Tainted Angel

Cleeland’s debut is the first in a Regency series centered around money-making schemes used by Napoleon’s supporters to help him fund his next war. Vidia Swanson is a gorgeous “angel” for England’s Home Office, enticing powerful men to give up their secrets. Or she might be an agent for France, hoping to advance Napoleon’s cause. Perhaps she’s both. A night of passion with English agent Lucien Carstairs seals her feelings for him even as she realizes that he’s merely trying to discover where her true loyalties lie. Wondering whether Lucien will protect her or turn her in, Vidia races to reach the grand culmination of a daring plan before she’s arrested for treason. The ducking, weaving, and turnabouts in the plot are exhausting as Cleeland withholds information to keep readers guessing, but those patient enough to push through are rewarded with a satisfactory reveal that finally makes the characters sympathetic just as they exit the stage. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (June)