But as Marguerite says, “I do not know how not to love him.” They come together, full well knowing that their love and passion may never have time to by explored in this very dangerous world. They know it is dangerous to be seen together, even more stupid to find time to be alone. William Doyle is smitten with Marguerite from the moment he lays eyes on her. Her research of the time period shines through and the characters she gives us are so vibrant and full of life, I savored every page and every word. The attention to detail that Joanna Bourne writes is amazing. The Forbidden Rose is a prequel to Joanna Bourne’s The Spy Master’s Lady and is a book that is just superbly written. With a danger around every corner, they must look upon each other for support, trust and love. Along with Adrian Hawker, a young thief Doyle has taken under his wing, the three of them venture into the heart of Paris, where the guillotine is hard a work. When Marguerite’s father goes missing, and her vengeful cousin cannot be trusted, Doyle is the only one Marguerite can turn to. Doyle has never let a woman make him stupid on an assignment, but this time might be his first. Trust soon grows between them, but even more than that, attraction. Hoping she will lead him directly to her father, they set off for Paris.

However, Doyle, having been a spy for many years and is extremely gifted, soon realizes that the very woman he has captured is de Fleurignac’s daughter. When he comes upon Marguerite, neither give up their true identity. Marguerite’s father has a very special list that Doyle wants to get his hands on. William Doyle, although an independent agent, is a British Spy. Fleeing from those who hunt her, she meets another man. But things start to unravel after her estate is burned to the ground.

She has a large network set throughout France, a country in turmoil. Marguerite de Fleurignac is part of an underground operation in France called La Fleche, to save those destined for the guillotine. Why I read: Received for review from the publisher and The Spymaster’s Lady is one of my favorites.įavorite Quote: I cannot have him.

The forbidden rose by joanna bourne