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Code of Honor

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A gifted artist, Alexandra Chilton is far more passionate about painting and intellectual pursuits than the shackles of marriage. Until she meets the most notorious rake in London, the Earl of Branford, who seems determined to win her favors by any means.

Bored and restless, Branford has accepted a wager: seduce Miss Alexandra Chilton. Unaware that Alexandra is an Innocent—and that he's being used as a pawn in a nefarious game—Branford is surprised when Alexandra challenges both his intellect and jaded heart.

Passion flares, scandal threatens, and suddenly it's no longer a game, as a cunning enemy seeks to destroy their blossoming love.

242 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

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About the author

Andrea Pickens

33 books106 followers
Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

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5 stars
112 (28%)
4 stars
133 (33%)
3 stars
114 (28%)
2 stars
28 (7%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Caz.
3,391 reviews1,227 followers
May 18, 2012
This was an enjoyable, lightweight read with well-drawn principals. It was well-written (if a bit predictable) and I wasn't overly keen on the mystery aspect of the plot, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I feel compelled to point out that the ebook version I read contained a number of typos and that in quite a few places, there were words missing, like "and", "to" - things that one can easily supply for oneself, but which jar when reading.

The most striking ommissions however appeared (or didn't!) whenever a character used a latin name for a plant or something similar, and in the text what appeared was : (Latin). It looks to me as though whoever prepared the ebook version meant to go back later and add in the correct words and never got around to it!
Profile Image for Anna Maria.
217 reviews
March 7, 2017
I loved this book and finished it in no time. I'm sure I will continue to read other books of this author
The romance was the best part of this story. I found the relationship that forms between Alex and Brandford so romantic and I really liked that Alex's brother reminds Brandford of his lost cousin. I really recommend this book to thoses who love romances with happy endings.
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,537 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 17, 2026
This tenth book in the Intrepid Heroines series was an exciting historical romance. Full of drama, intrigue, action,danger, mystery, strong emotions, and other twists that were very engaging. The characters were interesting, and their interactions were delightful. I enjoyed how sweet their relationship was. The ending was lovely and life changing. I recommend reading.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
857 reviews
March 18, 2026
Code of Honor is the tenth book in the Intrepid Heroines series, and it’s every bit as captivating as the first. Many long-running series lose their charm over time, but this installment might just be my favorite.

Alexandra Chilton wants to experience life on her own terms, not settle for marriage. Her passions for art and botany are far more engaging than the rigid expectations of London Society. When she and her brother Justin travel to London with their aunt so he can enjoy the season. When her brother Justin’s string of suspicious accidents continues, Alex senses that something is dangerously off and decides to investigate.

I absolutely loved the opening scene that introduced Sebastian, the Earl of Branford. It immediately captured my attention, portraying him as a man infamous for his reckless wagers, indulgent drinking, and scandalous liaisons. The moment felt unforgettable, setting the perfect tone for the story. When a villain exploits his drunken vulnerability, he unknowingly wagers an innocent young woman’s virtue. Drawn into Alex’s quest to protect her brother, Sebastian reveals the heart of an honorable man beneath his rakish exterior. His pain and loneliness, long hidden behind indulgence and bravado, begin to soften in the presence of Alex and her sweet brother. The way Alex sees Sebastian for who he truly is—caring nothing for his wealth or title—makes their chemistry all the more electrifying.

As passion ignites and secrets unravel, a ruthless enemy moves to destroy them both. Together, Alexandra and Sebastian must decide if love is worth the ultimate risk.

This story was a delightful mix of romance, suspense, and intrigue. The characters were vibrant, the emotional tension compelling, and Justin added a warmth that balanced the danger and drama. I found myself completely swept up in the twists and revelations, and I couldn’t help but fall a little in love with Sebastian myself. The conclusion was both satisfying and heartfelt, tying up the mystery and the romance in a way that felt earned and deeply romantic. If this is truly the final installment of the Intrepid Heroines series, it’s a perfect farewell—though I can only hope there are more adventures to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Michelle.
1,878 reviews23 followers
March 21, 2026
A series of misunderstandings

