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Secrets of the Zodiac #6
A Mad and Mindless Night
A rogue in search of a new life, a brilliant woman betrayed, and one path through a prison of lies…
Ashley Allander has been a rake, rogue, scandalmaker, and heartbreaker. Now, with one last chance to redeem his name, he becomes a spy. The Zodiac’s newest recruit leaves London behind to find an elusive inventor, but his target proves far stranger. Ash discovers an aloof host, bright lights in the sky, and a woman who is either an innocent prisoner…or completely mad.
Elanora Morrison is desperate. Her life’s work has been stolen from her. She’s been declared insane and kept far from anyone who might help. She gambles everything on a mysterious newcomer, risking her reputation, her life, and her heart to regain her freedom.
Together, Ash and Nora hold the key to a conspiracy between two warring nations. In the midst of danger, they find an improbable love, and the chance for a new future…if they live long enough to reach it.
The sixth novel in the Secrets of the Zodiac, a series of full-length historical romances: Featuring sexy storylines, complex characters, and international intrigue, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
Ashley Allander has been a rake, rogue, scandalmaker, and heartbreaker. Now, with one last chance to redeem his name, he becomes a spy. The Zodiac’s newest recruit leaves London behind to find an elusive inventor, but his target proves far stranger. Ash discovers an aloof host, bright lights in the sky, and a woman who is either an innocent prisoner…or completely mad.
Elanora Morrison is desperate. Her life’s work has been stolen from her. She’s been declared insane and kept far from anyone who might help. She gambles everything on a mysterious newcomer, risking her reputation, her life, and her heart to regain her freedom.
Together, Ash and Nora hold the key to a conspiracy between two warring nations. In the midst of danger, they find an improbable love, and the chance for a new future…if they live long enough to reach it.
The sixth novel in the Secrets of the Zodiac, a series of full-length historical romances: Featuring sexy storylines, complex characters, and international intrigue, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
365 pages, ebook
Published December 20, 2016
46 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Cole
46 books163 followersElizabeth Cole is a romance author with a penchant for history, which is why she lives in an old house in an old city. She can be found hanging around libraries and archives, or curled in a corner reading, cat on lap. She believes in love at first sight. Then again, she also believes that mac 'n' cheese is a healthy breakfast, so don't trust her judgment on everything.
Get in touch with her at http://twitter.com/coleheartedgirl
Get in touch with her at http://twitter.com/coleheartedgirl
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 28, 2017
This is my 3rd or 4th favorite of this fun and inventive Zodiac series. It falls right about in the middle. I was really looking forward to Ash’s story and he, as a character, did not disappoint. I thought the way Cole wrote him was brilliant. There is a fine line she had to dance around when creating a character like this. It'd be easy to make Alex too rakish or too cavalier, but she navigated it beautifully. His drug addiction is another one that could've gone too far, but I thought it was handled well and made Alex Cole’s most interesting hero.
Nora was such a perfect heroine for Alex. She was smart, patient and most importantly forgiving. They made such a great couple. One thing I like about the heroines being widows in romances is there's no need for the awkward “birds and bees” lecture from the hero and Cole had every opportunity to skip it but still had Ash explaining the act and schooling Nora in the ways. I find it takes away from the moment when the hero has to stop and explain something, there is something demeaning about it. When I learned that Nora was a widow I was excited because it meant we could skip the edification and move on to the good stuff.
I love this series and am impatiently waiting for the next book!!!
WARNING: There is sex in this book. Please do not read if you are looking for something “clean.”
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/
Nora was such a perfect heroine for Alex. She was smart, patient and most importantly forgiving. They made such a great couple. One thing I like about the heroines being widows in romances is there's no need for the awkward “birds and bees” lecture from the hero and Cole had every opportunity to skip it but still had Ash explaining the act and schooling Nora in the ways. I find it takes away from the moment when the hero has to stop and explain something, there is something demeaning about it. When I learned that Nora was a widow I was excited because it meant we could skip the edification and move on to the good stuff.
