character. His understanding of her needs is what any woman would want in her hero.

Ms. Craig is becoming one of my favorite writers. She weaves historical events into her books; with this one being the difficulties between Ireland and England during the time period. She writes of the struggles between the two countries with the realism of those who lived it. I look forward to many more of her books. If you have not read one of her books, give her a try. You will enjoy them as much as I.

This is book one in the new “Rogues and Rebels” series from Susanna Craig, and my goodness me, it’s going to be a scorcher of a series going by this first installment. It is an exciting, fast paced story an highly enjoyable a thrilling romp through a dangerous time.
Ash is a such an interesting character he does at first appear to be the ultimate rake, but the way he is with his best friend and how protective he is towards Cami – even after he finds out her dark secret, he stands by her willing to go wherever she is willing to take him. They are a fun and fascinating couple, at first glance at wouldn’t have put these two together they seem so different. They are both highly passionate people, they have intriguing and intelligent minds and their individual characters do bounce off each other and create this feisty and sexy double act that at the end of the book you know that they were made for each other. They are both attracted to each other but do she doesn’t trust him she has secrets that if found out could lead to danger and scandal for both sides of her family.

Budding author Cami is bold and very sure of herself, she is an intriguing character she has a keen interest in politics – which for the day was very unheard of and as the story unfolds we find out that there is a very good reason and very personal reason for that. She speaks her mind when able to do so and she loves her family dearly, I really like how family focussed she is and that is an integral part of the story.

I like how Craig worked their story, I completely changed my thoughts on them as a couple as the story went along. From thinking that surely these two aren’t compatible to these two are perfect! That takes real skill as a writer to be able to create such dynamic and lovable character’s that draw your attention.

This is very highly recommended and a new series to watch for all historical romance fans.

The Companion’s Secret is the first book I have read by Susanna Craig. I am so excited that this is the first in a series. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough, doesn’t want to get married, that is, until he hears his cousin in a card game bet against his future inheritance. Due to his own scandals he buys up the debts of young Lord Trenton and requires the sister Felicity to wed him to keep that family from ruin. He does not count on the charming cousin from Ireland thrown in the mix.

Camellia Burke is her aunts companion by day and author by night. She is tasked with making her villian more believable and uses Gabriel as her muse. We know Gabriel and Camellia get together, the story to HEA is quite exciting. This story has patriotism, treason, blackmail, unwanted attentions, love, loyalty, romance and much more. I give this story 5 stars and highly recommend it.

Really enjoyed this book; all of the characters were interesting and the historical background of Ireland added to the story. The romance was believable and drew me into the story. I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

Lord Ash has become ruthless out of the devastation of his past.. To clean up his image he decides it is time to take a bride, a woman with a sterling reputation.. So why is her poor cousin so much more appealing? Camellia came to London to act as her aunt's companion, yet matching wits with Lord Ash has her thinking things she shouldn't. She would be a scandal if anyone found out she had written a novel. When the two come together, the air crackles with anticipation between the two of them.

I loved the chemistry this author brings to the characters. Not only will you fall in love with the main characters, but it will leave you rooting for the secondary characters as well. A good read and definitely worth your time.

Miss Camellia Burke is a poor cousin sent to live with her wealthy aunt and cousin as an (unpaid) companion. That’s about the only thing she has in common with Fanny Price, though, so don’t go thinking this is anything like Mansfield Park.

Daughter of an Irish solicitor, disgraced by a long-ago mistake and possessed of a sharp tongue and decided opinions, Cami is a fabulous heroine. Secretly working on a novel expressly designed to get the English to understand the perspective of the Irish (in the time immediately preceding the 1798 Irish Rebellion), she’s thoroughly irritated at first by having to waste her time playing chaperone to her cousin Felicity and Lord Ash, the disreputable marquis courting her. When she realises Ash makes a perfect model for the villain of her novel, however, she sets aside her resentment to make a study of him.

Of course, nothing is as black and white as Cami thinks. The scene where she discovers the truth about Ash’s father’s death was so heart-wrenching I found myself yelling at the book, telling Cami she absolutely had to marry him. Everything that came after only reinforced my conviction that Ash was absolutely the perfect hero for her, though he’d already won me over by NOT reading her manuscript when it literally fell at his feet.

At the end of the day, I thought this should have been called “Lord Ash’s Secret” or “The Marquis’s Secret” because the one he was carrying, the one he’d never told another living soul, was way, way bigger than Cami’s. That minor quibble aside, I loved, loved, loved this superbly written, thoroughly researched and richly detailed historical romance.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author (To Seduce A Stranger was the first) and I can now confidently say I think she’s one of the best historical romance authors writing today. If you love historicals and you haven’t read Susanna Craig yet, put her on your TBR list now. Bump her right up to the top. You absolutely won’t regret it.

The Companion’s Secret is one of those books where I wish I could give it more than five stars. It’ll stay with me for a long time. Absolute perfection.

Cami came to England to be a companion to her aunt, the Countess of Merrick. Gabriel (Lord Ash)had decided to take a bride and to spite his uncle. He and decided on Lady Felicity daughter of the countess of Merrick. She was afraid of him, his reputation was that bad. She did like his companion, Mr. Fox. Cami received a letter from her sister begging her to come home. Lord Ash accompanied her back to Ireland.
Her knowledge of the riot in Ireland was quite amazing.
It is well written, evenly paced and moves smoothly. I loved that he loved her spiciness and would argue with him. The characters were interesting and full of life. You could see the change in Lord Ash, he went from someone that wanted nothing more than to be left alone.

The Companion's Secret by Susanna Craig is book One in the Rogues and Rebels series. This is the story of Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough and Camellia Burke.
This was such a great romance. Gabriel has a bad reputation and in moving forward thinks to marry after he hears of his cousins plans. Gabriel has found the perfect women to help him with the his money issue and his reputation. But Gabriel can't seem to keep from looking toward Cami the cousin of his perfect possible wife. Cami is working as a companion her Aunt but also writing a book that she thinks to use Gabriel as inspiration to one of the main characters. But Cami is called back home and Gabriel goes to follow her.
Exciting read that was hard to put down.

Gabriel Finch, Marquis of Ashborough, is known as Lord Ash, for his desires burn hot and leave devastation in their wake. Overhearing a cousin trying to wager his principal estate makes Ash realise he needs to marry & have an heir to make sure his uncle Sebastian can’t inherit. He sets his eye on Lady Felicity. Camellia Burke came to London as her aunt’s companion, and she’s brought a secret with her: she’s written a scandalous novel. Now, her publisher demands that she make her fictional villain more realistic.
Gabriel & Cami are attracted from their first meeting but she’s a lowly companion & he’s a marquis. However they are constantly thrown together as he half-heartedly courts Felicity. They have many trials facing them, Ash’s reputation, the Irish rebellion & an uncle intent on ruining Ash. A well-written very enjoyable book that flowed really well. The characters are well fleshed, Ash is the gambling, womanising misunderstood rake & Cami the strong, intelligent spinster. I love the author’s books & this is up there with the best of them, I look forward to more in the series.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The Companion’s Secret by Susanna Craig
Rogues & Rebels #1

Oh my…my…oh my…what a story this one was! Complex characters, historical references, expectations to be met, secrets to unravel and romances to observe as families dealt with issues that impacted their lives in more than one way…that there were happy endings for Camellia and her cousin Felicity was the icing on the cake.

Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough - or Ash for short - has a reputation that has put him outside society’s boundaries. Whether or not he deserves all that is said about him is revealed as the book unfolds. He is definitely more…and less…than what his reputation says he is. He does have one very good friend in Christopher Fox and that is worth noting early on. So, when Ash determines it is time to marry he knows just who will be his bride and how all will unfold…well…until he meets Felicity’s cousin, Camellia. Funny how what we believe will happen is not exactly what does, isn’t it?

I really enjoyed this book. What could have been a typical historical novel much like any other became so much more by the wielding of words that made its impact resound and kept me thinking after I finished the book. I started to write more and embellish BUT this book doesn’t need my words…or not more of them. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe you will too. I am eager to read the next book in the series and wonder if it will be about Camellia’s sister Erica or if it will be about someone else entirely. Another person I would like to hear more about is Remy – Ash’s man of everything.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing – Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

4. 1/2 stars

Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough aka Lord Ash, has a reputation of destroying everything he touches, he is a gambler, an unrepentant rake and possibly a murderer. When he overhears his cousin using Gabriel's estate as collateral for a wager, he makes a decision. He will marry, have an heir and make sure his cousin never inherits. Problem is, he is not exactly welcomed in good society and finding a bride the traditional way might prove impossible. But not to worry, blackmail and extortion will do just as well. He asks his good friend Christopher Fox about potential brides and settles on Lady Felicity Trenton, daughter of the Earl of Merrick and sister to Lord Trenton, a man that owes Gabriel a fortune.

Camellia Burke is Lord Merrick's niece and has come from Ireland to act as a companion to Lady Merrick, Cami is an aspiring author and came to England in hopes of finding a publisher for her book. It is a volatile time in Ireland and she is hoping that her book will enlighten the English to the plight of the Irish. She has found a publisher and he loved her story, but feels like she needs to make her villain more believable, she is at a loss until she meets Lord Ash - he is a perfect model for her villain!

Gabriel is fascinated by Cami, but Lady Felicity is perfect for his needs, he needs a wife with an impeccable lineage to thwart his uncle and cousin and Cami doesn't fit the bill. But the more he is with her, the more he wants her. For her part, Cami uses her time to study him - for her book of course - She knows Felicity doesn't want to marry him, but the alternative is ruin for her family.

Cami is beginning to believe there is more to Gabriel than he lets anyone see and when she tells him Felicity doesn't want to marry him, he kisses her. Cami is conflicted, she wants him, but feels guilty. When Gabriel's uncle gives Felicity the cut - things escalate quickly.

Gabriel learns his Uncle is plotting to destroy him, this is not the first time, but this time might well be the last. He needs to marry Felicity, he has been avoiding asking for her hand, but his time is up. He tells Fox that he will marry Felicity - Fox objects, he cares for her and doesn't want her to be hurt. Gabriel says he will make sure she is taken care of, but that is not good enough for Fox and he leaves in anger. Fox is the only person that has ever stood by him and Gabriel wonders if he has finally turned that relationship to ash as well.

Lady Merrick is outraged by Gabriel's uncle and declares that if Lord Ash doesn't propose, Felicity will be ruined. Cami joins them for breakfast and tries to sooth her aunt, but when a letter from home arrives, all thoughts of Felicity and Gabriel flee. Trouble is brewing and she must return home.

When Gabriel arrives, Felicity urges him to go after her and Gabriel sets a new plan in motion. He finds Cami and tries to convince her to travel with him, she resists, but then he tells her he is not going to marry Felicity. Cami finally gives in to the attraction between them and the next morning when Gabriel finds her manuscript, she gives him more than just her body. She reads her book to him and in doing so, shares her soul with him.

Gabriel knows he should go back to London and clear his name, because he wants a future with Cami. Realizing how much she shared with him, he opens up to her, as he has never done with another person. This is a very touching and emotional scene - tissues may be needed by the reader - It appears that they have come to an understanding and he will return to London. But when the news of trouble in Ireland is learned, he can't let her go alone. But if he goes, he could lose everything - including his life.

This is such a great story, a wonderful blend of fact and fiction woven into a complicated and emotional tale, with a broken hero and an equally broken heroine - two imperfect people who are perfect for each other. This book has steamy-ish love scenes, a little heartache, sacrifices made, secrets shared and a very sweet ending. If this book had an epilogue it would have been a 5 star read - because IMO, it needed an epilogue, the ending just came a little too fast, tied up a little too neatly and ended a little too abruptly and left me wanting more. But that doesn't change the fact that I loved this book and would highly recommend it.

I have loved every book of Susanna Craig, and ‘The Companion’s Secret’ has now topped that list. Camellia Burke, is acting as her aunt’s companion whilst trying to publish a fictional novel, highlighting the plight of the Irish. When her publisher requests that she undertake a rewrite of her novel, she decides to find her inspiration in the Marquess of Ashborough, Gabriel Finch, who is courting her cousin, Felicity. Lord Ash, as he is commonly called, has forced the hand of Felicity’s father in trying to arrange a union between himself and Felicity, in an attempt to improve his standing in the ton. However, he finds himself fascinated by Camellia.
What may at first seem the standard story line, soon develops into a complex novel surrounding the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and a plot to see Gabriel tried for treason. The characters of Camellia and Gabriel will remain with you after you have finished reading. The tragedy faced by Gabriel at a young age has lead him to believe that he is the villain whilst Camellia, with her strength and honor, sees beyond this persona. As always, Ms Craig has included secondary characters that add greater depth to this engaging story. I so look forward to the second book in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm not sure I've read Susanna Craig's work before, but I will be reading it in the future. I really enjoyed this novel! I thought Camelia was a really interesting, multi-faceted character, and Gabriel was an endearing and sexy hero. This book was a great combination of captivating plot and steamy love scenes.

This review will appear in issue 1 of Romantic Intentions Quarterly, our April 3. We will also share our thoughts on social media closer to the book's pub date.
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Camellia Burke just wants to finish her novel, The Wild Irish Rose, which she hopes will go some way to reconciling England and Ireland after years of bloodshed and dispossession. Needing a more realistic English villain, she begins to make a study of Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough, who is courting her cousin to save his estate, but finds himself falling in love with Camellia—little realising she has cast him as her villain. The charm of this book is that Gabriel is completely honest with himself (and therefore the reader, too), and his dilemma is real: accept the pragmatic but unwanted reality of marrying for convenience to save everything his has held dear, or follow his heart and risk it all for love with a very unsuitable woman. An excellent read and well worth your time.

4 1/2 stars