Cover Image: The Secret of Flirting

The Secret of Flirting

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Member Reviews

Great book. Loved the intrigue and story. I wasn't sure how it was going to end! Great story the whole way through.

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I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The Secret of Flirting revolves around the political intrigue associated with determining who would be invited to rule Belgium when it broke away from the Netherlands after the Napoleonic Wars. Princess Aurore of Chanay is a leading candidate, but has taken ill. Her great-uncle (Count de Beaumonde) asks Monique, a member of a disowned branch of the family who greatly resembles Aurore to impersonate her at the meetings to determine Belgium's future. Monique, has been working as an actress in France, but is struggling to support herself and her grandmother as her grandmother's increasing dementia has made it almost impossible to leave her unattended. Although initially determined to refuse, when the count offers to bring Aurore's grandmother back to Chanay when Monique is done and provide care for the rest of her days. Monique agrees, and shortly finds herself in London where she encounters Gregory, Baron Fulkham. Fulkham is convinced that Monique is a fraud, and recognizes her from a brief encounter after one of her performances several years previously. What follows is a game of cat and mouse as Fulkham attempts to get Monique to reveal her true identity. Despite himself and the risk to his career, he finds himself helping Monique when it becomes clear someone is trying to harm Princess Aurore. Fulkham was an interesting hero who is always under control (due to past events that are eventually revealed). I liked his attempts to get Monique to reveal her true identity; Monique is a strong woman and will do anything for her grandmother. I liked Monique and found her very likeable. The two leads had good chemistry and there is a subplot featuring one of Aurore's ladies in waiting that was a nice addition to the story. All in all, this story is an enjoyable way to pass a few hours.

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Monique and Geoffrey's story is one I could not wait to turn the page to see what was going to happen next.. Their story captivates the heart and had the reader rooting for the two to end up together. I would definitely reccomend this book.

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Having read everything by Sabrina Jeffries, I was very pleased to have an opportunity to read and review The Secret if Flirting. First thought: there’s very little flirting in here. I was expecting witty, risqué dialogue and was disappointed to find very little. Second thought: didn’t really feel much connection between the H and h; not much sizzle, rather bland love scenes. I enjoyed the history about how a ruler was selected for Belgium. Thought the twist/drama/tension element of the assasination felt like it was put in out of necessity, not because it served the story. I finished the book and decided that it is in keeping with the other titles in the series; I think maybe my preference as a reader has changed over the years. Likely wouldn’t have minded the bland love scenes if they’d been balanced with the dialogue the title implies.

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Baron Fulkham is one of the members of the St George Club. He is a political secretary in the government and a spy master. Even his closest friends are leery of him from time to time. He is a buttoned-down man, loathe to show emotion. When he finds himself attracted to and distracted by a French actress?/princess? he fights hard to regain his equilibrium. This story is set at a time when Belgium is a new country in search of a king or queen that England and other European countries will agree to and recognize. I totally enjoyed both the political and the romantic maneuverings.

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This book is filled with adventure, intrigue and suspense. I adore the heroine’s character but didn’t like the hero’s character. He didn’t want to marry the heroine based on her background and then once he realized what her heritage is, he changed his mind and decided that he wants to marry her and will make it happen against all odds. I wish he would have fought for her without knowing who she was. The chemistry between both of them sizzles but I came away a little disappointed by this book from one of my favorite authors.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

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The Sinful Suitors series makes for some awesome reading. The latest book in the series, The Secret of Flirting, tells the story of Baron Fulkham, a spymaster and the actress Monique Servais. As the characters develop, secrets unfold... leading to a passionate romance. The tale is yet another great read from Sabrina Jeffries.

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Pretty good! Not couldn't put it down, but definitely wanted to finish. I mostly appreciate that while we knew Monique was decidedly french, that her speech wasn't written with a frech accent. I find that so distracting. Other than that, a pleasant read and likable characters.

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The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries is the fifth book in the Sinful Suitors series. To me, she is one of the best historical romance writers currently publishing. I enjoy her books and find the characters interesting and quirky. Having said all that, this particular novel might not be my favorite. I think because I did not really like Baron Fulkham, however that did not stop me from reading the book and being hopeful for a “proper ending”

This novel is set up with an actress portraying a princess. Monique Servais has been offered a solution to her growing problem of her grandmother’s dementia. If she would but act like Princess Anne of Chanay during a difficult negotiations then her grandmother would be taken care of for life.