I love this series and am impatiently waiting for the next book!!!
WARNING: There is sex in this book. Please do not read if you are looking for something “clean.”
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/
December 13, 2016
I came to Elizabeth's Secrets of the Zodiac series by way of her Swordcross Knights series (which I love and highly recommend.) "A Mad and Mindless Night" was a great entry point for me in her Zodiac books because the heroine is intelligent (my favorite kind of heroine,) the hero is dashing, (may favorite kind of hero,) and the story moves along at a fast pace, (my favorite kind of pace.) The reader gets to see interesting places and a different villain from the usual kind of villain. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of historical romance. Now I have to go back and read the other books in the Zodiac series!
November 8, 2019
I liked this book quite a bit despite its issues (resulting in my skimming some of it). The main characters were wonderful with really interesting backstories and families and the story was interesting and different. But the author did too much telling so I got a little bored and her secondary characters were underdeveloped and/or cliches. The opening could have been better also. His being a laudanum addict made so much sense given his intellect and sensitivity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
Not a Spy
Enjoyed reading this book!! The main people involved are Nora Morrison and Ash Allander. Nora invented a signaling device but her husband’s twin wanted it all.
Ash shows up as a government clerk. There are plots in progress that heads to London. Can it be stopped?
Enjoy reading to find out!
Enjoyed reading this book!! The main people involved are Nora Morrison and Ash Allander. Nora invented a signaling device but her husband’s twin wanted it all.
Ash shows up as a government clerk. There are plots in progress that heads to London. Can it be stopped?
Enjoy reading to find out!
November 22, 2020
So dissapointing. Probably worst book in the series. The plot, if you can call it that, is laughable. The entire story is unconvinsing and poorly written.
Ash was somewhat passable, but Nora is so incredibly annoying in her naivette and for a supposedly intelligent woman she acts like a f-ing idiot most of the time.
Ash was somewhat passable, but Nora is so incredibly annoying in her naivette and for a supposedly intelligent woman she acts like a f-ing idiot most of the time.
April 7, 2023
Just finished reading this for the second time. I am rereading the whole series, as I couldn’t remember some of the details when I got the latest one.
I enjoyed reading it again. It is a good series and I like that some of the characters from previous books find their way into the newer story.
I enjoyed reading it again. It is a good series and I like that some of the characters from previous books find their way into the newer story.
November 28, 2024
Well-plotted, from the romance to the characters' individual struggles to the espionage.
December 20, 2016
A Mad and Mindless Night was such a fun read! I haven't read all the books in this series yet, but that wasn't a problem. This book can be read as a standalone and you won't feel like you are missing out on things.
Elanora is living in a nightmare. Locked away from anyone and everyone who could help her she has to find a way to escape. She just has to! Only it is not that easy. Every time she has tried before she has been thwarted. What is she to do? When a mysterious new guy shows up can she trust him? Or will he think she is crazy as well?
Ashley has a bit of a checkered past. He is the second son so he had a quiet plan for his life until everything gets waylaid. He is now known as a ladies man. As someone who will ruin your reputation. As a bit of a rake. I loved Ash. I loved how kind and sweet and caring he was. I loved how he would help out someone just because they needed help. He didn't need it acknowledged or anything, he would just do the right thing because that is who he is. Which is a bit of a contradiction to what everyone else sees him as. When he finds Nora hidden away in he knows his simple mission, his simple favor to his brother, will be a lot more than he was expecting. He can't leave until he figures out what is going on and how to help Nora.
These two were great together. As I said I just loved Ash. He was incredible! I really felt bad for him at times because he is such a genuinely wonderful person. I really enjoyed this story. Ash and Nora trying to figure out what is going on and how to get Nora out of the mess she finds herself in was so much fun!!
Now I will say there were a few things that bugged me slightly. Nothing major, not enough for me to not enjoy the story or recommend it, but I should mention them. One is that Nora is a bit...judgmental at times and listens to what others say about people instead of what she knows. Knowing all that she has been through, all that she has endured, you would think she would be a bit more open to hearing people out and trusting them rather than gossip. The other is there were some strange things going on and the characters never thought that one of the characters might be involved. Even when they find out strange information about them they still don't think they could have anything to do with anything. I could see it at first, but, eventually, it seemed a bit ridiculous to not even consider the option.
Overall this was a great read. There were a couple of things I didn't like as much, but they didn't keep me from loving this book. If you haven't read this author before you should really check her out. If you have then this is another great read.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
December 30, 2016
I received a copy of A Mad and Mindless Night by Elizabeth Cole in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Whoever said "stick and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" never talked to Ashley Allander, brother to Bruce Allander, the viscount Lord Forester. The year is 1810 and several years before Ash's life had been ruined when a desperate mother claimed Ash had compromised her daughter, a story Ash's father was only to willing to believe. Asked to leave the church and his home, no one bothered to ask Ash if the story were true. It wasn't. So Ash became what people thought he was: a rake, a fallen angel, a card shark. It helped that he was handsome. Ash's brother is handsome in his own way, but he doesn't share any of Ash's other characteristics. After all, his is a viscount and a spy. As a member of the Zodiac, he needs Ash's help. Ash needs to travel to the coast, meet Morrison, find out why his invention isn't finished, and report back to Bruce. It shouldn't be that difficult, should it?
But we're talking about Ash here. A man who constantly questions his own worth and, unknown to anyone, is addicted to cocaine. As soon as he arrives at the house he begins to have doubts, but Crewe, the Zodiac supplied valet, gets Ash to rally and begin the investigation.
The investigation is anything but easy. I tried to find a way to discribe what was going on: puppet master and puppets, game of cat and mouse, or maybe a bit of both. Ash finds Morrison's wife Nora is being lock in the attic. But Morrison isn't the right one. He's the twin brother of Nora's dead husband who kind of invented the signaling apparatus. But Nora really invented it. And Mrs. Kingfisher is Morrison's mistress, but she's also French, not English, and a spy! Elizabeth Cole does a wonderful job of keeping everything straight and revealing pieces of the mystery little by little. Then Ash, Nora, and Crewe escape to London and a whole new set of problems arise.
I'll let you read it to find out the rest of the story. This is my favorite so far because Ash is so flawed. He is a good person who was thrust into a bad situation. Instead of having his family's support, he was cast aside. Because of that and the choices that he has made, he feels that he has very little self worth. But his brother, Nora, and others won't give up on him and he promises to try.
Some days that's the best any of us can do.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Whoever said "stick and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" never talked to Ashley Allander, brother to Bruce Allander, the viscount Lord Forester. The year is 1810 and several years before Ash's life had been ruined when a desperate mother claimed Ash had compromised her daughter, a story Ash's father was only to willing to believe. Asked to leave the church and his home, no one bothered to ask Ash if the story were true. It wasn't. So Ash became what people thought he was: a rake, a fallen angel, a card shark. It helped that he was handsome. Ash's brother is handsome in his own way, but he doesn't share any of Ash's other characteristics. After all, his is a viscount and a spy. As a member of the Zodiac, he needs Ash's help. Ash needs to travel to the coast, meet Morrison, find out why his invention isn't finished, and report back to Bruce. It shouldn't be that difficult, should it?
But we're talking about Ash here. A man who constantly questions his own worth and, unknown to anyone, is addicted to cocaine. As soon as he arrives at the house he begins to have doubts, but Crewe, the Zodiac supplied valet, gets Ash to rally and begin the investigation.
The investigation is anything but easy. I tried to find a way to discribe what was going on: puppet master and puppets, game of cat and mouse, or maybe a bit of both. Ash finds Morrison's wife Nora is being lock in the attic. But Morrison isn't the right one. He's the twin brother of Nora's dead husband who kind of invented the signaling apparatus. But Nora really invented it. And Mrs. Kingfisher is Morrison's mistress, but she's also French, not English, and a spy! Elizabeth Cole does a wonderful job of keeping everything straight and revealing pieces of the mystery little by little. Then Ash, Nora, and Crewe escape to London and a whole new set of problems arise.
