Frankly, I don't understand what book the PW reviewer read. I found the comments misleading, at best. It's explained quite well why Celia didn't have a maid accompany her to England, and all the Rosemary Rogers heroines I've ever read are strong, unconventional women anyway. The hero is very alpha male, a strong man passionate about his country as well as the heroine. I loved the historical facts, and did not find they overpowered the story. Has the reviewer never read The Scarlet Pimpernel? It was not unknown for men of the upper class to become spies. Nor was it unknown for them to involve themselves in the business aspects of their estates and holdings. It's ridiculous to think they dipped snuff all day and allowed employees to handle all the details. At any rate, I agree that the romance was not as overpowering as in Ms Rogers other books, but it was still hot and breathtaking. Overall, I found this book two cuts above many of the other books out today, and have no qualms in giving it 5 stars.