What would be the problem since Princess Anne of Chanay is pretty reclusive? The problem would be the Baron Fulkham recognized her from a performance he saw years ago. He could never forget her. So the spymaster is curious as to what is happening? This starts the stories twists and turns.

The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries was a good read.

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What can I say, everything' S.J. writes is captivating! Another awesome story in a fantastic series.

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I very much enjoyed this book and the opportunity to finally hear Fulkham’s story. I love romances with a spy storyline, so this one certainly checked that box for me, and Monique is a great heroine. I'm hoping we get a novella with her uncle and Fulkham’s mother! :)

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Very different historical romance plot with an interesting twist. Loved the characters and the story line was awesome. Love this series and can't wait for the next book.

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My interest was peaked when I read the description of, The Secret of Flirting. The book was even better than I expected. I was left guessing about so many things right up to the ending.

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Sabrina Jeffries is a dependable author, all her books have an H and h you can love, with delightful romance with a happy ending. Sometimes that’s all I need or want. This was no exception, and there’s a bonus history lesson on the country of Belgium, though not without some artistic license. A lively and interesting story with a bonus romance of an older couple. A quick easy read.

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The Secret of Flirting (Sinful Suitors, #5)
by Sabrina Jeffries
This was a tough one to review for me. I absolutely adore this author, but find this was not my favorite of all I have read.
Having the above said..... it was a good read! I found the book with mystery, passion, intrigue and danger riveting in places. In others I was not so impressed. I like her characters but felt perhaps the time jump of 3 years was done in a not so great way. Even with the parts I disagreed with, this author is so talented that she made it all work. I absolutely love her style of writing and the freshness of her stories. Some with witty wonderful moments, heart touching moments, suspense, passion and romance. Others that just enthrall you from beginning to end! So buy the book and enjoy . It is a good read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

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Gregory can be a jealous man, "he drew back with a scowl. “Is that what you thought? Because it’s not true. I was merely irritated that Hart was there, that you seemed to fancy him over me.” He nuzzled her throat. “You didn’t, did you?” Gregory is never satisfied with the amount of time he gets with his woman, "glancing over at her, he smiled. “Have you any idea how fetching you are when you’re in a temper?” He slid his hand over her breast. “How desirable?” I liked this book, I fell in love with Gregory.

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4 Stars!! Such a great book! I really enjoyed reading this book & it can be read as a standalone- I understood all of it & this is the first book in this series that I’ve read! I definitely recommend this book! It’s got mystery, romance, danger, intrigue, a few sexy scenes & it’s just a really great read!!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*

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Ms. Jeffries never fails to deliver an excellent historical romance. Simply perfect.

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This is a wonderful tale of love, deception, and intrigue. Ms. Jeffries creates a wonderful historical novel about a young actress and spy, whom after meeting for the first time, cannot forget one another. Three years later, the spy is certain the young actress is pretending to be a princess! He wants to find out why, but he's also insanely attracted to this fiery woman who confounds him at every turn. I just loved this novel, I couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading it. There's also a bit of intrigue and mystery as we find our two would-be lovers trying to find out just who might be trying to kill our beloved actress turned princess. This book was both serious and hilarious, with a charming cast of characters. I can't wait to pick this copy up for my shelf.

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One of the toughest things about reviewing an author you've read for years and adore is you start rating her against herself.

I'm a big Jeffries fan. She brings clever, witty dialogue, fast paced plots, beautiful historical details all to fun stories of heroes and heroines I love.

And so, this is a hard book to review. I'm putting it at 3.5 bc if this were a new author it would be a solid 4, but Ms. Jeffries up against some of my favorite Ms. Jeffries puts ... well, it's not my favorite.

Of course, the Lindt with milk chocolate isn't my favorite next to the Lindt with hazelnut... but I love them both.

So, what makes this a 3.5 for me?

I loved the open.

I loved everything after about 30%.

I did not love the point where we jump forward 3 years. I felt lost as we took an emotional hit and then I didn't get to see what it was. It felt like a step backward and I also felt like I needed to readjust to the characters I'd just met.

This is (typically) not my favorite storytelling format, so there is that. BUT the history between the two characters is thinner than most jumps so it was an odd halt-go for me.

Would I recommend this? ABSOLUTELY - once I got back into the story I loved it. It was also great to revisit some old favorites and see Hart set up for a big romantic fall.

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