I'll let you read it to find out the rest of the story. This is my favorite so far because Ash is so flawed. He is a good person who was thrust into a bad situation. Instead of having his family's support, he was cast aside. Because of that and the choices that he has made, he feels that he has very little self worth. But his brother, Nora, and others won't give up on him and he promises to try.
Some days that's the best any of us can do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2017
I always enjoy Elizabeth Cole's stories, and A Mad and Mindless Night is no exception. This is definitely 5 stars. The tight, solid plot keeps the reader engaged from the beginning to the end. The characters are well written and complex. The backstories are not just inserted, but are woven into the story so that the reader comes to understand who these characters are and why.
There is, of course, a villain or two determined to damage England in the war against France. The Zodiac is called on to thwart this effort. This time, however, it is the brother of an agent (Bruce Allander) who is convinced to take the mission to find a missing scientist. This twist makes the story even more interesting. Bruce and Ash have been estranged for years. Maybe this will be a second chance for the brothers.
I don’t want to spoil the story. To peak your interest, I will tell you that the hero sees the heroine immediately upon his arrival at his destination (he thinks she might be a ghost), but it takes awhile for them to meet and work towards solving the mystery. There are multiple villains, all with different motives (one of them has a real doozie of a plan).
You may ask if they succeed in thwarting the spies? Will the hero and heroine fall in love? Will the brothers be reconciled? Can Ash be rescued? You’ll have to read the story to find the answers, but it’s a great story and you’ll enjoy it. I will say that by the end of the story you will love Ash and Nora, want to hug Reggie, and pat Bruce on the back. The lesson for our characters (and the reader) is how important communication is – in understanding each other, falling in love, or winning a war. Communication – CODE for talk to each other.
There is, of course, a villain or two determined to damage England in the war against France. The Zodiac is called on to thwart this effort. This time, however, it is the brother of an agent (Bruce Allander) who is convinced to take the mission to find a missing scientist. This twist makes the story even more interesting. Bruce and Ash have been estranged for years. Maybe this will be a second chance for the brothers.
I don’t want to spoil the story. To peak your interest, I will tell you that the hero sees the heroine immediately upon his arrival at his destination (he thinks she might be a ghost), but it takes awhile for them to meet and work towards solving the mystery. There are multiple villains, all with different motives (one of them has a real doozie of a plan).
You may ask if they succeed in thwarting the spies? Will the hero and heroine fall in love? Will the brothers be reconciled? Can Ash be rescued? You’ll have to read the story to find the answers, but it’s a great story and you’ll enjoy it. I will say that by the end of the story you will love Ash and Nora, want to hug Reggie, and pat Bruce on the back. The lesson for our characters (and the reader) is how important communication is – in understanding each other, falling in love, or winning a war. Communication – CODE for talk to each other.
December 17, 2016
I have been so waiting for this novel and it does not disappoint. A Mad and Mindless Night is the sixth in the Zodiac series and it brings back a few favorite characters and expands on a minor character, Ash, the hero, who appeared in previous stories.
The story unfolds as both a liberation and redemption as Ash and Nora struggle to understand events and each other and free themselves from the limitations of their circumstances. As people, both main characters are believable and likeable. Cole makes them each warm and human while at the same time plunking them down in extraordinary situations.
Elizabeth Cole has a firm grasp of the history of the time and subtly emphasizes the constraining status women experienced in her portrayal of challenges faced by the heroine. As an intellectual and creative woman, Nora can still be exploited and victimized and even institutionalized as insane if she is too rebellious or successful.
There is enough suspense and adventure to keep the plot moving along and a dollop of science and history to ground it in reality. As a result, it is more interesting than many historical romances.
