A Revolution of Hearts

Hinrichsen (Finding Anne de Bourgh) draws from French history and Baroness Orczy’s The Scarlet Pimpernel to craft a swashbuckling historical standalone heavier on adventure than romance. In 1789, Dacia de Prideaux must flee Paris after the corrupt Commissioner Jeret kills Dacia’s brother and frames her for the murder. She heads to England, where she will hide out as a housemaid in the home of Richard Harris. Though she’s never worked a day in her life, she takes to her new station admirably—but learns more than just how to dust furniture and mend dresses. A member of the Scarlet Pimpernel’s league of gentlemen, Richard has helped save many lives from the guillotine and, knowing Dacia’s true identity, he’s determined to protect her as well. With potential enemies around every corner, Richard and Dacia must work together to keep Dacia’s true identity a secret. Though their chemistry is obvious, the bulk of their romance exists in sparse heated glances in the midst of the constant intrigue, so that when they do finally confess their feelings, it feels unearned and jarring. Still, the characters are well developed and the plot is gripping, making for a fun, if at times frustrating, adventure. (Nov.)