An English war hero coming home to settle estate affairs rescues a stranded Irish woman studying the local plants - or is she a spy? What exactly is in the journal she keeps by her side? Good read.

Susanna Craig does it again! An 18th Century historical romance between an Irish botanist beauty and a British intelligence officer who suspects her of espionage is quite a unique one, and when coupled with Craig’s flair for moving dialogue and fiery tempers flaring, with more than a hint of Trapped Together in a Cabin, it becomes nothing less than compulsively readable. Erica Burke is a heroine not often seen in this genre and the suspense surrounding her soldier beau’s critical secrets is well-played, with several unlooked for twists, making this second book in Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series even better than the first. – Clara Shipman

4 1/2 stars.

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018

I found this book to be entertaining and a captivating read. Susanna Craig has managed to sweet us away into a world where dukes are spies for England, spinsters are botonists and the fate of a nation may just be found at a house party to welcome home a lord at his manor. All in all I found the book compelling and read it in one day when I couldn't seem to put it down. There were a few minor grammatical and spelling errors but nothing horrendous or that I don't doubt will be fixed before publication. The only lacking point I felt the book had was an epilogue or even just a longer final chapter. I wanted to see Erica's reunion with her family. We spent the entire novel learning of her sister dissatisfaction with her, that it was a bit of a let down to not actually see their relationship or see Tristan step in to her defense like the knight he was named for. Other than that the book was a great read that I may just need to buy for my ever growing library.

I really liked this story. It started slow for me, and i wasn't sure I wanted to finish it, I'm so glad I did. Erica is a strong woman. She should have been born in the late 1900s! Tristan is a man torn between duty and the life he wants...or maybe it becomes the life he wanted... Enjoy!

Erica Burke was accidentally left behind at an inn when her sister and new brother in law were on their way to their estate. She went back into the inn to retrieve her journal. It is precious to her because it has pictures and notes on plants and flowers as she is a botanist. When she realizes that she has been left, she starts walking toward their house. It is raining and she sees a deserted cottage where she takes refuge. She goes in thinking she is alone but there is someone there. Major Lord Tristan Laurens has take refuge as well although he lives only a few miles from his house. The next morning, Erica wants to start walking again but it is muddy and has been flooding. She goes to Lord Tristan's house until the weather has cleared and she can leave. He is home to take over as the Duke of Raynham, after his father and brother died in an accident. It's something he has never wanted. Working for the Crown as an agent who deals with spies is what he wants. The Irish Rebellion is still going on and there are spies and traitors everywhere. Could Erica be one? Her family are part of the United Irishmen who participated in the uprising. What is in the journal that she keeps so close to her?There is great attraction between Erica and Lord Tristan, but can be trust her? Tristan gets word that there is a spy in their midst. Since his stepmother is giving a house party, there are many suspects. Setting a trap may be the best way of determining who it may be. Will it be Erica or someone closer? I really liked this book. It is a story of two people looking for where they belong and find each other. The chemistry between them is great and I loved the storyline. It received this book from Net Galley and Kensington Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.The opinions are my own.

I wanted to read this book because the main character Erica seemed a bit different from other characters in most romance novels. I liked the way she is presented and how the readers can feel quite close to her, but at the same time not completely understand all of her thoughts and actions. Besides that, I also thought that it was cool that she was interested in botany and science, as women were not really supposed to do that in this time.
The duke is also depicted in a nice way, and the readers can understand that he is torn between his new responsibilities as a duke and his job in the army. The love story between them is described in a nice way and I am sure that everyone who likes romance novels (especially those playing in the historical England) will enjoy reading the book.