The Zodiac series was my introduction to Elizabeth Cole as an author and I am now a big fan and breathlessly awaiting the next installment.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
The story unfolds as both a liberation and redemption as Ash and Nora struggle to understand events and each other and free themselves from the limitations of their circumstances. As people, both main characters are believable and likeable. Cole makes them each warm and human while at the same time plunking them down in extraordinary situations.
Elizabeth Cole has a firm grasp of the history of the time and subtly emphasizes the constraining status women experienced in her portrayal of challenges faced by the heroine. As an intellectual and creative woman, Nora can still be exploited and victimized and even institutionalized as insane if she is too rebellious or successful.
There is enough suspense and adventure to keep the plot moving along and a dollop of science and history to ground it in reality. As a result, it is more interesting than many historical romances.
The Zodiac series was my introduction to Elizabeth Cole as an author and I am now a big fan and breathlessly awaiting the next installment.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
December 22, 2016
This author is one that you wait for the next one in a series. This author has kept me on my toes in the proceeding ones so jumped right in guarding the toes. She will pull on your heart with the character Elanora, plus if no one else will you are wanting to help. Then you have Ashley whom will have more than he believed on his plate after he steps into it. But then those charmers usually do get the most challenging paths thanks to their past. Once they pair up it becomes even more intriguing with as I said before you being kept on your toes. Drama will push the limit in this one with passion fueling it along too. If you like suspense with romance set back in a different time period this one fills it more like overflows it. Oh and the plans in this one thinking to rule the world lol. Those do cause the most drama with the espionage that will be along with them. Thanks to the characters in this one and the Zodiac we are given one heck of a ride causing our fantasies to be in overdrive. Because of the two brothers being at the start and how this is all wrapped up for now The Zodiac is still in the top go to in reads for me.
December 18, 2016
I love anything historical and when you throw in a mystery and a romance... well, you've made me a happy girl. Elizabeth Cole's wonderful series (Secrets of the Zodiac) is just delightful and her new book A Mad and Mindless Night is no exception. This is a great one to read curled up by the fire on a cold winter's day. I forced myself to go to bed, or I would have finished it in one sitting.
It's easy to get caught up in her characters and you really want to know how they end up. Ash and Nora are our protagonists; they are both smart and brave. Their budding relationship is believable and fun to read. I really enjoyed the story and the background of the war; Elizabeth's descriptions are a joy to read and easy to picture in your mind.
I highly recommend this book if you want to lose yourself in another time and place. And frankly, after this craptastic year we've had, I can't think of anything better or mind-saving!
It's easy to get caught up in her characters and you really want to know how they end up. Ash and Nora are our protagonists; they are both smart and brave. Their budding relationship is believable and fun to read. I really enjoyed the story and the background of the war; Elizabeth's descriptions are a joy to read and easy to picture in your mind.
I highly recommend this book if you want to lose yourself in another time and place. And frankly, after this craptastic year we've had, I can't think of anything better or mind-saving!
December 20, 2016
A Mad and Mindless Night is the story of Ashley Allander and Elanora Morgan. The author had her work cut out for her in regards to Ash (as far as I was concerned...) because based on his previous appearances he wasn't a likable character, plus he is the brother of Bruce Allander (A Reckless Soul) who is one of my favorites. She did a great job with Ash and the story shows the other side of him (the good, the very good side of Ash). I did fall in love with him. Nora is a strong, intelligent woman, but I felt some times she was just a secondary character, to whom things happened to. I missed a certain connection with her or the appreciation of her as the "other half" of the story. The story itself is intriguing and suspenseful as the others in the Zodiac series which kept the book interesting . I wished there was closure as to what happened to Nora's invention and Ash's position/relationship with the Zodiac.
December 20, 2016
I love anything historical and when you throw in a mystery and a romance... well, you've made me a happy girl. Elizabeth Cole's wonderful series (Secrets of the Zodiac) is just delightful and her new book A Mad and Mindless Night is no exception. This is a great one to read curled up by the fire on a cold winter's day. I forced myself to go to bed, or I would have finished it in one sitting.
