It’s 1794, Robespierre’s guillotine is working day and night. Besides, the story itself is not that original either. I can’t say anything about the plot, obviously. How to explain the beauty of The Forbidden Rose? How to describe this author’s unique voice? This, however, shall be my only negative comment, though. It’s also the reason why Joanna Bourne’s Spymasters series was collecting dust on my Kindle, despite the rave reviews whenever one of my friends had read one of it. Spy romances are, by definition, almost always plot driven, and I simply prefer my books to be character driven. Let’s start with a negative detail, shall we? I do not like spy romances.

When the dance of deception and desire is over, which one of them will betray the other? As they're drawn inexorably into the intrigue and madness of revolutionary Paris, they gamble on a love neither of them will admit. And Maggie has come up with some interesting plans for Doyle. He's ruthless enough to use her for his own ends.

When he pulls Maggie from the charred ruins of her chateau, he knows her for what she is - the final, dangerous flower of a noble line. William Doyle, England's top spy, has a cunning plot to foil and a score to settle with the de Fleurignacs. Why does he risk his life to save her? Are his secrets as desperate as her own? There's no chance this menacing rogue with the rough voice and the sinister scar is an innocent bookseller. Penniless and alone, cornered by fanatics of the revolution, she falls into the hands of a compelling stranger. Marguerite de Fleurignac, once a glittering aristocrat in a world of privilege, is on the run, disguised as Maggie Duncan, British governess. As they're drawn inexorably into the intrigue and madness of revolutionary Paris, they gamble on a love neither of them will admit.THE ONLY PERSON SHE CAN TRUST WITH HER LIFE.

Why does he risk his life to save her? William Doyle, England's top spy, has a cunning plot to foil and a score to settle with the de Fleurignacs.

The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne