Abbie's friendship with Hugh Templar, both of them members of the Antiquarians Society has always been comfortable. Hugh, was once a government agent but had retired from that life and wanted nothing more than to rusticate in Bath as a scholar and archaeologist searching out Roman ruins. When Hugh senses that Abbie is hiding something and seems disturbed, Hugh's former skills as a soldier and spy would come in handy - if only Abbie would confide and trust him. Abbie, unfortunately, cannot decide if he is friend or foe and initially still thinks of him as the quiet, well-mannered scholar. A kiss from him actually startles her enough to start looking at him from a different perspective, but whether she can trust him enough with her brothers life on the line is the bigger problem. As he had always assumed this scholarly role, Abbie, who would have liked to involve him, felt he would have been more or less useless - what could he do! Then when he reverts into this macho type of man - she is more or less repelled. So what's a girl to do - especially as she has prided herself on her independence - nothing but fend for herself!

This was another superbly written mystery and romance by an author that this reviewer has just discovered. The complexity of her plots with romance, and historical background has all the elements that keep me enthralled. I loved the character's portrayal of both Abbie and Hugh - although at one point I would have liked to shake Abbie for not telling Hugh the whole truth, especially after they had shared a most sensually delightful evening together. Hey, if you trust a man enough to share your body, you might want to share a few other things - like the truth! The rest of the secondary characters also add to the enjoyment of this book and I loved the way the siblings in the Vayle family drew so close together in support of one another when the chips were down. This was truly a wonderful read, fast paced and hard to put down. Loved it and highly recommend this book.

Nemo, one of Napoleon's most demented secret agents, has tracked Abigail to Bath, England after abducting her brother for the exchange of a coded book that Abigail has in her possession, which she obtained when a female secret agent purposely jostled Abbie's books and the agent switched books with Abbie. Abbie unknowly traveled back to Bath with the coded book that others will kill for.

Hugh Templer, an ex-secret agent for Great Britain, is vacationing in Bath had previously befriended Abbie in France. Hugh's loyalty to his country is challenged and Hugh becomes a suspect in a plot to overthrow the government. Hugh is called out of retirement after attempts on his life and his past coming back to haunt him.

Hugh and Abby both become embroiled in double agents, murder, suspicion, and of course love.

The romantic aspect of the novel is weak and unbelievable at times, however the suspense will keep you turning the page.

This is only my second Thornton novel and each delivers end of your seat suspense. If you're a suspense fan, then Thornton is your writer, but if you enjoy the 'I've always loved you now let's hit the sack' novels, then Thorn is definitely not your writer.

Happy readings!!