It's easy to get caught up in her characters and you really want to know how they end up. Ash and Nora are our protagonists; they are both smart and brave. Their budding relationship is believable and fun to read. I really enjoyed the story and the background of the war; Elizabeth's descriptions are a joy to read and easy to picture in your mind.
I highly recommend this book if you want to lose yourself in another time and place. And frankly, after this craptastic year we've had, I can't think of anything better or mind-saving!
It's easy to get caught up in her characters and you really want to know how they end up. Ash and Nora are our protagonists; they are both smart and brave. Their budding relationship is believable and fun to read. I really enjoyed the story and the background of the war; Elizabeth's descriptions are a joy to read and easy to picture in your mind.
I highly recommend this book if you want to lose yourself in another time and place. And frankly, after this craptastic year we've had, I can't think of anything better or mind-saving!
December 19, 2016
"A Mad & Mindless Night" by Elizabeth Cole receives a solid 5 star rating! Her latest undertaking in the Historical Romantic series Secrets of the Zodiac continues her stellar performance as a writer. I was not sure where she would take us next in the series but take us she did in a fast paced, exciting read I could not but down. I loved the book, the characters, and settings. Ash the reluctant spy and Nora the intelligent inventor come together in a wonderful dance. Most importantly Elizabeth Cole can always be counted on to deliver a “happily ever after” for her characters and her readers. There is so much more I want to add but no spoilers from me. I received an ARC for an honest review.
December 21, 2016
Having just finished ' A mad and mindless night'' in the Zodiac series by Elizabeth Cole, I am happy to say she has done it again. The characters have flaws that you can relate to and love. Ash is misunderstood by all for mistakes he didn't make as a young man and Nora, even though she has had a very shelter life and mistreated for her gifts, sees the good in him. The story keeps you guessing from the beginning until the end. It can be read as a stand alone book, although it has characters from her last book. Mystery, adventure, romance and history all in one book. Well worth the read.
December 20, 2016
Another great book by Elizabeth Cole. The story of Ash (a reluctant hero with an addiction) and Nora (an inventor) brings us characters that are totally believable. The spy story unfolds at just the right pace. The descriptions of surrounding areas lets you easily imaging what the places look like. And once you start reading you don't want to put the book down until all secrets are discovered. It's a great read and I highly recommend it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2016
Elizabeth Cole's Zodiac books always make me a feel a little less guilty for indulging my Regency romance craving. They aren't just mushy: there is suspense and mystery along with the drool-worthy heros and spunky heroines. I read "A Mad and Mindless Night" while I endured a stressful and hectic few days, and this book was a wonderful respite. It kept drawing me back and making me stay up late even when all I *thought* I wanted was sleep.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 29, 2017
Highly recommended
If you haven't started reading the Zodiac books and you love historical romance with the thrill of an adventurous story then start them now. This latest one does not disappoint. The Zodiacs and the Disreputables make a brilliant read. Elizabeth Cole 's storylines are the sort where you just want to read them all in one go with only breaking off to make a cup of tea. Can't wait for the next one.
If you haven't started reading the Zodiac books and you love historical romance with the thrill of an adventurous story then start them now. This latest one does not disappoint. The Zodiacs and the Disreputables make a brilliant read. Elizabeth Cole 's storylines are the sort where you just want to read them all in one go with only breaking off to make a cup of tea. Can't wait for the next one.
December 18, 2016
Another beautiful book by Elizabeth Cole for the Zodiac series. I read all these books and I love the suspense, mystery and love that you could find in this world.
A book, which history will kept you until the last page. If you enjoyed mystery and romance this is the book for you.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A book, which history will kept you until the last page. If you enjoyed mystery and romance this is the book for you.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
Another great book from Elizabeth Cole with likable main characters if you like intrigue with your romance this is a book for you.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews