The Orchid Affair
14. Lauren Willig, The Orchid Affair
Laura Grey has spent 16 of her 32 years as a governess, and she’s tired of dealing with unmanageable children and supercilious employers. Therefore, she decides to attend the Selwick Spy School and become a secret agent for the Pink Carnation. Her first assignment is to spy on André Jaouen, second-in-command to Napoleon’s minister of police. To her chagrin, she must pose as a governess to Jaouen’s two children; but her mission soon becomes very exciting when she discovers information about a French plot to dethrone Napoleon and restore the monarchy. As Laura tries to find out more about the plot, she also finds herself learning more about her employer - and becoming attracted to him in the process. But what is André hiding, and whose side is he really on?
I really enjoy the Pink Carnation books, and this one is no exception. I’m a sucker for the combination of the Napoleonic era, espionage, and romance; this installment also includes several bohemian artists and a traveling theater troupe. It’s a fun, quick read that never takes itself too seriously, and I enjoyed the lighthearted tone throughout. I loved the characters of Laura and André, who both have compelling backstories that go a long way toward explaining their present personalities. I wish the relationship between them had deepened a bit more; they seem to go from employer/employee to lovers very suddenly, and I’m not quite sure why the change occurs. While the romance was superficially satisfying, I wanted more depth. I still enjoyed the book, and I’ll continue with the series, but this was not my favorite romance in the bunch.
~~~~~
Coincidentally, Lauren Willig just posted a guest blog on Historical Tapestry, in which she talks about her favorite works of historical fiction. Check it out!