Secret Ways [Mass Market Paperback]

However, Vermillion is suspected of being more than a temptress, but also of being a spy. To uncover the truth, Caleb Tanner will masquerade as a simple groom and try to get close enough to see whether or not she is responisible for secrets making their way to France. Caleb is shocked to learn that Lee is nothing like what he expected. The real woman is someone that he can not help but love. Vermillion finds herself attracted to this man as well, but believes such a match would never work. Even when she finds her true identity, the situation appears hopeless.

The complexities of war and of the 'ton are equal, and when meshed become a tangle that only skillful minds can fathom. With Ms. Martin's long heralded skill at delivering a sensual romance, this novel gives readers a most unique heroine. Wise and innocent simultaneously, Vermillion is somewhat like the younger days of Elizabeth Taylor, while Caleb is the kind of hero readers have grown to love. Fans will not be short changed.

Captain Caleb Tanner has been assigned to Parkland in as a groom to try to uncover a traitor to the Crown. He didn't count on meeting someone as seductive as Vermillion nor as innocent as Lee. Though Vermillion and Lee are one and the same, only Caleb has uncovered the true person she is.

Though Secret Ways isn't has emotional as Martin's previous historicals, it is still an easy read that you will want to finish. Caleb and Lee work together to uncover a traitor which is a little unbelieveable, but the sexual tension between them is undeniable. Also unbelieveable is the fact that Lee is a virgin, which is what all our heroines in historicals are. It was a change from historicals where the heroines were a part of the ton, as Lee had more freedom to do what she wished. I have had a hard time lately getting into historicals, but I'm glad I took a chance on this one!

Our heroine, Vermillion Lee Durant, is a trained connoisseur in the art of pleasuring a man. Throughout the lustful London male society, an unknown detail stays hidden -- Vermillion is only trained. As yet, she has not practiced her satisfying skills. She will remain a courtesan student until she turns nineteen; at the conclusion of this birthday ball, Vermillion will choose her first lover.

The youngest son of the Earl of Selhurst, Captain Caleb Tanner, a British officer, has been called back from the Spanish front. He is an expert horseman and will act as an undercover spy in the Durant stables. His mission is to uncover the traitorous traitor who has been leaking information to the Napoleon military.

I appreciated the length Kat Martin employed for sexual tension -- all the luring glances, aching desires, illicit kisses -- were paced for the reader's total enjoyment. Such longing earns the word romance. The stable scenes are delightful. Gently written was the soft and assuring manner Caleb used to help "Lee". Their competitive horse-race "the contest" is assembled with innocence and fun. Martin allowed such tender moments to help the reader overlook the anxious times our two lovers are forced to suffer.

Kat Martin's two lovers may not see eye to eye, but at least, they are not fighting, demeaning, hating, and then regrettably making love - the usual Martin outline. Kat Martin, if you are out there in author land, your writing skills are extraordinary, but please keep your war machine and arguing lessons in the skim mode.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.