Giving this a 3.5/5 the story is sweet and emotional but there are quite a few editing issues that jar you out of the story.
Sebastian and Alex are two of the most stubborn and strong willed people and yet could not be more suited to each other. He is wounded emotionally and carries around the heavy weight of rumor, gossip and misunderstandings. She’s eccentric, intelligent and has no desire at all to conform to what society deems proper for a young lady. And yet the two bond over botany and then something more grows. All the while a villain hovers in the background trying to tear them apart and ruin Alexandra and her family. So love has many burdens and barriers to overcome, yet the journey is worth it in the end. If you enjoy period romance this is a lovely story. Like I stated earlier there are some editing issues but all in all an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Crista.
828 reviews
May 20, 2010
Code of Honor was the first regency I've ever read by the talented Andrea Pickens. I was very impressed and finished this book in no time.

This book revolves around "the bet plot"......a plot that is frequently done in romance novels. What's different about this book is that as soon as The Earl of Branford finds out that the lovely bluestocking Alex is an innocent...HE CALLS THE BET OFF! His honor will not allow him to seduce and innocent. Fortunately for him, after meeting Alex..it's all over for him. He falls in love with Alex very early on, even though he won't admit it!

The romance was the best part of this story. The mystery was distracting for me and so I took off 1 star for that. The relationships that form between Alex and Branford and Branford and Alex's brother are alone worth finding this book for. I loved it and will continue to scope for this author's work.
Profile Image for A.J. Tipton.
Author 115 books130 followers
November 10, 2016
This is a fun, adventure read. Full marks for featuring a Regency-era heroine who manages to be "intrepid", intelligent, and bold while also staying within the historical probabilities of the age. She's a very knowledgeable botanist and artist whose family is in danger from forces unknown, and nobody will take her (very warranted) suspicions seriously. Except for one man... who knows a few things about being misunderstood because of vicious rumors. "Code of Honor" is a quick read, with plenty of twists and turns all ending in an earned HEA between two characters who we see enough of to know they would genuinely suit each other and have a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Lovely read, if somewhat predictable in every respect with an over-the-top mustache-twirling villain.
Profile Image for Amy Conlon.
27 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2017
Entertaining Regency Romance with a heroine more interested in botany and her botanical paintings than twu luv. And the hero is not an ass to her.
1,248 reviews12 followers
March 18, 2026
An interesting and enjoyable read of two opposites who cross paths when a wager changes their lives forever
Profile Image for Yue.
2,622 reviews30 followers
June 21, 2017
Way too predictable. I was hoping for a fun, clean romance, but it was not. The hero is introduced in the most annoying way: in bed with one of his many mistresses. Later on he redeems a bit, since he is more tolerable than the heroine, who is a know-it-all arrogant girl, what with all her "at least there would be one interesting conversation in the ball".

I knew how the story was going to develop, how it was going to end... so predictable, including a cartoonish villain (that reveals all his crimes and plan towards the end, thinking he already won), duels, kidnaps... yawn.
577 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2019
Honor

I enjoyed reading this book. Alexandra Chilton and her brother Justin are in town for the season. Alex does care about the parties but she is doing it for her brother.
Sebastian, Lord Branford meets Alex and realizes that she is not like the other women of the ton.
Things start happening, accidents, a coded letter. Someone is trying to get rid of the sister and brother.
I think anyone would enjoy this book.
704 reviews36 followers
July 1, 2017
good summer read, 200+ pages.
208 reviews
July 16, 2020
(2014) Strong, independent, poor, on-the-shelf female meets well respected )but gishonorable?) Lord. You know the rest Fun read.
383 reviews
October 5, 2021
Ok read not great, romance was not that great. The mystery was bit implausible.
31 reviews
September 26, 2025
The main characters are too stupid for this to be an enjoyable story. Not one of Andrea Pickens' best.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,353 reviews7 followers
March 18, 2026
I have read all the books in this series, and they are all wonderful in their own way. This one may be my new favorite. I love the main characters, Alexandre (Alex) and Branford, the Earl of Branford along with her brother, Justin and loved her Aunt Aurelia who was always lost in her work but seemed to know when they needed her wisdom. Branford has made a name for himself of being a rouge, too much drink, too many unhappy wives and widows, plus always taking a bet no matter what. While drunk, he takes a bet that he can take get one of the Ladies of the ton to his bed. Little did he know this decision would change his life. After meeting the lady in question, he is furious as he has been set up and calls it all off. Alex is not anything like he was told and ends the bet. Alex loves botany and painting flowers of all kinds. Alex finds Branford nothing like the man she was told to stay away from. As they end up trying to solve a mystery left by her father, figure out why Justin is always having accidents they fall for each other. With help from his best friend, Lord Ashton and his wonderful fun, spirited wife Cecilia. This is a very fast paced story with equal parts of danger and laugh out loud fun. Whatever you do, don’t miss this book or this series; all the books are great. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Profile Image for Jean.
357 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2013
Initially, I was put off by the wager and thought it was an awful premise. However, that was quickly squashed and motivations and characters redeemed very early on that you became more involved in the intrigue and the relationship between Alex and Branford. You also enjoyed the side interaction with Alex's brother, Justin and Branford.

As the story progressed, the main focus was the intrigue that surrounded the various attempts on Justin's life. While Justin didn't take them seriously, Alex and subsequently Branford did. I like the potential of this story and I was very much hooked into finding out what the hell was going on. However, I felt the story didn't consistently develop its characters or pacing. The pacing of the suspense portion of the story was beautiful and the relationship with Alex and Branford was getting there. But the introduction to the side stories and the bit of development paid to it was a bit wanting. It felt that this should have been a longer story and that the other threads needed to be better woven.

With that said, I believe the story rating is more of a 2.5. It has great potential and good suspense development. However, it lacked artful incorporation of the various threads and deeper character development than the superficial gothic treatment that just didn't do this story justice.
Profile Image for Tonileg.
2,243 reviews26 followers
December 14, 2014
Clean Historical English romance with a bored rich lord has a bet to seduce an innocent young lady so this doesn't seem possible because that usual means that marriage would be forced for such bad manners.
I got some old school Barbara Cartland vibes as I read this story about reputations and reality. Some good writing and honestly well fleshed out characters. Lord Sebastian Branford, the Earl of Branford is our anti-hero as well as our actual hero because he is a good guy although his nasty reputation keeps everyone away from him so it comes to no surprise that a country bred young lady shows up with no preconceived ideas about people and immediately seems Branford for the kind gentleman that he really is.
Miss Alexandra Chilton is an artist as well as the caregiver to her family so she grew up much faster then her contemporaries so she would be very interesting to a mature grown man until the childish young ladies looking for a husband during the London season.
Crazy death threats, plots, kidnapping and lots of botany in this fun fluff read.
195 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,061 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
March 13, 2026
Another amazing story in this series..

Alex is on the shelf and loves botany, her brother and will do anything to protect him.. even approach a Duke with a scandalous reputation.. however once she gets know this Duke she finds out he isn't all that scandalous.

Sebastian is nothing but honorable however he hides behind rumors because he has his own pain that he lives with.. but that all changes when a beautiful woman sees him for who he is and that's not his title or his reputation..

Sebastian and Alex instantly connect over not only botanical interests but the danger to her brother's life.. and once they start to work together on those two aspects sparks fly instantly..

The side characters his best friend and his wife are beyond amazing.. not to mention her brother who tries his best to look after her..

The fact that all the characters come together to take down the villain was what really held my attention..

I can't wait to see if there's more in this series.
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
1,009 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy
March 7, 2026
Alex is on the shelf and likes it there, thank you very much. Sebastian is hiding deep pain behind a facade of drinking and womanizing. There is a mystery surrounding Alex’s brother that she can’t quite figure out and it is her independence that gets her is a boat-load of trouble. I loved the banter between the two and how she wiggled herself under his skin. Justin is adorable in his desire to protect his sister, though he is so young and I loved how his relationship with Sebastian grew. The climax was well written and the story well plotted, with wonderful characters I would have loved to have known. Very clean, kisses only, and no crass language (thank you Author!). Great story, full of angst, mystery , excitement and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,712 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy
March 15, 2026
We have Alexandra Chilton who has a love of Botany and painting. She is considered very ordinary and firmly on the shelf!
Her aunt brings her and her brother Justin to London determined they should be exposed to culture and Alexandra aka Alex should have a season!
When the “accidents” follow Justin to London Alex knows there is far more to it!
She enlists the aide of Sebastian, Earl of Branford who often writes for Botanical Society. He is dazed as his prowess with woman and is good looks are completely irrelevant to Alex! She is much more interested in her beloved plants!
Her clothes are atrocious and she never turns into a swan. There are duels, and shootings and kidnappings so you won’t bout this one down because the girl gets her man! Well done!
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
654 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2026
Honour among rakes?
Nearly falling down drunk, the Earl of Branford agrees to a bet that he can seduce Miss Alexandra Chilton within a fortnight. Upon his introduction to the young lady, he discovers that her reputation has been misrepresented and, outraged, he slashes the bet in the infamous betting book at White’s.
Alex is an intelligent, sensible and sensitive you lady and a gifted artist to boot. When she asks his help to decipher a strange letter from her deceased father, she also confides in him after her brother’s fall from his horse about the repeated suspect mishaps plaguing him.
Is there any future for them, the Ice Earl and the bluestocking, when – not if – she discovers the nature of the bet?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 42 books146 followers
November 23, 2014
Nice, if predictable, story

Misunderstood, handsome, brooding hero falls in love with bookish, naive heroine because she's different than all the gorgeous, sophisticated ladies who fall so easily into his bed. We have the wager gone badly, the inevitable duel, the greedy, overconfident villain with ludicrous plots to keep a title and fortune that are not his. The story culminates when our supposedly intelligent heroine lapses into incredible stupidity and ends up in the villain's grip. A rescue ensues and our hero and heroine declare their undying love for another. Still, the story proceeds nicely with some entertaining dialogue. There are some editing glitches, but they don't disrupt the flow too badly.
571 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2026

Intriguing

This is a wonderful romance between a bluestocking Miss Alex Chilton and the war hero, rake, the Earl of Branford. However, the slow burn romance is inadvertently initiated by the motives of the villain in this story. There is an overriding mystery that is motivating the murderous intentions of the villain, and everyone is caught unaware by his machinations.
Interesting MC’s and supporting characters with an actioned packed pace have readers moving effortlessly through the novel. The mystery is revealed towards the final chapters and the cryptic messages left by Alex’s father are finally decoded by Sebastian, the Earl. Deserves 5 stars ✨
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
3,893 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
March 15, 2026
A drunken Sebastian doesn’t realize he’s wagered an innocent’s virtue. By the time he discovers the truth he finds Alex intriguing with her passion for drawing and botany and her willingness to do whatever it takes to protect her younger brother. Justin was naive to think that all the attempts on his life were just accidents. Alex was reckless to go alone because of secret notes about her brother. Despite not accepting that he was in danger Justin showed more sense about that. Will they figure out the culprit before it’s too late?
Profile Image for Elaine.
464 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2014
This book could have been so much better, but I was distracted by the editing. Misspelled words, fragmented sentences, paragraphs switched around all led to me giving this book 3 stars. Wasn't thrilled with the bad guys, because they were so typical. It was an easy read, but didn't live up to my expectations.
154 reviews
February 1, 2015
Guess

Ms Pickens keeps you hopping. Just enough clues to keep you wondering. Up to near the end. Wondering who was trying. What were the plans(just that there were plans). Why were they doing what they were doing. Story just kept nudging you along with questions. Excellent. Thank you.
Profile Image for Jackie.
Author 9 books160 followers
Did Not Finish
July 18, 2016
Old-fashioned Regency, which, although well-written, features characters who are a bit too dull/traditional for my taste. A lord is goaded into a bet that he will sleep with a bluestocking, but after he finds out that she is a virgin, he rips up the bet. But it is too late; he's already attracted to the unusual woman. A mystery plot line attempts to add life, but just bogs things down.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,026 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy
March 6, 2026
The villain chose the wrong man to do his evil deed, for said man is a man of honor. Lovely read with equal parts romance, mystery and action. I enjoy the relationships between siblings and their aunt as well as the couple and their best friend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,102 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 13, 2026
If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy read, this is it. The story is twisty and exciting, with a deliciously dangerous hero, a wonderfully unique heroine, and plenty of humour. Highly recommended!.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews