Synopsis

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend’s sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies-including his own-has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy.

Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn’t as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned.

She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won’t confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?

Review

Escaping to India from your life in Britain, may or may not be the right thing to do, because your life might just follow you there.

This is such an intriguing story.  It is a Proper Romance novel set in both England and India.  I will say that the authors descriptions of India with the colorful saris, the elephants and the market places created a vivid image in my mind.  It sounded like a place I wanted to visit.  Plus, as the title suggests, there are some gorgeous orchids mentioned in the book that created quite an impression on me.

There is romance and a little bit of a mystery all rolled up in this book.  There are moments when I laugh out loud at Sophia, and other times when I gasp wondering what will happen to her as she involves herself into who killed the man and how it affecting a certain little boy.  Then there is the unrequited love between Sophia and Anthony.  I think if he had not been asked to track down some missing documents he would have married Sophia in England.  However, duty called and he had to answer.  Now can he win her back?  Sophia does not make it easy for Anthony and in fact asks him to help her find a husband.  That will not be an easy task, and probably not one Anthony wants to help Sophia complete.  You will only find out the details by reading the book!

We give this 4 paws up.