The Uncompromising Lord Flint

The King's Elite #2

by Virginia Heath

Imprisoned by her past Set free by her enemy! Part of The King’s Elite. Charged with high treason, Lady Jessamine Fane is under the watchful eye of icily calm Lord Peter Flint. It's a task this spy won’t be swayed from, no matter how alluring his prisoner! Only it’s not long before Flint realises that tenacious Jess hides a lifetime of pain. With so much at stake, can he afford to take a chance on their powerful attraction?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Espionage, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021

If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Uncompromising Lord Flint by Virginia Heath is a 2019 Mills & Boon/ Harlequin Historical publication.

I’ve only recently discovered Virginia Heath and must say I’m very impressed with her writing. This book helped solidify her reputation for me. The story grabbed my attention right from the beginning and kept me entertained from start to finish!!

Lady Jessamine Fane lived in France since childhood, when her mother left her father for Comte de Saint-Aubin-de-Scellon. After her mother died, Jessamine was forced to work for St. Aubin, who is a part of an elaborate spy ring, or face his cruel wrath. Now, she is being transported back to London, where she will probably stand trial for treason.

Lord Peter Flint is a member of the King’s Elite, where he’s developed a rigid, uncompromising fortitude in his loyal service to the Crown. After a hard lesson learned, Flint is especially wary of female prisoners. However, he makes sure Jessamine comes to no harm and is treated well while in his care. However, Jessamine is far more cunning than Peter could have guessed, becoming an unlikely asset to him. However, her life could now be in danger. Is Jessamine guilty or innocent? Can Peter trust her, or she him?

Peter and Jessamine are both well drawn characters, and I could see both sides of the equation, which gives the story an emotional and compelling complexity. Trust and faith are key points in the story, as both Peter and Jessamine must decide if the risk is worth taking, with so much at stake.

The conclusion is a tad bit rushed, but other than that, I’m starting off on a good roll with my historical romance novels in 2019. This story is full of intrigue, mystery, and adventure and was a pleasure to read.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Captivating and Thrilling read

​The Uncompromising Lord Flint is the second book in the King's Elite series I have read the first book. I do recommend reading the first book as some of the characters cross over.

This time round we meet Lady Jessamine who has just been arrested as a traitor to her country. When she becomes embroiled in a smuggling ring.

Lord Peter Flint is part of the King's Elite a task force set to serve the Crown.
He is tasked in bringing the highly valued and knowledgeable Lady Jessamine to England to stand trial for treason.

Despite his job role Peter respects Lady Jessamine, and it's quiet clear to see she has an effect on him.
Let's just say, she uses her womanly charms to her advantage.

There is quiet clearly sexual chemistry between them, but she is a prisoner and he a spy, surely this is a recipe for disaster?

I loved Jessamine and Peter.
Jessamine is resilient, strong, determined, feisty and brave but she has a vulnerable side too and trust is her biggest fear, her terrible upbringing has only made her stronger and more determined to survive no matter the cost.

Peter is Loyal, Brave, focused, Fair, determined, strong, can appear cold but deep down you see a softer gentle side.
I really liked Peter... his once bitten twice shy attitude towards Jessamine was commendable as she really pushed his buttons in more ways than one!

​The Uncompromising Lord Flint is a captivating and thrilling read about two very different people, coming together in the unlikely of circumstances.
It's a story filled with juicy twists, suspense, mystery, Secrets, underhanded tactics, danger, passion and romance, wit, flirty banter and friendship.
Everything I have come to love when reading the very talented Virginia Heath's books.

Virginia always writes the most beautifully observed characters who spring to life on the page, you just can't help routing for their happily ever after!
The Uncompromising Lord Flint is a totally absorbing read that's beautifully written, perfectly paced, roller coaster of a ride that I devoured in two nights.

I love Virginia Heath's books, and yet again this is fast becoming a must read series, I can't wait for the next instalment.

If you enjoy your regency/ historical romances to be thrilling, suspenseful, feisty, with a dash of passion then you will love The Uncompromising Lord Flint.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...

There is also a book giveaway as part of the blog tour.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: The Kings Elite #2
Publication Date: 1/1/2019
Number of Pages: 288

This was an excellently written, fast-paced, action-packed story that includes a lot of intrigue – not to mention a lovely and unlikely romance between two seemingly very different people. There were some humorous moments and a breath-holding ending. This was the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. You do get some visits with characters from the previous series as well as the first book in this series, so it was nice to say hello – although there was so much action going on there wasn’t much time to visit. Now, I can hardly wait to read the next installment in the series.

Lady Jessamine (Jess) Fane has not had an easy life. For all intents and purposes, she has been alone and on her own for her entire life. While that is a very sad thing, it has also made her very strong and resilient. Now, she needs every ounce of that strength and resilience. She’s been captured in France and arrested as a traitor. How in the world did a sweet and lovely English rose come to this? Well, it is a long tale and it isn’t an easy one. It begins with her French mother taking twelve-year-old Jess away from her father and England and returning to France. Her father didn’t care and went so far as to renounce her and divorce her mother. Jess was then totally at the mercy of her mother and Comte de Saint-Aubin-de-Scellon – her mother’s lover. When her mother died, the cruel Saint Aubin tortured and forced Jess to participate in his smuggling/espionage ring. She couldn’t stand doing that and managed to send hints to the Engish, but, now they’ve come for her and captured her and are taking her to England to stand trial as a traitor. Can she escape both the English and Saint Aubin? If not, can she convince the English she really isn’t a traitor? Whatever the case, she knows she cannot trust her captor(s) and that she’ll just have to save herself from her situation.

Lord Peter Flint is twenty-seven years old, very rich and titled – and he’s also a member of the Kings Elite. A large part of his self-identity comes from that – his life purpose is to serve the Crown by being an effective, respected and disciplined agent. He once made a mistake with a female prisoner that almost cost his father his life, and he will never EVER make that same mistake again. As a lead agent, it is his responsibility to see that the traitor arrives in London to stand trial as a traitor and he has decided to see to that task personally rather than assign someone else to do it. Above all, he knows that he absolutely cannot trust her or believe anything she has to say.

Peter’s first encounter with Jess was to find himself being pelted with a hailstorm of stale breadcrumbs and having “English pigs!” shouted at him. She was behind bars on a Royal Navy frigate that was being used as a floating prison until they could get her from France to London. Being a proper English gentleman with five older sisters and a doting mother, he wanted to assure that she was treated with respect (until she was found guilty) and was afforded at least some comfort even though she was behind bars. His gentlemanly considerations only gave Jess the opportunity to escape – more than once. He certainly had to learn to respect her cunning, determination and resilience.

Her escapes caused him to have to revamp his entire plan for getting her to London. The other traitors in England as well as those in France were after her and wanted her dead. It had been Peter’s plan to lure them out by using Jess as bait – until he learned what a valuable asset she really was.

I absolutely adored both of these characters. Each had every reason to mistrust the other, but somehow they managed to find their happily-ever-after even while being chased by villains.

I will also mention that for American readers, there are some grammar usages that will throw you a bit. Those usages are the standard in England, so don’t think that they are oopses. For example – “Jess found herself sat on the exact same...” instead of “Jess found herself sitting on the exact same...”.

I can highly recommend this book. It is an excellent read and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Virginia Heath’s first historical romance was published just over two-and-a-half years ago, and in the time since, she’s published a dozen more novels, maintaining a high standard of writing and characterisation that earned places on my keeper shelf for quite a few of them.  She’s one of my favourite authors and none of her novels has received anything lower than a B grade from me - until now.  Much as it pains me to say it – because I’m a big fan of her work - The Uncompromising Lord Flint, the second book in her current King’s Elite series, doesn’t really hit all the bases and was – dare I say it – even a bit boring in places.  It has an intriguing plot and a strongly drawn heroine, but the romance is rushed and the hero never really came to life for me.

The King’s Elite series has an overarching plotline concerning the search for The Boss, the person behind a widespread smuggling ring whose profits are being channelled into the campaign to free Napoleon from his prison on Elba.  Each book in the series – judging from the two published so far – is progressing that particular plotline; in The Mysterious Lord Millcroft, the identities of several members of the English aristocracy involved in the smuggling ring were uncovered, and The Uncompromising Lord Flint sees the eponymous hero on the trail of one of the key players in the French side of the operation.

Lord Peter Flint has been detailed to escort a very valuable prisoner to London where she will be interrogated, tried and very likely convicted of treason.  Lady Jessamine Fane has lived in France since the age of twelve, taken away from her home when her mother absconded with her lover, the Comte de Saint-Aubin-de-Scellon. Disowned by her father, neglected by her mother, Jess has, to all intents and purposes, been alone for all of her adult life, living in captivity and in constant fear of St. Aubin’s cruelty, a fear that has only grown in the years since her mother died and Jess was forced to take her mother’s place as ‘secretary’ in St. Aubin’s smuggling/espionage ring.  She has a detailed knowledge of his vast network of contacts and his many illegal operations, and knows that sooner or later, that knowledge will get her killed – so she has very carefully been sending encoded hints and information across the channel, and waiting for her opportunity to escape.  Jess is clever, resourceful and resilient, she’s survived emotional and physical cruelty only to be facing death at the hands of the people she’s trying to help. And while her frustration with their refusal or inability to realise the danger they face from St. Aubin, the trouble is that Jess is so secretive that it’s no wonder they don’t believe a word she says, and unfortunately, that secretiveness goes on for way too long.

The characterisation of the hero is… off. Ms. Heath normally creates wonderfully attractive, witty, sexy heroes, but here, Flint fades into the background somewhat, and I had real trouble buying him as an elite super-spy because he comes across as so ineffectual.  Jess is the driving force in this book, and she overshadows everyone else (except maybe for Flint’s mother).  We know little about Lord Peter Flint other than that he’s the only male in his immediate family of mother and five sisters (who are all, naturally, nagging him to get married) and that he made a huge mistake with a female prisoner in the past which almost cost his father his life – a mistake he’s determined NEVER to repeat, and which makes him doubly cautious when it comes to Jess. Even though he isn’t, because right from the off, he somehow intuits she isn’t a traitor and ignores his own warnings to be circumspect. He’s fairly bland, and hasn’t stuck in my memory in the way that many of Ms. Heath’s other heroes have.

Sadly, the romance between Jess and Flint is underdeveloped and feels rushed; there is little chemistry between them, and there is more telling than showing going on, which was another disappointment; Ms. Heath normally excels at creating terrific sexual tension and showing readers her protagonists falling in love, but neither of those things happened here.

It’s never pleasant to be writing negatively about a book by a favourite author, but I’m afraid The Uncompromising Lord Flint was a disappointment.  Still, a run of a dozen successful, highly-rated books is an incredible achievement for any author, and I suppose everyone is entitled to the occasional misfire.  This book may not have worked well for me, but I’m still invested in the King’s Elite series and am looking forward to the next instalment.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Peter Flint was personally escorting this particular prisoner to London because she was too important for anyone else to handle: Lady Jessamine Fane, traitor to the Crown. Every minute of the painful sea voyage, she is a thorn in his side, looking for ways to escape, taunting him, and looking too lovely doing it. Peter made a costly mistake once because he let his lust prevail over his duty; never again.

THE UNCOMPROMISING LORD FLINT has got to be the ultimate enemies-to-lovers in this nail-biting spy story where the most unlikely romance blooms. Flint is one of the most captivating characters I have ever read, and he must have been so difficult to write because he never falters, he must control his impulses. He remains a true agent to the Crown until the end: he wants justice to be done and if Jess is indeed guilty, nothing could convince him to deviate from his mission. I cannot express how much I respect Ms. Heath for being able to write a hero with his cool temperament and still make him, dare I say, utterly adorable! There are so few heroes who are truly honourable, especially in such a context, and who remain such until the end. The romance is dealt with stark realism, and I wondered how it could ever come to be because of both Jess and Flint’s convictions and the circumstances under which they met. For obvious reasons, neither knew if the other one could be trusted, and Virginia Heath navigated those treacherous waters splendidly. As for the romance, it was magnificent; everything happened as it should; it could not have been better.

THE UNCOMPROMISING LORD FLINT is a fantastic spy story, very intricately plotted, with stunning twists, and where the most unlikely couple fall in love in a most convincing fashion. The secondary characters are also wonderful: who could forget Flint’s fabulous mother and Hadleigh, “the King’s lawyer”, whose appearance is memorable. This second instalment in The King’s Elite series is yet another proof of Virginia Heath’s exceptional storytelling skills, and it is with bated breath that I await The Disgraceful Lord Gray!


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say about this, but absolutely, bloody brilliant? Just when I thought that Virginia Heath couldn’t get any better, she stuns us all with this beauty. When I say beauty, I mean it!! I know that I am – and always will be – a huge fan of a certain Warriner brother, but this book inches past and has now become my favourite of all Ms Heath books.

This is the perfect ‘enemies to lovers’ story, another reason to fall in love with it. Enemies to Lovers has to be my whole time favourite trope, there is something about the heated bantering that goes on between the couple that really gets me. Jess and Peter are not just literal enemies but their personalities are so different, you do wonder if they are even going to be able to have that HEA which we all want. Peter is a patriotic, loyal and brilliant agent of the crown who has been tasked with brining down a smuggling ring. He is escorting a known traitor back to England; Lady Jessamine who has been charged with high treason, there really is no other man capable of such an important mission, just as there is no doubt about the fact that this alluring, infuriating woman is guilty of very crimes she is charged with and being such a head strong young woman and she tries at every opportunity to escape.

I have found my whole time favourite character, ever in the form of fiery, hot-headed and obscenity throwing Jessamine – Jess. My goodness, this young lady is a real blast, when we first meet her she is throwing missiles of food at Flint from her cell as well as throwing a very wide range of abuse and insults at him; this girl has quite the acid tongue and I absolutely love the bantering – or maybe that should abuse hurling? that goes on between her and Flint.

Flint is so different to the previous agent we met; Seb, who was agonisingly shy and quiet, whereas Flint is the complete opposite, he is cool, controlled, regimented, confident, he’s not one to allow his personal thoughts and emotions to deter him from his mission. He may sound a bit cold and unfeeling, but that is far from the truth, when he allows himself to show a more human side he is captivating and adorable.

Fabulous, witty, imaginative, sexy, thrilling, alluring, basically mind-blowingly good, I should stop there as just spouting out various words isn’t really a review, is it? But when you read something of this fine quality, then you just want to gush about it as much as humanly possible – even if that does mean your putting people to sleep with the babbling. But, I don’t care, this book is just wonderful. The story is a master piece of writing, it’s has two of the best lead characters and secondary characters I’ve met in a while, a plot that has the reader hooked from the bread flinging first scene and will keep you turning the pages at lightning speed wanting to find out what happens and then you cry on the last page that it’s finished – which just gives you the excuse to re-read it. A romantic, engaging, exhilarating, compelling, one of the best I’ve read.

Brilliant book that I cannot recommend enough and I cannot wait for book three.

This was an Arc from the author in exchange for an honest review, thank you Virginia.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a beautiful French traitor and a lovely golden spy

Jessamine is the daughter of an English Lord and a French Aristocrat who separated due to their conflicting loyalties during the war. Jess was taken to France by her mother and ended up unwillingly helping the French to smuggle goods into England.
Flint is a spy and his mission is to take Jessamine to London to face a trial for treason. He is strong and yet so sweet and good tempered. A real delight to read!
I loved how the romance was developed slowly, with each part wanting but having difficulties in trusting one another (for obvious reasons).
Flint's mom was a favorite side character of mine! I love a mom that knows to place her child's happiness above all other things!
Lovely read! I'm starting today to read the next book in the series "The Disgraceful Lord Gray".
I've received a copy of this book from Mrs. Heath (thank you!), with no strings attached.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent enemies-to-lovers story. It is the second book in the King's Elite series, where the members of the Crown's spy agency have been trying to shut down a French spy/smuggling ring that has members in the highest echelons of British society. Though each book can be read as a standalone, they are better read in order as each one builds on the previous ones.

In this book, Lord Peter Flint is tasked with escorting Lady Jessamine back to England to stand trial for treason. He is well-known for his cool, calm devotion to duty, and he is determined to deliver her safely to London. However, Jess does not make it easy for him. She is feisty, brave, and determined to escape from his custody. The opening salvos in their battle are impressive and set the stage for an interesting battle of wills.

I loved both Peter and Jess. There is more to each of them than the other realizes, and their voyage of discovery was a delight to read. Peter's devotion to duty runs bone-deep as he follows in his father's footsteps as a member of the King's Elite. As a young agent, he made a mistake with a female prisoner that had a lasting effect on him; he will not trust anything that Jess says to him. He is also a gentleman who has five older sisters, and his protectiveness for the female of the species cannot be denied. Jess is an amazing young woman. Torn from her home in England when her French mother ran away with her lover, Saint-Aubin, Jess was subjected to unthinkable neglect and cruel abuse. After her mother's death, Jess was forced to help him with his smuggling/espionage ring. More clever than Saint-Aubin realized, Jess found a way to betray him. She is determined to free herself from both the English and Saint-Aubin and live life on her own terms.

The relationship between Jess and Peter was confrontational at the beginning. I had to laugh at the sight of her pelting him with bread as she screamed French insults at him. In spite of that, Peter defends her right to be treated humanely, something that ends up biting him in the butt when it gives her the chance to escape - twice. Though frustrated by her actions, he can't help but be impressed by her cunning and determination. By the time he catches up with her the second time, he has to redo his entire plan for getting her to London while using her as bait to draw out both the French and the English traitors who want her back in their hands or dead. It isn't too long before the sparks of confrontation turn into the sparks of attraction, but both are reluctant to lower their guards. I liked seeing the trust slowly grow between them as they try to keep Jess safe from Saint-Aubin. As their trust grew, so did their love for each other. But until Jess is proved innocent of the charges against her, there is no way that they can be together.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. With all evidence pointing toward Jess's guilt, Peter was determined to get her to London to stand trial while at the same time laying a trap to catch those in charge of the operation. Jess's attitude did nothing to change his mind. But as more of Jess's past was revealed, it became clear that there was more to the story than he knew. Peter is wary of trusting what Jess says, and Jess is unwilling to share everything in an attempt to protect herself. It isn't until she spots Saint-Aubin himself that she confesses all to Peter. As the depth of her knowledge becomes clear, the need to protect her intensifies. As all the players converged on Peter's home in Cornwall, the tension was palpable. There was a terrific scene with Peter, Jess, and Lord Hadleigh as Peter finally convinced Hadleigh of Jess's innocence. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as treachery nearly won the day, though of course, the good guys prevailed.

The secondary characters were terrific also. Lord Gray has some great moments as he provides backup for Peter. He is also outspoken in his dismay over some of his friends' romances. This makes me especially eager to read his story and see how Cupid's arrow brings him down. Peter's mother was one of my favorites. Her outspoken attitude regarding any hint of "tomfoolery" made me laugh, even as it frustrated and embarrassed Peter. I also loved her pragmatic attitude toward what was happening, having had years of experience with Peter's father and his activities. I especially loved her acceptance of Jess and the way she pulled Jess into the family circle. Though he was only doing his job, there were moments when I detested Lord Hadleigh's attitude toward Jess. I loved seeing his eyes get opened to the truth and the effect it had on him.

My only problem with this book, as with the first one, is one of the author's writing quirks. I'm told it is a British thing, though I haven't come across it in any other British author I've read. Phrases such as "she was stood" or "Jess found herself sat" instead of "she stood" or "she found herself sitting" tended to pull me out of the story because they sound wrong to this American reader. I expect I will get used to them the more I read from this author, but it's hard going right now.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lady Jessamine "Jess" Fane has been captured and is being taken to London to face charges of treason. Her capture is a break for the King's Elite who have been investigating the smuggling ring she is purported to be part of, she has been placed into the custody of one of the Elite's best agents, Peter, Baron Flint.

Peter is immediately attracted to Jess, but a sad past history with female prisoners puts him on high alert from the start. He doesn't want to feel sorry for her, he just wants to get her to London and be done with her. But Jess is not going to make it easy, she fights tooth and nail against incarceration and manages to escape more than once. She doesn't trust anyone and has a very sad and horrifying past of her own. But Peter is the first person she can ever remember being kind to her. She has to decide if she can trust him with her secrets or should she hold her information close in case her mother's lover Comte Saint-Aubin finds her. She is torn, she wants to make amends by revealing her knowledge to Peter, but knows that Saint-Aubin will track her to the ends of the earth and that she will never survive his "punishment".

Things take a turn when Jess reveals that Saint-Aubin is following them, Peter feels protective of her and changes the plan. Instead of London, he takes her to his home and leaks false information to throw Saint-Aubin off their trail. Once in his home, Jess meets his mother and sisters (who provide much needed lightness to the story) and slowly Jess comes to trust Peter. And Peter decides to follow his heart to save the woman he realizes he loves. But despite the best laid plans, Saint-Aubin finds them and they will both have decisions to make, decisions that may ultimately cost them the chance for a HEA.

I really enjoyed this book, it is well written, flows nicely, has a lot of action, some witty banter, lots of secrets, a bit of "tomfoolery", a cringe-worthy villain and wonderful secondary characters. My heart broke for the pain and suffering Jess endured and I fervently hoped she would get her HEA. The author is English and the spelling and turn of phrase might be a little confusing for American readers, but as my mother is English, nothing seemed out of the norm to me :) There were a few phrases that were decidedly not Regency era and a couple of times when characters with titles were introduced incorrectly, but they were minor and didn't impact the story. All in all, this was an amazing, emotional book and I would happily recommend it. It is the second book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title with no problem at all.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Sometimes you find a book or an author that you just adore everything about ,
This is one such book and author that I love .
The whole plot and storyline of Lord Flint is brilliant, tense and nail biting.
It has you on the very edge of your seat , start to finish, goading you to keep reading , turning pages no matter that it’s 3am and you have things to do the next day .
After the Warriner Series I was already hooked on Virginia’s stories, with the Star Elite, I’m sold for life .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review

Sent from my iPhone

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster ride this book was.
So very different from The Mysterious Lord Millcroft.
Lord Flint and Lady Jessamine’s story is a darker story than the two previous ones with a deeply wounded heroine. But do not get me wrong, it is still a light and sweet read like Virginia Heath knows how to write them.

How my heart arched for Jess, what an awful upbringing she had. She was robbed of her childhood, let down by those who should have cherished her and protected her to only get abused and tortured to get her compliant.
But whatever life throws on her path, she stays a good and kind woman, trying to right the wrongs done with the few means she had.
When we meet her, she is in a dire place, facing execution for treason. She is unable to trust anyone, only trying to survive one day at a time.

Lord Peter Flint is the perfect representative of the law, he lives only to serve his country, he will allow nobody to go between and justice, even a beautiful woman. But as time goes by, he begins to see there is more than the hellion who tries to run away every time she get an opening.
But his feelings are not enough to believe she might only be a pawn in a greater game.
He is so straight, he will need full reinsurance she is not what she appears to be.

« However, that was a feeling—not fact. The remaining quarter, the pragmatic and sensible agent of the Crown, knew he needed more proof than merely her word »

But while he never doubted who he was, then just be, she had to fight her way to stay alive, bending her back when necessary.

« he realised that Jess was two people. The wounded, frightened, sad woman she was most of the time, burdened by misplaced guilt and constant disappointment, and the tenacious, brave, indomitable woman she wanted the world to see. »

Their story is a long journey to the Road of Trust, it will not be easy and quite bumpy, meanwhile they will hurt another but they will get to grow and understand the other.
Even as an enforcer, he can’t stand abuse, he will do his best to protect her even when he thought her guilty.
They are drawn to another, but while he wanted to just scratch an itch by giving to their attraction, she is looking for more, for someone who will see her for whom she really is.

« ‘I don’t want to hear pragmatic! I don’t want to know what the agent of the Crown thinks. I hate him! I want to hear what you think. The real man. The one I see flashes of when you forget yourself. »

Thanks to Peter’s mother, the story was lightened, she has a way to say things so funnily.

By the end, I was so very happy for Jess, she get her well deserved reward, someone who will always be there for her plus a true family.
I do hope that like for the Warriner series, the last book will give us the long awaited epilogue.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in The King's Elite series is another fabulous read from Virginia Heath. The Uncompromising Lord Flint is a completely engrossing tale of lies, betrayal and an undeniable attraction that seems to face impossible odds. Lord Peter Flint has been tasked with bringing a prisoner, Lady Jessamine Fane, to justice. Jess is guilty of aiding smugglers and numerous serious crimes against the crown. Evidence and circumstances point to her guilt. Lord Peter has been badly burned before by trusting a woman that he shouldn't have, so he is determined not to feel sympathy or anything at all for his prisoner.

If you like a lively heroine who never quits trying to save herself and a hero who is levelheaded, kind and brave you'll love this book. If you like supporting characters that fill out the cast and make this book a cinematic movie for the mind you will love this books. If you love tomfoolery then this is the book for you!

Just a note, I thought Lord Hadleigh really shined in this book as a side character and I'm looking forward to reading his book in the The King's Elite series when it comes out.

Honestly, I cannot recommend Virginia Heath's books enough. Just when I think I know what is going to happen in her stories, she surprises me and I love that. Make sure you read all the The King's Elite series, all The Wild Warriners series , The Mistletoe Wager and the lovely standalone Miss Bradshaw's Bought Betrothal. Fantastic books all of them. The rest of her books are very high up on my TBR list.

[Candace N · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uncompromising Lord Flint is an all-consuming and completely engaging read. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I can’t begin to express how much I enjoyed this story. The writing was brilliant and the characters were thoroughly captivating. Peter was everything I always hope for in hero and more, and I couldn’t get enough. Jess is a heroine that you can’t help but love. She is an extremely strong, determined and likeable character. All the characters were extremely interesting. I haven’t read the previous book but I am definitely going back to do that, I don’t want to miss a thing! Absolute page turner!! I highly recommend this book.

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Flint is a professional, devoted to uncovering a smuggling ring that could unsettle the English government. Nothing can distract him, except a the french traitor, Lady Jessamine.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in The King's Elite, but it works quite well as a stand-alone. That being said, I'm glad I read The Mysterious Lord Millcroft, to give a little background into the smuggling ring in England.

This book follows Peter Flint, the epitome of an English lord, he is cold, distant, and would go to any lengths to protect his country. He lives by strict rules and morals, which make him unforgiving, but fair (as long as you're on the right side!).
He takes the honour of transporting the traitor Jessamine back to England for a trial. The young woman is beautiful and seductive; but Peter underestimates just how smart and resourceful she is, and how passionately she wants to stay alive. Which becomes all the more tricky as - no matter which side she's on - there's some dangerous information in her head that people are willing to kill for.

I loved Jessamine, she's so intelligent, and ready to use every thing she has, to escape the clutches of the English. She doesn't trust anybody, and can only rely on herself to keep alive. Ultimately, Jessamine is playing a dangerous game; she doesn't care that her countrymen don't see her as a hero, and she definitely doesn't need a hero to save her.

It was so enjoyable to watch the pair slowly give in to their attraction, amidst a plot of spies and smugglers, and the greatest danger yet!

I found the ending all wrapped up very quickly, as though the author suddenly had enough, and wanted to move onto the next book; but I really enjoyed it. Not quite up to par with Lord Millcroft - that book is hard to beat - but still very very good.
I'm looking forward to the next story in the King's Elite!

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: The King's Elite

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Sameeksha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Ms Heath that I have read and it covered all the things I like in a book. The characters were wonderfully written, with lots of feeling, there was action, suspense, humor, romance, spies and a loving mother who took everything in hand. It moved along at a very nice pace keeping you turning the page. I found it very hard to put down. There was a sex scene that this reviewer as always skipped but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of this book and I will definitely be reading more from this author. I received this book as ARC.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no wonder I love this author, she never ceases to amaze me with her brilliant books. I so enjoyed Lord Peter Flint and Lady Jessamine Fane’s story and you can't help loving each character. Flint is an agent to the Crown while Jess is a traitor to the Crown and his prisoner but it doesn't take long before you learn how Jess came to be in that predicament and even though Flint is determined to be true to the Crown, they finally learn to trust each other. Love truly does conquer all!!

I must say, the secondary characters were a hoot...between Flint's mother and his sisters, they are forever making his life miserable (not really!) and you find yourself laughing out loud! All in all, this book has everything to keep your attention from beginning to end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another yummy book from Virginia Heath. This continues the series of the King's Elite, spies for the Crown. Peter Flint is serious, diligent, and, yes, uncompromising. He has rigid standards of behavior and responsibility. He ends up escorting a courageous, volatile woman who may be involved in a major smuggling operation.

The book had a lot going on -- a bit of a road trip, intrigue, adventure, and a nice dose of humor provided by Peter's mother (loved her!). The ending was a bit abrupt due to a dramatic rescue, but overall it was thoroughly enjoyable.

[SidneyKay · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Oh, people call me Daffy, they say that I am gooney.
Just because I'm happy is no sign I'm Looney Tuney.
When they call me nutsy, that sure gives me a pain.
Please pass the ketchup, I think it's going to rain.
Oh, you can't bounce a meatball, though try with all your might.
Turn on the radio, I want to fly a kite!
Good evening, frieeeeeeeends..." - Boobs In The Woods

Have you ever read a Romance book that contains a bunch of intelligence officers/spies and found yourself pondering the use of the term intelligence? At least in whatever book it is you’re reading. I’ve often found myself asking, would we really apply the word intelligence to the group of goofy guys parading around throughout that story? Would we really entrust our national secrets to these guys? Because I am a person who ponders, I have often found myself wondering. Why am I bringing this up? Well, it just so happens that The Uncompromising Lord Flint contains such a group of men. One in particular happens to be our hero, and he’s one of the biggest Daffy Duck spies I’ve seen in a long time. Say hello to Lord Peter Flint of the King’s Elites from The Uncompromising Lord Flint by Virginia Heath.

When the story opens, Peter is transporting a prisoner to London to stand trial as a traitor to the Crown, One Jessamine Fane. Jessamine is not a Romanceland pretend traitor, but a real one. Or, at least she would be if she was living in a real world. She is the step-daughter of the e-v-i-l Comte de Saint-Aubin-de-Sallon, and she has been passing messages to the bad people in England. At least that’s what the Daffy Duck squad believe. Little do they know that it was actually her mother who was passing the messages; at least until she died. The evil Saint Aubin then forced Jess to continue her mother’s work. Unbeknownst to him, while she was sending his messages, she was also adding secret messages inside the secret messages. She has been trying to send helpful hints to the English to help them defeat Napoleon. Of course, it would help if the messages had been sent to a group of smart spies instead of the group of Looney Toon characters being led by Lord Elmer Fudd Fennimore.

Now she is a prisoner of this group. She is trying to save her neck from the gallows, and escape the villainous St. Aubin at the same time. Like a lot of Romanceland heroines, she cannot be straight-forward. It seems she can’t let her captors know about the secret, secret messages. God forbid she would actually tell them the truth so they could help her, and maybe plan a covert operation which might work. Heck, who needs a plan? Don’t worry my little Petunia’s, our hero can come up with a plan. You see, he has a little brain in his tented trousers.

Alas for our plan, our hero has an itchy trigger inside of those tented trousers, and he just cannot control it. While banging into walls with his big lump, he is torn between his duty to his country and his lust for Jess. In fact, for most of this story the little brain in his pants leads the way. While that brain is hot for Jess, Peter’s other brain doesn’t trust her. Maybe that’s because she doesn’t trust him, so they fight, then they lust, then they fight, then they lust. All that back and forth-ing was very exhausting. But, wait! All is not lost! He has a plan! He develops a plan to save her from St. Aubin, and it’s a doozy. He will take her to his country estate, and invite his mother, sisters, their husbands, and their children. Nothing says “great” plan like putting your entire family in danger.

Not only was Flint-y Duck a questionable spy, he also had no respect for women. He hates being around his mother and sisters. He whines and complains about them all of the time. When we were finally introduced to them, I was struck dumb. They were not the horrible, conniving women I was expecting. They loved Flint, and just wanted him to be happy. I didn’t understand his aversion to them. So not only is he a brainless spy, he is also an insensitive lout…another stain against him in my book.

Let’s talk about the villain. Wow, our villain St. Aubin must have been trained at the Bugs Bunny School of One Step Ahead. He knew where the hero and heroine were going to be alllllll the time. He knew all the paths they would take and every secret passage they exited. He could even get past the “Invisibles”, which is the name the elites were called. Of course, maybe when one is up against Elmer Fudd Fennimore and his master spy Flint-y Duck anyone would look good.

Jess’s guilt. I have to ask, just why did Jess have so much overwhelming guilt written into her character? Her mother took her to France, her mother did the spying, and her mother married the e-v-i-l guy. None of that was Jessamine’s fault. She did all she knew how to do to escape the situation. First of all, I thought her guilt feelings were misplaced: secondly, her guilt routine went on waaaayyyyy tooo long.

I’m relatively new to Ms. Heath’s books. In the previous books I admit I was distracted by the odd English grammar, but I was intrigued enough with the stories to continue with the series. But, this addition to the Kings Elites aka Elmer Fudd super-duper spies was a fail for me. There were a lot of silly, idiotic choices made by both the hero and heroine. I just couldn’t believe that spies would actually be that stupid. This story was such a stretch for me to believe, and I’m having a hard time recommending it.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uncompromising Lord Flint (Mills & Boon Historical)
is the second book in the King's Elite series by Virginia Heath. It can be read as a standalone.

From the very first words of this story, the adventure begins and the reader is drawn in quickly to the life of Lady Jessamine Fane. She is in the brig of a ship after being arrested in France for treason. Her jailer and the man tasked with taking her to London for her trial is a member of the King's Elite, Lord Peter Flint.

Jess doesn't make his job easy, from her bombarding him with stale food to having to chase her during her various escape attempts. What Peter hasn't told her, and would prefer not to is the fact that Jess is being used as bait. They are making it obvious that they have her, and give every opportunity for a rescue attempt to be made for her. They don't realise that they have vastly underestimated their foe. They also don't realise what an asset they have in her and how with her help they could bring down many people treasonous to the crown.

Over the course of their journey, it doesn't take long for Peter to realise that Jess isn't all that she seems and that her story isn't cut and dried. Has she committed treason, yes, but why? Will those reasons save her from hanging? More importantly, will he be able to keep her safe when he realises just how much the enemy wants her back. Also during their enforced time together Peter starts to admire Jess, he is also very much attracted to her. The feeling is mutual, but with neither of them being able to wholly trust each other it would be wrong for them to give in to their attraction. Or would it?

I don't want to write too much of the plot here because each twist and turn in the story will give you a reason to very much want to read on until you finish the book as quickly as you can. The book is a highly emotional one with both lows and highs. At times I wanted to cry, especially when finding out about Jess's past. Then, of course, there were fun times that had me laughing out loud, especially those involving Jess and her reaction to being told what to do. I loved seeing her and Peter's romance develop whilst all along wondering how Jess could ever escape the noose. She did, after all, definitely commit treason! I love a book with a will they won't they element to it, then add to that the danger Jess and Peter were in and this book definitely had be ensnared right from the start until the end. What a fabulous ending it was too. But I certainly won't be telling you about it...you have to read it for yourself.

[Susan Gorman]

The members of the King’s Elite have been working to bring a group of French smugglers to justice. Lord Peter Flint’s assignment? To bring Lady Jessamine Fane to London. Why? Because the King’s Elite believe, Comte Saint-Aubin, her late mother’s lover is the head of the French smuggling ring. Lady Jessamine will be charged with treason and its’ Flint’s task to bring the feisty Frenchwoman to London.
I loved the novel’s suspenseful storyline. Lady Jessamine was being held on board a navy frigate—her presence on the ship was being used to draw Saint-Aubin and his men out of hiding. The author does a fabulous job creating a sense of danger throughout the novel which increases with every page. Jess knew she was in danger and had to take a leap of faith in order to trust Flint to keep her safe.
Peter Flint is honest, brave and dedicated to his job. He is unwavering in his mission-even if he is tempted by the beautiful Lady Jessamine. I loved the pairing of the independent, feisty Jess with the calm, dedicate English spy. Loved how the author wove their romance into such an intriguing storyline and kept Flint true to character. He wanted to believe Jess but he had to do what was right for his country.
Flint and Jess’s story captivated me from the first page! Ms. Heath has created an honorable hero with heart. I adored how the author had Jess speak in French when she was upset—it added so much depth to her character. Peter’s mother Baroness Flint added warmth, humor and understanding to the story. I adored her relationship with her son. And the king’s man, Lord Hadleigh, was unrelenting in his pursuit of the truth. I can’t wait for his story. I loved that the author surprised me throughout the novel—and the ending was fabulous-totally caught me off guard—loved it!
If you are looking for a suspenseful novel filled with captivating characters, several surprising plot twists and turns then Virginia Heath’s The Uncompromising Lord Flint is the book for you!

[AUSTĖJA ❤️❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Istorija buvo įdomi, kaip ir pirmoj knygoj. Bet pradėsiu nuo to kad Flintai traukis iš kelio aš lieku ištikima Sebastianui. TEAM SEBASTIAN !!!!

Nors istorija man patiko, bet veikėjai buvo kitas reikalas. Žasmina man patiko, ji buvo tokia įdomi persona. Maištinga, bet tuo pačiu žavi. Na ir aišku su negražia praeitimi. Kaip liūdna 😱🥲

Na bet tas Flintas man nepatiko, jei Sebastianas buvo mielas ir kuklus, tai Flintas visiška priešingybė. Kuklus, nė velnio, jis tiesiog 💫horny💫. Man būtų gėda jo vietoj, jis gulėjo šalia Žasminos ir sapnavo erotinius, ryškius sapnus. Tai sugalvojau ne aš jis pats taip sakė. Jis įsivaizdavo ją nuogą gulėdamas šalia, žinodamas jog jo misija atvežti ją į Angliją kur ją nužudys. Tada priėjo jo ir Žasminos pirmas kartas ir jų nelaimei tam sutrukdė Flinto mama. Kaip liūdna 😭😭 apsiverkime. Bet aišku priėjom prie šito vėliau nes nu kaip mes be to. Mane nužudė tas sakinys 'jo kietas pasididžiavimas' baikit man baisu. Pamiršau paminėti kad Žasmina buvo smurto auka ir jos nugarą 'puošė' randai. Bet jis pradėjo jai kandžioti pečius. Alio Flintai jai ir taip skauda ką tu dirbi?

Kartais tos frazės mane baugino pvz. 'jam nepatogiai pasikėlė kelnės' arba 'susipynė šlapios galūnės' iš kokio žodyno tai ištraukta, niekad tokių dalykų negirdėjau, bet viskam yra pirmas kartas.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Jessamine Fane, traitor and termagant, is on a Royal Navy Frigate bound for England. Her French mother left her English father for her French lover. She took the young Jessamine with her. Her mother’s lover, Saint-Aubin, is a Comte loyal to Napoleon and head of a smuggling ring. She escapes him only to be caught by the British and realizes she is the bait for them to catch the Comte. Unknown to anyone, she knows more about the smugglers than anyone expects as she was forced to help the Comte and speaks and writes in both languages.

Lord Peter Flint oversees this mission and catches Jess every time she tries to get away. He takes her to his country house while other agents act as if he’s in London. His mother, Lady Flint, likes Jess and tells him there will be no tomfoolery in her house! He keeps reminding her that it’s his house and this is not a party. Surprisingly, Lady Flint knows what to do to prepare for a siege.

Saint-Aubin comes after her and breaches the castle with men dressed as farmers. The outcome? You will have to read to find out as I left out a lot! It was nice to see a few characters from the other books in this series. This book can be read on its own. Virginia Heath’s books get better and better. She is an automatic buy for me. If you haven’t read her books, I highly recommend them.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uncompromising Lord Flint is the second book in The King's Elite series by author Virginia Heath and another fabulous story I couldn't put down! I've never really leaned towards spy/romance stories, but Virginia Heath's new series has changed my mind!

Lord Peter Flint is a dedicated agent of the Crown and determined to always do what's right. He's escorting the heroine Jess to face charges for treason. He was a fabulous hero and when you catch glimpses of his humor especially around his family he is absolutely adorable! I loved his interaction with his family, especially his mother. She was definitely a wonderful addition to this story!

Lady Jessamine (Jess) Fane has been accused of treason and is being escorted by agent Flint. The banter and tension between these two from the very beginning made for a fabulous enemies to lovers story. Jess was a wonderful heroine, strong and determined to escape. She catches your attention from the start and once you get to really know her you can't help but love her and hope she ends up with the HEA she deserves.

This series is definitely turning out to be another favorite of mine! A great balance of intrigue, suspense and romance to keep me up late reading! Highly Recommend and looking forward to book three!

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another truly amazing adventure courtesy of our author Ms Heath, most awesome to date, just when I think theres no way she can top the last book she does so in spectacular fashion. A hero with a knowledge of ladies being the only male of six yet spectacularly meeting his match with our dear heroine who i must admit more than once weeping with and for her, being enraged on her behalf, in fact struck a cord with me in that she and I have a heartbreak in common.

I wont give spoilers but will say that this is truly an amazing read and in that I defy anyone to read it and not love it, it has everything , love, a foe you could definitely love to hate, a journey of hard won happy ever after, some friends we already know,

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This writer is highly rated, so I was excited to find a new author. I was so disappointed as I found this book to be tedious. Pages and pages of descriptions about the characters, the oh so brave heroine and the cold H. The writing style was strong on telling rather than showing, and I got tired of the h's tears falling at just the right time to capture the H's interest. I disliked the plot, the characters and unfortunately the writing style.

[Jenni Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking story from a great writer!

[Em]

Oh man. I struggled with this one. AAR review to come.