Fiery Surrender

Rating:
Summary: Fiery Surrender soars!
Review: Monique von Strade is a young Prussian noblewoman too independent for her own good-and her own time. Her family, determined to find a husband for her, are on their way to Paris when highwaymen attack the family coach.

A young French nobleman, Pierre Latier, the Marquis du Fonte, saves Monique and her family. Pierre, however, is a man with a dark past who, under the guise of Pierre Marchant, serves King Louis XVI as a spy.

Pierre insists they remain on his estate while Monique recovers from the concussion she received as a result of a highwayman's assault, then vows to push aside his growing attraction for this headstrong young woman. After all, he must prepare for his upcoming mission-that of escorting French arms to the fledging American colonies. His duty surpasses any attraction he may have for Monique, and he sends her away, letting her believe that his "pledge" is to another woman, rather than to his king and country.

Pierre, however, is unable to dislodge Monique from his mind. He seeks her out in Paris and learns she is to marry a libertine. Aware that her fiancé is a scoundrel and determined to convince her of that fact, he arranges to meet with her secretly. When Monique reveals her love for Pierre, despite his best intentions, Pierre is unable to resist his own growing love for this spirited female who has touched his heart.

Pierre departs on another mission, returns to marry Monique, and then leaves her to return to his dangerous pursuits. Monique, believing he has left because he cares for another, pursues him, determined to win Pierre's love and remain at his side.

When they are both nearly killed while at sea, then separated, each believes the other is dead. Monique becomes caught up in the American cause, while at the same time Pierre carries out orders for the Marquis de Lafayette.

What follows is a battle of love, distrust, and realization set amid the raging fires of war.

This first novel by a new romance author, Linda Morelli, is a real page-turner and keeper. Set amid the last days of America's struggle for Independence, Ms. Morelli's premiere offering is certain to touch every heart and, ultimately, make it sing with joy.

Rating:
Summary: Definately a fiery read!
Review: This historical novel has it all - action, conflict, war scenes, love scenes, endearing love, and mystery. Quite a delightful read! I couldn't put it down once I began reading it!

From the very beginning, the reader is drawn into the fast-paced action of this debut novel by Linda Morelli. Monique von Strade and her family are traveling from Prussia to Paris, when their coach is waylaid by dangerous highwaymen. She escapes into the nearby woods, but is pursued by the highwaymen, and is rescued by Pierre Latier. Although much older, Pierre is attracted to the beautiful young spirited Monique. Pierre has a secret mission to undertake, which interferes with their relationship from the very start. Unaware of his secret mission, Monique is made to believe he is engaged to another. She agrees to marry a libertine. Pierre learns about it and moves in to claim her as his own bride. It is not a smooth relationship, with misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Will their love overcome all the problems set before them?
Read the novel and find out!