The Garden Intrigue: A Pink Carnation Novel

A great continuation of the Pink Carnation Sag! Interesting point of view with the addition of a Bonaparte connection through Hortense. Also, who knew Robert Fulton had thought of a submarine...long before Jules Verne!!

Great book, love all of hers. I've got one more to get caught up. Can't wait to get it. She a clever writer and her characters are unique.

I really don't want to write a review but it seems that it is now required in order to rate items so this is what I put in.

I had a good time reading this latest installation of the series, but it isn't my favorite. It fit into the series but I don't think is one of the most standout. Still, it was a good way to pass an afternoon.

This book is historically fascinating, beautifully written, and humorous. In the series there are some characters that are more interesting than others, but this book is one of the best in the series.

True to form with the rest of the "secret history of the pink carnation" series- I can't seem to put this sucker down! It shipped quickly and arrived in decent condition. I couldn't be happier.

The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig
Historical Romance -Dec 31st, 2012
4 stars

This light romance is lively and has uncommon character development as two main characters who at first dislike each other find a deep, abiding love.

Agent Augustus Whittlesby pretends to be a poet. He disguises secret messages in his terrible prose which are sent to England. While working uncover in Napoleon's court he engages the friendship of a flighty widow named Emma Delagardie in order to discover critical information about a powerful device. Emma is the perfect cover for she is great friend with Napoleon's adopted daughter. The problem is that Augustus finds Emma a social butterfly that is entirely too fluffy. And Emma finds Augustus's poet persona less than masculine. But when Emma needs help writing a play Augustus worms his way to helping her for free. Together these two characters soon find that they each have a deeper depth than either realized. And their notions about themselves and each other are tested when Napoleon is crowned Emperor. Soon both are in an atmosphere that can quickly turn deadly especially when Napoleon is urged to put aside his current wife and find a younger one that will strengthen his political might.

While the political backdrop makes the plot interesting it is really the deep characterization of the hero and heroine that makes this book glow. Augustus is still a bit immature and holds onto an ideal that he slowly realizes is untrue. Emma is a socialite who hides her heartbreak with artificial lightness. Neither realizes their full potential and both are somewhat misfits that find comfort, understanding and love in each others arms. The author slowly introduces us to Emma and Augustus and reveals slowly each of their true characters. I liked reading how each of the characters grew to not only understand each other but themselves. I felt myself compelled to turn the pages to find out what made each of them tick. The romance between them is very sweet and realistic. As they start out (for quite a while) disliking each other, then seeing each as good friends, and then finally lovers.

Intrigue a glitter backdrop and two complex characters that grow to love each other make for a fascinating romance.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club