This was a pretty good story. However, between the foul language and the sexual content, it read more like a erotic romance. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 4* rating. If you like a little bit of spying going on, then you may like this story. Not for the under 18 readers. ( )

I really love how the author breathes life into the time period and her characters. They are neither predictable nor stuffy, or at least no more so than they should be, and we're allowed a glimpse into both their worlds AND their hearts. We get to see how they interact with the ton, but also how free they are when pursuing their own passions. We catch glimpses of those pairings we've read of before, but not so much as to render the other books obsolete, or shutdown interest in reading each of their tales to gather all the scandalously delicious details. When we first meet Seb, it's not on a level playing field, so we see him raw and unfiltered...and certainly still appealing! When he regains his footing, we see him at the top of his game and yet, despite the high stakes game he is playing at, still his charming self beneath it all (whether he knows it or not!). When Clarissa first encounters him, she's torn between pity and desire, the first of which was explainable due to circumstances, but the latter was something unforeseen. When she let her guard down, albiet against her wishes, we got to see the REAL Clarissa, and appreciate her for the person she is versus how the ton want her to be. Their interactions as the stakes grew higher were award worthy, and yet only served to feed their mounting feelings for one another. Whether they would eventually "meet in the middle" was always up in the air, but even so, we knew we could count on one to be their for the other in spite of it all.

To conclude, it's a definite recommendation for Historical Fiction and Romance fans. Whether a current reader of the author's work, or just getting started, there's LOADS to love here, and a promise of more to come on the horizon...woo hoo!


**ebook received for review ( )

This is the first book in the King's Elite series and it captured my attention from the beginning. I loved both main characters, and the setting of stopping a ring of smugglers with ties to Napoleon.

Clarissa is a reigning beauty in Society, well known for her charm and perfect appearance. This perfection hides a profoundly insecure woman who hides a secret that would topple her from the pedestal she is on. She feels that the only way to protect herself is to marry a duke (because who would question a duchess?) and has pursued the Duke of Westridge for two years. His courtship has been lackadaisical at best, and his attention has recently begun to wander. Needing some peace to regroup, Clarissa left London to visit her sister. Her fixation on marrying a duke was irritating at first but became understandable as her issues were revealed.

Seb is a member of an elite spy ring working for the British government. Recently wounded, he is recovering at the home of Dr. Joe Warriner, brother of one of his colleagues, and anxious to return to his mission. Seb is a man who can blend in anywhere, but would rather face a deadly enemy than have to converse with a woman. Confronted with Clarissa and her stunning beauty, Seb became a tongue-tied mess. It's unusual to find a hero who doesn't reek of self-confidence, and Seb's shyness and moments of blushing were sweet.

Seb and Clarissa intrigued each other from the very start. Though overwhelmed by her beauty, it didn't take long for Seb to see that she used that beauty as a façade to hide the real her. Clarissa sensed his attention and used her own observational skills on him. She couldn't help but notice his physique and how different he was from the other men she knew. Though gruff on the outside, she saw the kindness in his eyes. Both had their pride, however, and maintained their outward appearances. But the sparks that were there between them created an unexpected encounter that night, as each one's inability to sleep sent them to the kitchens for a late-night snack. Seb ended up more than a little tipsy and became very talkative, something that didn't usually happen with him. I ached for him as he talked about his past and sighed at his admission of his shyness and difficulty talking to women. I also loved his observations of Clarissa and his advice to her about the duke. He finished off his ramblings with an unexpected kiss that shook them both.

Six weeks later, Seb was back at work, with a new assignment in their search for the leaders of the smugglers. A task that he isn't happy about. Instead of his usual background position, he will be front and center as Lord Millcroft, trying to work his way into a suspect's circle. It was his bad luck that on his first night being introduced to Society he ran into Clarissa, who could blow his cover with one word. Clarissa's intelligence shines through in this part as she listens to his explanation and steps in to help. Her acceptance of "Lord Millcroft" and presence at his side cement his place. In addition, she helps smooth over any of his rough spots. As a benefit to her, Seb's attentions to her waken a bit of jealousy in her duke.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Seb and Clarissa. Their work together to uncover the smugglers frequently put them in each other's company. As they work together, their feelings for each other grow and change. Seb falls hard for Clarissa but knows her eyes are set on the Duke of Westbridge. His background also holds him back as he is well below her in standing. For Clarissa, the more time she spends with Seb, the less enthralled she is with the duke. Seb's appreciation of her intelligence begins to change the way she sees herself. Her increase in confidence gives her the boost she needs to go after what she wants. I loved Clarissa's big moment at the end.

The mystery of the smugglers was great. It was an essential part of the story but didn't detract from the romance. I was on the edge of my seat as the book progressed, waiting to see what would happen. I loved how Seb and Clarissa's efforts complemented each other, and the way they made a perfect team. I laughed out loud at the scene with Clarissa in men's clothes, determined to help and refusing to be left behind. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, as well as an example of Clarissa's ingenuity. I loved the twist at the end and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.

I liked the secondary characters of Seb's fellow spies, Flint, Gray, and Hadleigh. All of them seemed to enjoy giving Seb a hard time, especially Gray. He really stirred the pot the night that Seb went out with the other "gentlemen." ( )

I just finished reading The Mysterious Lord Millcroft last night and instantly wanted to read it all over again. Clarissa and Seb light up the page with their journey to happily ever after. This book has it all, terrific characters, romance, intrigue, witty dialogue and humor.

This is the first of a new series The King's Elite by Virginia Heath. Clarissa and Sebastian are minor character from her previous series The Wild Warriners. (You have to read that series too! It's amazing.) If you want to know how Virginia came up with using these side character she has a blog on her website titled:
When a Side Character Insists on Being a Hero.

Seb Leatham has moved to the top of my favorite hero list. He is the leader of the King's Elite Invisibles- and poor Seb really doesn't want to be center stage. And Clarissa? Clarissa was the incomparable sister of Isabella from A Warriner to Tempt Her that I really couldn't imagine as a heroine. Boy did Virginia Heath prove me wrong, she is not only an amazing heroine I feel in love with her character just as much as Sebastian.

Go buy this book, read it and remember why you fell in love with historical romance. You don't have to read The Wild Warriners first, but why wouldn't you?
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining,Happily Ever After,Romantic,Wonderful characters ( )

Lady Clarissa is determined to marry someone of consequence, then she just might never need to reveal that her reading skills are very poor. Sebastian Leatham was born on the wrong side of the blanket to his father's mistress. Abandoned when his father dies he uses his education and skills to work as a spy for England. They both meet when he's shot and again when he's induced to play Lord Millcroft to investigate smuggling that seems to be led by a member of the aristocracy.

They both help each other and discover that they're able to be themselves.

I really like the story and the characters. They're fun and good foils for each other. ( )