Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: A Boudreaux Universe Novel
Publication Date: 5/11/20
Number of Pages: 273

I assume this book is sort of the prequel to the Boudreaux Universe novel series. I have not read any of the other books in the series, but since I enjoy this author and historical romance, I wanted to read this book. I am so glad I did decide to read it. I absolutely fell in love with Beauregard (Beau) Boudreaux and Philippa Wilson. They are both delightful characters who have dealt differently with the circumstances life has handed them. The writing is excellent, the villain(s) are despicable, the visits with the League of Rogues are wonderful, and the supporting characters – especially the duke – are delightful.

Philippa Wilson had two loving, doting parents who provided a good life for her. They weren’t rich, but they loved Philippa, provided her with a good education, and secure home. Somehow though, Philippa was restless and wanted more – she didn’t know what MORE she wanted, but she still wanted it. She wanted to work somewhere other than for her parents, so she decided to go into service and that is when her troubles began. As an upstairs maid in the home of Baron Ashton Lennox and his wife, she doesn’t have to worry about anyone in the house assaulting her. Well, she thought she didn’t until a visitor took one look at her and began strangling her. Luckily for her, Ashton intervened and saved her – yet she was again attacked and kidnapped just a few days later. Since the kidnapping happened directly in front of a club, there were witnesses – mostly the League of Rogues – who set out to rescue her. One of those witnesses thought he knew where she might have been taken and set out to rescue her.

Beauregard Boudreaux is the son of a French Marquis. His father was executed in France because he spoke out for what was right. Beau’s mother never really recovered from that loss even though she and Beau fled France to reunite with her English relatives. From that, Beau learned that love hurts and it is far less painful if you just never love. Therefore, he’ll never love anyone nor will he ever marry. Then, he rescues his friend Ashton’s upstairs made after a kidnapping. Why would such powerful people be trying to eliminate a maid who doesn’t even know who those people are? Being the honorable gentlemen that they are, they cannot let it go until they solve it because who knows when the next attack will be – and if it will be successful. BTW, I’m not sure why Beau isn’t a Marquis – his father was a Marquis and his father is deceased. The French may have confiscated the money and lands, but the title should still be good.

The attraction between Beau and Pippa is strong, but neither wants it to be. Beau can’t give his heart and doesn’t want to take advantage of an innocent and Pippa knows an alliance between their different stations can’t happen. Isn’t it a good thing that fate doesn’t care what we think? You’ll just have to read this action-packed, fast-paced, romantic book to find what fate has in store for Beau and Pippa.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.