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Spymasters #6
Beauty Like the Night
In the newest Spymaster novel, “master of romance and suspense”* Joanna Bourne offers a stirring tale of intrigue, espionage, and attraction.
Sèverine de Cabrillac, orphan of the French revolution and sometime British intelligence agent, has tried to leave spying behind her. Now she devotes herself to investigating crimes in London and finding justice for the wrongly accused.
Raoul Deverney, an enigmatic half-Spaniard with enough secrets to earn even a spy's respect, is at her door demanding help. She's the only one who can find the killer of his long-estranged wife and rescue her missing fourteen-year-old daughter.
Sèverine reluctantly agrees to aid him, even though she knows the growing attraction between them makes it more than unwise. Their desperate search for the girl unleashes treason and murder. . . and offers a last chance for two strong, wounded people to find love.
*New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros
Sèverine de Cabrillac, orphan of the French revolution and sometime British intelligence agent, has tried to leave spying behind her. Now she devotes herself to investigating crimes in London and finding justice for the wrongly accused.
Raoul Deverney, an enigmatic half-Spaniard with enough secrets to earn even a spy's respect, is at her door demanding help. She's the only one who can find the killer of his long-estranged wife and rescue her missing fourteen-year-old daughter.
Sèverine reluctantly agrees to aid him, even though she knows the growing attraction between them makes it more than unwise. Their desperate search for the girl unleashes treason and murder. . . and offers a last chance for two strong, wounded people to find love.
*New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2017
93 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Bourne
29 books913 followersJoanna lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge with her family, a medium-sized mutt and a faux Himalayan cat.
She writes Historical Romances set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars. She's fascinated by that time and place - such passionate conviction and burning idealism ... and really sexy clothes.
She writes Historical Romances set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars. She's fascinated by that time and place - such passionate conviction and burning idealism ... and really sexy clothes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
October 16, 2017
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Beauty Like the Night, the eagerly awaited sixth book in Joanna Bourne’s widely acclaimed Spymasters series, tells the story of Séverine de Cabrillac, whom we first met as a very young child caught up in the revolutionary terror of late eighteenth century Paris in The Forbidden Rose. Ten years after being brought to England by William Doyle, Sévie ran off to war where she joined Military Intelligence and gained an impressive reputation as a spy, a woman who took many names, who wore many disguises, who was always frighteningly effective. Returned to London and now in her late twenties, she operates a small investigative agency – and is still frighteningly effective. But her involvement with politics and espionage is far from over, as is shown when she becomes involved in the hunt for a murderer, a missing child… and a traitor.
Séverine’s reputation for getting results as an investigator is every bit as remarkable as her reputation as a spy. Clever, uncompromising and tenacious, she is known to never back down or be frightened off, and it’s said that once she is involved with a case, it’s as good as solved. Her name and reputation are partly responsible for leading Raoul Deverney to her bedroom late one night, when he casually requests the return of a twelve-year-old girl named Pilar, who has been missing since the murder of her mother – his wife – some three months earlier. The girl is not his daughter, but she has in her possession, an amulet, a family heirloom he is anxious to recover. Séverine knows nothing of the girl or the amulet and is, not surprisingly, rather alarmed by the sudden appearance of a man bearing a knife at her bedside. Yet nothing of this shows in her demeanour as she coolly denies all knowledge of both girl and amulet, assessing the intruder and deducing he’s either mad or deadly – quickly realising he’s not the former. Their discussion ended, he disappears into the night, but not before he has promised they will meet again – and ventured a brief touch to her cheek, which Séverine finds oddly unsettling.
Raoul Deverney is well acquainted with the name of de Cabrillac and has no doubt that the woman he encountered in Spain a decade earlier could have committed or been involved in the murder of his estranged wife. But would she be party to the kidnap of a young girl? He can’t be so sure about that. Yet his search of his late wife’s apartment revealed the words ‘amulet’ and ‘de Cabrillac’ scratched into Pilar’s bedframe – so there’s no question Séverine is involved in some way. He just has to work out how.
That first, late-night encounter between Raoul and Séverine sets the tone for their interactions throughout the story. Both are cautious, fiercely intelligent and almost terrifyingly capable; they don’t trust easily or often and find the strong attraction that sparks between them to be a major inconvenience. But it’s impossible to ignore. The sexual chemistry between the pair is delicious and understated, which makes it even better; there’s no overdone mental lusting, just a simmering attraction that builds inexorably as they join forces to investigate murder and treason.
Readers of the previous books will already know that Séverine is part of the inmost circle at the top level of British intelligence, very much one of a close-knit family united by bonds of friendship and loyalty, if not by blood. Her brother-in-law is Adrian Hawkhurst (Hawker) and her adoptive father is William Doyle, both of them incredibly shrewd, intelligent and dedicated men who do what must be done to protect England from the threats it continues to face. Some of my favourite parts of the book were the interactions between Hawker and Doyle and I loved those little touches that reminded me of how far Hawker has come from the scruffy, teenage street-urchin of The Forbidden Rose. It’s obvious that these two know each other so well that verbal communication is almost unnecessary – although Hawker’s never going to shut up so that won’t happen! – and that they would do anything for each other. It’s a wonderfully written friendship/familial relationship (they’ve always been like father and son) that gladdened my heart whenever they appeared on the page. Their relationship with Séverine is equally well-done; they are protective and want to be even more so, but recognise that she can take care of herself and would not thank them for their interference, especially when it comes to her complicated relationship with a certain handsome former freedom-fighter and possible traitor.
I liked both central characters very much. Séverine is an admirable heroine, confident in her abilities yet not oblivious to the fact that her way of life can a dangerous one, and Raoul is the sort of hero I always fall for. Intelligent, witty and coolly competent (because there’s nothing sexier than a man who knows what he’s doing!), he’s perfect for Séverine and it’s clear that theirs is a meeting of understanding as well as hearts, and that they will go through life as equals. If I have a complaint it’s that he’s probably TOO perfect – but I was so charmed by him that I really didn’t care.
The historical romance sub-genre is littered with spy stories, and some of them are very good. But then one reads a book by Joanna Bourne and the difference between ‘good’ and ‘great’ is brought into sharp focus. It’s not just that Ms. Bourne’s writing is sublime, the relationships are well-developed and the characters are attractive and well-rounded; it’s her amazing subtlety, her ability to convey things that aren’t said, and the way she imbues her characters with incredible spirit and intelligence but allows them to be vulnerable, too. Séverine is tough and capable, but she is haunted by some of the decisions she made during the war, most notably the one which ultimately led to the death of the young French officer with whom she had fallen in love. And when Raoul – who is every bit as formidable as Séverine (and possibly more so in some areas) – realises that Pilar was shamefully neglected, his wilful blindness is brought home to him and he is assailed by the guilt which ultimately drives him to find her.
The story is insightful and intelligently written, boasting an engrossing plot, a well-developed cast of secondary characters and two compelling and well-matched principals who thoroughly and obviously relish the challenge to their wits and their hearts presented by the other. It is perhaps not as high-stakes as some of the earlier books in the series, but it’s no less enjoyable for that; there are still plots to be foiled, evil-doers to be defeated and truths to be uncovered – and I was glued to the story every step of the way.
Beauty Like the Night is a great read and a terrific addition to what is easily one of the finest series of historical romance novels around. Unlike most of the earlier books in the series, this one can work as a standalone, although I think readers will get more out of it if they’re familiar with the other stories and characters – and if you haven’t read them, my advice would be to do so at once. You’re in for a rare treat.
Beauty Like the Night, the eagerly awaited sixth book in Joanna Bourne’s widely acclaimed Spymasters series, tells the story of Séverine de Cabrillac, whom we first met as a very young child caught up in the revolutionary terror of late eighteenth century Paris in The Forbidden Rose. Ten years after being brought to England by William Doyle, Sévie ran off to war where she joined Military Intelligence and gained an impressive reputation as a spy, a woman who took many names, who wore many disguises, who was always frighteningly effective. Returned to London and now in her late twenties, she operates a small investigative agency – and is still frighteningly effective. But her involvement with politics and espionage is far from over, as is shown when she becomes involved in the hunt for a murderer, a missing child… and a traitor.
Séverine’s reputation for getting results as an investigator is every bit as remarkable as her reputation as a spy. Clever, uncompromising and tenacious, she is known to never back down or be frightened off, and it’s said that once she is involved with a case, it’s as good as solved. Her name and reputation are partly responsible for leading Raoul Deverney to her bedroom late one night, when he casually requests the return of a twelve-year-old girl named Pilar, who has been missing since the murder of her mother – his wife – some three months earlier. The girl is not his daughter, but she has in her possession, an amulet, a family heirloom he is anxious to recover. Séverine knows nothing of the girl or the amulet and is, not surprisingly, rather alarmed by the sudden appearance of a man bearing a knife at her bedside. Yet nothing of this shows in her demeanour as she coolly denies all knowledge of both girl and amulet, assessing the intruder and deducing he’s either mad or deadly – quickly realising he’s not the former. Their discussion ended, he disappears into the night, but not before he has promised they will meet again – and ventured a brief touch to her cheek, which Séverine finds oddly unsettling.
Raoul Deverney is well acquainted with the name of de Cabrillac and has no doubt that the woman he encountered in Spain a decade earlier could have committed or been involved in the murder of his estranged wife. But would she be party to the kidnap of a young girl? He can’t be so sure about that. Yet his search of his late wife’s apartment revealed the words ‘amulet’ and ‘de Cabrillac’ scratched into Pilar’s bedframe – so there’s no question Séverine is involved in some way. He just has to work out how.
That first, late-night encounter between Raoul and Séverine sets the tone for their interactions throughout the story. Both are cautious, fiercely intelligent and almost terrifyingly capable; they don’t trust easily or often and find the strong attraction that sparks between them to be a major inconvenience. But it’s impossible to ignore. The sexual chemistry between the pair is delicious and understated, which makes it even better; there’s no overdone mental lusting, just a simmering attraction that builds inexorably as they join forces to investigate murder and treason.
Readers of the previous books will already know that Séverine is part of the inmost circle at the top level of British intelligence, very much one of a close-knit family united by bonds of friendship and loyalty, if not by blood. Her brother-in-law is Adrian Hawkhurst (Hawker) and her adoptive father is William Doyle, both of them incredibly shrewd, intelligent and dedicated men who do what must be done to protect England from the threats it continues to face. Some of my favourite parts of the book were the interactions between Hawker and Doyle and I loved those little touches that reminded me of how far Hawker has come from the scruffy, teenage street-urchin of The Forbidden Rose. It’s obvious that these two know each other so well that verbal communication is almost unnecessary – although Hawker’s never going to shut up so that won’t happen! – and that they would do anything for each other. It’s a wonderfully written friendship/familial relationship (they’ve always been like father and son) that gladdened my heart whenever they appeared on the page. Their relationship with Séverine is equally well-done; they are protective and want to be even more so, but recognise that she can take care of herself and would not thank them for their interference, especially when it comes to her complicated relationship with a certain handsome former freedom-fighter and possible traitor.
I liked both central characters very much. Séverine is an admirable heroine, confident in her abilities yet not oblivious to the fact that her way of life can a dangerous one, and Raoul is the sort of hero I always fall for. Intelligent, witty and coolly competent (because there’s nothing sexier than a man who knows what he’s doing!), he’s perfect for Séverine and it’s clear that theirs is a meeting of understanding as well as hearts, and that they will go through life as equals. If I have a complaint it’s that he’s probably TOO perfect – but I was so charmed by him that I really didn’t care.
The historical romance sub-genre is littered with spy stories, and some of them are very good. But then one reads a book by Joanna Bourne and the difference between ‘good’ and ‘great’ is brought into sharp focus. It’s not just that Ms. Bourne’s writing is sublime, the relationships are well-developed and the characters are attractive and well-rounded; it’s her amazing subtlety, her ability to convey things that aren’t said, and the way she imbues her characters with incredible spirit and intelligence but allows them to be vulnerable, too. Séverine is tough and capable, but she is haunted by some of the decisions she made during the war, most notably the one which ultimately led to the death of the young French officer with whom she had fallen in love. And when Raoul – who is every bit as formidable as Séverine (and possibly more so in some areas) – realises that Pilar was shamefully neglected, his wilful blindness is brought home to him and he is assailed by the guilt which ultimately drives him to find her.
The story is insightful and intelligently written, boasting an engrossing plot, a well-developed cast of secondary characters and two compelling and well-matched principals who thoroughly and obviously relish the challenge to their wits and their hearts presented by the other. It is perhaps not as high-stakes as some of the earlier books in the series, but it’s no less enjoyable for that; there are still plots to be foiled, evil-doers to be defeated and truths to be uncovered – and I was glued to the story every step of the way.
Beauty Like the Night is a great read and a terrific addition to what is easily one of the finest series of historical romance novels around. Unlike most of the earlier books in the series, this one can work as a standalone, although I think readers will get more out of it if they’re familiar with the other stories and characters – and if you haven’t read them, my advice would be to do so at once. You’re in for a rare treat.
August 3, 2017
4.5 stars!
Loved this cleverly written historical romantic suspense by Joanna Bourne.
Sèverine de Cabrillac was a former military intelligence who is now using her "skills" as an investigator. As intelligent as she is beautiful, Sèverine is one of the most interesting heroines I've read in a long time. Drawn back into the world she tried to leave behind, Sèverine must confront the demons of her past at the same time help Raoul Deverney discover his estranged wife wife's killer and his missing daughter.
The characters, the dialogue, the plot just works seamlessly. This is the first book I've read from this author and my first historical-suspense in general, and I got to say that I've become an immediate fan.
Clever and interesting, Beauty Like the Night will draw you in from the very first page. The romance between Raoul and Sèverine was lovely and interesting. My only gripe is that the hero isn't as interesting as the heroine. But that said, Sèverine more than made up for it. She's a very interesting and unique character.
I highly recommend this book.
ARC provided by the publisher.
Loved this cleverly written historical romantic suspense by Joanna Bourne.
Sèverine de Cabrillac was a former military intelligence who is now using her "skills" as an investigator. As intelligent as she is beautiful, Sèverine is one of the most interesting heroines I've read in a long time. Drawn back into the world she tried to leave behind, Sèverine must confront the demons of her past at the same time help Raoul Deverney discover his estranged wife wife's killer and his missing daughter.
The characters, the dialogue, the plot just works seamlessly. This is the first book I've read from this author and my first historical-suspense in general, and I got to say that I've become an immediate fan.
Clever and interesting, Beauty Like the Night will draw you in from the very first page. The romance between Raoul and Sèverine was lovely and interesting. My only gripe is that the hero isn't as interesting as the heroine. But that said, Sèverine more than made up for it. She's a very interesting and unique character.
I highly recommend this book.
ARC provided by the publisher.
February 21, 2020
3.5 stars
She used light words that didn’t say what she was thinking. He was doing the same. They leaned on each other and everything important between them went unsaid.
While you absolutely could read this book without reading the rest in the series, you absolutely do not want to. The romance is a little weak, the mystery threads dominate and I had problems feeling like I "knew" Raoul. Do not look for really any movement in the romance front until after 50%.
“I understand. I’m not an innocent.”
“That’s not what I’m saying, Séverine. Not what I’m asking. I want to explain that this isn’t a game to me. I’m free. This is courtship.” He leaned to set his lips to her breast, through the fabric of her shift. “I thought you should know."
Now, just because I said the romance is weaker, it doesn't mean there isn't love in this story. Why I think you should read the preceding in the series is because Severine is the daughter (adopted) of the hero in "The Forbidden Rose" and sister-in-law to the hero in "The Black Hawk" and the love/relationship between the three is so worth reading. Also, Black Hawk has been my favorite of the series, so reading this, seemingly simple description of him: Hawker sat at the head of the table, his feet propped on one chair, evening coat and cravat thrown over another. His shirt was open at the collar, his cuffs rolled back, and his waistcoat unbuttoned. had me wanting to read his book all over again. What disappointed the heck out of me was that the wives/heroines of these two men were off page the whole time and I missed out seeing them together again.
Women saw that glint of reckless sensuality in him. The promise that he would not only please a woman in bed but make her laugh while he did it.
Severine's character did not disappoint and I loved her; I would be first in line for a novella about her time serving the Military Intelligence. The mystery plot of Raoul searching for his daughter, an amulet, and who/why killed his wife (a forced marriage, he hadn't even seen her in years) was really only interesting to me because of the strength of the characters (Severine, William Doyle, and Adrian Hawkhurst) and how real, nuanced, and wonderfully Bourne writes them.
Bourne's writing style is one of my favorites, its immersing, emotional, and at turns beautiful. I'm just a little worried that reader's new to the series wouldn't have the background attachment to stay with this, because of the slow burn, not always the focus romance. This was a very quietly and understated emotional story, which worked for me at times and didn't at others.
The series is great though, so if you want to fall in love with Severine like I did, definitely start from the beginning.
*In case any group members are reading, this series would be a great Buddy Read series ;)
She used light words that didn’t say what she was thinking. He was doing the same. They leaned on each other and everything important between them went unsaid.
While you absolutely could read this book without reading the rest in the series, you absolutely do not want to. The romance is a little weak, the mystery threads dominate and I had problems feeling like I "knew" Raoul. Do not look for really any movement in the romance front until after 50%.
“I understand. I’m not an innocent.”
“That’s not what I’m saying, Séverine. Not what I’m asking. I want to explain that this isn’t a game to me. I’m free. This is courtship.” He leaned to set his lips to her breast, through the fabric of her shift. “I thought you should know."
Now, just because I said the romance is weaker, it doesn't mean there isn't love in this story. Why I think you should read the preceding in the series is because Severine is the daughter (adopted) of the hero in "The Forbidden Rose" and sister-in-law to the hero in "The Black Hawk" and the love/relationship between the three is so worth reading. Also, Black Hawk has been my favorite of the series, so reading this, seemingly simple description of him: Hawker sat at the head of the table, his feet propped on one chair, evening coat and cravat thrown over another. His shirt was open at the collar, his cuffs rolled back, and his waistcoat unbuttoned. had me wanting to read his book all over again. What disappointed the heck out of me was that the wives/heroines of these two men were off page the whole time and I missed out seeing them together again.
Women saw that glint of reckless sensuality in him. The promise that he would not only please a woman in bed but make her laugh while he did it.
Severine's character did not disappoint and I loved her; I would be first in line for a novella about her time serving the Military Intelligence. The mystery plot of Raoul searching for his daughter, an amulet, and who/why killed his wife (a forced marriage, he hadn't even seen her in years) was really only interesting to me because of the strength of the characters (Severine, William Doyle, and Adrian Hawkhurst) and how real, nuanced, and wonderfully Bourne writes them.
Bourne's writing style is one of my favorites, its immersing, emotional, and at turns beautiful. I'm just a little worried that reader's new to the series wouldn't have the background attachment to stay with this, because of the slow burn, not always the focus romance. This was a very quietly and understated emotional story, which worked for me at times and didn't at others.
The series is great though, so if you want to fall in love with Severine like I did, definitely start from the beginning.
*In case any group members are reading, this series would be a great Buddy Read series ;)
August 29, 2017
4.15 stars
Bourne never disappoints.
Bourne never disappoints.
January 28, 2018
"One did not, he suspected, write poems to Séverine’s eyebrows. One slew dragons for her, or stood slightly to the left, holding her spare lance and buckler, while she did the slaying."
I am a fan Joanna Bourne's books. She writes intrigue better than anyone in HR, IMO. The attraction and romance is wonderfully done, against a dark intrigue-filled setting. This book features plenty of Doyle and Hawker, who have been great characters throughout the series, including their own books. They are part of the reason this succeeds as a series. Séverine, the heroine, is the adopted daughter of Doyle and Sister-In-Law to Hawker. She is very much respected by them and the men around her and is ultimately in charge of her own destiny. No one tells her what to do. She is strong, competent and scares scary men. Simply amazing. Still, Bourne shows us her vulnerability, that she can be scared also. Because she was the focus of the story and a kick ass heroine, I think this is my new favorite Bourne book. Wow, I am in awe of her and it.
In spite of how awesome the heroine is, Bourne creates Séverine’s perfect match in the form Raoul. About 2/3 of the way through the book, I wondered, knowing what I knew of the hero, if I should like him. Facts on paper suggested I shouldn't, but I was distracted by the compelling characters and story that it was the first I thought of it. Then he started concretely proving himself. He is a very sexy, compelling hero, and a perfect match for Séverine.
I highly recommend this book. It was a very satisfying read, and I am sure it is one I will be re-visiting.
I am a fan Joanna Bourne's books. She writes intrigue better than anyone in HR, IMO. The attraction and romance is wonderfully done, against a dark intrigue-filled setting. This book features plenty of Doyle and Hawker, who have been great characters throughout the series, including their own books. They are part of the reason this succeeds as a series. Séverine, the heroine, is the adopted daughter of Doyle and Sister-In-Law to Hawker. She is very much respected by them and the men around her and is ultimately in charge of her own destiny. No one tells her what to do. She is strong, competent and scares scary men. Simply amazing. Still, Bourne shows us her vulnerability, that she can be scared also. Because she was the focus of the story and a kick ass heroine, I think this is my new favorite Bourne book. Wow, I am in awe of her and it.
In spite of how awesome the heroine is, Bourne creates Séverine’s perfect match in the form Raoul. About 2/3 of the way through the book, I wondered, knowing what I knew of the hero, if I should like him. Facts on paper suggested I shouldn't, but I was distracted by the compelling characters and story that it was the first I thought of it. Then he started concretely proving himself. He is a very sexy, compelling hero, and a perfect match for Séverine.
I highly recommend this book. It was a very satisfying read, and I am sure it is one I will be re-visiting.
July 25, 2017
4.5 "A Love Interconnected by Espionage" Stars!
Why did I wait so long to discover this series? Being a lover of historical romance and mystery/suspense, Beauty Like the Night satisfied my desires on a number of fronts. I also really enjoyed Ms. Bourne's talented writing and witty repartees between the hero and heroine. Now I simply must go back and read or listen to Ms. Bourne's Spymasters backlist titles!
For those who are wondering if this story can be read as a standalone, it definitely can. As you can surmise from the opening paragraph of this review, this is my first foray into the Spymasters Series and I had no difficulty following both the romance and suspense plots which seemed to be fully contained within this book.
Sèverine de Cabrillac, the "daughter" of a British intelligence agent and friend of many other spies has grown up learning the spy trade. "Adopted" after being left an orphan by the French revolution, Severine has her own list of spy accolades now. However, in an attempt to "settle down" and lead a less dangerous life, she has turned her specialized talents to work for those needing an investigator to find justice.
Her latest assignment, is finding a lost daughter and amulet for Raoul Deverney. Raoul has his own clandestine background and Severine instantly starts to question what this proclaimed wine merchant's true career is. Should she trust Raoul? Just what is the truth? Moreover, when a series of dangerous events, including a murder plot involving a famous British military commander is uncovered, it seems like too much of a coincidence for the events not to be interconnected somehow, but just what is the connection?
But its not all intrigue and danger where Severine's and Raoul's relationship is concerned as they seem to have a chemistry laden attraction to one another. Is it purely physical attraction or something more? Moreover, could there ever be a HEA for a potentially politically mismatched couple such as this?
There is one aspect of the plot which I think could have remained a mystery longer, but there are also a number of suspense and mystery plots weaved in which are not uncovered until later in the story. The romance also takes a while to develop, but once it does it adds a heated element to this intriguing romantic suspense title.
All in all fans of Ms. Bourne's, as well as, historical romantic suspense enthusiasts in general will not want to miss Beauty Like the Night.
Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
Why did I wait so long to discover this series? Being a lover of historical romance and mystery/suspense, Beauty Like the Night satisfied my desires on a number of fronts. I also really enjoyed Ms. Bourne's talented writing and witty repartees between the hero and heroine. Now I simply must go back and read or listen to Ms. Bourne's Spymasters backlist titles!
For those who are wondering if this story can be read as a standalone, it definitely can. As you can surmise from the opening paragraph of this review, this is my first foray into the Spymasters Series and I had no difficulty following both the romance and suspense plots which seemed to be fully contained within this book.
Sèverine de Cabrillac, the "daughter" of a British intelligence agent and friend of many other spies has grown up learning the spy trade. "Adopted" after being left an orphan by the French revolution, Severine has her own list of spy accolades now. However, in an attempt to "settle down" and lead a less dangerous life, she has turned her specialized talents to work for those needing an investigator to find justice.
Her latest assignment, is finding a lost daughter and amulet for Raoul Deverney. Raoul has his own clandestine background and Severine instantly starts to question what this proclaimed wine merchant's true career is. Should she trust Raoul? Just what is the truth? Moreover, when a series of dangerous events, including a murder plot involving a famous British military commander is uncovered, it seems like too much of a coincidence for the events not to be interconnected somehow, but just what is the connection?
But its not all intrigue and danger where Severine's and Raoul's relationship is concerned as they seem to have a chemistry laden attraction to one another. Is it purely physical attraction or something more? Moreover, could there ever be a HEA for a potentially politically mismatched couple such as this?
There is one aspect of the plot which I think could have remained a mystery longer, but there are also a number of suspense and mystery plots weaved in which are not uncovered until later in the story. The romance also takes a while to develop, but once it does it adds a heated element to this intriguing romantic suspense title.
All in all fans of Ms. Bourne's, as well as, historical romantic suspense enthusiasts in general will not want to miss Beauty Like the Night.
Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
August 6, 2017
Holy dialogue, Batman! This book was full of some of the best examples of banter I've ever seen. Nearly every page was one I wanted to reread. If possible, I would have jumped in just to take a bath in the words. It was that good. Sevie is wonderful. Her story was well worth the wait and I really enjoyed learning about how she became a spy, the work she did, and her relationship with Doyle. (Which is just fabulous-I'm trying to think of any other historical romance that does a father/daughter relationship half so well.) Raoul is exactly a perfect match for Sevie. He is smart, witty, and content to fall in step beside her (or even behind her) and allow her to shine. Their chemistry is great, and it comes out best in their conversations. There is nothing I like more in a romance than smart characters being truly smart and being able to snark off each other while they do it. And while the majority of the great dialogue in the book comes from conversations between Sevie and Raoul, there are also some truly great banter sessions between Doyle and Adrian. And then there's Adrian and Raoul. And Doyle and Adrian and Raoul. I just want to have books where these people talk to each other to continue forever.
I did hate that Maggie and Justine were gone, but kind of understand why they needed to be for much of what was amazing about the plot to actually happen. It was amusing to see how grumpy both Doyle and Adrian were without them as consolation.
ALL of Doyle and Maggie's children are amazing and we need more of them. Also Felicity. And of course Pilar. There is like a whole new generation of characters in this novel I want stories about now.
Also that tidbit about Lazarus and tiny Sevie was spectacular.
I do feel like this is best enjoyed if you've read The Forbidden Rose and The Black Hawk first. (But why wouldn't you want to do that? They are amazing.)
I did hate that Maggie and Justine were gone, but kind of understand why they needed to be for much of what was amazing about the plot to actually happen. It was amusing to see how grumpy both Doyle and Adrian were without them as consolation.
ALL of Doyle and Maggie's children are amazing and we need more of them. Also Felicity. And of course Pilar. There is like a whole new generation of characters in this novel I want stories about now.
Also that tidbit about Lazarus and tiny Sevie was spectacular.
I do feel like this is best enjoyed if you've read The Forbidden Rose and The Black Hawk first. (But why wouldn't you want to do that? They are amazing.)
August 1, 2017
Favorite Quote: Hawker muttered distinctly, "Another corpse. What is it about today?"
To say I love this series is an understatement. Joanna Bourne can write a sentence like no other. Her words fill me up and her characters are so clever and engaging and I'm greedy for all of her words.
Joanna Bourne has created a cast of characters so rich and vivid, that I hang on every detail. But I'm selfish. I want each book to be about Hawker. Or Doyle. Or even Pax. I crave a glimpse of these past characters on each page - and she lets us see them again in this book. I found myself not as attached to Raoul in this one. He is a lovely man. A thief, a wine maker, a man with many, many secrets (don't all of her men have secrets?). But my history is with Hawker, Doyle and that gang. I felt a little snobbish towards Raoul, poor guy. He doesn't deserve my quick judgement. I can't help it and I fully admit it. Even though Raoul didn't steal my heart, this is still a lovely book with action, adventure and the most clever of characters.
Severine is Hawker's sister in-law for those that follow this series and her adopted father is William Doyle. Spying is in her blood, to put it lightly. She is now a retired spy (but really, are they ever truly retired?) and works for Military Intelligence, solving murder mysteries and the likes. But when a man enters her room in the middle of the night, demanding to know the whereabouts of his daughter and an amulet, Severine knows her days of spying are not quite over. This man is Raoul, and he wants answers.
Raoul is not a brute by any means. He is quiet, sly, and even though he shows up with a knife, Severine quickly becomes more enamored by the missing girl and amulet, than any threat he poses. Her craving for a mystery outweighs her fear, and she finds herself meticulously going over his apartment, finding clues on how the girl went missing and how the murder of the girl's mother happened. All the while, pulling herself into a tangle of secrets and danger. Hawker and his crew in the British Service get pulled in, and an adventurous mystery unfolds. I won't go into the many details of the mystery but it plays out well and gives us lots of adventure.
There is also a lovely romance:
"I won't kiss you,," he said. The tip of his finger slid to rest gently, just barely tugging on her bottom lip. "But damn, I want to."
"We will not indulge in that."
"No."
"We will not begin the lightest flirtation." She'd step away from him. In a minute. "I don't sneak into corners and kiss men at parties."
"Wise policy."
"I don't kiss men like you at all." But she ached warmly everywhere important when she said it. She ached significantly.
"You're wiser that I am," he said. "That's something else I admire." He went back to outlining her lips with is finger. "I've changed my mind about a kiss. Have you?"
"Yes." Only a whisper, but that was enough.
So romantic. I enjoyed Raoul and Severine together a lot. They fit well - both with that drive to find answers and so clever - they out wit each other. Severine can be dressed to the nines undercover in a ballroom and still knee a bad guy in the balls, pull a knife on him and have him dragged away, all while the ton dances around them oblivious to her skills. She is bad ass.
I enjoyed this book, with the mystery of the missing girl and other bad guys who are targeting Raoul. And Raoul is dashing and mysterious himself and makes for a fun hero.
But my attention would always go back to Hawker and Doyle - their extremely understated, clever banter wins me over every single time. Hawker and Doyle will forever have my heart. But Raoul and Severine definitely caught my eye.
Grade: B
To say I love this series is an understatement. Joanna Bourne can write a sentence like no other. Her words fill me up and her characters are so clever and engaging and I'm greedy for all of her words.
Joanna Bourne has created a cast of characters so rich and vivid, that I hang on every detail. But I'm selfish. I want each book to be about Hawker. Or Doyle. Or even Pax. I crave a glimpse of these past characters on each page - and she lets us see them again in this book. I found myself not as attached to Raoul in this one. He is a lovely man. A thief, a wine maker, a man with many, many secrets (don't all of her men have secrets?). But my history is with Hawker, Doyle and that gang. I felt a little snobbish towards Raoul, poor guy. He doesn't deserve my quick judgement. I can't help it and I fully admit it. Even though Raoul didn't steal my heart, this is still a lovely book with action, adventure and the most clever of characters.
Severine is Hawker's sister in-law for those that follow this series and her adopted father is William Doyle. Spying is in her blood, to put it lightly. She is now a retired spy (but really, are they ever truly retired?) and works for Military Intelligence, solving murder mysteries and the likes. But when a man enters her room in the middle of the night, demanding to know the whereabouts of his daughter and an amulet, Severine knows her days of spying are not quite over. This man is Raoul, and he wants answers.
Raoul is not a brute by any means. He is quiet, sly, and even though he shows up with a knife, Severine quickly becomes more enamored by the missing girl and amulet, than any threat he poses. Her craving for a mystery outweighs her fear, and she finds herself meticulously going over his apartment, finding clues on how the girl went missing and how the murder of the girl's mother happened. All the while, pulling herself into a tangle of secrets and danger. Hawker and his crew in the British Service get pulled in, and an adventurous mystery unfolds. I won't go into the many details of the mystery but it plays out well and gives us lots of adventure.
There is also a lovely romance:
"I won't kiss you,," he said. The tip of his finger slid to rest gently, just barely tugging on her bottom lip. "But damn, I want to."
"We will not indulge in that."
"No."
"We will not begin the lightest flirtation." She'd step away from him. In a minute. "I don't sneak into corners and kiss men at parties."
"Wise policy."
"I don't kiss men like you at all." But she ached warmly everywhere important when she said it. She ached significantly.
"You're wiser that I am," he said. "That's something else I admire." He went back to outlining her lips with is finger. "I've changed my mind about a kiss. Have you?"
"Yes." Only a whisper, but that was enough.
So romantic. I enjoyed Raoul and Severine together a lot. They fit well - both with that drive to find answers and so clever - they out wit each other. Severine can be dressed to the nines undercover in a ballroom and still knee a bad guy in the balls, pull a knife on him and have him dragged away, all while the ton dances around them oblivious to her skills. She is bad ass.
I enjoyed this book, with the mystery of the missing girl and other bad guys who are targeting Raoul. And Raoul is dashing and mysterious himself and makes for a fun hero.
But my attention would always go back to Hawker and Doyle - their extremely understated, clever banter wins me over every single time. Hawker and Doyle will forever have my heart. But Raoul and Severine definitely caught my eye.
Grade: B
September 22, 2020
3.5 to 4 stars. A well-written and satisfying addition to the series. I'm glad I'd read the others first, because there were quite a few familiar and well-liked characters from previous books who played a role in this book.
This one takes place completely in London, and it's Severine's story, Justine's younger sister. Scion of a French aristocratic family that was destroyed in the revolution. The disreputable and dangerous Raoul has a similar background, although he is half-Spanish. The two of them are well-matched.
Although spy-HRs aren't normally my thing, I have made an exception for this quality series. Well-drawn characters, an interesting plot and a nice romance. What's not to like?
And I've finished another series for my 2020 Mad About Series challenge. Yay!
This one takes place completely in London, and it's Severine's story, Justine's younger sister. Scion of a French aristocratic family that was destroyed in the revolution. The disreputable and dangerous Raoul has a similar background, although he is half-Spanish. The two of them are well-matched.
Although spy-HRs aren't normally my thing, I have made an exception for this quality series. Well-drawn characters, an interesting plot and a nice romance. What's not to like?
And I've finished another series for my 2020 Mad About Series challenge. Yay!
March 24, 2018
Somehow I knew that I would love Séverine's book. And it's interesting how the addition of a tragic and brave 12 year old child can change the dynamic of the story so completely. Loved the characters in this one. And in my experience any hero with the name "Raoul" will never fail to melt my heart.
August 26, 2017
Séverine de Cabrillac is a private investigator in London when Raoul Deverney climbs through her window, tosses a knife in her lap, and accuses her of kidnapping a child and stealing an amulet. Sévie is not amused. After agreeing to look into the murder/kidnapping/theft, she realizes that her boner for Raoul is horribly distracting. She is even more not amused. Raoul, meanwhile, goes about his cat burglary business and flirts with Sévie and develops boners of his own.
They do it (ON THE JOB, GET IT GIRL), find the killers and the missing child, resolve some light treason and decide to live happily ever after.
1. JOANNA BOURNE GODDAMNIT.
2. I enjoyed this: I liked the coiling of Sévie's attraction to Raoul; I liked their banter; I liked how easily they fall into a partnership of compatible skills and strategic planning. Bourne manages the compatibility elements with such stark competency that it's kind of boggling. That scene while they're breaking into Hayward's office! Talking through the case, and working together, and having a quickie, and then going right back to stealing papers—I couldn't stop reading, or grinning.
3. That said, the ending felt extraordinarily abrupt and kind of underdeveloped. I didn't quite believe that the villain was intelligent enough to complete all the plots and plans that he'd allegedly put into place; I didn't quite understand why, after gleefully discussing the trial for treason, a cover-up was needed for the villain's murder; I didn't quite believe that Sévie would fall into marriage quite the way she did.
It rather felt like a chess match: you're given the initial board layout and then the final checkmate, but how all the pieces came to be where they are is a mystery that you can solve on your own. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sharp enough to make all those leaps and so I was left confused and sad and wanting more.
4. I would have loved more of Raoul convincing Sévie into marrying him with many logical leaps and conniving plots and sly comments. And Sévie shutting down all his arguments until it descends into sexually frustrated makeouts.
5. THIS QUOTE: That was the story of her life. It mostly boiled down to she was lucky not to have been shot.
They do it (ON THE JOB, GET IT GIRL), find the killers and the missing child, resolve some light treason and decide to live happily ever after.
1. JOANNA BOURNE GODDAMNIT.
2. I enjoyed this: I liked the coiling of Sévie's attraction to Raoul; I liked their banter; I liked how easily they fall into a partnership of compatible skills and strategic planning. Bourne manages the compatibility elements with such stark competency that it's kind of boggling. That scene while they're breaking into Hayward's office! Talking through the case, and working together, and having a quickie, and then going right back to stealing papers—I couldn't stop reading, or grinning.
3. That said, the ending felt extraordinarily abrupt and kind of underdeveloped. I didn't quite believe that the villain was intelligent enough to complete all the plots and plans that he'd allegedly put into place; I didn't quite understand why, after gleefully discussing the trial for treason, a cover-up was needed for the villain's murder; I didn't quite believe that Sévie would fall into marriage quite the way she did.
It rather felt like a chess match: you're given the initial board layout and then the final checkmate, but how all the pieces came to be where they are is a mystery that you can solve on your own. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sharp enough to make all those leaps and so I was left confused and sad and wanting more.
4. I would have loved more of Raoul convincing Sévie into marrying him with many logical leaps and conniving plots and sly comments. And Sévie shutting down all his arguments until it descends into sexually frustrated makeouts.
5. THIS QUOTE: That was the story of her life. It mostly boiled down to she was lucky not to have been shot.
August 21, 2017
Not quite as good as some of the other books in this series (there was a whole lot of backstory concerning both the major characters which would have been better told in a separate book) but still Joanna Bourne does have a lovely style of writing.
Is this the end of this series? I hope not there seems to be a new generation of little spies waiting in the wings.
3.5 stars
Is this the end of this series? I hope not there seems to be a new generation of little spies waiting in the wings.
3.5 stars
August 3, 2017
I've given this 4.5 stars at Romantic Historical Reviews
The Spymasters series is one of the best historical romance series ever written. If you’ve read them, you already know they’re wonderful; if you haven’t, they’re awesome and you should read them IMMEDIATELY. Each book works as a standalone, although they’re linked and it very much enhances your reading experience if you’re familiar with Ms. Bourne’s world. Her characters are complex, dynamic, flawed men and women who fall for each other against the backdrop of politics and espionage, and they’re wildly addictive, exciting and romantic. I’ve fallen in love with nearly all of her heroes (Oh, Adrian Hawkhurst. Be still my heart.), and her heroines are equally compelling. In Beauty Like the Night, we revisit Séverine de Cabrillac, whom we first met when she was a young girl fleeing the bloody French Revolution in The Forbidden Rose . Séverine – Sévie – has tried to leave the world of spying behind her and now works as a private investigator. But after she meets Raoul Deverney, she’s drawn back into the intrigues of British Intelligence and a past she’s tried to leave behind. Although Beauty Like the Night isn’t quite as good as I hoped it would be – it’s a bit slow in the middle and I wish our principals spent more time together – it’s still pretty great.
Asleep in her room late one night, Sévie abruptly awakens certain she isn’t alone – but she isn’t frightened. Life has shaped her into a brave, intelligent and supremely capable woman who’s more than capable of defending herself from anyone stupid enough to steal into her bedroom. She’s right; she isn’t alone in the room, but her guest makes it clear he has no plans to hurt her. In fact, he appears to know exactly who and how dangerous she is and wants Sévie to tell him where she’s keeping Pilar, a twelve-year-old girl who’s been missing since her mother – his wife – was killed three months ago. The handsome stranger (is he French? Spanish?) makes it clear that although Pilar is not his daughter, he’s anxious to find her – and an amulet that went missing at the same time. Sévie is curious about her enigmatic intruder who’s convinced she has information about the murder, the missing girl, and the amulet – but she can’t help him. She’s never met Pilar or his ex-wife Sanchia, and has no idea where the missing amulet might be.
Raoul Deverney knows Séverine de Cabrillac. She’s the same woman – a spy – he encountered a decade ago in Spain and he’s never forgotten her. Sleep tousled, beautiful, dangerous – she coolly denies knowing Pilar, Sanchia or anything about the missing amulet and he wants to believe her. But ever since he discovered the words ‘amulet’ and ‘de Cabrillac’ scratched into Pilar’s bed frame, he’s certain she must be involved somehow despite her denials. Séverine obviously doesn’t recognize Raoul but is curious about his identity, and he refuses to give her any clues about who he is or how they might know one another. Reluctant to leave, Raoul vows to himself he will find out just how she’s involved in his wife’s murder, and he can’t resist a quick caress of her soft cheek before he retreats to the window and vanishes over the edge.
When Raoul next appears – he’s silently slipped into Sévie’s locked office – she’s frustrated by his ability to get past her defenses (personal and professional), but she isn’t surprised to see him. He wants her to help him find Pilar and the missing amulet, and though it’s obvious neither completely trusts the other, Sévie agrees to help him anyway. She has suspicions about just who and what he is, but she keeps them to himself: Raoul is a mystery she plans to solve as she finds Pilar. Oh reader, these first meetings between Sévie and Raoul are so delicious… and fortunately for us, they characterize the duration of their relationship. From the moment Sévie spots Raoul in her bedroom, they’re captivated by each other – held in thrall whenever the other is near. Every interaction between them is thick with tension, and the torturous slow-burn of their relationship/courtship – both of them trying to deny the attraction between them… well, it’s a it’s a wicked, wonderful pleasure as Ms. Bourne forces them to work together to figure out just who murdered Sanchia and what happened to Pilar and the amulet.
Although the chemistry and sexual tension between Sévie and Raoul are highlights of Beauty Like the Night, what elevates this rather complex tale of espionage over other similarly excellent spy novels is the group of secondary characters that comprise Sévie’s world. As Sévie and Raoul pursue clues in their case and try to fight their growing attraction and affection for each other, their investigation dangerously intersects with another one led by the Head of British Intelligence (and Sévie’s brother-in-law) Adrian Hawkhurst (Hawker). Via her childhood as the adopted daughter of Doyle, and close relationships with the spies who comprise its highest echelon, Sévie is privy to the details of British Service’s investigation. She’s intrigued by links between the two cases and how Raoul might be involved, but Hawker and Doyle – shrewd, intelligent, and fiercely protective of Sévie – are suspicious of her charming, mysterious, and obviously enamored client. Though Sévie pretends disinterest in Raoul around them, it’s clear to the two men – who play at being detached and dispassionate observers of Sévie’s investigation/client/potentially disastrous affair that there’s more to Raoul and the relationship than Sévie lets on. Their involvement in her case, and vice versa, adds a nice levity to the novel and the intense relationship between the principals.
It’s impossible to say more about the investigation at the heart of this love story without spoiling it, so I won’t; suffice it to say Ms. Bourne cleverly and brilliantly connects the dots of the slow burn romance between Sévie and Raoul, their mutually dark pasts, and a deadly betrayal that linked them long ago. As the case evolves, we slowly learn more about Raoul – where he came from; how he acquired his extremely lethal skills – and as the cases coalesce, neither Sévie or Raoul can fight their mutual attraction. Both principals are damaged, but find solace in each other. That succor – along with their intense physical attraction – eventually helps them overcome their distrust of each other enough to believe in a future together. Sévie and Raoul are dynamic, dangerous and riveting individual characters and as a pair… well, it’s a terrific match-up. And contrary to my early expectations – that Sévie would outshine anyone she was paired with; or that Ms. Bourne couldn’t possibly deliver another hero as deliciously wicked, lethal and sexy as Hawker – I fell hard for the enigmatic Raoul. I liked him. Big time.
The combination of engrossing plot, engaging principals and secondary characters, and a delicious slow-burn love affair results in another wonderful addition to the Spymasters series. Though it isn’t my favorite, (that honor is reserved for The Black Hawk (duh!)), it’s yet another terrific addition to Ms. Bourne’s catalog, cementing her status as one of my favorite historical writers of all time. My advice? You should read it (and the other Spymasters novels if you haven’t) right away.
The Spymasters series is one of the best historical romance series ever written. If you’ve read them, you already know they’re wonderful; if you haven’t, they’re awesome and you should read them IMMEDIATELY. Each book works as a standalone, although they’re linked and it very much enhances your reading experience if you’re familiar with Ms. Bourne’s world. Her characters are complex, dynamic, flawed men and women who fall for each other against the backdrop of politics and espionage, and they’re wildly addictive, exciting and romantic. I’ve fallen in love with nearly all of her heroes (Oh, Adrian Hawkhurst. Be still my heart.), and her heroines are equally compelling. In Beauty Like the Night, we revisit Séverine de Cabrillac, whom we first met when she was a young girl fleeing the bloody French Revolution in The Forbidden Rose . Séverine – Sévie – has tried to leave the world of spying behind her and now works as a private investigator. But after she meets Raoul Deverney, she’s drawn back into the intrigues of British Intelligence and a past she’s tried to leave behind. Although Beauty Like the Night isn’t quite as good as I hoped it would be – it’s a bit slow in the middle and I wish our principals spent more time together – it’s still pretty great.
Asleep in her room late one night, Sévie abruptly awakens certain she isn’t alone – but she isn’t frightened. Life has shaped her into a brave, intelligent and supremely capable woman who’s more than capable of defending herself from anyone stupid enough to steal into her bedroom. She’s right; she isn’t alone in the room, but her guest makes it clear he has no plans to hurt her. In fact, he appears to know exactly who and how dangerous she is and wants Sévie to tell him where she’s keeping Pilar, a twelve-year-old girl who’s been missing since her mother – his wife – was killed three months ago. The handsome stranger (is he French? Spanish?) makes it clear that although Pilar is not his daughter, he’s anxious to find her – and an amulet that went missing at the same time. Sévie is curious about her enigmatic intruder who’s convinced she has information about the murder, the missing girl, and the amulet – but she can’t help him. She’s never met Pilar or his ex-wife Sanchia, and has no idea where the missing amulet might be.
Raoul Deverney knows Séverine de Cabrillac. She’s the same woman – a spy – he encountered a decade ago in Spain and he’s never forgotten her. Sleep tousled, beautiful, dangerous – she coolly denies knowing Pilar, Sanchia or anything about the missing amulet and he wants to believe her. But ever since he discovered the words ‘amulet’ and ‘de Cabrillac’ scratched into Pilar’s bed frame, he’s certain she must be involved somehow despite her denials. Séverine obviously doesn’t recognize Raoul but is curious about his identity, and he refuses to give her any clues about who he is or how they might know one another. Reluctant to leave, Raoul vows to himself he will find out just how she’s involved in his wife’s murder, and he can’t resist a quick caress of her soft cheek before he retreats to the window and vanishes over the edge.
When Raoul next appears – he’s silently slipped into Sévie’s locked office – she’s frustrated by his ability to get past her defenses (personal and professional), but she isn’t surprised to see him. He wants her to help him find Pilar and the missing amulet, and though it’s obvious neither completely trusts the other, Sévie agrees to help him anyway. She has suspicions about just who and what he is, but she keeps them to himself: Raoul is a mystery she plans to solve as she finds Pilar. Oh reader, these first meetings between Sévie and Raoul are so delicious… and fortunately for us, they characterize the duration of their relationship. From the moment Sévie spots Raoul in her bedroom, they’re captivated by each other – held in thrall whenever the other is near. Every interaction between them is thick with tension, and the torturous slow-burn of their relationship/courtship – both of them trying to deny the attraction between them… well, it’s a it’s a wicked, wonderful pleasure as Ms. Bourne forces them to work together to figure out just who murdered Sanchia and what happened to Pilar and the amulet.
Although the chemistry and sexual tension between Sévie and Raoul are highlights of Beauty Like the Night, what elevates this rather complex tale of espionage over other similarly excellent spy novels is the group of secondary characters that comprise Sévie’s world. As Sévie and Raoul pursue clues in their case and try to fight their growing attraction and affection for each other, their investigation dangerously intersects with another one led by the Head of British Intelligence (and Sévie’s brother-in-law) Adrian Hawkhurst (Hawker). Via her childhood as the adopted daughter of Doyle, and close relationships with the spies who comprise its highest echelon, Sévie is privy to the details of British Service’s investigation. She’s intrigued by links between the two cases and how Raoul might be involved, but Hawker and Doyle – shrewd, intelligent, and fiercely protective of Sévie – are suspicious of her charming, mysterious, and obviously enamored client. Though Sévie pretends disinterest in Raoul around them, it’s clear to the two men – who play at being detached and dispassionate observers of Sévie’s investigation/client/potentially disastrous affair that there’s more to Raoul and the relationship than Sévie lets on. Their involvement in her case, and vice versa, adds a nice levity to the novel and the intense relationship between the principals.
It’s impossible to say more about the investigation at the heart of this love story without spoiling it, so I won’t; suffice it to say Ms. Bourne cleverly and brilliantly connects the dots of the slow burn romance between Sévie and Raoul, their mutually dark pasts, and a deadly betrayal that linked them long ago. As the case evolves, we slowly learn more about Raoul – where he came from; how he acquired his extremely lethal skills – and as the cases coalesce, neither Sévie or Raoul can fight their mutual attraction. Both principals are damaged, but find solace in each other. That succor – along with their intense physical attraction – eventually helps them overcome their distrust of each other enough to believe in a future together. Sévie and Raoul are dynamic, dangerous and riveting individual characters and as a pair… well, it’s a terrific match-up. And contrary to my early expectations – that Sévie would outshine anyone she was paired with; or that Ms. Bourne couldn’t possibly deliver another hero as deliciously wicked, lethal and sexy as Hawker – I fell hard for the enigmatic Raoul. I liked him. Big time.
The combination of engrossing plot, engaging principals and secondary characters, and a delicious slow-burn love affair results in another wonderful addition to the Spymasters series. Though it isn’t my favorite, (that honor is reserved for The Black Hawk (duh!)), it’s yet another terrific addition to Ms. Bourne’s catalog, cementing her status as one of my favorite historical writers of all time. My advice? You should read it (and the other Spymasters novels if you haven’t) right away.
May 22, 2018
This was a perfect ending to the Spymaster series (or perhaps it's not the end?). I loved Raoul and Sévie ♥♥♥ and was very happy that Doyle and Hawker were in this book as well. I do wish that Adrian and Annique had been present in some of the other books other than their own story. Perhaps Ms. Bourne will write a 7th book that will grace us with their presence. I really do like her writing style which mixes romance and suspense. Each book was very well written IMO.
August 6, 2017
Joanna Bourne just writes so beautifully. This was a book worthy of Sevie. I wish that we'd gotten more of the women from earlier in the series, but Doyle and Hawker were pretty adequate substitutes. I'm sad that there won't be more in this series, but I'm so glad that I picked up The Spymaster's Lady all those years ago, because book to book, this is probably my favorite romance series of all time.
August 7, 2017
3.5/5 stars
Maybe it's because I've come to expect more from J.B., but this latest instalment in her Spymasters series ended up kind of underwhelming. Something happened, then some other things happened, and in between there was a lot of intrigue and sexual tension, and then the story was over. In short, Beauty Like the Night represents the best that a formulaic Regency novel can offer without defying genre conventions. I feel that some of the previous books have been far bolder when it comes to putting new twists on the Regency, especially as one of Bourne's hallmarks--the integration of sociopolitical factors from the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars--felt missing, or at least greatly diluted, in this one.
I probably would have enjoyed BLtN more three or four years ago, when I first picked up a J.B. novel. Now, having read the rest of the series, it feels largely derivative of her better titles, especially Rogue Spy or The Black Hawk. One thing I've noticed is how similar all of her heroines are. You could exchange Sévie's inner monologues for those of her sister Justine or the completely unrelated Camille and see virtually no difference. Part of the reason is the abundance of
.
I'm not kidding, the flowery language is everywhere. And it's not necessarily a bad thing: If anyone has mastered the art of flowery prose, it's Bourne. There aren't any particularly cringeworthy metaphors, which is impressive when every other line is a comparison to leaves in the wind or a reference to classical canon. Still, the sheer amount of it is rather excessive: I found the style novel and even enjoyable in my first Spymasters novel, but it's gotten a bit grating by the sixth.
Story-wise, it's really nothing special. I was disappointed not to see Justine. It seems that Bourne is insistent on always writing out the heroines of other novels--while Adrian and Doyle get to play major roles in every book, the only times the leading women appear outside of their own books are Sévie (in her sister's story), Justine (very briefly in Maggie's story) and Maggie (very briefly in a couple of the other ones). Maggie and Justine's reason for being absent through the entirety of BLtN just seem too contrived not to be an excuse to have them gone. Pity we didn't get to see any sisterly interaction, especially when Justine's one of my favourite heroines in the series. *shrug*
Alright, now on to my big high point of the book. (Low-key spoilers ahead.)
Pilar. Frickin' Pilar. She is the reason I keep wanting to bump my rating up to 4 stars. Quite frankly, I'd gladly read a story about Pilar alone, who manages to be more compelling than either of the romantic leads and deliver the novel's best plot twist. While Sévie and Raoul are running around picking locks and kissing, this girl is getting things done. Plus she's a tough soul who grew up young, scrappy, and hungry, aristocratic blood be damned.
Pilar book? I can hope.
Maybe it's because I've come to expect more from J.B., but this latest instalment in her Spymasters series ended up kind of underwhelming. Something happened, then some other things happened, and in between there was a lot of intrigue and sexual tension, and then the story was over. In short, Beauty Like the Night represents the best that a formulaic Regency novel can offer without defying genre conventions. I feel that some of the previous books have been far bolder when it comes to putting new twists on the Regency, especially as one of Bourne's hallmarks--the integration of sociopolitical factors from the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars--felt missing, or at least greatly diluted, in this one.
I probably would have enjoyed BLtN more three or four years ago, when I first picked up a J.B. novel. Now, having read the rest of the series, it feels largely derivative of her better titles, especially Rogue Spy or The Black Hawk. One thing I've noticed is how similar all of her heroines are. You could exchange Sévie's inner monologues for those of her sister Justine or the completely unrelated Camille and see virtually no difference. Part of the reason is the abundance of
.I'm not kidding, the flowery language is everywhere. And it's not necessarily a bad thing: If anyone has mastered the art of flowery prose, it's Bourne. There aren't any particularly cringeworthy metaphors, which is impressive when every other line is a comparison to leaves in the wind or a reference to classical canon. Still, the sheer amount of it is rather excessive: I found the style novel and even enjoyable in my first Spymasters novel, but it's gotten a bit grating by the sixth.
Story-wise, it's really nothing special. I was disappointed not to see Justine. It seems that Bourne is insistent on always writing out the heroines of other novels--while Adrian and Doyle get to play major roles in every book, the only times the leading women appear outside of their own books are Sévie (in her sister's story), Justine (very briefly in Maggie's story) and Maggie (very briefly in a couple of the other ones). Maggie and Justine's reason for being absent through the entirety of BLtN just seem too contrived not to be an excuse to have them gone. Pity we didn't get to see any sisterly interaction, especially when Justine's one of my favourite heroines in the series. *shrug*
Alright, now on to my big high point of the book. (Low-key spoilers ahead.)
Pilar. Frickin' Pilar. She is the reason I keep wanting to bump my rating up to 4 stars. Quite frankly, I'd gladly read a story about Pilar alone, who manages to be more compelling than either of the romantic leads and deliver the novel's best plot twist. While Sévie and Raoul are running around picking locks and kissing, this girl is getting things done. Plus she's a tough soul who grew up young, scrappy, and hungry, aristocratic blood be damned.
Pilar book? I can hope.
May 26, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this a B for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals, which is a bit under 4.5 stars
In Beauty Like the Night, the sixth entry in Joanna Bourne’s acclaimed Spymasters series, the author turns her focus to Séverine de Cabrillac, sister of Justine (heroine of The Black Hawk) whom we first met when she was a very young child being taken away from revolutionary Paris by the man she now calls ‘Papa’, William Doyle, Viscount Markham.
Sévie grew up in England alongside Doyle and Maggie’s The Forbidden Rose children and among various agents of the British Service. Aged seventeen and fed up with being treated like a child, she ran off to join Military Intelligence – the Service’s less efficient cousin – where she made herself a formidable reputation as a spy; and on her return home after the war, she set up as a private investigator and has earned herself a name for being every bit as tenacious, clever and frighteningly effective as she was during the war.
Her reputation for getting results is not, however, the only thing about Sévie that leads Raoul Deverney to enter her bedroom late one night and to calmly demand the return of a missing girl and a missing amulet. Sévie is surprised – but not frightened – at waking to find a man bearing a knife sitting on her bed; she knows she is capable of defending herself, and equally calmly – and quite truthfully – says she has no idea what he’s talking about. As they converse, Sévie is sizing the man up, coming to the conclusion that he’s either mad or deadly – and is fairly sure he’s not the former. But something about him unsettles her, never more so than when he gently touches a hand to her cheek before he disappears into the night.
I've given this a B for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals, which is a bit under 4.5 stars
In Beauty Like the Night, the sixth entry in Joanna Bourne’s acclaimed Spymasters series, the author turns her focus to Séverine de Cabrillac, sister of Justine (heroine of The Black Hawk) whom we first met when she was a very young child being taken away from revolutionary Paris by the man she now calls ‘Papa’, William Doyle, Viscount Markham.
Sévie grew up in England alongside Doyle and Maggie’s The Forbidden Rose children and among various agents of the British Service. Aged seventeen and fed up with being treated like a child, she ran off to join Military Intelligence – the Service’s less efficient cousin – where she made herself a formidable reputation as a spy; and on her return home after the war, she set up as a private investigator and has earned herself a name for being every bit as tenacious, clever and frighteningly effective as she was during the war.
Her reputation for getting results is not, however, the only thing about Sévie that leads Raoul Deverney to enter her bedroom late one night and to calmly demand the return of a missing girl and a missing amulet. Sévie is surprised – but not frightened – at waking to find a man bearing a knife sitting on her bed; she knows she is capable of defending herself, and equally calmly – and quite truthfully – says she has no idea what he’s talking about. As they converse, Sévie is sizing the man up, coming to the conclusion that he’s either mad or deadly – and is fairly sure he’s not the former. But something about him unsettles her, never more so than when he gently touches a hand to her cheek before he disappears into the night.
Raoul is familiar with the name de Cabrillac, and can easily believe that the fearsome young woman he encountered in Spain a decade earlier could have been involved in or responsible for the murder of his estranged wife. But could she also have kidnapped the woman’s twelve-year-old daughter, Pilar? His search of his late wife’s apartment revealed the words “amulet” and “de Cabrillac” scratched into the girl’s metal bed-frame, so clearly Séverine is involved in some way. The question is – how?
Sévie is not too surprised to encounter her late-night visitor again the next day, when she arrives at her office to discover it has been ransacked and he is sitting calmly in the middle of the chaos. She again feels slightly off balance in the presence of this man, and is annoyed at herself for allowing herself to be affected by him while at the same time intrigued to know what he wants from her. Instinct and the evidence of her own eyes tell her he is not responsible for destroying her office, but she is no more inclined to trust him than she was the night before, and this conversation, much like their first, is both pointed and guarded. Deverney introduces himself and then asks Sévie to help him to find the missing girl, but she is initially reluctant to become involved. Before long though, her empathy for Pilar – who must be alone and scared on the city streets – makes it impossible for her to refuse and in spite of the fact that she doesn’t completely trust Deverney, she agrees to help.
Ms. Bourne is a master storyteller and she has constructed a multi-faceted tale of murder, espionage and blackmail which sees our heroes on the trail of someone who will stop at nothing in order to protect his long-held secrets. She skilfully draws together her various plot threads while at the same time developing the most delicious, slow-burn romance between her principals; two people who are utterly captivated by each other but recognise the inherent danger in becoming involved with someone of whose motivations they’re unsure. Their interactions are thick with sexual tension as they try hard to resist the strength of their mutual attraction… and fortunately for us, it’s a fight they’re destined to lose.
I tend to be a hero-centric reader and listener, but when it comes to Joanna Bourne’s books, I find myself just as drawn to the heroines as to the heroes. Sévie is a wonderful heroine; tough, capable yet vulnerable and haunted by some of the decisions she made during the war, and Raoul is pretty much my favourite type of hero; clever, witty and coolly competent, he’s as ruthless and deadly as Sévie (possibly moreso) and as sexy as all get out. These two are dangerous, damaged and utterly compelling and Ms. Bourne does an absolutely splendid crafting their romance; they learn to trust, discover kinship and solace in one another and they’re just perfect together.
Listeners familiar with the other books in the series will also be pleased at the reappearance of a number of characters from earlier stories – especially William Doyle and Adrian Hawkhurst (Hawker), whose father/son type relationship is beautifully drawn and always a pleasure to revisit. I really liked that while both men are fiercely protective of Sévie and are naturally suspicious of her charming, enigmatic client, they are well aware that she can take care of herself and know that they have to let her make her own decisions and mistakes.
Because the events of Beauty Like the Night take place after the Napoleonic Wars have ended, its focus is slightly different – perhaps smaller – than the other books, but it’s no less enthralling and every bit as well written as one would expect from this author. The plot is engrossing, the romance is beautifully developed and the other relationships are equally well-written; historical romance is rarely better than this.
Kirsten Potter returns to narrate this instalment, and delivers another strong performance. Her pacing is spot-on and her differentiation, while generally subtle, is solid; and having a voice in the contralto range means she doesn’t have to lower her pitch too much to portray the male characters. As in the other titles in the series, she performs the narrative in her native American accent (which I always have to get used to) and the dialogue in British/French/Scottish or whatever other accents are required, and most of the time does a good job. But I had a number of issues with this aspect of her narration; several of these accents are inaccurate, inconsistent or ‘wobbly’ and I found them distracting as a result. For example, in chapter fourteen, Doyle is described as having adopted an accent that’s a cross between Cornish and Cockney… the Cockney is there (albeit from the Dick van Dyke school of cockney accents!) but whatever the other accent is, it isn’t Cornish. There’s an Irish character named O’Grady whose accent is non-existent, a Scotsman whose accent is definitely dodgy and I can’t even begin to describe what she’s done with Pax, to whom she’s given an accent that is a strange cross between cockney, country yokel and Scottish. I wish she’d referred to her portrayal in Rogue Spy, because he certainly didn’t sound like that there!
There’s no question Ms. Potter is an excellent vocal actress; she injects just the right amount of expression and nuance into her performances and expertly conveys the characters’ emotions, whether in the love scenes (which she does very well) or more perilous situations. But although I’ve enjoyed her work on this series, I can’t help wishing that a British narrator had been used throughout; that would have been the icing on a marvellous cake.
Beauty Like the Night is a fantastic addition to the Spymasters series, and if you’ve enjoyed the other books, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this one. For me, the print versions win over the audios; not because the narration is poor, but because I’m always conscious that it IS a narration which makes a bit of a barrier between me and the story. But I’m well aware that it’s a matter of personal preference and I’m sure fans of Ms. Potter’s won’t be disappointed.
August 20, 2018
I am not impressed.
Where to start: the plot, which is contrived and convenient beyond belief? With Severine herself, a patchwork collection of attributes instead of a character? With the abrupt tonal shift - almost Justine’s voice, not at all Justine’s life?
Here she is: rich and appreciated and loved. It’s nice that she gives back. Really, it is. Let’s not pretend she’s suffering, though. Look at Justine! Look at Cami! And here’s coddled Severine, who has friends fixing up her office in the middle of the night.
And goodness: coming on the heels of Adrian and Pax’s stories, which have history and heartbreak and heft, let’s not have this story confined to all of a few days! Severine falls in love with someone in about two days and agrees to marry him a few days after that! PLEASE. IT IS RIDICULOUS. And an insult to her intelligence, especially considering the - shall we say, less attractive? - sides of Raoul’s personality. The way he talks about his-daughter-that-isn’t (and then goes back on that, when he needs her not to kill the ONCE AGAIN CORRUPT LORD GOODNESS HAVE YOU NOT PURGED THEM ALL ALREADY) - the fact that he’s a thief (of jewels, which is considerably harder than apples; what a prince) - the fact that he invades her privacy over and over and over, and Severine just goes, “Oh, but he doesn’t want to kill me!” - the fact that his proposal includes, “Or I might betray you with a tavern wench.”
...Don’t.
And so much of this is brushed over, or mentioned only in passing as if it isn’t important. Where is that richness of detail, that sense of place, of community - of family? (Why are Maggie and Justine absent the entire book?!) The book also tries to have it both ways by reminding you that Hawker used to be a thief, and that Severine also knows how to pick locks - by having Raoul deal with Lazarus fairly (“fairly”) and be appreciated as a businessman (“businessman”) - and by pretending his thefts are justified because they included items that were stolen previously. It’s a very precarious card pile. Get too close and it all falls over.
When my favorite line in the book is Hawker panicking when he sees the medal and thinking it’s Justine’s, maybe I’m reading the wrong story.
I am not impressed.
Where to start: the plot, which is contrived and convenient beyond belief? With Severine herself, a patchwork collection of attributes instead of a character? With the abrupt tonal shift - almost Justine’s voice, not at all Justine’s life?
That was the story of her life. It mostly boiled down to she was lucky not to have been shot.That’s a GREAT line. It’s not at all appropriate for Severine’s story.
She’d never had any doubt he’d trade his life for hers any rainy morning of the year. That was what she saw.WHAT DOES THIS EVEN MEAN? Is it an acknowledgement of how lucky Severine is? If so, it goes against the rest of the entire book, where we’re told how tough she is because she chose to run away and work for Military Intelligence - MILITARY INTELLIGENCE! - and because she’s seen so much. Yeah: when she was three. Her war work, compared to the epics that are the previous two books, kinda falls short. She isn’t forced into it to survive.
Here she is: rich and appreciated and loved. It’s nice that she gives back. Really, it is. Let’s not pretend she’s suffering, though. Look at Justine! Look at Cami! And here’s coddled Severine, who has friends fixing up her office in the middle of the night.
And goodness: coming on the heels of Adrian and Pax’s stories, which have history and heartbreak and heft, let’s not have this story confined to all of a few days! Severine falls in love with someone in about two days and agrees to marry him a few days after that! PLEASE. IT IS RIDICULOUS. And an insult to her intelligence, especially considering the - shall we say, less attractive? - sides of Raoul’s personality. The way he talks about his-daughter-that-isn’t (and then goes back on that, when he needs her not to kill the ONCE AGAIN CORRUPT LORD GOODNESS HAVE YOU NOT PURGED THEM ALL ALREADY) - the fact that he’s a thief (of jewels, which is considerably harder than apples; what a prince) - the fact that he invades her privacy over and over and over, and Severine just goes, “Oh, but he doesn’t want to kill me!” - the fact that his proposal includes, “Or I might betray you with a tavern wench.”
...Don’t.
And so much of this is brushed over, or mentioned only in passing as if it isn’t important. Where is that richness of detail, that sense of place, of community - of family? (Why are Maggie and Justine absent the entire book?!) The book also tries to have it both ways by reminding you that Hawker used to be a thief, and that Severine also knows how to pick locks - by having Raoul deal with Lazarus fairly (“fairly”) and be appreciated as a businessman (“businessman”) - and by pretending his thefts are justified because they included items that were stolen previously. It’s a very precarious card pile. Get too close and it all falls over.
When my favorite line in the book is Hawker panicking when he sees the medal and thinking it’s Justine’s, maybe I’m reading the wrong story.
I am not impressed.
June 2, 2017
If for some (ghastly) reason I was forced to pick only one author to read for the rest of my life, Joanna Bourne would probably be it (or at least be in my top three). As a historical romance author, she is unparalleled. Her stories are riveting, and her characters incandescently alive, whether they be hero or villain.
Beauty Like the Night isn't even in my top three Bourne favorites, and I still couldn't put it down until I'd read every word (this author is a KILLER to my self-control. Goodbye, sleep).
Severine's story is finally told, and she's frightfully intelligent, beautiful, damaged, flawed, and wonderfully full of surprises. Her male counterpart is not quite as interesting, but he makes for a good foil for our heroine. The story is also not my favorite, but one of the supporting characters more than makes up for that in my book, and there's plenty of cameos from beloved characters from previous books to make things interesting.
4.5 solid stars.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Beauty Like the Night isn't even in my top three Bourne favorites, and I still couldn't put it down until I'd read every word (this author is a KILLER to my self-control. Goodbye, sleep).
Severine's story is finally told, and she's frightfully intelligent, beautiful, damaged, flawed, and wonderfully full of surprises. Her male counterpart is not quite as interesting, but he makes for a good foil for our heroine. The story is also not my favorite, but one of the supporting characters more than makes up for that in my book, and there's plenty of cameos from beloved characters from previous books to make things interesting.
4.5 solid stars.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
November 8, 2017
Wonderful Installment in the Spymaster Series!
Great action, an intriguing plot and sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine make this a fabulous installment in the series.
Set in London 1819, this is the story of Séverine de Cabrillac, orphan of the French revolution and sometime spy, who devotes herself to investigating crimes in London and finding justice for those wrongly accused. She is the adopted daughter of William Doyle (from The Forbidden Rose) and sister to Justine who married Hawker (in Black Hawk).
Raoul Deverney is a half-Spaniard French aristocrat who climbs up to Sevie’s bedchamber one night to accuse her of kidnapping a young girl, a girl she knows nothing about. Later, he demands she help him find his wife’s killer and rescue his missing twelve-year-old daughter, Pilar, who he claims is his daughter only in name.
I love Bourne’s stories, every one of them, and this is no different. Like an intricately woven tapestry with small threads carefully drawn together, she brings to life London’s underbelly and the spies who work for the British Service. Now there’s a thief to add to the mix, Raoul, who only steals to gain back his family’s jewels. It’s not surprising he is attracted to the beautiful, smart and wily Sevie, who he remembers from Spain where she spied on the French. And given his many talents, they seem a perfect match.
Despite her lack of trust, she cannot fight the attraction between them and so her common sense takes a walk. Bourne adroitly develops their mutual attraction and, in the midst of it all, someone is trying to kill Sevie as she searches for Pilar. From the beginning, the reader is made aware that Pilar, disguised as a boy named “Peter”, is working for Sevie who has no knowledge the one she seeks is so close.
Secondary characters include those from earlier stories in the series (including Lazarus who knows Raoul, and Doyle and Hawker. It was wonderful to see them again. Great job Joanna!
The Spymaster series:
My Lord and Spymaster (London 1811) - 2008
The Spymaster’s Lady (France and England 1802) - 2010
The Forbidden Rose (France 1794) - 2010
The Black Hawk (Paris, beginning in 1794 (seen in flashbacks), and London 1818) – 2011
Gideon and the Den of Thieves, London 1793 (novella)
Rogue Spy (England, 1802)
Beauty Like the Night (England 1819)
Great action, an intriguing plot and sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine make this a fabulous installment in the series.
Set in London 1819, this is the story of Séverine de Cabrillac, orphan of the French revolution and sometime spy, who devotes herself to investigating crimes in London and finding justice for those wrongly accused. She is the adopted daughter of William Doyle (from The Forbidden Rose) and sister to Justine who married Hawker (in Black Hawk).
Raoul Deverney is a half-Spaniard French aristocrat who climbs up to Sevie’s bedchamber one night to accuse her of kidnapping a young girl, a girl she knows nothing about. Later, he demands she help him find his wife’s killer and rescue his missing twelve-year-old daughter, Pilar, who he claims is his daughter only in name.
I love Bourne’s stories, every one of them, and this is no different. Like an intricately woven tapestry with small threads carefully drawn together, she brings to life London’s underbelly and the spies who work for the British Service. Now there’s a thief to add to the mix, Raoul, who only steals to gain back his family’s jewels. It’s not surprising he is attracted to the beautiful, smart and wily Sevie, who he remembers from Spain where she spied on the French. And given his many talents, they seem a perfect match.
Despite her lack of trust, she cannot fight the attraction between them and so her common sense takes a walk. Bourne adroitly develops their mutual attraction and, in the midst of it all, someone is trying to kill Sevie as she searches for Pilar. From the beginning, the reader is made aware that Pilar, disguised as a boy named “Peter”, is working for Sevie who has no knowledge the one she seeks is so close.
Secondary characters include those from earlier stories in the series (including Lazarus who knows Raoul, and Doyle and Hawker. It was wonderful to see them again. Great job Joanna!
The Spymaster series:
My Lord and Spymaster (London 1811) - 2008
The Spymaster’s Lady (France and England 1802) - 2010
The Forbidden Rose (France 1794) - 2010
The Black Hawk (Paris, beginning in 1794 (seen in flashbacks), and London 1818) – 2011
Gideon and the Den of Thieves, London 1793 (novella)
Rogue Spy (England, 1802)
Beauty Like the Night (England 1819)
July 8, 2017
It's been far too long since Joanna Bourne published a book, but this was worth the wait. <3
August 22, 2017
(3.5 stars) It's hard to believe Beauty Like the Night is the sixth book in Bourne's Spymaster series. It demonstrates well that there are still endless stories in this world she's created, and this particular story in no way felt stale. I really enjoyed the tight plotting of the mystery and spy action of the novel, but overall the romance itself never quite sparkled in the way in which I always hope and anticipate from a Bourne novel. I realized too at the very end that the book itself is relatively short and the length is reflected in how I felt about the romance, as there are just not enough scenes with the two main characters. Before I detail some of the flaws I felt, I would say that the most enjoyable aspect of this book is due to the strength of the intricate and carefully woven story of how a woman's murder and her missing child in present-day London interconnects with Severine's former life in military intelligence in Spain. I followed along carefully and felt by the end that all of the pieces fit together nicely, and if I ever were to reread it, the book would probably be more enjoyable for its deft plotting.
Despite the strong and interesting back story though, I am at heart a romance reader, and the romance simply did not capture me. The story has a promising start with Severine waking up in the middle of the night to an enigmatic and somewhat threatening stranger in her bedroom. Their first encounter is taut and pretty riveting, and told through Severine's eyes I felt her tension at Raul's implicit threats as well as her fascination for his heroic traits. Raul is a threat to many in this book, but from the very start, it seemed to me that he would never be a threat to Severine. I liked him greatly and wish that he had a stronger story to showcase his wonderful traits. However, so much of the focus in this book is on the mystery that there is scant time for Severine and Raul as a couple. It seemed as if Raul was in love with her at the blink of an eye, and it was never clear why he loved her so quickly except that the story required it. Severine was not drawn as distinctly as Bourne's former heroines. She has so many of the same mannerisms as previous female characters that I could close my eyes and imagine a different Bourne heroine in her place. Her cynicism and jaded view of the world, for instance, felt as if it belonged to her sister Justine, someone who really earned such an outlook. Even Annique from The Spymaster's Lady had an earned sadness and cynicism that made sense in that book. But here, I never really bought into the reasons why Severine felt so jaded, especially given that faithful readers of this series know that she had, though unorthodox, a relatively comfortable and supportive and loving family upbringing. The exciting and original quips and repartée that characterized the romance in previous books felt overdone in this book. The one sexual encounter felt more like a mandatory tacked on scene at the end due more to genre requirements than a necessary moment between the couple. I just couldn't shake the feeling that Bourne was more invested in the spy narrative than the romance in this book.
One final observation that stood out to me in a positive way though is that the secondary characters are used really well here. Far too many romances peddle out former characters to let us know how beautiful and happy and fulfilled they are. Bourne uses her former characters to enhance the ideas instead and support new character development. Therefore, Hawker, Doyle and Pax slipped into this new narrative perfectly and really added to the story and they felt so familiar and knowable and fully rounded people in their own right. So, my initial feelings are rooted in admiration for Bourne's prose and deft plotting but largely disappointed in a fairly bland and average romance.
Despite the strong and interesting back story though, I am at heart a romance reader, and the romance simply did not capture me. The story has a promising start with Severine waking up in the middle of the night to an enigmatic and somewhat threatening stranger in her bedroom. Their first encounter is taut and pretty riveting, and told through Severine's eyes I felt her tension at Raul's implicit threats as well as her fascination for his heroic traits. Raul is a threat to many in this book, but from the very start, it seemed to me that he would never be a threat to Severine. I liked him greatly and wish that he had a stronger story to showcase his wonderful traits. However, so much of the focus in this book is on the mystery that there is scant time for Severine and Raul as a couple. It seemed as if Raul was in love with her at the blink of an eye, and it was never clear why he loved her so quickly except that the story required it. Severine was not drawn as distinctly as Bourne's former heroines. She has so many of the same mannerisms as previous female characters that I could close my eyes and imagine a different Bourne heroine in her place. Her cynicism and jaded view of the world, for instance, felt as if it belonged to her sister Justine, someone who really earned such an outlook. Even Annique from The Spymaster's Lady had an earned sadness and cynicism that made sense in that book. But here, I never really bought into the reasons why Severine felt so jaded, especially given that faithful readers of this series know that she had, though unorthodox, a relatively comfortable and supportive and loving family upbringing. The exciting and original quips and repartée that characterized the romance in previous books felt overdone in this book. The one sexual encounter felt more like a mandatory tacked on scene at the end due more to genre requirements than a necessary moment between the couple. I just couldn't shake the feeling that Bourne was more invested in the spy narrative than the romance in this book.
One final observation that stood out to me in a positive way though is that the secondary characters are used really well here. Far too many romances peddle out former characters to let us know how beautiful and happy and fulfilled they are. Bourne uses her former characters to enhance the ideas instead and support new character development. Therefore, Hawker, Doyle and Pax slipped into this new narrative perfectly and really added to the story and they felt so familiar and knowable and fully rounded people in their own right. So, my initial feelings are rooted in admiration for Bourne's prose and deft plotting but largely disappointed in a fairly bland and average romance.
July 20, 2023
I’ve been saving this as a special treat because it’s the last Spymasters novel and the last historical romance written by Joanna Bourne (to date) and I knew I would grieve when it was finished. The windows are hung with black crepe even as I type this.
***spoilers***
The romance in this book is delicious. There’s chemistry between Severine and Raoul, a slow buildup of their interest tinged with mutual suspicion, a nice conclusion. 5 stars to the romance. 2 stars to its first consummation in an office during a burglary. What the…?
The intrigue is a little more problematic. Of course, having the guys from Meeks Street involved was a lovely treat. And when the villain is finally uncovered, his plot feels authentic. The problem is Severine’s investigative skills. Incredulously, she either doesn’t ask obvious questions of Raoul or she allows him to not answer the very pertinent questions she does ask. What kind of crack investigator does that? A 12-year-old girl has been missing for three months and she’s not sheltering with a friend because she doesn’t have any, they discover. The girl has written Severine’s name at a murder scene. Severine, the great spy and investigator, does not take even a second glance at the young boy who showed up around her office about three months earlier? Yeah, the girl could be anywhere. But she knows Severine’s name…and she’s clever…and she’s without funds. I mean, come on. So the intrigue in this novel falls short, although the action scenes are very cool. I had to drop a star on the overall rating because the super spy was outwitted by a 12-year-old, but I really enjoyed this book.
I wish Joanna Bourne had written more. But what she did write is superb.
***spoilers***
The romance in this book is delicious. There’s chemistry between Severine and Raoul, a slow buildup of their interest tinged with mutual suspicion, a nice conclusion. 5 stars to the romance. 2 stars to its first consummation in an office during a burglary. What the…?
The intrigue is a little more problematic. Of course, having the guys from Meeks Street involved was a lovely treat. And when the villain is finally uncovered, his plot feels authentic. The problem is Severine’s investigative skills. Incredulously, she either doesn’t ask obvious questions of Raoul or she allows him to not answer the very pertinent questions she does ask. What kind of crack investigator does that? A 12-year-old girl has been missing for three months and she’s not sheltering with a friend because she doesn’t have any, they discover. The girl has written Severine’s name at a murder scene. Severine, the great spy and investigator, does not take even a second glance at the young boy who showed up around her office about three months earlier? Yeah, the girl could be anywhere. But she knows Severine’s name…and she’s clever…and she’s without funds. I mean, come on. So the intrigue in this novel falls short, although the action scenes are very cool. I had to drop a star on the overall rating because the super spy was outwitted by a 12-year-old, but I really enjoyed this book.
I wish Joanna Bourne had written more. But what she did write is superb.
October 20, 2017
Bourne is currently my favorite romance author--I love the blend of linked characters, adventure, historical setting, danger, and sparkling wit and humor--and I can think of no narrator better than Kirsten Potter to bring the characters and their stories to life. I devoured the book in one day. Severine de Cabrillac, French orphan adopted by Britain's top spy Doyle during the Peninsular wars, has spied in France and Spain but is now an enquiry agent in London, still under the protection of Doyle and company, because, really, a spy's work is never done. Raoul Deverney comes to her with a problem he claims only she can solve: who killed his estranged wife and what happened to her young daughter. In fact, the pair have met before, although Severine doesn't remember, and Raoul feels she owes him. Sparks fly, of course, and there's danger and a conspiracy in the military, and more to uncover. And passion. A delightful romp and excellent addition to the series--though, as is often the case, it's likely better to start earlier on with The Forbidden Rose or The Spymaster's Lady.
November 5, 2017
I love Joanna Bourne's books for so many things: the beautiful words, lyrical scenes, the adventure, the compelling heroes and the kick-ass heroines. Beauty LikeThe Night did not disappoint. While I had one little quibble about a certain plot point (no spoilers here), loved it. It might be my second favorite of all her books.
March 6, 2022
Review March 2022: Knocking it down a star because after reading books 4 and 5, this book did not hold up. I liked it but I didn't love it. It was much slower than I remembered and I had a hard time connecting with Sevie. Yes she (like everyone else in this series) fought as a spy during the war but she chose to go, she is still a lady of the ton through her biological parents as well as her adopted ones so the grit and sparkle wasn't there for me. I did like her with Raoul despite me wanting to throttle him for dismissing his daughter for 12 years. All the scenes with the other characters - Doyle and Hawker were great and if this author ever writes a 7th book I would love her to write about young Bart because he stole the pages in the few scenes he was in.
Order of favorites: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6,2
Review September 2017:This book felt like a slower start than usual but once I hit the 25% mark, I was all in. I loved Séverine (have since we met her as a three year-old in the Forbidden Rose) and her relationship with Raoul was enjoyable to watch unfold. They are equally worthy of each other which is a hard thing to be in their unusual line(s) of work.
I did miss Maggie and Justine in this book but I enjoyed all the moments we got with Hawk and Doyle. They are just fantastic and their interactions with Raoul (and Sev) were great. I liked the moments with Sev's younger siblings especially fourteen year-old Bart. He is his parents son.
This book (and the re-read bing I went on these last few months) have left me more and more intrigued by Lazarus, King of the Thieves. I know he's supposed to be all heartless, cruel and king of thieves and whatnot, but throughout the books it shows he has a soft spot for Hawk, Justine and now Sev. This exchange made me laugh:
Order of favorites: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6,2
Review September 2017:This book felt like a slower start than usual but once I hit the 25% mark, I was all in. I loved Séverine (have since we met her as a three year-old in the Forbidden Rose) and her relationship with Raoul was enjoyable to watch unfold. They are equally worthy of each other which is a hard thing to be in their unusual line(s) of work.
I did miss Maggie and Justine in this book but I enjoyed all the moments we got with Hawk and Doyle. They are just fantastic and their interactions with Raoul (and Sev) were great. I liked the moments with Sev's younger siblings especially fourteen year-old Bart. He is his parents son.
This book (and the re-read bing I went on these last few months) have left me more and more intrigued by Lazarus, King of the Thieves. I know he's supposed to be all heartless, cruel and king of thieves and whatnot, but throughout the books it shows he has a soft spot for Hawk, Justine and now Sev. This exchange made me laugh:
March 13, 2021
Is Joanna Bourne not writing anymore? I see this book was published four years ago. Such a shame if she's not.
Her books are very hit or miss for me. Either I love them or think they are dull as dishwater. Unfortunately, this falls in 'dull as dishwater' column. The writing itself was lovely as usual, but there was such a strange distance and lack of emotion and connection in the prose. I did not care one iota about the two leads and that's a problem, no matter how good the writing.
I really only perked up when Hawker and Doyle appeared on the scene. The chapter where Hawker talks through his preparation and plans to torture a would-be assassin was my favorite bit, I think. He's whipsmart and so fucking sassy. His little cameos just made me wish we could get another book about him and Justine.
This novel reminded me a bit of the TV show Miss Scarlet and The Duke. A female private detective who joins forces with a hot, cocky dude. It was interesting enough and there were occasional glimpses of something great, but overall not memorable.
If you want to give this series a try, I say you are just fine thinking of it as a trilogy and reading books #1, 3, and 4: The Spymaster's Lady, The Forbidden Rose, and The Black Hawk. Three fantastic novels that heavily overlap and have memorable heroes and heroines.
3 stars
Her books are very hit or miss for me. Either I love them or think they are dull as dishwater. Unfortunately, this falls in 'dull as dishwater' column. The writing itself was lovely as usual, but there was such a strange distance and lack of emotion and connection in the prose. I did not care one iota about the two leads and that's a problem, no matter how good the writing.
I really only perked up when Hawker and Doyle appeared on the scene. The chapter where Hawker talks through his preparation and plans to torture a would-be assassin was my favorite bit, I think. He's whipsmart and so fucking sassy. His little cameos just made me wish we could get another book about him and Justine.
This novel reminded me a bit of the TV show Miss Scarlet and The Duke. A female private detective who joins forces with a hot, cocky dude. It was interesting enough and there were occasional glimpses of something great, but overall not memorable.
If you want to give this series a try, I say you are just fine thinking of it as a trilogy and reading books #1, 3, and 4: The Spymaster's Lady, The Forbidden Rose, and The Black Hawk. Three fantastic novels that heavily overlap and have memorable heroes and heroines.
3 stars
August 13, 2017
3.5 stars. Joanna Bourne is one of the few HR writers that I still read when I'm craving a good love story. (The Spymaster's Lady and Black Hawk are perennial re-reads.) But Severine and Raoul never came to life for me; they seemed like a pastiche of the previous characters and most of their interactions (even at knifepoint!) felt oddly flat. The urgency of their mission to find Raoul's missing daughter was undercut by his own lack of emotional connection to the child as well as the fact that the reader soon learns she is safe and hidden in plain sight.
Still, it was lovely to revisit old characters and read about gruff superspy William Doyle as Severine's doting papa. (The scene where Doyle and Hawker argue about how chasing murderers was supposed to keep Severine out of trouble is priceless.) And Bourne can make a stolen kiss between characters more intense than most authors manage with the most explicit sex scenes. Even when she's not at the top of her game, Bourne is leaps and bounds above most of the dreadful bodice rippers in this genre. Recommended for fans who have read the first five books. Otherwise, start with Spymaster's Lady or the Forbidden Rose.
Still, it was lovely to revisit old characters and read about gruff superspy William Doyle as Severine's doting papa. (The scene where Doyle and Hawker argue about how chasing murderers was supposed to keep Severine out of trouble is priceless.) And Bourne can make a stolen kiss between characters more intense than most authors manage with the most explicit sex scenes. Even when she's not at the top of her game, Bourne is leaps and bounds above most of the dreadful bodice rippers in this genre. Recommended for fans who have read the first five books. Otherwise, start with Spymaster's Lady or the Forbidden Rose.
January 4, 2023
3.5 ☆
Review of the entire series --
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of the entire series --
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 24, 2017
A murder, a missing girl, an assassination attempt, and two hostile people who fight an attraction come together in the latest of the Spymasters series in this delicious and twisting tale set after the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Beauty Like the Night is book six in the series. I would imagine the series works best read in order, but this was my fist of the novel-length stories and I was able to read it just fine. The plot was self-contained though the surrounding cast have been around through earlier books.
I had the opportunity to sample a couple of novellas while reading the Last Chance Christmas Ball antho and the Gambled Away antho that are side stories to the series that gave me a taste of the writer's work. I enjoyed it and her shadow world of spies and underworld characters so I was glad to finally pick up one of the main stories of the series. I was not disappointed.
The story is that of Raoul Deverney a French-Spanish aristocrat and Severine de Cabrillac high born French child adopted into an English lord's household during the French Revolution. Both are more than they seem and the story opens with a riveting scene that lays out what is to come nicely. I was captivated by both Raoul and Sevie and found it interesting as they warily circled each other thinking the worst, but needing to work together for an important cause.
The attraction sparked and sizzled between them though they were so contained and drove each other mad. Their cat and mouse game through spying, investigating, and passion was well written.
Alongside the romance was a twisting plot that harked back to time on the battlefield that was Spain during the war. Everyone searches for the same thing, the amulet and a twelve-year old girl who may know something about it. Sevie and Raoul must figure out why and figure out who would kill to get it.
The story was enlarged to include not just Sevie and Raoul's narration, but that of other longstanding series characters. I enjoyed these moments to get to know the others and appreciated that there were no series spoilers from the stories that came before even while letting the characters continue in this latest book.
In summary, it was a fabulous experience. I loved the sense of historical knowledge not only of the time period, but the specific part of espionage and Napoleonic war elements laced through the story. This is for those who enjoy spy suspense stories mixed with historical romance.
My thanks to Penguin-Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beauty Like the Night is book six in the series. I would imagine the series works best read in order, but this was my fist of the novel-length stories and I was able to read it just fine. The plot was self-contained though the surrounding cast have been around through earlier books.
I had the opportunity to sample a couple of novellas while reading the Last Chance Christmas Ball antho and the Gambled Away antho that are side stories to the series that gave me a taste of the writer's work. I enjoyed it and her shadow world of spies and underworld characters so I was glad to finally pick up one of the main stories of the series. I was not disappointed.
The story is that of Raoul Deverney a French-Spanish aristocrat and Severine de Cabrillac high born French child adopted into an English lord's household during the French Revolution. Both are more than they seem and the story opens with a riveting scene that lays out what is to come nicely. I was captivated by both Raoul and Sevie and found it interesting as they warily circled each other thinking the worst, but needing to work together for an important cause.
The attraction sparked and sizzled between them though they were so contained and drove each other mad. Their cat and mouse game through spying, investigating, and passion was well written.
Alongside the romance was a twisting plot that harked back to time on the battlefield that was Spain during the war. Everyone searches for the same thing, the amulet and a twelve-year old girl who may know something about it. Sevie and Raoul must figure out why and figure out who would kill to get it.
The story was enlarged to include not just Sevie and Raoul's narration, but that of other longstanding series characters. I enjoyed these moments to get to know the others and appreciated that there were no series spoilers from the stories that came before even while letting the characters continue in this latest book.
In summary, it was a fabulous experience. I loved the sense of historical knowledge not only of the time period, but the specific part of espionage and Napoleonic war elements laced through the story. This is for those who enjoy spy suspense stories mixed with historical romance.
My thanks to Penguin-Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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