To be honest, I was despairing a little about my self-education program in popular romance authors' works. Some were forgettable, literally; I'd actually read one before, but honestly didn't realize it until halfway through. Some were outright dreadful and unfinishable. Then I came across the acclaimed Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne. Someone had recommended it with the warning, "Don't pay attention to the cover" — the hero is unselfconsciously holding his shirt open to expose his chest, which actually doesn't do much for me. (Now shoulders, on the other hand...)
I think what really won me over is encapsulated in this bit:
Grey lifted her half out of his chair to kiss her, passionately and possessively, hard upon her mouth. It surprised her, but she was more immediately concerned with receiving and hiding the knife he passed to her. As a declaration of affection, the knife did as well as any number of kisses.
Annique is a believable spy because she does consider such practical matters. Yes, she does her fair share of melting in the hero's arms, but she also spends a lot of time trying to escape him, whether by battering his head in with a candlestick or using a makeshift garotte. And I could see how her competence would make her attractive to Grey as much as her beauty.
Okay, and she says some really hot things in the beginning that would get guys even more disciplined than Grey.
Really, this is fully indulgent of romantic tropes while being intelligently written. I have connived to get my grubby hands on her next book, and am quite looking forward to it.
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