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Gentlemen of Honor #1
A Night of Secret Surrender
Lovers reunite in Paris—on opposite sides of war—in this scorching-hot tale of passion and espionage in the Napoleonic Era.
As a teenager in England, Celeste Fournier gave her innocence to the man she loved before moving to France with her father. Years later, that same man, Major Summerley Shayborne, is in Paris—and in danger!
All of Europe has been transformed by Napoleon Bonaparte, and though France and England are bitter enemies, Celeste knows she must help Shay flee. Yet their dangerously intimate reunion makes her wish she could reclaim something of herself—to be the girl she was, the girl that Shay deserves.
As a teenager in England, Celeste Fournier gave her innocence to the man she loved before moving to France with her father. Years later, that same man, Major Summerley Shayborne, is in Paris—and in danger!
All of Europe has been transformed by Napoleon Bonaparte, and though France and England are bitter enemies, Celeste knows she must help Shay flee. Yet their dangerously intimate reunion makes her wish she could reclaim something of herself—to be the girl she was, the girl that Shay deserves.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
16 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Sophia James
176 books126 followersGeorgette Heyer novels formed Sophia James' reading tastes as a teenager, but her writing life only started when she was given a pile of Mills & Boons to read after she had had her wisdom teeth extracted! Filled with strong painkillers, she imagined that she could pen one, too. Many drafts later, Sophia thinks she has the perfect job writing for Harlequin Historical, as well as taking art tours to Europe with her husband, who is a painter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 2, 2019
Throughly enjoyed this book. A deeper and darker historical romance, but fast pace and an easy read. I loved the h in this book- she was strong and smart, but above all she loved hard and held onto it through so much suffering. This book did a great job showing how passionate and protective women can be, especially when all hope is lost. Will definitely continue reading this authors work.
February 22, 2024
Необичайно добре написана, тъжна, жестока и реалистична история насред воюваща Франция от времето на Наполеон. Никакви недоразумения, само тъжна реалност с малко шанс за щастие.
April 24, 2018
“There is much you do not know about me now, Major Shayborne, and the colour of my hair is the very least of it.”
Celeste Fournier had one night with Summerley Shayborne before leaving England for France. Years later, Shay is a wanted man. One of Wellington’s trusted intelligence officers, he is hiding from the French in Paris, while Celeste has become something of a rogue French spy working for the organisation seeking him out. Warning him that his life is in danger puts the two on a collision course with danger, a journey of finding love, letting go of the past, and daring to dream about a future they may never have if their enemies catch up with them. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Set largely in the unglamorous back streets of Paris, Celeste and Shay are brought to life against a vivid backdrop of dark alleys, anonymous apartments, and clandestine meetings with an assortment of secondary characters who are not all they seem. Sophia James has created two realistic, likeable, and believable characters who have no airs and graces as they battle to survive. Indeed, Celeste has lived through things that she probably wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy, and she is somewhat blunt in her tone, but, underneath the bravado, there is a fragile young woman in need of rescue, if only she would let Shay in. Likewise, Shay lives his life in the shadows, knowing one wrong move could be fatal. There can be no grand declarations of love, or promises of forever, and the novel works so well because of these things. For these characters, there is only the here and now, and the book is a real page turner as we keep our fingers crossed for a moment of happiness in contrast to the danger.
In contrast to the high society of Paris, there are no grand houses, no ballrooms and no fashionable outfits, and instead there is a prevailing sense of danger and violence as Shay tries to escape those who want him dead, all the while trying to protect Celeste as the two plot a getaway in a variety of disguises.
The plot is fast moving as we follow the escape bid across Paris and the French countryside, and the disguises change regularly as seemingly innocuous meetings with passing strangers put Shay and Celeste in serious danger. Indeed, the joy of watching the two fall in love is somewhat bittersweet as a happy ending seems almost impossible amid the threats lurking in the background. The inevitable parting of ways is tinged with regret and self sacrifice for both as the plot moves forward with neither Celeste or Shay knowing whether the other is still alive.
A real against all odds romance, the story picks up over a year later in London as we discover what became of Shay and Celeste, and how their lives were irrevocably altered by events in France. It would spoil the story to give any hints about this part of the book, but this is a story that has so many things going for it: a fantastically vivid setting, characters (and a relationship) you really believe in, suspense and tension, and an emotional impact that stays with you long after the last page has been turned.
Thanks to M&B for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Celeste Fournier had one night with Summerley Shayborne before leaving England for France. Years later, Shay is a wanted man. One of Wellington’s trusted intelligence officers, he is hiding from the French in Paris, while Celeste has become something of a rogue French spy working for the organisation seeking him out. Warning him that his life is in danger puts the two on a collision course with danger, a journey of finding love, letting go of the past, and daring to dream about a future they may never have if their enemies catch up with them. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Set largely in the unglamorous back streets of Paris, Celeste and Shay are brought to life against a vivid backdrop of dark alleys, anonymous apartments, and clandestine meetings with an assortment of secondary characters who are not all they seem. Sophia James has created two realistic, likeable, and believable characters who have no airs and graces as they battle to survive. Indeed, Celeste has lived through things that she probably wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy, and she is somewhat blunt in her tone, but, underneath the bravado, there is a fragile young woman in need of rescue, if only she would let Shay in. Likewise, Shay lives his life in the shadows, knowing one wrong move could be fatal. There can be no grand declarations of love, or promises of forever, and the novel works so well because of these things. For these characters, there is only the here and now, and the book is a real page turner as we keep our fingers crossed for a moment of happiness in contrast to the danger.
In contrast to the high society of Paris, there are no grand houses, no ballrooms and no fashionable outfits, and instead there is a prevailing sense of danger and violence as Shay tries to escape those who want him dead, all the while trying to protect Celeste as the two plot a getaway in a variety of disguises.
The plot is fast moving as we follow the escape bid across Paris and the French countryside, and the disguises change regularly as seemingly innocuous meetings with passing strangers put Shay and Celeste in serious danger. Indeed, the joy of watching the two fall in love is somewhat bittersweet as a happy ending seems almost impossible amid the threats lurking in the background. The inevitable parting of ways is tinged with regret and self sacrifice for both as the plot moves forward with neither Celeste or Shay knowing whether the other is still alive.
A real against all odds romance, the story picks up over a year later in London as we discover what became of Shay and Celeste, and how their lives were irrevocably altered by events in France. It would spoil the story to give any hints about this part of the book, but this is a story that has so many things going for it: a fantastically vivid setting, characters (and a relationship) you really believe in, suspense and tension, and an emotional impact that stays with you long after the last page has been turned.
Thanks to M&B for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2018
Good story about two people reunited by war, deeply changed by their experiences. Celeste and Shay had known each other as teenagers in England, where they had one night together before she left for France with her father. Years later, Shay is one of Wellington's best spies, currently working in Paris. The book opens with Shay receiving a warning from a young Frenchwoman, letting him know that he is in immediate danger of being captured. There is something familiar about her, but she disappears before he figures it out. Celeste is a French informant, working for the same organization that wants Shay. Warning him that he is in danger puts a target on her own back, but she would never forgive herself if something happened to him.
The action is intense from beginning to end. With Napoleon's departure in his attempt to take Moscow, the rest of France is in turmoil as various factions fight for control. Shay and Celeste are in constant danger of discovery as they try to make their way to safety. Rather than fancy houses, balls, and parties, this book shows the darker side of Paris and the war. Both Shay and Celeste have been affected by the things they have seen and done. In the past six years, Celeste has lived through unimaginable things, making her quite cynical. She is blunt in words and actions, but there are also hints that there is more to her than meets the eye. Shay is also rather cynical, having seen what people are capable of. He is wary of trusting Celeste at first. But trusted or not, he can't leave her behind. Neither one expected the passion that flared between them in the midst of all the danger, and the feelings between them grew just as fast. The intensity of their escape bid kept me turning the pages as they made their way out of Paris and across the French countryside. Constantly changing disguises barely kept them ahead of their pursuers. I ached for them both as Shay tried to convince Celeste to return to England with him, and she was just as insistent that it wasn't possible. My heart broke for Celeste as I saw what she did to ensure Shay's safety.
I wasn't sure how Celeste and Shay were going to manage their happy ending with the way things were looking at that point. I feared for Celeste's life as she fulfilled the promise that she had made. The story fast forwarded for more than a year, and neither Shay nor Celeste knew if the other had made it to safety. Celeste's next appearance comes as she follows through on something that Shay had told her in France. I felt her worry as she took her chances that he had been right. She receives a much more unpleasant surprise when she hears that part of her past has followed her and she knows that she must warn Shay. I loved that reunion and the depth of emotion it brought out. The final confrontation with the bad guy went as expected, followed by some unexpectedly light moments that were an excellent antidote to the darkness. I loved the revelation of the rest of Celeste's secrets and seeing her and Shay finally get their chance at a future together. The epilogue was excellent and left me wanting a story for Lian.
The action is intense from beginning to end. With Napoleon's departure in his attempt to take Moscow, the rest of France is in turmoil as various factions fight for control. Shay and Celeste are in constant danger of discovery as they try to make their way to safety. Rather than fancy houses, balls, and parties, this book shows the darker side of Paris and the war. Both Shay and Celeste have been affected by the things they have seen and done. In the past six years, Celeste has lived through unimaginable things, making her quite cynical. She is blunt in words and actions, but there are also hints that there is more to her than meets the eye. Shay is also rather cynical, having seen what people are capable of. He is wary of trusting Celeste at first. But trusted or not, he can't leave her behind. Neither one expected the passion that flared between them in the midst of all the danger, and the feelings between them grew just as fast. The intensity of their escape bid kept me turning the pages as they made their way out of Paris and across the French countryside. Constantly changing disguises barely kept them ahead of their pursuers. I ached for them both as Shay tried to convince Celeste to return to England with him, and she was just as insistent that it wasn't possible. My heart broke for Celeste as I saw what she did to ensure Shay's safety.
I wasn't sure how Celeste and Shay were going to manage their happy ending with the way things were looking at that point. I feared for Celeste's life as she fulfilled the promise that she had made. The story fast forwarded for more than a year, and neither Shay nor Celeste knew if the other had made it to safety. Celeste's next appearance comes as she follows through on something that Shay had told her in France. I felt her worry as she took her chances that he had been right. She receives a much more unpleasant surprise when she hears that part of her past has followed her and she knows that she must warn Shay. I loved that reunion and the depth of emotion it brought out. The final confrontation with the bad guy went as expected, followed by some unexpectedly light moments that were an excellent antidote to the darkness. I loved the revelation of the rest of Celeste's secrets and seeing her and Shay finally get their chance at a future together. The epilogue was excellent and left me wanting a story for Lian.
May 23, 2018
A Night of Secret Surrender is written by Sophie James and published by Mills and Boon (Historical). This is a historical romance, set in 1812 war torn Paris. Both Celeste Fournier and Major Summerley Shayborne are wanted by the opposing factions (Anne Jean Marie Rene Savary, Choef of police v Henri Jacques Clarke, Minister of War). aiming to fill th political vac which developed after Napoleon left Paris to take Russia. Celeste and Shay have met before war broke out in France. One hot sultry night, many years ago Shay had taken Celeste's virginity and thrown back Shay's declaration of marriage in his face. The next day she left for France with her father. Now, famed for her disguises, she warns Shay who is now an informant for Wellington that his life is in danger and he must escape from Paris, which is where he was hiding. Celeste is working as a rogue informant for the French. By telling him his life is in danger she is endangering herself. They attempt escape to Spain disguised as monks.
I hated this book, it is the only one I have been unable to finish. Hence why I stopped at monks as I gave up after the description of Shay shaving his palate so he could pass as a monk. There are just too many storylines and characters entertained with historical facts. The flashbacks to Langley are interesting but drawn out. I enjoyed that the novel is historically correct but it takes over and controls the direction of the novel rather than the characters themselves.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley
I hated this book, it is the only one I have been unable to finish. Hence why I stopped at monks as I gave up after the description of Shay shaving his palate so he could pass as a monk. There are just too many storylines and characters entertained with historical facts. The flashbacks to Langley are interesting but drawn out. I enjoyed that the novel is historically correct but it takes over and controls the direction of the novel rather than the characters themselves.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley
May 26, 2018
Loved this adventurous love story
Sophia James again delivers a truly wonderful love story filled with adventure and surprising twists. I have everyone to this author’s stories and must say that this is one of my favorites.
Sophia James again delivers a truly wonderful love story filled with adventure and surprising twists. I have everyone to this author’s stories and must say that this is one of my favorites.
June 8, 2018
4.5 Stars
May 12, 2020
Love, sacrifice, spies, terror, betrayal, murder. What more can one ask? A red that you cannot put down with characters that you can't dismiss.
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April 20, 2018Miniseries: Gentlemen of Honor
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May 2, 2018Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Gentlemen of Honor
Miniseries: Gentlemen of Honor
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews