An English war hero must unlock the secrets of an Irish beauty’s heart . . .
Named for the heather in her native Ireland, botanist Erica Burke dreams of travel—somewhere she won’t be scorned for her scientific interests. Instead, a storm strands her with cool and commanding Major Tristan Laurens, the Duke of Raynham.
An unexpected heir, Tristan is torn between his duties as an intelligence officer and his responsibilities as a duke. A brief return to England to set his affairs in order is extended by bad weather and worse news—someone is after the military secrets he keeps. Could the culprit be his unconventional Irish guest? He needs to see her journal to be sure, and he’ll do what he must to get his hands on it . . . even indulge in dangerous intimacy with a woman he has no business wanting.
Erica guards her journal as fiercely as she guards her heart, fearing to reveal a side of herself a man like Tristan could never understand. But though she makes Tristan’s task infernally difficult, falling in love may be all too easy . . .
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I always get very excited whenever there is a new Susanna Craig book, and this beauty doesn’t disappoint. Yet, again Ms Craig has created another stunning, compelling, engaging and beautifully written book. This is book two in the Rogues and Rebels series, the first was brilliant and this is even more so. Craig again brings together two completely different individuals; this time it is a beautiful Irish botanist and a brooding military intelligence officer, which I can tell you make for a captivating love story.
While on her way with her sister and brother-in-law to their estate they stop at a coaching inn only for Erica to be accidentally left standing by the side of the road with nothing but her journal in hand. The only reason she went back into the inn in the first place was to retrieve her precious journal, which is full of pictures and notes for her work as a botanist. Once she realises that she has been left and as she can’t go back inside the inn due to her thumping one of its customers, she begins the long walk to her sister’s estate. Can you see where this is going? Yep, the rain starts lashing down and when she comes across what she thinks is a deserted little cottage she rakes shelter, only to come face to face with another who is taking shelter in the cottage.
Major Tristan Laurens is on his way home to take on his responsibilities as he has just inherited the Dukedom of Raynham after the death of his father and brother in an accident, when he is caught in the sudden downpour he takes shelter in a cottage, only for an immensely beautiful woman to barge in. Tristan has been given the mission to seek out and bring to justice a spy who wants to steal Military secrets. He has been informed that this spy will be carrying a journal, so obviously when he learns of Erica’s journal which she protects with her life he is instantly suspicious.
Because of his suspicions, Tristen insists that he get to know the real Erica, which turns into some brilliant scenes between the two. What I particularly love about these two is that they have proper conversations, which is a little harder for Erica as she has a wild imagination, a constant flurry of thoughts and ideas which move from one subject to another at the speed of light and that makes for some genuinely funny moments for her as she confuses herself and forgets her own train of thought – which is very easily done, believes me.
They are two wonderful individuals, at first, I would never have put the two of them together as they are so different but they do find a common ground and the atmosphere crackles and sizzles around them, not just in sexual tension but in suspicion, in distrust and in confusion.
Tristan is a decent man, he is smart, loyal, deeply patriotic, and brooding – who doesn’t love a brooding military man? 😉 he is a soldier first and foremost, he never wanted or expected to be the Duke, his life was set out for him but after the death of his father and brother he has no choice but to take on the responsibility and that is one thing that Tristan never does, he will always do his duty.
Intriguing, compelling, romantic, intelligent and fun, it has the best twisty storyline that will keep you hooked and rapidly turning the pages. The writing is as ever brilliant, I love Ms Craig’s style she takes what is essentially a very tried and tested plot and takes it to a whole new level with her beautiful way with words and images. The story is an edge of your seat, romantic suspense at its best, it’s rich in detail with fabulous characters.
A brilliant second book in what is a fantastic series, and one that is highly recommended. Even though this is a part of a series you can very easily read it as a stand-alone. I would definitely read the first one though as there is a continuing story that is a part of the background of the Burke family.
This was an Arc from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, Thank you, Susanna.
The Duke’s Suspicion is to be released on 18 December and can be pre-ordered at Amazon, and I say go and order now!
Chicks,Rogues and Scandals 
Reblogged this on Dog Eared Pages and commented:
The author’s name is familiar but I don’t recall reading anything by her. This cover alone intrigues me and makes me want to pick up a copy.
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