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Rakes on the Run #2
Pursued in Paris
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a rakish spy and a deceptive miss in a danger-filled, steamy Regency tale.
Lord Malcolm Branley is in service to the Crown, relishing intrigue overseas while enjoying the pleasure of grateful females at home in London. But he's never met anyone like the mysterious Parisian girl he knocks to the ground on the first night of a new mission.
Serena Elmstead has been banished due to her own bad behavior in London, only too happy to help her French grandparents, be it selling their family wine or spying on the emperor. And then she meets an Englishman who also seems to need her help.
As emotions heat up in Paris, and Napoleon Bonaparte returns from exile to take up the mantle of emperor once again, Malcolm and Serena find themselves on the run from both the Bonapartists, the Royalists, and the all-consuming passion that neither expected.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a rakish spy and a deceptive miss in a danger-filled, steamy Regency tale.
Lord Malcolm Branley is in service to the Crown, relishing intrigue overseas while enjoying the pleasure of grateful females at home in London. But he's never met anyone like the mysterious Parisian girl he knocks to the ground on the first night of a new mission.
Serena Elmstead has been banished due to her own bad behavior in London, only too happy to help her French grandparents, be it selling their family wine or spying on the emperor. And then she meets an Englishman who also seems to need her help.
As emotions heat up in Paris, and Napoleon Bonaparte returns from exile to take up the mantle of emperor once again, Malcolm and Serena find themselves on the run from both the Bonapartists, the Royalists, and the all-consuming passion that neither expected.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2021
104 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Jane Baily
62 books185 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily writes historical romance with engaging characters, attention to period detail, and sensual romance ~ often with a touch of intrigue. Amazon page: author.to/SydneyJaneBaily
A first-generation American daughter of Brits from either end of London, Sydney resides in Massachusetts with her family -- human, feline, and canine. The rest of her extended family live in the U.K. where she spent many happy childhood summers. She loves shandy, Maltesers, Cadbury bars, fish and chips, and anything from Harrod's food hall or in a Fortnum and Mason's basket.
Learn more about her books, read her blog, and contact her via her website at https://www.SydneyJaneBaily.com. She loves to hear from readers. On her site, you can also sign up for her Readers' Group and receive an occasional (not bothersome) newsletter along with a free book.
A first-generation American daughter of Brits from either end of London, Sydney resides in Massachusetts with her family -- human, feline, and canine. The rest of her extended family live in the U.K. where she spent many happy childhood summers. She loves shandy, Maltesers, Cadbury bars, fish and chips, and anything from Harrod's food hall or in a Fortnum and Mason's basket.
Learn more about her books, read her blog, and contact her via her website at https://www.SydneyJaneBaily.com. She loves to hear from readers. On her site, you can also sign up for her Readers' Group and receive an occasional (not bothersome) newsletter along with a free book.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 21, 2021
Having created a scandal in her first season in London, she was banished to Paris to stay with her grandparents. The concern was if war would break out again, but at least there were not as many scandal sheets!
He was on a mission for the crown in Paris, working with others to make sure the once exiled Emperor could not take power again. His hope was it would be his last mission... What he never expected was to run into a beautiful mademoiselle!
A great addition to this series, you don't want to miss it!!
He was on a mission for the crown in Paris, working with others to make sure the once exiled Emperor could not take power again. His hope was it would be his last mission... What he never expected was to run into a beautiful mademoiselle!
A great addition to this series, you don't want to miss it!!
May 21, 2021
I really suck at reviews and never know what to say but I don’t want to not say anything. Especially if I really loved the book. I am trying to do better about saying something to let the author know what I thought of the book.
This was a good read. I really love Sydney Jane Baily's writing. Love her characters and storylines. But I have mixed emotions about this book. I might go on and on too much but want to get my point across. I read a certain type of book. Regency, ton, dancing, marriage mart, etc. I do read a few that stray from that. I think that is why this one threw me off a bit.
I like intrigue and excitement in my reads but not a lot. I love spies who work for the crown, guys that own Gaming Hell's in the Rookeries but I mostly read for the LOVE story. For some reason I felt this book just had a bit too much history and less character development. I think too much was written about Bonaparte, his planning more war, etc. it kind of left little room for the characters to have more growth and learn more about each other and what they want. I felt their interactions together were too quick. I mean I get why Bonaparte was so involved, it makes sense but I would have liked a little less of that and more of "them". It really picked up towards the end and was better.
I still liked it. Just a bit different. Look forward to the next one.
This was a good read. I really love Sydney Jane Baily's writing. Love her characters and storylines. But I have mixed emotions about this book. I might go on and on too much but want to get my point across. I read a certain type of book. Regency, ton, dancing, marriage mart, etc. I do read a few that stray from that. I think that is why this one threw me off a bit.
I like intrigue and excitement in my reads but not a lot. I love spies who work for the crown, guys that own Gaming Hell's in the Rookeries but I mostly read for the LOVE story. For some reason I felt this book just had a bit too much history and less character development. I think too much was written about Bonaparte, his planning more war, etc. it kind of left little room for the characters to have more growth and learn more about each other and what they want. I felt their interactions together were too quick. I mean I get why Bonaparte was so involved, it makes sense but I would have liked a little less of that and more of "them". It really picked up towards the end and was better.
I still liked it. Just a bit different. Look forward to the next one.
June 3, 2021
Don't bother with this unexciting spy book. It was so boring and anticlimactic. There really wasn't even a plot.
I did like the MC. Too bad the rest of the story ruined the characters.
I'm being generous with 2 stars.
I did like the MC. Too bad the rest of the story ruined the characters.
I'm being generous with 2 stars.
May 22, 2021
I always know when I pick up a book by Ms. Baily that I am in for a treat. This book was no different. It is the second book in her new Rakes on the Run series. I read the first installment as well, and I can tell you it is a fun and delightful series that you don't want to miss out on! Malcolm and Serena are couple you can easy fall in love with and I enjoyed seeing them together. They had great chemistry and really clicked as a couple. Ms. Baily does a great job of setting the scene and helping you to see and feel everything that is happening in the story with her excellent storytelling. I also enjoy the intrigue, danger, and suspense that comes with the espionage storyline, especially in a Regency setting. This book was definitely my cup of tea!
I received a free copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a free copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 20, 2021
This story was very entertaining, was well-written & it moved along at a good pace that kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. It had everything I love in a book; espionage, danger, action, trust, romance, love, spice & a HEA. I also was so immersed with the backdrop of Paris, and I felt like I learned some history and a few French words. Malcolm and Serena had a few obstacles to overcome - the biggest being trust, was Serena a double agent & could Serena trust Malcolm to keep her grandparents & friends safe? The secondary characters brought so much to the story - especially Serena's grandparents & I loved the puppy at the end!
I highly recommend this book that can be read as a standalone but the first books in the series, The Last Dance in London is also excellent! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this book that can be read as a standalone but the first books in the series, The Last Dance in London is also excellent! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
May 20, 2021
Malcolm and Serena run into each other, literally, outside a Paris café, and they do take notice of each other. Napoleon has just escaped Elba and is headed for the city. Malcolm is an agent for the Crown. Serena, an English baron’s daughter living in France with her grandparents, is a spy as well (for a French resistance group). They don’t really trust each other, but they agree to work together. Malcolm and Serena are joined by an awesome cast of characters. This is a thrill-a-minute story with lots of action, danger, intrigue, some humor, and a sexy romance. It is hard to put down. You have to know what happens next. And just who is the famous spy called the Fox. That’s a surprise. Interesting story, great characters, a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 20, 2021
A superb story!
This is the second book in the 'Rakes on the Run' series and this story grabbed and held me ... and reality disappeared.
I became at one with the characters and simply loved them and what they got up to, especially the way Serena kept on bailing Malcolm out of sticky situations - he was always such a gentleman about that too.
There is a lot of very clever wittiness in the banter between the two of them and this kept some serious situations nice and light.
It was a pleasure to watch how Serena and Malcolm worked together to achieve their successful mission - and fall head over heels in love. Totally satisfying!
I read a Beta copy of is book (which is like an Advance Reader Copy or ARC) and my review above is voluntary and based totally on my own opinions about this story.
This is the second book in the 'Rakes on the Run' series and this story grabbed and held me ... and reality disappeared.
I became at one with the characters and simply loved them and what they got up to, especially the way Serena kept on bailing Malcolm out of sticky situations - he was always such a gentleman about that too.
There is a lot of very clever wittiness in the banter between the two of them and this kept some serious situations nice and light.
It was a pleasure to watch how Serena and Malcolm worked together to achieve their successful mission - and fall head over heels in love. Totally satisfying!
I read a Beta copy of is book (which is like an Advance Reader Copy or ARC) and my review above is voluntary and based totally on my own opinions about this story.
May 19, 2021
I knew I’d enjoy this book as I pretty much love anything Sydney writes, but this is one of my favorites so far. Start this book and you’ll fall in love with the characters immediately. Serena is the girl I think I would be more like, if I was thrown back in time….and Malcom, oh Malcom. This is so well written it was hard to put down, and the kind where you wanted to know what happens, but you don’t want it to end. I truly loved it
May 17, 2021
What an incredible read.. He is an English Spy/Viscount, She is the daughter of a Baron but banished to Paris due to a few reckless actions. She's also secretly spying on the French. They strike a bargain but he isn't sure he can trust her because he doesn't know if she is Napoleon supporter or not and she doesn't trust herself around him because of her desire for him. But he keeps saving him, she keeps saving him. During the darkest time they realize they only have each other and they love each other. They eventually find their happily ever after.
The storyline is delightful, cheerful, suspenseful.
The love between each characters is felt immediately.
Overall a 5.10 star
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and I willingly gave my review and thoughts
The storyline is delightful, cheerful, suspenseful.
The love between each characters is felt immediately.
Overall a 5.10 star
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and I willingly gave my review and thoughts
May 20, 2021
This is an excellent story! Great characters, lots of action, a great romance - it's got it all. I started reading it early in the evening and way past bedtime, I was still reading. I just had to see how it ended!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this wonderful book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this wonderful book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story.
May 20, 2021
I thought enjoyed reading this book. It was a really great story, you forget that its fiction because of where and when it takes place.
June 19, 2021
Lots of intrigue and some heart stopping moments make this romance engrossing. Steeped in history and lots of insights in Napoleon’s strategies, readers get a good indication of life in Paris and the mood of the French during this turbulent period.
May 20, 2021
🍾🍾ONE FASCINATING ADVENTURE🍾🍾
Busting barnacles boo! Sydney serves up one sinfully delicious, artfully evocative, decadently delectable, skillfully enthralling, tantalizingly sensational, magically scrumptious, incredibly sensational rock-our-world tempest, blowing through gale force winds and holding steady, setting this gem up for distant horizons, launching this bad boy to staggering heights. Hurled into a minefield chocked-full sinister intent, heinous acts and callous truths descending into this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping, block busting dynamo, cognizant of all the frills, spills and overflowing feels, bursting all those churning emotions into play front and center, allies are forged and battle lines are drawn, fusing this little jewel together flawlessly. Unpredictable events and astonishing occurrences run amuck with all the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, duplicitous tactics, spiraling danger, escalating suspense and nailbiting situations merge, cognizant of the perilous twists and stunning turns unfolding, exhibiting the mischievous quirks and defying bents, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The characters dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Sydney, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Busting barnacles boo! Sydney serves up one sinfully delicious, artfully evocative, decadently delectable, skillfully enthralling, tantalizingly sensational, magically scrumptious, incredibly sensational rock-our-world tempest, blowing through gale force winds and holding steady, setting this gem up for distant horizons, launching this bad boy to staggering heights. Hurled into a minefield chocked-full sinister intent, heinous acts and callous truths descending into this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping, block busting dynamo, cognizant of all the frills, spills and overflowing feels, bursting all those churning emotions into play front and center, allies are forged and battle lines are drawn, fusing this little jewel together flawlessly. Unpredictable events and astonishing occurrences run amuck with all the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, duplicitous tactics, spiraling danger, escalating suspense and nailbiting situations merge, cognizant of the perilous twists and stunning turns unfolding, exhibiting the mischievous quirks and defying bents, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The characters dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Sydney, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
May 29, 2021
” Pursued In Paris- RAKES ON THE RUN Series”
by Sydney Jane Baily is a tale of one Miss Serena Elmstead ... secretly the daughter of a British Baron but exiled to Paris for frivolous misbehavior during her London Season as to silence the wagging tongues of the Ton...and while she’s in Paris helping her grandparents with their winery orders for none other than Napoleon ...After his escape from Elba...and his triumphant return to Paris. She meets one one Lord Malcolm Branley ...a Viscount & Spy for the British Crown seeking intell on Bonaparte ...each assists the other as they navigate the streets of Paris ...avoiding the ire of
Bonapartists, the Royalists, and suspicious soldiers ...while falling in love with one another. Read and see. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
by Sydney Jane Baily is a tale of one Miss Serena Elmstead ... secretly the daughter of a British Baron but exiled to Paris for frivolous misbehavior during her London Season as to silence the wagging tongues of the Ton...and while she’s in Paris helping her grandparents with their winery orders for none other than Napoleon ...After his escape from Elba...and his triumphant return to Paris. She meets one one Lord Malcolm Branley ...a Viscount & Spy for the British Crown seeking intell on Bonaparte ...each assists the other as they navigate the streets of Paris ...avoiding the ire of
Bonapartists, the Royalists, and suspicious soldiers ...while falling in love with one another. Read and see. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
May 24, 2021
Another great story in the Rakes on the Run series. This story was about Lord Malcolm Branley and Miss Serena Elmstead. Serena’s parents sent her to live with her grandparents in Paris and Malcolm is in Paris to help the Crown overthrow Napoleon. With the sites of Paris, possible war forthcoming and spies everywhere, can Serena and Malcolm trust each other and work for the same cause or will their lives become endangered in a foreign country?
I loved the romance between Malcolm and Serena against the backdrop of Paris. Add in the spying for England, and the mystery of everything together and you have a great love story in the making. You wanted to keep reading to see how their story ends. I would recommend this story to others.
I loved the romance between Malcolm and Serena against the backdrop of Paris. Add in the spying for England, and the mystery of everything together and you have a great love story in the making. You wanted to keep reading to see how their story ends. I would recommend this story to others.
December 17, 2021
After being too innocent and naive she is sent off the Paris. Unfortunately for her parents she has more freedom in Paris and even gets to gather information. Well written, intriguing, and just the right balance of details and suspense. Well done Mrs. Badly! Excellent story leaves me wanting to read more of her works.
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September 27, 2023Edgy and romantic
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was perfect. This novel has everything - romance, adventure, and mystery. The cast of characters is realistic and compelling. This book is superbly written and cleverly plotted. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was perfect. This novel has everything - romance, adventure, and mystery. The cast of characters is realistic and compelling. This book is superbly written and cleverly plotted. I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 26, 2026
Excellent!
This book was excellent! Most of it took place during Napoleon’s second time being emperor. Both main characters were spies. There was a lot of tension with whether they would be found out or not. If you like Regency romance involving spies, you’ll definitely want to read this book!
This book was excellent! Most of it took place during Napoleon’s second time being emperor. Both main characters were spies. There was a lot of tension with whether they would be found out or not. If you like Regency romance involving spies, you’ll definitely want to read this book!
June 1, 2021
Subterfuge and Spy’s
This book is wonderfully written and I thoroughly enjoyed the romp through Paris! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how Serena and Malcolm would get by Boney. Their love story was fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and read Pursued in Paris!
This book is wonderfully written and I thoroughly enjoyed the romp through Paris! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how Serena and Malcolm would get by Boney. Their love story was fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and read Pursued in Paris!
September 27, 2021
Wonderful Author
This is the first book I have read by
Sydney Jane Bailey. I was delighted with her characters! I love the “rakes” and delightful young ladies. Both bold and romantic.
I will be recommending this book to friends and family.
This is the first book I have read by
Sydney Jane Bailey. I was delighted with her characters! I love the “rakes” and delightful young ladies. Both bold and romantic.
I will be recommending this book to friends and family.
May 2, 2026
Rake to love
War and spies come to life in this lively tale. Fun read with lots of suspense and chaos to keep you reading.
War and spies come to life in this lively tale. Fun read with lots of suspense and chaos to keep you reading.
December 27, 2021
Interesting but not something I would read again.
September 13, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews