The Marquis of Darley, Hugh D'Abernon is on his way to the Russian town of Sevastopol for reconnaissance. An agent with the British Secret Service during the Crimean War, his cover is that of a Tatar and he has perfected an authentic accent to prove it. His mission is to find out troop and battery strength as well as the morale of the Russian army. Encountering a lovely damsel in distress, he knows he must continue on with his important venture though his heart tells him different. Stopping and offering his aid to the beautiful woman who has caught his eye, he kindly offers her a ride into the nearest town. He reasons he can drop her off in town and then go about his merry way. Fate says otherwise.

Aurore Clement has chosen to be sensible as well as cautious when it comes to men. In this dangerous time of war, knowing that neighbor is often pitted against neighbor, she keeps her life as simple and as private as she can - especially since she is working for the French command. When a glorious looking man of seemingly Tatar descent offers her a ride into the nearest town after her wagon becomes disabled, Aurore does something she is unaccustomed to doing; she trusts him enough to get her where she needs to be never realizing that this chance encounter just might change her life.

Nobody writes about this time period better than Susan Johnson. Each time I read a book penned by this talented author, AT HER SERVICE included, I am swept away to distant shores where not only am I treated to a tremendously suspenseful historical story, but I get a truly magnificent fairy tale as well. Hugh and Aurore each have their demons and secrets. Hugh is undercover and has a role to fulfill. Aurore just wants to take care of her injured brother. While they have so many challenges to overcome, the strength of emotion and depth of passion makes their struggles worthwhile. I have yet to read such a timeless story.

AT HER SERVICE releases from Brava Kensington in March. I found it highly captivating and deliciously sensuous. A lover of historical romance since I was in high school, I count Susan Johnson as one of my favorite historical authors for reasons that are readily apparent when reading AT HER SERVICE. No one captures the heart of European suspense like Susan Johnson. Simply put, she writes delectable love stories!
***Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies***