The Forbidden Rose

Spymasters

By: Joanna Bourne

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

A glittering French aristocrat is on the run, disguised as a British governess. England's top spy has a score to settle with her family. But as they're drawn inexorably into the intrigue and madness of Revolutionary Paris, they gamble on a love to which neither of them will admit.

©2010 Joanna Watkins Bourne (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A flawless romance in which an espionage-steeped plot is deftly balanced with a lusciously sensual love story." ( Booklist)

Excellent historical espionage romance

This is listed as Book 2 of the author's Sypmaster series, but it's set before the events of The Spymaster's Lady (Book 1). We meet the protagonists, Doyle and (by then) his wife Marguerite in book 1, but their story, told in this book, is exciting and lovely - in fact, even better than that of Grey and Annique in the other book (and there is none of the dubious consent encounters that put me off somewhat in that one). The characters are well drawn, the protagonists honorable and clever, and I found it easy to empathize with them. The secondary characters are also interesting (especially this earlier backstory of Adrian "Hawker" and Justine, whose story, I understand, is described in a later installment of the series). I liked that the heroine was the organizer of a secret rescue network of French aristocrats, and I enjoyed the cameos of her associates, well drawn even with a few strokes. The espionage details were also captivating (I consider this a forte of Joanna Bourne). I disliked (on Adrian's behalf) the chief of the English intelligence agents in Paris, and I thought some aspects of the solution of the spying storyline was a bit rushed in the resolution chapters (I would have liked to know how Marguerite's household was protected and what became of her father, and how exactly the infamous list was found in the end). All in all, I enjoyed the stoy immensely. The narration was also very good, the emotions displayed very well, the accents recognizable, but at some dialogue parts, I was not always sure who was saying which part- and especially not always sure when the characters spoke aloud and when were their thoughts shown.
I will definitely continue listening to this series, and recommend the book to historical espionage romance fans.

Historical Espionage Thriller

I listened and enjoyed "Spymaster's Lady" and knew I had to give this book in the series a try. After listening to both I think that "Spymaster's Lady" was better but "The Forbidden Rose" did not disappoint.

This book is written around the history of the French revolution. This intriguing story details the culture for that time period with added suspense, espionage, and romance. The author eloquently writes each character with depth by tapping into their feelings, expressions, and personality.

I am looking forward to other books by this author. If you like stories with history, suspense, espionage, intrigue, and romance give this one a try.

Nice weekend read

Enjoyed the characters, just enough steamy romance balanced with secrets, spies, and unrest. Well read, beautiful accents, easy to fall into the story. Will look for the next in series!

Perfect

I was worried when I read the description of this book because audible doesn’t do a good job of explaining. I also did some research and found out that in a chronological order of the series. This would have been the first book. I was hoping that I hadn’t made a mistake not listening to it first. I did not, and the author did a great job placing this book where it is. It’s fascinating to understand the world The characters are living in based on the previous books even though this book came first. As always, Adrian is my favorite character. We have seen him so far being a leader, and being led, but this time we get to see him starting out. I feel the love story in this is secondary to the plot of the story, but it was still done so well. We already know the love that Maggie has for Duncan and we’ve all been wondering how it started, after reading this book you will now, and you’ll be more in love with them than ever.

Excellent beginning to a terrific series!

Joanna Bourne has created vivid powerful characters living in a time of chaos and fear. This was my second listen and I was again swept up in their dangerous trek across France to Paris in the dark days of 1794. The author is skilled in creating secondary characters as vivid as the hero and heroine, fully realized, not simply a means to move the plot along.
Although the books can stand alone and be read in any order, I prefer them in the sequence of when they take place.
Kirsten Potter does a very good job as narrator.