★★★★
Say it ain't so! This is the end of this thrilling historical intrigue trilogy. This features Phoebe the jilted bride and the Duke of Wittaker. Whilst it it is best to experienced to read the first too books in this trilogy, this one can be read as a standalone. Once again I'm impressed with how easy Ms. Diener can switch genres and weave a spellbinding story.
Phoebe is definitely a bluestocking and I love that about her. She's spent her life trying to play the rules. When it is clear that she is only going to be screwed over by her dead fiance, Phoebe let's her true self burst out. I love it! Paired up with the most unlikely helper, James is not what he seems. It is a favourite plot device to have a notorious wastrel actually be a spy. Where people back in the Regency era quite this dumb? Possibly. Regardless, it is fun to see how Phoebe throws James off his stride.
What I enjoyed about this story is the political intrigue. I never thought I would like political intrigue. Growing up, politics seemed so slimy. Not that it is any better now that I'm older. What I can appreciate is when political intrigue is done for the greater good and done right. Ms. Diener shows both the dirty rotten side of it as well as the patriotism for how good it can be. Plus the character building totally wins me over. I hesitate to share too much about the plot because I don't want to provide any spoilers. Suffice to say, this isn't a fluff piece. It is well written with complex plots and subplots. It is a nice lengthy novel to enjoy and think about. Recommended to readers who focus more on the plot than the romance.
